Basics of Trackside Self-Registration
This is a simple information page intended to be used by promoters who want more information on how to get set up for self-registration.

The Trackside Self-Registration software is a program that is purchased separate of Trackside.  A promoter must have a licensed copy of TracksidePlus in order to purchase the self-registration software.  The software runs on a PC which is dedicated to the self-registration line.  After registration is over, the PC can be used for normal use in the office.

The Trackside Self-Registration PC must be networked to your primary computer.  As racers register themselves for the event, they are signed into your Trackside database.  Only racers who have a valid AMA card are able to use the self-registration program.  Any racer without a valid AMA card must go through your normal registration line.  This means about 90% of your racers can sign themselves in.

After a racer has used the self-registration, a release will be printed for that racer.  All fields are pre-filled and the racer only needs to sign his release.  If the racer is a minor, the software will recognize this and also print the minor release.  You have the option to print the release at the self-registration PC or print it in the office and have the racer come to you to sign and pay.

Benefits of Trackside Self-Registration
1. Less Work for Promoter - since the racers sign themselves into Trackside, you will not have to do the data entry.  All data is entered by the end of registration.
2. More Accurate Data - data is entered based on the AMA card and based on what the racer has selected.  Not only do you get accurate information, you get more complete data added such as birthdate and full address.  Also, the racer is signed into the correct class on the correct brand.
3. Racer knows if # is taken - during the registration, the racer is told if his number is already taken and must enter a different number
4. Readable paperwork - since the releases are printed through Trackside, all data is legible. Racer only needs to sign.
5. Less time in line - racers will spend less time in line since the line will move much faster with all the paperwork being completed.
Hardware Requirements
A self-registration station is made up of 3 main pieces:  PC, Touch Monitor. Magnetic Stripe Reader.

Any PC which is capable of running Trackside will be able to run the self-registration software.  The PC will need to have networking capabilities as it will be networked to your main computer.

The Touch Monitor must be able to display a screen resolution of 1024x768.  There are many different options on monitors but the main one to look for is how the "touch" signal communicates with the processor.  It is either through a SERIAL or USB connection.  Be sure that your PC has a serial port if you select a serial monitor.  Many new laptops do not have a serial port.

The Magnetic Stripe Reader (MSR) should be able to read 2 tracks of the mag stripe on the AMA card.  Most MSR's will connect to the PC via a USB cable.
Trackside Recommendations
The setup for each track will vary.  Some promoters may travel from track to track. In this case, the All-in-One is the best option.  An All-in-One is very easy to set up and take down.  This is also a good option if you do not already have the PC you will need to run the self-registration.  Some All-in-One units are for table stand only and others can be mounted on the wall.

A track that wishes to permanently set up a self-registration may want to consider placing the monitor on a wall outside the registration office and have the PC sitting in a more secure location in the office.  Either way, you do not want the users to have access to the mouse or keyboard which runs the PC.  The user should only interact using the MSR and touch screen.

The main purpose of the self-registration is to simplify the registration process and make it easier for the racers and the promoters alike.  In order to keep the lines to a minimum, you may want to have a special "cashier" window where the racers simply sign the releases and pay for the entry.  Since you can expect 90% of your racers to use the self-registration, you may need more than one "cashier" window.