How Protern Works
A simple process for training days
Protern connects video and performance data so coaches and athletes can see where time is gained or lost and why.
This page shows the day-to-day workflow most teams use: capture runs and video during training, then sync, link, review, and share after the session.
You’ll also see what equipment and apps are used at each step, so it’s clear what you need to get started.
How it works at a glance
From first run to review, it follows the same steps every day.
1. Collect data and video
Athletes start their sensors during warm-up. Coaches film with a phone using Protern Video, or film with a video camera using a TimeLink or Protern Clock.
2. Sync sensors and set splits
After training, sync sensor data into Protern using Protern Sync (phone or computer). Then set the timing splits to get course times.
3. Link video automatically
Protern matches athletes and run data to video automatically, so there is no file renaming and hunting for videos.
4. Review and share
Coaches and athletes review runs in Protern Video, Protern Web, or Protern Sync, and everything is available across all devices.
Step 1: Collect data and video during training
After training, run data is synced from the sensors into Protern. This can be done by athletes individually, or collected and synced by the coaching staff.
Once the data is synced, the coach sets the timing splits for the course. In Protern, this setup is called a Quantriq.
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Athletes wear Protern sensors (included in a Protern Pack)
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Sensors record speed and timing data automatically
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Coaches film runs using Protern Video app on a phone, or with a video camera with a TimeLink or Protern Clock connected
Step 2: Sync sensors and set splits
After training, run data is synced from the sensors into Protern. This can be done by athletes individually, or collected and synced by the coaching staff.
Once the data is synced, the coach sets the timing splits for the course. In Protern, this is called a Quantriq.
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Sync sensors using Protern Sync on a phone, or Protern Sync on a computer
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A Quantriq shows the timing splits consistent across runs and athletes
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Run data is now ready to link to video and review
Step 3: Link video automatically
Once sensor data is synced and a quantriq has been made, Protern Video can connect the video and performance data.
Video files are matched to athletes and runs automatically, and uploads can run in the background so review can start right away.
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Add video from a camera SD card, or use phone recordings
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Protern Video detects the athlete in the video
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Run data is matched to each video
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Videos upload to the cloud in the background
Step 4: Review and share
With video and data linked, coaches and athletes can review runs in different ways depending on the situation and device.
Coaches can compare runs, analyze full runs, and use video to support clear feedback. Athletes can review their own runs and track progress over time.
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Review run data in Protern Web or Protern Sync
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Watch video with data overlays and comparisons in Protern Video
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Access runs across devices including Mac, PC, iOS, and Android
An overview of the Protern system
This video introduces the main ideas behind Protern.
Phone-based review
A faster option when it fits the day
Some teams also choose to sync sensors and review runs using a phone between training runs.
This can be helpful for faster on-hill feedback, but the post-training process above remains the most common approach for teams using Protern.
What you need to use Protern
There are a few key pieces, depending on how you film and how you want to review
Protern Pass
The Protern Pass is a subscription that gives access to Protern services. It can be purchased and renewed for different subscription terms.
Coaches can apply for a free coach account.
Protern Pack
A Protern Pack includes a sensor, bib, and Protern Pass.
Protern Packs are available with different Protern Pass subscription lengths and are the starting point for new users.
Filming options
If you film with a phone, use the Protern Video app on iPhone, iPad, or Android. If you film with a video camera, use a TimeLink or Protern Clock connected to the camera.