Frequently asked questions

About the Bridgemate scoring system

Frequently asked questions

Answers

Should I use Bridgemate Pro or Bridgemate II?

Bridgemate Pro is the basic model Bridgemate. It offers reliable scoring directly from the table to your scoring program. Bridgemate Pro is your perfect choice if you are tight on budget and want to minimize your expenses. Bridgemate II is the successor of the Bridgemate Pro and is the most advanced scoring system available nowadays. It gives you a world of new functionalities and new features all in a compact design. Bridgemate II is your choice if you want to increase the level of your club and make your games more enjoyable.

Can I use Bridgemate Pro and Bridgemate II together?

Yes! Bridgemate Pro and Bridgemate II can be used together in your sessions in any thinkable combination. The only requirement is that both the Bridgemate Pro server and the Bridgemate II USB server are connected to your computer. No change to your scoring program is required. The Bridgemate Control Software can automatically start both systems. Scores are exchanged between the two systems and both will show complete travellers.

What kind of data communication is used?

Bridgemate uses radiowave transmission in the 868Mhz ISM band for communication. The U.S. version uses the 915Mhz band.

Do walls and other obstacles block the signal?

The radiowaves used by the Bridgemate can go through walls and other obstacles; however, similar to other wireless applications, the signal strenght will decrease when there are obstacles between Bridgemate and server. Obstacles like steel, concrete and glass have impact on the signal. It is always recommended to avoid as many obstacles as possible.

What is the range of the signal?

Typical range in open-air of the Bridgemate signal is about 150-175 meters. Obstacles as well as indoor locations decrease the perfomance. The signal however is strong enough to meet almost every club's requirements.

How long do the batteries last?

Bridgemate Pro batteries last typically 300 hours. This is an equivalent of 300 sessions. Bridgemate II batteries last typically 500 hours. This is an equivalent of 500 sessions. Battery life depends on the quality and age of the batteries, the environment, the usage of the Bridgemate itself etc.

What kind of batteries are used?

Bridgemates Pro use a set of four AAA ("triple A") batteries to operate. Bridgemates II use a set of two AA ("double A") batteries. One set comes with each Bridgemate. . The Bridgemate Pro "serial" server runs on an AC power adapter, but should be equipped with four AA ("double A") batteries for back-up purposes (in case of power interruptions). The Bridgemate II "USB" server receives its power from the computer, but should be equipped with four AA ("double A") batteries for back-up purposes. The AA batteries are supplied with the server.

How about rechargeable batteries?

Depending on the quality, rechargeable batteries can be used with the Bridgemate. You might like to try it out first with one set of batteries and see if they work in your situation.

How safe is the data storage?

Scores are stored at four different places, minimizing the change of loosing data. Scores that are entered in the Bridgemate are directly transmitted to the server and stored internally. Bridgemate Control Software retrieves the scores and saves them in the scoring file. The scoring program processes the scores also and saves them in its own file. Finally, the scores are also stored in the Bridgemate locally and can be recovered in case of a total loss of data.

Scores are actually stored at five different places, minimizing the chance of losing data. Scores that are entered in each Bridgemate where they are stored internally and transmitted to the server. The Bridgemate Control Software (BCS) program retrieves the scores from the server - every few seconds - and saves them in the results file. BCS continually creates a "Log" file where the scores are also stored. Finally, the scores may be recovered from the Bridgemates locally in case of a total loss of data.

Is Bridgemate a certified product?

Yes, the Bridgemate scoring system is fully tested and certified according to the directives of the European Commission regarding product safety, EMC and radio equipment, and complies with FCC and IC (Industry Canada) regulations and laws.

Can it be harmful to pacemakers?

No. The power used to transmit the radio waves is extremely low and does not harm pacemakers.

Frequently asked questions

About the Bridgemate scoring system