User Manual

Chapter7: Tips for use 49
Multiple bridge clubs playing simultaneously
There may be times when two or more bridge clubs are playing at the same time in one building. As
the Bridgemate Pro server can incorporate a specific table number only once at a time, it is not
possible for two clubs to make use of one server simultaneously. Both bridge clubs will therefore
require their own server. It is of course vitally important that they do not interfere with each other. This
problem can be rectified by getting the systems to communicate over different channels. The first club
sets its system (server and Bridgemates) to channel 0, while the other uses channel 1. A third and
fourth club can then use channel 2, 3, etc. This method enables multiple clubs to use the Bridgemate
Pro scoring system simultaneously without causing any interference.
Large tournaments
During large tournaments, more than one server will be required to control over 128 tables. The layout
of the tables is important in this respect. If the tables are outside the range of the server, an extra
server will be needed to increase the range. The Bridgemate Pro scoring system supports multiple
servers over a network. In principle, this network can support an unlimited number of tables. The
following guidelines must be observed:
- You will need a fully operational network in which all used PCs are interconnected, enabling
them to access and process files.
- Only one result file is used, containing all session data and board results of all tables.
- The scoring program is running on one of the computers in the network. It is not necessary for
the scoring program and/or the result file to be running on one of the client computers that run
BPC. From an organizational point of view, it may be easier to use a separate PC containing
the scoring program and result file. Client PCs access the result file over the network.
- Each Bridgemate server is connected to its own PC (=client) where BPC is running. Do not
connect two servers to one client. Although technically feasible, it may cause unnecessary
confusion, as both servers are using the same client name. Worse still, it may even be
counter-productive if both servers are operating over the same channel.
- Use different channels for each server, especially if the servers are within range of each
other. Only use the same channels if you are sure that the servers are not interfering with
each other (e.g. in different buildings).