System requirements

Shotimer runs in a web browser. There’s nothing to install, on the Controller or on stage screens.

Browsers

Use an up-to-date version of one of these:

• Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, on Windows, Mac, Android or ChromeOS
• Safari, on Mac, iPhone or iPad
• Firefox

Shotimer is built to keep working on older devices too, such as iPads running Safari 14 or later. That makes them useful as stage screens.

Devices

• Controller: a laptop or desktop computer is best. A tablet works too. On a phone, the Controller stacks into one scrolling column.
• Stage screens: anything with a browser, such as a TV or projector plugged into a computer, a tablet, a phone or another laptop.

Internet connection

The Controller and every screen need an internet connection, because they stay in sync through shotimer.io. Venue Wi-Fi, a wired connection or mobile data all work. Each device can use a different connection.

• If a screen loses its connection, its timer keeps counting from its last update, and a warning appears if the connection stays down.
• While the Controller is disconnected, its controls pause until the connection returns. Commands are never replayed late.

Keeping screens awake

While a stage screen is open, Shotimer asks the device to keep its screen on. Most current browsers allow this. When they do, “Awake” appears in the stage screen’s controls. On devices that don’t, turn off the screen saver and auto-lock in the device’s settings before the show.

Sound

Warning chimes play on the Controller’s speakers. Some browsers only allow sound after you’ve clicked something on the page.