Online Play Requirements
Connecting Players Online Since 2013
Required
DC & Reliable Internet
DC runs on any device, but make sure you test your WIFI strength where your dartboard is. Beware of other devices competing for bandwidth!
Darts Thrown Year-to-Date
3 Components of Online Play
Ideal set up retains a touch-screen device for scoring and a separate device for the webcam
What is the Best Device for DartConnect?
No Tablet? No Problem!
When Apple introduced the first iPad in 2010, it inspired DartConnect. While we still think tablets are the best devices for a chalkboard replacement, DartConnect was designed to specifically accommodate the use of small screen/smartphones.
Scoring App Browser Compatibility
Recommended Browsers
Chrome
Android Devices & PC’s
Safari
Apple Devices
Compatible Browsers
Firefox
Most Devices
Amazon Silk
Kindle Fire HD
Recommended Browsers
Chrome
Android Devices & PC’s
Safari
Apple Devices
Compatible Browsers
Firefox
Most Devices
Amazon Silk
Kindle Fire HD
For Apple tablets and phones, we recommend the Safari browser and on Android products, we recommend Google Chrome. Amazon tablets have their own native browser, Silk.
INCOMPATIBLE BROWSERS: Android devices OFTEN default to a native browser installed by the manufacturer. Download Google Chrome from Google App Store. Microsoft Explorer is NOT compatible. Download Google Chrome. Other browsers may work but have not been validated.
To Webcam or Not To Webcam?
Using a webcam (or mobile device) to share you dartboard can enhance the experience, but should NOT be considered a requirement for experimenting with online play.
Keep in mind that streaming of any kind (movies, music video games, and video chat) crowds the bandwidth servicing your home, and can affect your stream.
Pro Tip: DartConnect has been designed for very low bandwidth consumption. Should you experience slowness, consider running the scoring app on a mobile hotspot, independent of the traffic in your household.
Online Best Practices & Troubleshooting
While the game of darts allows us to play remote (good thing we are not pool players), playing on-line requires us to modify some of our in-person behavior to improve the experience for participants. Here are a few considerations. We will be adding more as we get feedback from on-line veterans.
Who Goes First?
Even if you are using a webcam, the custom of aiming for the bull to determine the starting player can be a challenge when playing on-line. If you would like to continue this tradition, we recommend using the “PDC Bull” rule, in which only darts inside the Bull, or Double Bull count. If both players achieve a single bull or a double bull (a “tie”) then the players re-bull.
To speed up match play, consider dispensing with this custom and utilize “Random” or “Coin Flip” for the starting player.
Traditionally, players bull up before every Cricket leg. Again, for the sake of expediency, we recommend alternating or playing “Mugs Away” (loser starts the subsequent leg).,
Required Components: DC and Reliable Internet
- DartConnect is always ready to play online!
- Both devices must have reliable WIFI – remember upload speed matters!!!!
- Try Speedtest.net or Google Speed Test where your scoring device and scoreboard are located
- Minimum upload speed: Consistent 10Mbps (don’t make your opponent wait…)
- Note: This minimum assumes the player is NOT using a Web Cam Streaming Service, which competes with DartConnect data transfers
Recommended Broadband Speeds
There are many factors that contribute to internet reliability, including the location of the router, the age of the device, your internet service provider and the number of devices in your household competing for bandwidth. DartConnect does not requires a lot, but remember, upload speed matters, and this is normally a weak aspect of home service. Using the device you will be scoring on, in the location you will be playing in, you can use speedtest.net or google speed test. Remember, any streaming service, music, web cams, movies etc. consumes lots of bandwidth, creating traffic DartConnect must compete with.
If your router is old or the standard one provided by the cable company, consider investing in a Mesh Network – this technology has resolved many hard to reach dart alleys.
Phone or VOIP Group Chat
- Social interaction is a key factor in the enjoyment of darts
- Don’t play silent! Make a call or set up a Group Chat
- Make the session interactive. Call out both your achievements and frustrations
- And while your at it, catch up on life…
Group Chat Options
Historically Skype and Google Hangouts have been the go to services for DartConnect Members when using a webcam. A relative new service called Discord has received promising reviews.
For convenience, What’s App, FaceTime or a an old fashion conference call is tough to beat. What’s at risk with a friendly game of darts among friends anyway?
AirPods and Bluetooth Headphones
With the proliferation of bluetooth headsets, we have more options than ever to be engaged conversationally with our opponents, while listening to music in the background.
Webcam or Video
Using a webcam with DartConnect:
- When using a webcam, DartConnect recommends separate devices: A touch screen device conveniently placed as a traditional chalk board and separate device for video – the bigger the better! This is easily done with DC VideoConnect or you can use a different third-party service such as Skype, Zoom, What’s App, Whereby or other.
- If using a single laptop with a third-party video service, use two browser windows to have DartConnect in one window, and your video stream in the other. DC VideoConnect can do this in a single web browser for convenience – Learn More.
Webcam Limitations:
- Webcams are not perfect. Angles, shadows and wire shots can still be difficult to discern
- All streaming services (movies, music, online gaming and webcams consume large amounts of bandwidth. If you are experiencing performance issues, reduce the number of active services/devices in your household.
- Remember: Webcams can enhance the experience, but are not required – especially among friends!!!
Pro Tip: DartConnect’s scoring app has been designed for very low bandwidth consumption. Should you experience slowness, consider running the scoring app on a mobile hotspot separate from what you are using for video and independent of the traffic in your household.
Webcam Mounting Options
Better webcams have a 1/4 thread tripod screw sleeve that enables simple mounting options (no duct tape needed!). Combine this with a camera clamp you allow for multiple mounting options.
The Pedco UltraClamp is a personal favorite for its versatility and durability – its clamp mechanism is designed to work with both flat surfaces and poles. The swivel feature allows you to aim your webcam as needed.
The recent introduction of Ring Lights creates a new mounting option. If you do not have one of these lights, consider using a “spring pole”. Spring poles are designed to be easily moved and stored as needed. These can be found at hardware stores, paint stores and on Amazon.
“ZipWall” is one manufacturer of these spring poles, and they make both 10 ft and 12 ft versions (check your ceiling height before ordering).
Pro Tip: These are always typically sold in 2 or 4 packs. Partner up with your mates and share the cost.
If the app screen freezes or you see the "endless spinner"
NOTE: Always make sure you are using a compatible browser with the DartConnect scoring app – Learn More.
Most common solution: REFRESH
If the app freezes or shows a spinner that spins for a long time, especially while saving and syncing match data to our servers, the typical solution is to “refresh” the application.
There are 4 ways to refresh:
- Tap DC’s built in refresh (see picture below), the circle/arrowhead on red control bar (if you see the spinner, wait a bit and if the screen comes back, use the refresh icon;
- Tap device home key to return to home screen, then relaunch app (use the app icon if you saved to home screen);
- Dismiss app using multi-task window, then relaunch app;
- Turn device fully off and then restart it and relaunch app (aka “reboot” or “power cycle”).
If a refresh does not resolve the issue, you may need to delete your browser history and cache and reinstall the scoring app. For reinstallation instructions:
NOTE:
- Even if you reboot, the app should still have your match in the last state it was in for you to continue.
- The spinner often happens between legs while the system is trying to re-sync, in this case a refresh will often return the game to the point where it is ready for the next leg and if using alt-start, the player whose turn it is will be highlighted.
App response is sluggish, turn recording is "lagging"
Smooth online play requires a reliable WiFi Internet connection.
If you are experiencing slow or sluggish response from the app while playing online, for example, if it takes a long time to record scores and pass the control back and forth between players, this is most commonly caused by slow or compromised Internet connectivity.
First, measure your WiFi speeds, try speedtest or Google:
- Point a web browser to either of the following test sites and run a test to get a reading on your download and upload speeds:
- Fast.com
- speedtest.net (or download the speedtest app from the app store)
- Google speed test
- We recommend download / upload speeds of approximately 10 mbps or higher
Please note that Internet speeds can be negatively affected by the following:
- High network usage
- Are there more than 3-4 other people connected to the same network?
- Are other users engaging in high bandwidth activities (e.g. streaming movies, music or video games)? Facebook Live, Tik-Tok and other social media can consume significant bandwidth.
- Is your Internet service provider reporting system maintenance, local outages or other factors that could affect your connectivity?
- Are there reports of severe weather activity and/or power outages locally or in your region?
How to improve your Internet speeds for online play:
- Ask others to stop or pause their Internet activity until you are done playing
- Reboot your router, mesh network and/or access points
- Disconnect any devices that are consuming bandwidth such as active Internet appliances, smart speakers, cell phones, etc.
- Move your playing area or network router/access point so that they are physically closer to one another
- Schedule play for “off peak” time when overall speeds are the highest
App Requires Using "Control The Match" For Every Turn
When setting up an online match, the host device must select player names from the “Home” player list (left side) and select the opponent from the “Away” player list (right side).
If players are selected from the incorrect list, then the app will require tapping “Control the Match” for every turn to input scores. This can not be changed during the match.
Improving your Internet speeds for online play
If you are experiencing sluggish play and app slowdown. Here are some ideas for how to improve your Internet speeds for online play:
First, measure your WiFi speeds, try speedtest or Google:
- Point a web browser to either of the following test sites and run a test to get a reading on your download and upload speeds:
- Fast.com
- speedtest.net (or download the speedtest app from the app store)
- Google speed test
- We recommend download / upload speeds of approximately 10 mbps or higher
Ideas for improving speeds:
- Ask others on the same network to stop or pause their Internet activity until you are done playing
- Reboot your router, mesh network and/or access points
- Disconnect any devices that are consuming bandwidth such as active Internet appliances, smart speakers, cell phones, etc.
- Move your playing area or network router/access point so that they are physically closer to one another
- Schedule play for “off peak” time when overall speeds are the highest