Corson Video Jump Setup
for Judges and Scorers

How to set up and use a CVJ without becoming a computer engineer.

Who needs to read this document?
Site's responsibilities before the officials arrive.
Directory Structures and all that file stuff
Step 1 - Setting Paths and Preferences
Step 2 - Locate CVJ balls. Save Grids
Step 3 - Jump!
Practical tips on usage
Using CVJ & WSTIMS simultaneously.
Glossary
Outline of Setup (use as checklist)

The Corson Video Jump System provides a quantum leap in accuracy and speed in calculating jump distances. While the initial design and installation of a system requires some technical knowledge, setup and use of an existing system is reasonably straightforward, and well within the capability of the average official who has very basic computer skills (can click a mouse and copy a file). This document was written to help the average official set up and use an existing CVJ system. It is not meant to duplicate or replace the more complete technical information included in the IWSF Video Jump Manual. The most advanced technical information and the CVJ program can be downloaded HERE.

This document describes a 2 computer setup, so most CVJ features you are likely to encounter are discussed, including software switching between grids. Your system may be more or less complex, but the principles and step by step operations should be the same. Major differences are indicated where appropriate. A glossary section is provided. Terms are linked when viewed online. When printed the glossary terms are highlighted and definitions may be found in the glossary section.

Once you become proficient you can use the Outline of Setup as a checklist to guide you step by step through the procedure without all the explanation. Links allow you to jump back and forth online - and the outline prints as a check off list at the end of the document.
The *.ipt files described in this document are available for download HERE (1156 zip file). If you have access to a CVJ setup you can use them to practice by following along the step by step instructions below.

A separate document describes the use of CVJ and WSTIMS simultaneously on the same computer. Once the sequence of operations is mastered this can be the most efficient way to judge and score a jump event. This system does blur the distinction between Judging and Scoring functions. More information about WSTIMS operation with CVJ can be found HERE.

Return to Index

The following list of site preparations should be made before the CVJ is turned over to officials for setup and use. The list is included here so the officials arriving on the site know what to look for and ask for before they try to use the CVJ. Specific sites may have different requirements - but this should be a good start.

1. The jump course and cvj balls have been surveyed and their co-ordinates are known.
2. The co-ordinates have been entered into the CVJ system to create initialization files (*.ipt) specific for this site. IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE A READ ONLY COPY OF THE IPT FILES STORED IN A SPECIAL DIRECTORY IN CASE OF A MISTAKE SAVING GRIDS DURING SETUP. This is especially important during training or with inexperienced users.
3. The jump and CVJ balls have not been moved since the survey.
4. The accuracy of the setup design has been verified with Dave Clark's spreadsheet (download VJSET14.WKS here) and is acceptable for the class of tournament to be run.
5. Cameras are in position with live video feed to the VCR(s) and computer(s) (or have been tested and are ready to be put in place).
   OR
   Videotape of the jump landing area is available to play back for each camera position. (if system is to be used for practice).
6. The current version of the CVJ program is correctly installed and the video capture card configuration is done.
7. Necessary site specific information is available to users such as:
   • name and location of the *.ipt files
   • copy of the survey showing co-ordinates of CVJ balls
   • description of the grid setup specifying which *ipt file corresponds to each grid. The computer(s) and VCR(s) should be labeled with the appropriate box, grid, and ipt file names for easy reference.
   • sanction number of the tournament (if applicable)
   • directory structure used for this tournament or for practice (location of files)
   • Screen Resolution to be used.
   • any special instructions about the equipment such as:
     • Do the cameras require a tape for them to stay on?
     • location of the remote for the VCR(s)
     • instructions for setting the VCR's to SLP mode or for reconfiguring them if the power goes down, etc.
     • Blank tapes labeled with tournament name, grid numbers, etc are ready to be used. Spares are available.
   • any other information an official might reasonably need to operate or trouble shoot this particular system.
8. In a tournament situation - the directory structure and necessary files for the tournament should have been created, and the CVJ program should have been configured to open with them already in place. These operations are described below but should not be the Tournament Official's primary responsibility.

These should be prepared before officials arrive, but are explained here anyway.
The discussion assumes you know what files, directories and folders are and how to make basic manipulations (cut & paste) with them. If you don't know how ask someone in a Jr division - they can probably help you out.

For each new tournament a new directory(folder) should be created in the c:\vidjmp directory. It is good practice to name the tournament directory with the sanction number of the tournament so it can easily be identified later.
Example:

C:\vidjmp\98E008C

The capture, init, and results folders are added within the tournament directory as follows, and are explained below:

C:\vidjmp\98E008C\capture\
C:\vidjmp\98E008C\init
C:\vidjmp\98E008C\results
C:\vjio

A WORD OF CAUTION FOR WIN95 USERS. LONG FILE NAMES CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS. RESTRICT ALL FILE AND FOLDER NAMES TO 8 CHARACTERS!!!

The CAPTURE folder is used by the CVJ program to store the captured images of the jump landings. They will be named automatically by the program according to the file type specified on the parameters screen.

The INIT folder is used to store the initialization files (xxxxxxx.ipt) mentioned above. The name of the *.ipt files should indicate the site and the cvj box for which they are used.
Example: (tl1030.ipt = Twin Lakes 10 meter to 30 meter box).

The RESULTS folder contains the text file in which the results are recorded.
It can have any name but results.txt is typical for this file. The results.txt file is created by opening a notepad window, naming the file and saving it to the correct directory. You do not have to put anything in the file but you must create it before you start the video jump program.

Skierlst.txt is a typical name for the text file which contains the names of the contestants entered in the jump event. The scorers or registrar can provide the list or you can create one.
Open a text file in notepad or other plain text editor and type in first name then last name followed by the {Enter} key. Use NO punctuation. If you do not have the entry list, name and save an empty file for now and fill it in later. You can also add names to the list from within the CVJ program but you have to make the file now. The file must be saved as a text file (*.txt).
TIP! It is usually easier to include all skiers entered in the tournament in the same file so you don't have to reconfigure for each age division etc. The same file can be used for multiple rounds. (if the wstims interface is used the names are obtained from wstims instead, and the C:\vjio directory must exist. Use of that method is explained here.

A sample directory structure for a single computer setup would be.

C:\vidjmp\sanction#\capture\
C:\vidjmp\sanction#\init\SITE1070.ipt
C:\vidjmp\sanction#\results\ results.txt
C:\vidjmp\sanction#\skirlist.txt
C:\vjio

If two or more computers are used, the directory structure should have an L on the end for the left computer, and an R on the end for the right computer so that the identity of the originating computer is apparent. The ipt files are not renamed because their names describe the grids - not the computers on which they are used.

A sample directory structure for the left computer of such a two computer setup would be.

C:\vidjmp\sanction#\capturel\
C:\vidjmp\sanction#\initl\ tl1030.ipt ----- tl3050.ipt ------ tl5070.ipt
C:\vidjmp\sanction#\resultsl\ resultsl.txt
C:\vidjmp\sanction#\skirlst.txt
C:\vjio
notice that there will be more than one .ipt file in the initl folder.

When you have created the desired directory structure or if it has been created for you, you are ready to start the CVJ program. Return to Index

1. Turn on video source - For some setups it is important to have a video signal coming into the computer from some source BEFORE you start the CVJ program or the image will not be properly centered on the monitor. It can be live from the cameras or from a tape playing on the VCR. It is often convenient to use the VCR for a video signal so you can start the program and check it out at your leisure well before the jump event is scheduled to start. You can direct someone to set up the cameras and make final adjustments by viewing the live camera feed on the screen later.
2. Start the computer(s).
   • (win95)click on start then move the mouse cursor to programs, vidjmp, vidjmp and click again.
   • (win3.1)click on the icon for the vidjmp program
3. Answer as follows.
   • SCREEN SIZE - Select YES for 640, NO for 800 resolution This selection matches the screen resolution used by the CVJ program to the display settings of the computer and the design of the setup for the site. You must be told, and use, the resolution used for the site design.
     
   • The boxes that pop up next show the paths that the CVJ system is currently set for. Accept them as follows even if the paths are not correct. You can change them later.
     • CONFIGURATION PATH is vconfig.txt in application directory? - YES
     • VBVJDEV configured for se100 - OK
     • MESSAGE results are in - PATH - OK
     • MESSAGE video captures are in - PATH - OK
     • MESSAGE initialization files are in -PATH - OK
4. You should now be at the main CVJ screen - Video Jump Measurement System 1997
   There should be a video picture on the screen which is coming from the VCR (or cameras). You can now proceed with the preferences part of the configuration process as described below.

   Remember - the following describes a two computer setup. If you use more than 2 computers or more than 3 boxes the procedure to set up the extra boxes is the same. If you use only one camera and box skip step 1 below (system defaults to 1 box) and ignore the second grid setup instructions. (there will be no grid option available on the setup screen unless you specify more than one grid on the "SELECT NUMBER OF GRIDS screen in step 1 below)

   1. SELECT NUMBER OF GRIDS - (these instructions use two grids. specify the number you need).
      • CLICK ON Configure at the top of the screen - a drop down box appears. Select Number of Grids/2 Grids (or the number you need). You are returned to the main screen.
   2. SET PREFERENCES - This screen tells the computer where to store files, and sets other preferences. The TC or site co-ordinator should already have set the correct paths for you. You should look to verify that they are correct.
      If you decide to do it yourself you will be supplying the directory structure discussed above. REMEMBER - RESTRICT NAMES TO 8 CHARACTERS.
      • CLICK ON Configure/all preferences . A box appears for you to set up the paths to the directories and files created earlier. Fill them in as follows.
      • TOURNAMENT - type in the name of the tournament and any other information you want to store.
      • RESULTS FILE. Use the find button or type in the path to the results file which you saved above. Typically it would be c:\vidjmp\sanction#\results?\results?.txt where ? is l or r indicating left or right computer.
      • CAPTURES PATH - Type in the path to the folder in which the graphic files of the jump landings will be saved. Typically they would be in the c:\vidjmp\sanction#\capture?\ folder where ? is l or r depending on which computer you are on (left or right).
      • SETUP FILES PATH - Type in the path to the initialization (*.IPT) files described above. Typically they are in the c:\vidjmp\sanction#\init?\ folder where ? is l or r depending on left or right computer.
      • SKIER NAME FILE - This is the text file in which you listed each skier. Typically it will be in the c:\vidjmp\sanction#\ folder. There are ways to link this to WSTIMS. That is a different lesson and not covered here. If a skier enters late he can be added to the list directly from within the program.
      • The other setup parameters should not need to be changed once set up for a site.
      • WSTIMS interface can be checked or not. This checkbox enables information transfer to and from wstims on the same computer, but does not require you to use it. If WSTIMS interface is checked the C:\vjio directory must exist whether you choose to exchange data with WSTIMS or not.
      • When all of the above have been completed check once more to be sure that the paths are correct and click on the Exit and Save Parameters in the top left corner WHETHER YOU CHANGED ANYTHING OR NOT.
   3. YOU SHOULD NOW BE BACK AT THE MAIN SCREEN
      (Video Jump Measurement System 1997)
      The live feed from the cameras or output from the recorders should be visible.

   Before we continue a short description of the installation is in order. Similar information should be available at any jumpsite using CVJ. Ask for it.
   If you are responsible for setting up a site consider using this document as an outline and customizing it for your site. Once the mystery is removed you get a lot more help.

   A two computer, 3 camera (3 box) CVJ system is used in this example. If you have only one computer and camera (one box covers entire jump landing area) you will have only one grid and one *.ipt file. If you have more than 3 cameras and boxes you will be setting up 3 or more grids on each computer but the setup method for the grid is the same in all cases.
   This site jumps from right to left and has cvj balls at 10, 30, 50, and 70 meters out from the jump, creating 3 boxes which are covered by 3 cameras.
   For short jumpers the computers are set to watch the short and middle boxes. For longer jumpers the computers are set to watch the middle and long boxes. Three VCRs (not drawn above) are used to record the signal from each of the 3 cameras and boxes at all times so nothing is missed.

   The initialization files are named to reflect the box for which they hold the survey data. For this setup the left computer will use the long and middle ipt files and the right computer will use the middle and short ipt files.

   BE CAREFUL WITH GRID NAMES -

   On the right computer Grid 1 is the short box (10-30 meters = tl1030.ipt) and Grid 2 is the middle box (30 - 50 meters = tl3050.ipt). On the left computer Grid 1 is the middle box (30 - 50 meters = tl3050.ipt) and Grid 2 is the long box ( 50 - 70 meters = tl5070.ipt). Be careful to match grids, videos and initialization (.ipt files) accurately. When using recordings to supply video signal for practice or training you have to be sure you have the correct tape loaded in the correct VCR so the video matches the grid setup. The computer(s) and VCR(s) should be labeled with the appropriate box, grid, and ipt file names for easy reference.

   Return to Index

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   USING THE SETUP SCREEN

   You are now ready to proceed with the setup. This is the place where you tell the program where the jump and cvj balls are located on the screen. For practice you can perform all functions using the pre recorded video tape of other tournaments. For tournaments you will need to establish a live feed from the cameras, and adjust them to the proper views before doing the setup.

5. From the main CVJ screen CLICK ON SETUP.
   • The Grid setup screen should be visible with live (for tournament) or recorded video (OK for practice only) behind it. Grid 1 box will be on the left. If a different grid number is showing click on the grid # button until grid 1 shows. If you selected 1 grid (the default) under preferences there will be no grid button.

     If this were the first time you were setting up the system the boxes next to survey and screen would have 0 in them. You would have to manually enter the survey data for each cvj ball and for the jump, and save the grid to create the *.ipt for the site.

     We will use the *.ipt files for the site which were previously set up and copied into the init directory. We will now reload these *.ipt files to supply the co-ordinates for the site, relocate the cvj balls on the screen, and resave the ipt files.

6. CLICK ON LOAD FILE
7. Current grid dialog box says "Load Grid 1", CLICK ON YES
8. A box pops up for you to select the .ipt file for the grid.. You need to select the *.ipt file which corresponds to grid 1.
   tl1030.ipt is short box
   tl3050.ipt is middle box
   tl5070.ipt is long box.

   Grid 1 on the right computer is the short box - tl1030.ipt (twin lakes 10 - 30 meter)
   Grid 1 on the left computer is the middle box - tl3050.ipt (twin lakes 30 - 50 meter).

9. CLICK on the correct file, check it, and then CLICK on OK
   You will notice that all the survey numbers for the selected box have been filled (if they weren't already). They now describe the box corresponding to the file you selected.
10. Now you must tell the program where the videojump buoys are on the screen. This changes because the cameras may not be in exactly the same position or at the same amount of zoom as last time they were used.
11. CLICK on Draw Buoys - 4 cursor marks will appear on the screen.

    If the + marks are inappropriately sized move the cross size adjuster at the bottom of the screen then Press Draw Buoys again to make the size change.

12. At the top in the middle is the Grid Point Selection box. Click on the Radio Button at the upper left upper left. A dot appears in the O indicating that the upper left + is active. Place the mouse pointer on the upper left video jump ball so that the tip of the pointer is in the middle of the ball at the waterline. Press the left mouse button and the + cursor will move to the position marked by the mouse cursor. If you are close but not exact use the Micro-Adjust arrows to move the cursor one pixel at a time by clicking on the appropriate arrow until you are satisfied with the position.

    Click on each of the other Radio Buttons in turn and proceed as above until all CVJ buoys have been marked to your satisfaction.

    CLICK ON THE COMPLETE BUTTON You should see a happy face on the left.

13. CLICK on Save at the top of the screen.

    WARNING - IF YOU SKIP THIS STEP OR SELECT THE WRONG INPUT FILE YOUR SETUP WON'T WORK

    The file selection dialog box appears again.

14. Select the appropriate .ipt file for the grid you have just set up (same one you selected most recently - you have to select it again because you are saving the changes you made to the screen positions of the buoys).
    To review:
    
    tl1030 for short box (grid 1 on right computer)
    tl3050 for midle box (right computer grid 2 or left computer grid 1)
    tl5070 for long box (left computer grid 2)

    !

15. When you have made your selection CLICK ON OK
    The Grid Description box pops up.

    Enter the description you wish to see on screen while using the grid. Be as descriptive as possible.
    For Example:
    Practice Short box 10-30 meters grid 1 Rt computer date

16. CLICK on OK

    Current Grid box pops up Save Grid 1?

17. CLICK on YES (It is better to accept the default even if you think you made a mistake. You can make corrections easier by starting over from the LOAD FILE step above.

    You have completed the setup of the first grid. (If you only have one box you are done, you can proceed to the measure screen and start the jump event. Others continue from here)

18. Grid 2 and any additional Grids will be set up in the same manner as described below.
19. CLICK on the Grid 1 button -
    the camera view will switch to the other box (middle on right computer and long on left computer). The grid button will change to Grid 2 depending on computer speed this can take a few seconds - be patient.
20. CLICK on Load File
    Current grid box pops up - load grid 2?
21. CLICK on YES
    the file selection box appears again
22. Select the correct ipt file
    Right computer grid 2 is middle box = tl3050.ipt
    Left computer grid 2 is long box = tl5070.ipt
23. When you are satisfied CLICK on OK
    The survey numbers for Grid 2 have been filled in.
24. CLICK on Draw Buoys
25. CLICK on each Radio Button in the Grid Point Selection box in turn, and place the cursors as described above. When satisfied with the locations CLICK the Complete button.
26. CLICK on Save (at the top of the screen) WARNING - IF YOU SKIP THIS STEP OR SELECT THE WRONG INPUT FILE YOUR SETUP WON'T WORK!
    The open file box pops up again.
27. Select the appropriate .ipt file for the grid you have just set up. (The one you selected for setup of grid 2)..
    tl3050 for midle box (right computer grid 2)
    tl5070 for long box (left computer grid 2)
28. When you are satisfied with your selection CLICK OK
    The Grid Description box will pop up
29. Enter the description of this grid and CLICK OK

    Current Grid box pops up Save Grid 2?

30. CLICK on Yes
31. CLICK on the Grid button and switch between grids to insure that it is working. Click on draw buoys to be sure that the markers are properly positioned and switch with the grids.
32. When all is OK CLICK on EXIT at the top -

    Your grids are now set up. You are ready to Jump.

If there is a problem with buoy marking you can redraw the buoys and resave the correct ipt files. If you saved one of the grids to the wrong ipt file you will notice that the ball locators stay in the same place on the screen even when the video switches from one box to the other and the screen or survey co-ordinates stay the same for both grids or are indicating the wrong box. You can double check this problem in the measure screen below. If this is the problem you will have to replace the ipt files with fresh copies then repeat the setup or reenter the survey co-ordinates from the survey and repeat the grid setup. Return to Index

1. From the main CVJ screen CLICK on Measure.
   You will see the measurement screen appear with the cursors marking the cvj balls.
2. If you are using multiple grids, CLICK on the GRID BUTTON on the upper right to make sure the grids switch properly. Depending on the speed of your computer it may take a few seconds to switch. Be patient. Omit this step if you have only one grid.
   The numbers which appear by the upper left and upper right cvj balls should be appropriate.
   The description of the box which you previously entered appears at the bottom.
3. FOR TOURNAMENT SITUATIONS MAKE SURE EACH VCR IS SET TO RECORD IN SLP MODE
   Instructions should be posted by the VCR(s)(use the remote - cover the front of 2 VCR's and set one at a time. Refer to the SETUP VCR IF POWER GOES OUT card in front of the vcr's for procedures if necessary).
   FOR PRACTICE SITUATIONS YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO THIS BECAUSE YOU WILL NOT BE RECORDING - BUT IT IS GOOD PRACTICE TO DO IT ANYWAY.
4. The CVJ is now ready to use. WHEN YOU ARE READY TO START THE EVENT MAKE SURE YOU PRESS THE RECORD BUTTONS.

   You are now ready to measure jumps.

SOME PRACTICAL ADVICE

• If you miss a capture you can recover by using the videotape.
  • PRESS STOP
  • PRESS PLAY
  • PRESS REWIND and move back past the missed jump while watching the video run backwards.
  • Wait a few seconds after you see the jumper go backwards over the jump, then PRESS STOP
  • Check your computer to be sure that Freeze is enabled and that you are ready to record the jump.
  • PRESS PLAY and freeze the image at the appropriate moment.
  • Record the distance.
  • PRESS RECORD AGAIN TO GET READY FOR THE NEXT JUMP!!
• It is good practice to start and stop all VCR's simultaneously so the tapes stay reasonably synchronized. This makes it easier to use them for training or just to review later.
• As the skier enters his counter cut look to be sure that the FREEZE in the upper left hand corner is highlighted indicating that the capture is enabled. The FREEZE can be toggled on and off with the {ALT} key. With the FREEZE enabled press the {ENTER} key to capture the video.
• When using 2 computers the operators will both give input on selection of the landing point. AS SOON AS THEY AGREE..
  • The operator of the computer with the jump presses RECORD JUMP and SAVE GRAPHIC buttons and relays the distances to the scorers.
  • The second operator clicks on the "Other Computer" Circle, then the RECORD JUMP button, and fills in the distance from the other computer METRIC DISTANCE FIRST.
  • When distances have been recorded both operators select UNFREEZE to return to live video, and press the {ALT} key to enable capture for the next jump.
• Comments can be added at any time. They are written to the results.txt file and can be helpful if the file has to be reviewed later. Examples of comments could be "Reride for ducks on the ramp" or "operator error, I pressed record jump when I meant to scratch my ear". The results file can be edited later if desired.
• Skiers are selected from the drop box at the top left side of the screen.
  • If the skier's name does not appear you may add it by typing it in.
  • This box may be filled from WSTIMS - but that is another story.
• Next to the skier's name is the jump counter. It just counts the number of jumps recorded in the program - not which official jump the skier is on. The number can be edited or comments can be added using the comments circle if desired to track which jump the skier is on.
• circles are provided for pass and fall. These place appropriate notes in the results file.

1. From the main CVJ screen CLICK on Measure.
   You will see the measurement screen appear with the cursors marking the cvj balls.
2. If you are using multiple grids, CLICK on the GRID BUTTON on the upper right to make sure the grids switch properly. Depending on the speed of your computer it may take a few seconds to switch. Be patient. Omit this step if you have only one grid.
   The numbers which appear by the upper left and upper right cvj balls should be appropriate.
   The description of the box which you previously entered appears at the bottom and will identify the boxes and grids.
3. MAKE SURE EACH VCR IS SET TO RECORD IN SLP MODE.
4. WHEN YOU ARE READY TO START THE EVENT MAKE SURE YOU PRESS THE RECORD BUTTONS.

   You are now ready to measure jumps.

Boxes and Grids - The jump landing area is divided up into one or more "boxes" by placing buoys at the four corners of the box. The buoys are located by survey so their exact positions relative to the jump are known. These positions are recorded as X,Y co-ordinates and are entered into the CVJ setup screen. The number of boxes needed is determined by the placement of the cameras and the expected distance to be covered by the jumpers in attendance. The relationship between the cameras and the boxes is a critical factor in designing an accurate CVJ system. A spreadsheet is available which aids in system design and verifies the accuracy of the system when certifying the site for Class C, E, L, or R tournaments.
A Grid is the view on the CVJ screen which "sees" a particular Box. When more than one box is used a separate grid is created in the CVJ program for each box and camera view. When you select a Grid on the measure or setup screen you are actually loading the location of a particular box in the landing area. The program can be set up to display the live video from the correct box as you switch between grids, or you can switch the video feed manually (if more than 2 grids per computer are needed). If more than one computer is used it is not always necessary to load all grids into all computers, but they usually have at least one grid (or view of the landing area) in common. The site design determines the layout of the boxes, number of computers and which grids are set up on them.

Paths are the directions the computer uses to find Files, Folders, and Directories. They are typically written or displayed in the form
C:\vidjmp\98e008c\initl\tl1030.ipt
Return to Index

Initialization Files end in .ipt and contain the information necessary to locate the jump center and the CVJ balls at the corners of the grid boxes. They are specific for each CVJ installation.
Unless the jump or a jump video ball is moved you can continue to use copies of the same files for each tournament at this site and just update them with the current screen positions of the balls (which varies with minor camera movements). Each grid box has its own initialization file. The names usually reflect the site and the dimensions of the grid for easy identification.
EXAMPLE: tl1030.ipt --- Twin Lakes 10 to 30 meter grid box.

Screen Resolution
CVJ currently supports screen resolutions of 600 or 800 and you have to select one as you start up the program. The screen resolution determines the accuracy of the video picture on the screen - the higher the resolution the more accurate the picture.
Screen Resolution has an effect on the accuracy of the entire system and is one of the parameters taken into consideration when the system is designed for a site. The computer and monitor must be set up for the desired resolution and that must match the resolution at which the CVJ operates - so you must know what resolution to use for a particular setup. The site co-ordinator or TC will have to provide this information before you can use the system.

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