Start your first event

Use this guide for a V2 event. If you want Linux V3, complete the separate Linux V3 setup first, then follow the V3 workflow.

1. Install STRATHEX

You need Python 3.13 and Git. Download this repository:

git clone https://github.com/SquirmyWormy275/STRATHEX.git
cd STRATHEX

Create and activate the environment on Linux:

python3.13 -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate

Or in Windows PowerShell:

py -3.13 -m venv .venv
.\.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1

Then install:

python -m pip install -e .

The installation includes the reviewed STRATHMARK V2 source dependency. You do not need Ollama or a separate PyPI installation for V2 predictions.

2. Select your data paths

Keep a backup of your workbook before first use. It needs the Competitor, wood and Results sheets described in Workbook and data.

Linux example:

strathex --workbook /home/you/Competition/competition.xlsx --data-dir /home/you/Competition/operator-data

Windows example:

strathex --workbook "C:\Competition\competition.xlsx" --data-dir "C:\Competition\operator-data"

Replace those paths with your own. The data directory holds saves and local competition records. Explicit environment settings can take precedence; see Troubleshooting if the application opens unexpected data.

3. Create the event

1. Choose Design an Event (Single Event) from the main menu.
2. Deliberately choose V2 when asked for the prediction engine.
3. Select the event, species, diameter, quality, stands and format.
4. Select competitors from the roster. Check names and stable IDs.
5. Calculate and review the predicted times, marks, intervals and warnings.
6. Apply any authorized V2 adjustments explicitly, then generate heats.
7. Check the actual start sheet before running the race.

A smaller mark starts earlier. The predicted time is the competitor's raw cutting time, not their finish time measured from the starter's first count. Handicaps explained has a worked example.

4. Record results and continue

Enter raw cutting times and official outcomes through the event workflow. Save before closing. Use Load Previous Event/Tournament to resume.

Select advancing competitors and calculate the next field. V2 retains the event's original date cutoff, so today's results are recorded but do not change its same-day predictions. Linux V3 handles later-round learning differently.

For payouts, multiple rounds, brackets and V3 approval/issue, continue with Tournament workflow. Keep backups for the workbook and saved state together.