[Help Thread] Speed Stacks Gen 4 Timer Glitch

[probably_parity]

So, whenever I manage to connect my gen 4 timer to my computer, about half of the time it glitches out and stops at 0.005 seconds (or somewhere around that time) when I start it. I tried changing the batteries, but that didn't work. I also tried messing around with the settings on my computer, but that didn't work either. Anyone know how to fix this?

 

[DemonChihuahua]

This was over a year ago but did you ever find a solution? I'm having this glitch half the timer I try to start a solve and my batteries are fresh. I could not find any other thread talking about this.

 

[PetrusQuber]

It seems to be a pretty common problem, SpeedStacks was never meant to connect to the computer after all. I’m not sure of a solution

 

[DemonChihuahua]

Just a small update: I did some testing and it indeed only happens when when I connect it to the computer. If it is not connected it works fine, but when its wired into the microphone input the light stutters a lot more when starting the timer. I'm thinking maybe its the computer itself or the wire/adapter.

 

[semiprime799]

I hooked up my Stackmat as an input to audacity. It just shows clipping all over the place, maybe this has something to do with it?

I tried changing my audio input levels and it didn't seem to help very much though.

 

[rubik2005]

So this is a problem with the timer itself? Because i was considerimg buying the cable on TheCubicle after one from ebay didn't work

 

[ProStar]

This is likely due to the fact that many Mac computers will have an Aux port that is wired to both Headphones and a Microphone. Your Aux port has to be made specifically for a microphone

 

[DemonChihuahua]

This is likely due to the fact that many Mac computers will have an Aux port that is wired to both Headphones and a Microphone. Your Aux port has to be made specifically for a microphone

I am using an HP laptop which doesn't have both so I have to use a usb adapter that has both inputs and I plug the wire into the microphone slot. This is what I use: https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Headphone-Microphone-Aluminum-Compatible/dp/B00NMXY2MO

This is likely true and an actual PC with a dedicated microphone port may fix it but I'm not buying one anytime soon. Maybe it's the adapter?

So this is a problem with the timer itself? Because i was considerimg buying the cable on TheCubicle after one from ebay didn't work

I don't think it is the timer itself because it works perfectly fine if I use it without the wire and enter the times manually. I know now that its not the wire either, because I tried multiple and the problem was the same.

I hooked up my Stackmat as an input to audacity. It just shows clipping all over the place, maybe this has something to do with it?

I tried changing my audio input levels and it didn't seem to help very much though.

I just tried this too but I'm honestly not sure what It's supposed to sound/look like. I can't find much information about this anywhere.



I'm entering times in manually until I can figure this out like the monkey league participants apparently have.

 

[semiprime799]

This is likely due to the fact that many Mac computers will have an Aux port that is wired to both Headphones and a Microphone. Your Aux port has to be made specifically for a microphone

I myself run an old windows 10 laptop for keeping track of times. But, I post on a mac. I don't plugin directly through an audio port because I was not blessed with a separate aux in. So, I ended up using a USB audio converter dongle + a random 2.5 mm to 3.5mm cable.

I have the same problem too and am wondering the same thing.

 

[ProStar]

I myself run an old windows 10 laptop for keeping track of times. But, I post on a mac. I don't plugin directly through an audio port because I was not blessed with a separate aux in. So, I ended up using a USB audio converter dongle + a random 2.5 mm to 3.5mm cable.

I have the same problem too and am wondering the same thing.

Check out the output cable(the part plugged into the timer), there should be 2 silver bands around it. If there's 3, that cable won't work

 

[semiprime799]

Check out the output cable(the part plugged into the timer), there should be 2 silver bands around it. If there's 3, that cable won't work

You mean TRS and TRRS?

Spoiler: The cable I have

Is this what you mean?

 

[ProStar]

You mean TRS and TRRS?

Spoiler: The cable I have

Is this what you mean?

Yeah. Those look good, I'm not sure why it isn't working

 

[I'm A Cuber]

I am using an HP laptop which doesn't have both so I have to use a usb adapter that has both inputs and I plug the wire into the microphone slot. This is what I use: https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Headphone-Microphone-Aluminum-Compatible/dp/B00NMXY2MO

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-External-Adapter-Windows-AU-MMSA/dp/B00IRVQ0F8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522779810&sr=8-1&keywords=usb+audio

This one is cheaper

 

[semiprime799]

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-External-Adapter-Windows-AU-MMSA/dp/B00IRVQ0F8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522779810&sr=8-1&keywords=usb+audio

This one is cheaper

This is the exact same one that I have. I use BlockKeeper as my timer though because my Windows computer is behind my homeschool intranet.