Using Sharly Chess on a Network

Sharly Chess can be used like traditional chess competition management software: the arbiter manages the competition alone, on their computer.

However, Sharly Chess isn’t limited to the arbiter’s computer. Other devices — laptops, tablets, smartphones — can also connect to the server to:

  • Display screens (pairings, standings, results, etc.)
  • Allow players to check-in or enter their own results
  • Give access to assistant arbiters or staff

What is a network?

A network is simply a group of devices that can talk to each other.

  • At home, your Wi-Fi router creates a network so your computer, phone, and printer can all connect.
  • At a club or tournament, you might use the venue’s Wi-Fi.

Once devices are on the same network, they can “see” each other and exchange information — which is exactly what Sharly Chess needs.

How to get a network

There are several ways to create or join a network:

  • Use your phone’s hotspot

    Most smartphones can create a temporary Wi-Fi network (“hotspot”). Other devices connect to your phone as if it were a router.

  • Use a Wi-Fi dongle or travel router

    These small devices plug into a computer or wall socket and create a private Wi-Fi network for your tournament.

  • Use an existing Wi-Fi network

    Sometimes the venue already has Wi-Fi. You can connect all devices to it, but you must consider who else has access (see security considerations).

The server’s IP address

From the Sharly Chess main window, click See Networks to display the list of the server’s address on each of the different networks detected (Wifi, Ethernet, etc).

:information_source: An IP address is just a number that identifies your server on the network, for example: http://192.168.1.42

Any other device on the same network can type that address into a browser to connect to Sharly Chess. The QR code is a shortcut: scanning it opens the address directly on that device.

What can connected devices do?

By default, connected devices cannot see anything.

To make an event accessible, you must first mark the event as public. Even then, devices will only see content if you also create a Screen that is marked as public.

:point_right: Public Screens are visible to everyone on the network. If a Screen is an Input Screen, players will be able to use it to enter their results or to check-in.

Extra access can be given to staff members through Staff Accounts.

Troubleshooting

If you can’t connect to Sharly Chess, here are some things to check:

  • Is the server address correct?

    Double-check the IP address or scan the QR code shown on the server’s home page.

  • Are you on the same network?

    The device you’re using must be connected to the same Wi-Fi or wired network as the server.

  • Firewall or antivirus settings

    A firewall on the server computer may be blocking connections. Check your system’s firewall settings and allow Sharly Chess.

  • Mobile hotspot restrictions

    Some Android phones, by default, only allow one device at a time to connect to the hotspot. If you need more, look for an option in the phone’s hotspot settings.

  • Router or access point limits

    Some Wi-Fi routers restrict the number of connected devices, or may isolate them so they cannot see each other (“AP isolation” setting). Make sure device isolation is disabled if you want devices to communicate.

Unfortunately, we can’t cover all possible configurations here. If you’re still having trouble, you may need to ask your club’s technician for help!

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