Auto-Sync Environment Option
The Auto-Sync environment option enables SwissSys to automatically synchronize your tournament data with the ChessRoster platform at regular intervals, without manual intervention.
Menu Path: Options → Environment… → Sync (tab)
Requirements: You must be logged into ChessRoster through SwissSys and have a tournament linked (see ChessRoster Integration Dialog) for auto-sync to function.
New in v11.76: Auto-sync, when enabled, will automatically upload tournament results to ChessRoster for real-time updates on the web platform.
Features
When Auto-Sync is enabled:
- Tournament Details on Link: As soon as you link a tournament to ChessRoster, key details (name, dates, sections) are uploaded.
- Round Results Upload: Each time you complete entering a round’s results, SwissSys will schedule an automatic upload of the latest standings and pairings.
- Config Changes: Important configuration changes (e.g., section additions or settings tweaks) will also sync up automatically.
- Auth Token Refresh: SwissSys will automatically refresh your ChessRoster authentication token as needed in the background, so the connection stays alive.
- Manual Sync Always Available: You can still use the Sync Now button in the ChessRoster Integration Dialog at any time. Auto-sync won’t interfere with manual on-demand syncs.
Configuration
To enable Auto-Sync:
- Go to Options → Environment… and navigate to the Internet or Sync tab (the tab name may be “Sync”).
- Check the box labeled “Enable Auto-Sync” (or similar wording) to turn on automatic synchronization.
- Click OK/Apply to save the setting. Auto-sync is now active for any ChessRoster-linked tournament.
There is no need to specify an interval manually – SwissSys uses a sensible default interval for uploads (the current interval will be displayed in the ChessRoster Integration Dialog’s status area). For example, you might see something like “Auto (every 5 minutes)” next to the auto-sync status. SwissSys will continuously perform syncs at that interval as long as the program is open and you remain online.
Manual Override: Even with auto-sync on, you can click the Sync Now button in the ChessRoster Integration Dialog to force an immediate upload (for instance, right after pairing a new round). This will not disable auto-sync; the next automatic cycle will continue as scheduled.
Status Indicators
When Auto-Sync is running, the SwissSys status bar provides feedback. For example:
ChessRoster: Auto (18m ago)– Auto-sync is enabled and the last upload was 18 minutes ago (normal operation, no issues).! ChessRoster: Auto (OVERDUE 18m ago)– Auto-sync was enabled, but an expected upload was missed 18 minutes ago. (This could happen if the internet dropped or the computer slept. SwissSys will try again.)! ChessRoster: Connection failed– Auto-sync tried to upload but couldn’t connect (likely internet or server issue).
Any status with a leading ! indicates something needs attention (overdue or failed sync). In most cases, SwissSys will retry automatically after a failure or once connectivity is restored.
Troubleshooting
If auto-sync doesn’t seem to be working as expected:
- Verify Connection: Make sure you are logged in to ChessRoster via SwissSys (check the Internet → Sync with ChessRoster dialog). Auto-sync won’t run if you’re not authenticated.
- Tournament Linked: Ensure your SwissSys tournament is linked to a ChessRoster online event. Auto-sync only operates when a file is actively linked.
- Check Logging: For silent failures, consult the SwissSys Logging System – it may have recorded an error (e.g., network timeout).
- Network Issues: If your internet went out, SwissSys will automatically queue the upload and retry when the connection returns. Simply keeping SwissSys open is usually enough; it will catch up on the next interval.
- Temporary Disable: You can uncheck Enable Auto-Sync to pause the feature, and re-enable it later. (Closing SwissSys also naturally stops auto-sync until you run the program again.)
Auto-sync is designed to simplify your workflow by keeping the online results up-to-date without constant manual action. With proper setup, it should run in the background and let you focus on running the tournament.
Related Topics
- ChessRoster Platform Integration – Initial setup of the ChessRoster connection.
- ChessRoster Integration Dialog – How to link tournaments and use sync controls (includes the manual Sync Now).
- SwissSys Logging System – If auto-sync isn’t working and you need to investigate, the logging system can provide diagnostic info.