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Colorado Time Systems RJP

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The Colorado Time Systems RJP (relay judging platform) is a family of starting-block platforms made by Colorado Time Systems (CTS) that sense the instant a relay swimmer’s feet leave the block. The platform reports the departure to the CTS timing console, which compares it with the incoming swimmer’s touchpad finish to judge the relay exchange, and with the start impulse to measure start reaction time, both to 1/100 of a second.12 The current line is the RJPLD, which the user guide expands as relay judging platforms with speedlights and dual connectors.3 Shared background on how relay exchanges are judged and ruled on is in the relay take-off platforms overview.

History and generations

CTS documented the original RJP line in a 2004 installation guide, which lists three styles: the Classic RJP, the Lighted RJP with Speedlight LEDs across the front edge, and the Colorado Block, a combination of Paragon Aquatics’ Track Start Competitor starting block with a CTS Lighted RJP, an under-block speaker, and a connection hub.1 The guide describes stainless steel construction and states that the platforms sense departures accurately for swimmers weighing at least 90 pounds (40.8 kg).1

The RJPLD generation replaces the single rear terminal block with identical connector blocks on both sides of the platform and is built from aluminum.32 CTS mounting documents show RJPLD part numbers in production by 2010.4 A 2024 service sheet addresses platforms designated RJP, RJPL, and RJPLD, indicating the earlier designations remained in service.5

Operation

Both the top and the leading edge of the platform are sensitive to the swimmer’s departure, and CTS states the design distinguishes weight shifts from an actual take-off.13 On each start the platform supplies the departure time to the timer, which compares it with the start impulse to produce a start reaction time; System 6 and later consoles can post reaction times to the scoreboard.3 In relays the timer compares the departure with the incoming swimmer’s touchpad finish and prints the exchange result with the race data.3

The platform measures the force the swimmer exerts on the block. CTS states that, based on sensor data and high-speed camera analysis, a swimmer may still be in contact with the block while exerting less force than the platform can detect, that this forceless contact was never observed to last longer than 0.01 seconds, and that its Swimming software therefore adds a fixed, non-adjustable 0.01 seconds in favor of a safe take-off to every relay exchange time on all CTS timers.3 This is the manufacturer-defined differential that governing-body rules defer to; CTS notes that other companies’ hardware and software handle the starting point in various ways and recommends using CTS platforms with CTS timers.3 The World Aquatics facilities rules likewise state that the manufacturer of the device shall be consulted for the relay take-off differential.6

Speedlights and start indicators

Lighted platforms carry a row of LEDs, which CTS brands Speedlights, across the front edge: twenty high-intensity calibrated LEDs on the current RJPLD.2 The LEDs flash simultaneously with the start tone and the start strobe so that swimmers can see the start without changing their stance; CTS presents this as providing an equal start for athletes who are deaf or hard of hearing.13 USA Swimming’s rules for deaf and hard-of-hearing swimmers likewise provide for visual starting signals.7 The RJPLD adds a deckside start indicator, an LED on the deck side of the connector block that flashes with the start as a cue to backup timers.3

To flash with the start signal, the Speedlights must be connected to a CTS Championship-series start system through an under-block connection hub, deck plate, or cable harness; the 2019 user guide names the Championship Start system and the current product page names the Championship Elite. If they are not connected, the platform still judges exchanges but the lights do not flash.32

The current CTS datasheet describes the Speedlight technology as patented, and the product page cites US patent D464,699.82 Patent records show that number is a design patent titled “Swimmer’s starting block”, filed in 2000 by Keith M. Brice and granted in 2002, covering the ornamental design of a starting block with integrated strobe lighting; it is now assigned to PlayCore Wisconsin, part of CTS’s parent company PlayCore, and is not a utility patent on the platform sensor or its LEDs.9

Models and dimensions

The current datasheet lists eight RJPLD sizes.82

Part numberDimensions (W × L)Weight
RJPLD-202020 × 20 in (50.8 × 50.8 cm)8.4 lb (3.8 kg)
RJPLD-202420 × 24 in (50.8 × 60.9 cm)9.9 lb (4.5 kg)
RJPLD-242024 × 20 in (60.9 × 50.8 cm)9.9 lb (4.5 kg)
RJPLD-243224 × 32 in (60.9 × 81.3 cm)15.2 lb (6.3 kg)
RJPLD-OSB1220 × 30 in (50.8 × 76.2 cm)10.0 lb (4.5 kg)
RJPLD-201620 × 16 in (50.8 × 40.6 cm)7.5 lb (3.4 kg)
RJPLD-2012MB20 × 30 in (50.8 × 76.2 cm)10.0 lb (4.5 kg)
RJPLD-2414SP23.5 × 33 in (59.7 × 83.8 cm)12.0 lb (5.4 kg)

Several sizes match specific starting blocks. The RJPLD-2016 straps onto Omega OSB11 and OSB12 blocks, and an unlighted RJPD-2016 variant is documented alongside it.4 The RJPLD-OSB12 bolts onto OSB12 track-start blocks through two 7 mm holes drilled at the rear of the block, secured with M6 hardware.1011 An RJPLD-SL-2012 hooks over the front edge of Steel Line track-start blocks.12 The platforms are compatible with most starting-block manufacturers, and custom top logos are available.2

Mounting and connection

Most platforms strap to the starting block: two strap assemblies loop under the block to a hook and buckle, are adjusted once to fit the block, and are then attached and tensioned each time the platform is placed.35 Platforms for some blocks instead have stainless steel bolts welded to the underside that drop into pre-drilled holes and are secured with nuts, and a few block models ship with custom mounting instructions.13 CTS advises against leaving a platform strapped to the block when not in use.13

The RJPLD’s two connector blocks are identical, and the cable plugs into whichever side poses the least trip hazard; CTS states the connector runs parallel to the platform to reduce the risk of accidental disconnection as swimmers step up to the block.32 Two cables serve the current line: the R-015-027, two cables joined together, whose banana-plug leg stacks into the Button A/RJP jack of a DP-series deck plate, connection hub, or cable harness and whose mini BNC leg carries the Speedlight circuit, and the R-015-046, a triple banana plug for TDP-series deck plates.314 The legacy RJP instead used a rear terminal block with a dual-banana RJP cable and a separate Speedlight cable ending in a 2-pin DIN connector.1

On the console side, the timer is set to accept platform rather than button input on the lane and to print relay exchange results; the legacy guide notes that the System 5 requires Swimming software version 3.29.20 or later for RJP operation.13

Train Right package

CTS also sold the RJPLD as the centerpiece of the Train Right package (TR-SYS), a standalone, portable one-lane training system that pairs the platform with a Pace Clock Pro, a pushbutton, a training-size touchpad, and a start system.1516 The pace clock runs the training modes and displays relay exchange, start reaction, turn speed, and breakout times.1517 Two versions were cataloged: TR-SYS-1 with the Infinity Start System and TR-SYS-2 with the Championship Start System, each with the TP-30 touchpad (30 × 22 in); 220-volt versions, listed as /F or -220, substitute the TP-76X90 touchpad (76 × 90 cm).1517

In the package the platform plugs into the pace clock’s Relay Platform jack with the same R-015-027 cable used at competition. With the Championship Start System the cable’s mini BNC leg plugs into the starter’s Speedlights jack, with an optional R-015-593 extension cable between the platform and the starter; with the Infinity Start System the mini BNC leg is left coiled, because the Speedlights do not activate with that starter.171415 The current CTS site lists the package as discontinued.16

Care and maintenance

CTS’s connector maintenance routine applies: dielectric grease in each banana jack before use, cleaning with isopropyl alcohol after use, and a diluted calcium-lime-rust cleaner only as a last resort, never on Speedlight connectors.3

Specifications

Timing accuracy1/100 second
SensingTop and leading edge; switch mechanism
Exchange adjustmentFixed 0.01 second added in favor of a safe take-off (all CTS timers)
Minimum swimmer weight90 lb (40.8 kg), per the 2004 installation guide
Speedlights20 calibrated LEDs across the front edge
Added block height0.3 in (0.8 cm)
ConstructionAluminum (RJPLD); stainless steel (legacy RJP)
ConnectorsTwo identical 4-pin connector blocks, one per side (RJPLD)
CablesR-015-027 (DP-series deck plates, hubs, harnesses); R-015-046 (TDP-series deck plates)
Start-system requirementCTS Championship-series start system for Speedlights
Console supportSystem 5 (Swimming 3.29.20 or later), System 6 and later for scoreboard reaction times

Part numbers and accessories

  • CAD-RJPL-1 and CAD-RJPL-2, wheeled aluminum caddies for 20 in and 24 in wide platforms respectively; each stores and transports up to ten platforms and weighs 60 lb (27 kg).18
  • R-SL-xx Speedlight cable harnesses in 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-lane versions, the alternative to under-block connection hubs for wiring the Speedlights.21
  • RJPLD tester, a 9-volt battery-powered box that plugs into either connector block and runs a take-off test and two Speedlight tests before a session.19

See also

References

Footnotes

  1. Colorado Time Systems, Relay Judging Platform Installation Guide (F507, Rev. 1104, 2004). ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9

  2. Colorado Time Systems, Relay Judging Platforms for Competition (features, sizes, added height, patent claim, and start-system requirement). ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9

  3. Colorado Time Systems, RJPLD User Guide (F968, Rev. 201909). ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16

  4. Colorado Time Systems, Relay Judging Platform (RJPLD-2016/RJPD-2016) Mounting Instructions (F955, Rev. 201108). ↩ ↩2

  5. Colorado Time Systems, Relay Judging Platform Strap Adjustment and Replacement Instructions (F1047, Rev. 202402). ↩ ↩2

  6. World Aquatics, Facilities Rules 2021–2025, FR 2.3.6.3 (the manufacturer consulted for the relay take-off differential). ↩

  7. USA Swimming, 2025 Rules and Regulations, 105.3 (visual starting signals for deaf and hard-of-hearing swimmers). ↩

  8. Colorado Time Systems, Relay Judging Platforms datasheet (Rev. 01/26). ↩ ↩2

  9. Google Patents, USD464699S1: Swimmer’s starting block (design patent; Keith M. Brice; filed 2000, granted 2002; assigned to PlayCore Wisconsin). ↩

  10. Colorado Time Systems, Drilling Instructions: Preparing OSB12 Track Start Blocks for RJPLD-OSB12 Relay Judging Platforms (F975, Rev. 201303). ↩

  11. Colorado Time Systems, Mounting Instructions: Attaching RJPLD-OSB12 Relay Judging Platforms on OSB12 Track Start Blocks (F976, Rev. 201303). ↩

  12. Colorado Time Systems, Mounting Instructions: Attaching RJPLD-SL-2012 Relay Judging Platforms on Steel Line Track Start Blocks (F1012, Rev. 201504). ↩

  13. Colorado Time Systems, Relay Judging Platform (RJPLD-2016) Strap Adjustment Instructions (F963, Rev. 201101). ↩

  14. Colorado Time Systems, Train Right with Championship Start System (F958, Rev. 201102). ↩ ↩2

  15. Colorado Time Systems, Train Right Package datasheet (Rev. 03/14). ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  16. Colorado Time Systems, Training Package (TR-SYS) (package contents, the Speedlight limitation with the Infinity Start System, and discontinued status). ↩ ↩2

  17. Colorado Time Systems, Train Right with Infinity Start System (F957, Rev. 201102). ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  18. Colorado Time Systems, Relay Judging Platform Caddy (CAD-RJPL-1 and CAD-RJPL-2 capacities, dimensions, and weights). ↩

  19. Colorado Time Systems, RJPLD Tester (F969, Rev. 201208). ↩

Last updated July 27, 2026.