Controller Interface

The controller is the command center for your xTimer setup, providing complete control over all timer functions, customization options, and user management. This guide explains all controller components and features in detail.

Controller Layout

The controller interface is divided into three main sections:

1. Dashboard (left side): Contains the timer preview, transport controls, and connected devices list
2. Timers (center): Lists all timers with their settings and status
3. Messages (right side): Contains message creation and management tools

Let's explore each section in detail.

Dashboard Section

Timer Preview

The timer preview shows exactly what presenters see on the viewer screen, including:

• Current timer display (countdown, count-up, or clock)
• Progress bar with color indicators
• Current title and speaker name
• Any active messages

This preview helps you verify what's visible to presenters in real-time.

Transport Controls

Transport controls allow you to control the active timer:

• Start/Stop Button: Toggles the current timer between running and paused states
• Reset Button: Returns the timer to its starting value
• Next Button: Advances to the next timer in the sequence
• Previous Button: Returns to the previous timer in the sequence
• Time Adjustment: +/- buttons to add or subtract time from the running timer
  • Quick adjustments: +1m, -1m buttons for one-minute changes
  • Fine adjustments: Click the arrows for 10-second increments

Connected Devices

The connected devices panel shows all viewers currently connected to your timer room:

• Device names (which can be customized)
• Connection status indicators
• Connection time
• User management options (available via the three-dot menu):
  • Rename device
  • Force refresh the client
  • Disconnect device

This panel helps you monitor who's viewing your timer and troubleshoot connection issues.

Timers Section

The timers section lists all timer segments for your event.

Timer List Controls

Above the timer list, you'll find these controls:

• Add Timer: Creates a new timer segment
• Sort: Reorders timers based on different criteria

Individual Timer Cards

Each timer in the list is represented by a card containing:

Basic Information

• Title field (editable)
• Speaker name field (editable)
• Duration setting (editable)
• Notes field (visible only to controllers/moderators)

Timer Controls

• Settings gear icon (opens detailed settings)
• Drag handle (to reorder timers manually)
• Start/stop button (controls individual timer)
• Status indicator (showing current state)

Timer Settings Dialog

Clicking the settings gear opens a dialog with advanced options:

• Timer Type: Countdown, count-up, or clock
• Duration Type: Fixed duration, end time, or indefinite
• Start Time: Set a specific start time for this segment
• Timer Trigger: Manual, automatic (when previous ends), or scheduled
• Appearance Settings: Custom colors or theme for this specific timer
• Warning Thresholds: Yellow and red warning times
• Actions: Flash, sound, or other actions at specific thresholds

Messages Section

The messages section allows you to create, organize, and send messages to presenters.

Message Library

The message library contains all your saved messages:

• Create Button: Adds a new message to the library
• Categories: Option to organize messages into groups
• Search: Quickly find specific messages
• Message Cards: Show the content of each saved message

Message Creation

When creating or editing a message:

• Text Field: Enter the message content
• Duration: Set an optional auto-hide duration
• Formatting Options: Limited formatting for better readability
• Save to Library: Option to save for future use

Message Delivery Controls

For sending messages:

• Send Button: Displays the selected message on the viewer screen
• Hide Button: Removes the currently displayed message
• Queue: Option to prepare multiple messages in sequence
• Schedule: Option to send messages at specific times

Top Bar Controls

The top navigation bar contains additional controls:

• Share Button: Access viewer, moderator, and agenda links
• Customize Button: Access appearance customization options
• Settings Button: Access global timer settings
• Account Menu: Access account settings, support, and logout options
• Room Name: Displays and allows editing the current timer room name
• Time Display: Shows the current time in the selected timezone

Global Settings

Accessed via the settings button, global settings include:

• Time Format: 12-hour or 24-hour display
• Date Format: Regional date display preferences
• Timezone: Set the timezone for all time calculations
• Default Warning Times: Set standard yellow and red thresholds
• Overtime Behavior: Define what happens when timers reach zero
• Access Control: Set passwords or restrictions for different link types
• Notification Settings: Configure sound alerts and other notifications