Official scoring system of the
World Bridge Federation
World Bridge Federation
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FAQ
If there are any questions that are not answered by this FAQ, please contact Bridgeweb.General
How does Bridgemate compare with other brands?
The display seems small, can it show all information?
Is the Bridgemate system still under development?
Is the Bridgemate system new in Australia and New Zealand?
Technical questions
Do we need WIFI, Bluetooth or (wireless) internet?
What kind of data communication is used?
Are walls and other obstacles blocking the signal?
What is the range of the signal?
Do we need a serial or a USB port?
Is our scoring program suitable for Bridgemate?
Can we use Bridgemate if we also have a dealing machine?
Batteries
How long do the batteries last?
What kind of batteries are used?
How about rechargeable batteries?
Product safety
How safe is the data storage?
Is the Bridgemate a certified product?
Can it be harmful to pacemakers?
International availability
In which countries is Bridgemate available?
Is Bridgemate available in Australia and New-Zealand?
How does Bridgemate compare with other brands?Bridgemate has a track record of 12+ years and that pays off!
· Bridgemate has large buttons: easy to use for all ages
· Bridgemate stores scores in 5 different places: no loss of data
· Bridgemate is using up to four times less power, which means you don't have to change batteries as often: low costs of maintenance
· Bridgemate doesn't have hidden costs: updates are for free
· Bridgemate has fully tested software and firmware: no glitches during all your sessions
· Bridgemate gives almost 24/7 support for free help during sessions
· Bridgemate is fully compatible with the most popular scoring programs: no need to struggle with different software
· Bridgemate has a stable casing which is almost 100% crash proof and free spare parts
· Bridgemate doesn't let you down on special events: units available for congresses
· Bridgemate is ready for bridgecasts over the internet your events can be seen all over the world
· Bridgemate is the only device used on major events all over the world: recognised by the World Bridge federation
· Bridgemate does not interfere with other sources (police, ambulances, etc) and is therefore certified by the Australian Communications and Media Authority
If you like al this, you know Bridgemate is your best choice!
The display seems small, can it show all information?The display is clearly visible from all angles and shows you information in a clear and comprehensive way. The two lines are enough to show you all needed information like player's numbers, board numbers, previous scores, including scores from other sections.
In August 2009 a second model, Bridgemate II, is presented which has a huge 6.4 x 3.8 cm display. That is up to 20% bigger than any other electronic scoring device.
Is the Bridgemate system still under development?The Bridgemate system is developed 12 years ago and new features are added regularly. Because server and units can be upgraded at any time, you alway have the latest version to your disposal. And the good news is: all upgrades are free!
Is the Bridgemate system new in Australia and New Zealand?The Bridgemate system was first used in Australia in January 2006 by the Adelaide Bridge Center. First user in New Zealand was the Hamilton Bridge Club in October 2007. However, these clubs were not the guinea pigs. World wide over 3,500 clubs with over 600,000 members in 51 countries are using the system and these numbers are growing rapidly. In addition, the World Bridge Federation is using the Bridgemate system as their premium scoring aid: your best guarantee for quality and regular new features.
Do we need WIFI, Bluetooth or (wireless) internet?Bridgemate doesn't need WIFI, Bluetooth or an internet connection to operate. The communication between your computer and the units goes via Bridgemate's own server. After a simple installation it all goes by itself.
What kind of data communication is used?Bridgemate uses in Australia/New-Zealand and the US radiowave transmission in the 915Mhz for communication. The European version uses the 868Mhz band.
Are walls and other obstacles blocking 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 receiver. Obstacles like steel, concrete and glass have impact on the signal. You are 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 70-100 meters. Obstacles as well as indoor locations decrease the perfomance. The signal however is strong enough to meet almost every club's requirements.
Do we need a serial or a USB port? Is our scoring program suitable for Bridgemate?Bridgemate is suitable for a big number of scoring programs, including the most popular Australian packages. See our scoring program page if your program is there too.
Can we use Bridgemate if we also have a dealing machine?Bridgemate does not cause inteference to other devices, like dealing machines. However some dealing machines 'pinch' all available com-ports, including the one used by Bridgemate. If this happens you can disconnect the dealing machine and you will notice that Bridgemate and all other connected devices will work again.
How long do the batteries last?The batteries last typically 500 hours This is depending on the quality and age of the used batteries, the environment, the usage of the Bridgemate itself etc.
What kind of batteries are used?Bridsgemate II needs only two AA ("double AA") batteries. One set comes together upon purchase for each Bridgemate.
The central receiver runs on mains power, but can be supplied with four AA batteries for back-up purposes (in case of power outages). These batteries are not supplied with the receiver.
How about rechargeable batteries?Depending on the quality, rechargeable batteries can be used with the Bridgemate. The Bridgemate requires 4.5V minimum to operate. Standard rechargeable batteries have 1.2V each and make up together 4.8V. However high-quality rechargeable batteries can be recharged up to 1.4V and therefore have a total voltage of 5.6. We advise you 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 five 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 Pro Control 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.
Even in case of total power outages or computer crashes you still have all your scores!
Is the 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. ACA is received by the end of 2005.
Can it be harmful to pacemakers?No. The power used to transmit the radio waves is extremely low and does not harm pacemakers.
In which countries is Bridgemate available?See our list of local distributors for the countries in which Bridgemate is available. In case your country is not listed, Bridgemate is available through Bridge Systems BV in the Netherlands.
Is Bridgemate available in Australia/New-Zealand?Yes, there are distrubutors in both countries.
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