Local Server

Platform: 🖥️ Desktop only

See also: Serial port settings

When you need this

You're setting up timing at an event venue and need your mobile devices and other desktop computers to communicate with the main timing computer. The local server creates a bridge between all Navisport devices — both on the local network and remotely via the cloud — so timing data flows between them in real time.

How it works

When the local server is running, devices on the same wireless network automatically detect and connect to it. The local server is also connected to the Navisport cloud service, which means devices that are not on the local network can still communicate with local-server-connected devices through the cloud. The local server acts as a bridge between local and remote devices.

In the Connected devices list, each device is shown with an icon indicating its type:

  • A mobile phone icon for mobile devices
  • A desktop icon for desktop applications
  • A chip icon for other devices

Devices connected via the cloud display a cloud icon (☁) with the tooltip "Connected via cloud service".

Desktop app auto-connection

You have multiple timing computers at the venue — one at the finish, one at a checkpoint. Other Navisport desktop applications on the same network connect to the local server automatically — no QR code scanning is needed. The QR code is only required for connecting mobile devices using the Navisport mobile app.

One server per network

Only one local server can be running per local network at a time.

Starting the local server

You've arrived at the venue and need to get the network running before devices can connect:

  1. Open Local server from the main menu.
  2. Click the power button to start the server.
  3. The server starts and displays a QR code for connecting mobile devices.

Note: If the computer is not connected to a network, a warning is shown: "The computer is not connected to a network". Connect the computer to a network and try again.

Connecting mobile devices

The server is running and your timing volunteers are ready to connect their phones. Connect mobile devices by scanning the QR code:

  1. Open the Navisport mobile app on your device.
  2. Scan the QR code displayed on the local server page.

The QR code contains the connection details so the mobile app can find and connect to the local server automatically.

Connected devices

The Connected devices section shows all devices currently connected to the local server. From here you can see which devices are active and communicating with the server, and whether they are connected locally or via the cloud.

Stopping the local server

The event is over and you're packing up. To stop the server, click the red power button at the bottom of the page and confirm.

Putting it together: setting up timing at a venue

You arrive at the competition centre and set up the main timing computer. You open Local server and click the power button — the QR code appears. Your finish line volunteer scans the code with their phone and connects instantly. A second desktop computer at a checkpoint joins automatically over the same Wi-Fi network. Within minutes, all devices are linked and timing data flows between them. After the event, you stop the server with one click.