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DGT3000 Quick Guide
Brand: DGT (Digital Game Technology)
Product Type: Digital Game Timer / Chess Clock
Congratulations on your purchase of the DGT3000 game timer. The DGT3000 is a FIDE chess clock approved and recommended by the International Chess Federation FIDE. It is built in full accordance with the FIDE rules and regulations for chess clocks and with the Laws of Chess. It can be used for all 2-player games such as chess, go, draughts, shogi, Scrabble™ and many more.
The DGT3000 covers all popular timing systems and has 24 pre-programmed timing options as well as 5 manual settings for all timing options. Each timing method has its own charm and every system influences the way a sport or game is experienced. Experimenting with the different timing methods can add an extra dimension to your favorite sports and games.
The DGT3000 can connect to all electronic DGT e-Boards for tournament play or home use. In tournament play, clock times are registered using DGT LiveChess software. At home, when using a DGT e-Board to play against a chess computer or internet opponent, the clock displays the chess moves and clock times.
Display Layout
The display features several indicators:
CENTRAL CONTROL: Indicates main operational status.
FLAG: Shows when a player has run out of time (flashing) or is entering the next period (non-flashing).
FREEZE: Indicates the freeze function status.
METHOD: Shows the current timing method in use.
TIME: Displays the remaining time for the current period.
DELAY: Indicates if a delay period is active.
BYO: Indicates if a Byo-yomi period is active.
UPCNT: Indicates if an up-count period is active.
FISCH: Indicates if a Fischer (bonus) period is active.
US-DLY: Indicates if a US delay period is active.
CAN-BYO: Indicates if a Canadian Byo-yomi period is active.
END: Indicates that all periods are set and the clock is ready to start.
Periods: Shows the current period number and total periods.
Period: Displays the time for the current period.
Option: Shows the selected timing option number.
COLOR: Indicates the player's color.
RUN/PAUSE: Indicator showing the clock is running or paused.
The main display shows time in the format 8:88.88, period information, and option details.
Glossary of Timing Terms
Blitz:
A very quick game where each player's thinking time is 10 minutes or less.
Rapid:
A quick game where each player's thinking time is more than 10 but less than 60 minutes.
Classical:
A game where significant time is given to each player; a classical game can take up to 6 hours or more.
Period / Time Control:
A game divided into periods, each with a specific duration and a required number of moves. If only one period exists, all moves must be completed within that time.
Time:
Basic countdown settings where the clock counts down when it's a player's turn. Options 01-09 feature one or more periods with Time settings.
Bonus (Fischer Bonus/Increment):
Players receive an additional amount of time for each move (e.g., 2-3 seconds per move in blitz, 10 seconds in rapid, 30 seconds in classical). This bonus time is added before each move from the start of the game. Options 10-14 have Bonus settings in the last period only.
Delay (Bronstein Delay):
Players receive a free time allowance at the start of each turn before their main thinking time begins counting down. In official FIDE settings (options 15-18), this delay time is added to the main thinking time displayed. Options 22-25 use US Delay, where the clock delays counting down during the specified delay time without adding it to the displayed total.
Byo-yomi:
Primarily used for Shogi and Go. After an initial Time period, players enter the Byo-yomi period, receiving extra time per move (Japanese Byo-yomi) or a set amount of time for a larger number of moves (Canadian Byo-yomi).
Scrabble™:
When the option zero is reached, the clock starts counting up.
Freeze:
As per FIDE rules, bonus time is not added after a player reaches 0. The clock stops time when a player reaches 0 and displays a blinking flag. This function is on by default in options 10-14 and can be turned off.
Buttons and Display Symbols
Symbol
Meaning
[ON/OFF]
Located at the bottom: switch on/off or reset for the next game.
[-]
Decrease / minus. Hold for three seconds to toggle sound on/off.
[+]
Increase / plus. Press to show move counter during play.
[/]
Start/Pause. Activates time correction after holding for three seconds.
[*]
Move cursor left or back. Hold for three seconds to reload Canadian Byo-yomi settings.
[/*]
Move cursor right or accept. Select freeze option.
? [LOWBAT]
Battery power indication. Replace batteries when visible.
TIME
Indicates that a time period is set/active.
DELAY
Indicates that a delay period is set/active.
BYO
Indicates that a Byo-yomi period is set/active.
UPCOUNT
Indicates that an up-count period is set/active.
FISCH
Indicates that a Fischer period is set/active.
US-DLY
Indicates that a US delay is set/active.
CAN-BYO
Indicates that a Canadian Byo-yomi is set/active.
END
Indicates that periods are set and the clock can be started.
SOUND
Select sound option (on/off).
FREEZE
Select freeze option (after flag fall) (on/off).
Non-flashing flag
Shows the first player entering the next period.
Flashing flag
Shows the player that has run out of time.
[play-pause-indicator] (▶II)
Indicates that the clock is paused or ready to start a game.
[clock-running-indicator] (Clock icon)
Indicates that the clock is running.
[player-color-indicator] (Color indicator)
Indicates the player color.
Batteries
The DGT3000 operates on two AA batteries (1.5 Volt). If the device will not be used for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent potential damage from leakage.
When the ? [LOWBAT] appears in the display, the clock can still be used for several games, but it is recommended to replace the batteries soon.
Important Battery Information:
The included batteries are non-rechargeable and should not be recharged.
Do not use rechargeable batteries in this product.
Ensure batteries are placed with the correct polarity in the battery compartment.
Remove dead batteries immediately.
Never short-circuit a battery.
Sound
When sound is activated, the ? [SOUND] icon is shown in the display. A beep will be heard 10 seconds before the end of a period and each second during the last 5 seconds. A long beep sounds at zero seconds.
To switch the sound off, hold the [-] button for three seconds while the clock is paused.
Selection of Timing Options
To set up a timing option:
Turn on the clock using the [ON/OFF] button. The display will show the last used option number blinking.
Use the [+] and [-] buttons to change the option number.
Press the [/*] button to select the desired option. The display will show the default starting time for that option.
To speed up setting, keep the [+], [-], or [/*] buttons pressed down.
Before starting a game, ensure the lever is in the correct position (upward for the first player to move). The player's color is indicated by the [player-color-indicator] in the display.
Start the game by pressing the [/] button. During play or when paused, pressing the [+] button displays the move counter. Pressing the [/] button pauses or restarts the clock. Holding the [/] button for two seconds initiates the time correction procedure.
The selected option number is shown at the bottom of the display during a game.
Pre-set Timing Options
Option Number
Timing Method
Pre-set
01
TIME(1)
5 m
02
TIME(1)
10 m
03
TIME(1)
25 m
04
TIME(1)
1 h
05
TIME(1)
2 h
06
TIME(2)
2h + 30m
07
TIME(2)
2h + 1h
08
TIME(3)
2h + 1h + 30m
09
TIME(3)
2h + 1 h + 1h
10
FISCHER(1)
3 m + 2 s/move bonus
11
FISCHER(1)
25m + 10 s/move bonus
12
FISCHER(1)
1 h 30 m + 30 s/move bonus
13
FISCHER(2)
1 h 30 m +30 m+ 30 s/move bonus
14
FISCHER(3)
1 h 40 m + 50 m + 15 m + 30 s/move bonus
15
DELAY(1)
25m + 10 s/move free
16
DELAY(1)
1 h 55 m + 5 s/move free
17
DELAY(2)
2 h + 15 m + 30 s/move free
18
DELAY(3)
2 h + 1 h + 15 m + 30 s/move free
19
CAN-BYO
1 h + 5 m Canadian Byo-yomi
20
BYO
1 h + 1x20 s Byo-yomi
21
SCRABBLE™
25 m + up-count
22
US-DELAY(1)
5 m + 2 s/move free
23
US-DELAY(1)
25m + 5 s/move free
24
US-DELAY(2)
1 h 55 m + 60 m + 5 s/move free
25
Computer/Internet use
N/A
26-30
Manual Set 1-5
Customizable
Note: Sound is on by default. Freeze is on by default.
Computer / Internet Use (Option 25)
Option 25 is designed for use when the DGT3000 is connected to a DGT e-Board via the provided clock cable. In this mode, the clock functions solely as a display for a computer chess program or tournament software like DGT LiveChess.
The clock cable connects to the left side connector. When option 25 is active, the lever and all buttons are disabled; control is managed by the computer software via the e-Board. At startup, the clock displays minimal information. During an active computer game, it shows time and, in some programs, moves as instructed by the software. For example, after an opponent's move like "Qd1xNg4", the clock display might show "Qd1xNg4" and "0:00.00 0:00.00".
When using LiveChess, settings should align with tournament regulations. Lever operation is used for LiveChess game and time registration. An active computer connection via the DGT e-Board is indicated by the [connection-indicator] in the top center of the display.
Manual Settings (Options 26-30)
The DGT3000 allows storing up to five custom manual settings, each supporting up to four periods. Almost any combination of timing methods can be configured, with Up count and Byo-yomi methods restricted to the last period.
When a manual option (26-30) is selected, the display shows the available timing method indicators (TIME, DELAY, BYO, UPCNT, FISCH, US-DLY, CAN-BYO, END) and a default display like "0:00.00 0:00.00" with "Option: 26 Periods: Period:".
Setting Up Manual Options:
On initial programming or reset, all time digits are 0 and "END" blinks.
Use the [+] or [-] buttons to select a method. Press [/*] to accept.
Set the main time for both players for the first period. Values can differ.
TIME: No additional parameters are needed.
FISCH, DELAY, US-DLY: After setting the main time, the display shows parameters like bonus time per move (e.g., "0.00 BNS 0.00"). Use [+] and [-] to adjust digits, pressing [/*] to confirm each digit and move to the next.
Fischer Move Counter: In Fischer Bonus mode, the number of moves can be specified. If set to "000", the next period starts when a player reaches 0.00, adding main thinking time simultaneously. If set to a value higher than 000 (e.g., "MOVES 040"), the next period's time is added separately after a player completes the specified number of moves. Proper lever operation is crucial for the move counter to function correctly.
Byo-yomi: Typically follows a TIME period and can only be set as the final or single time control. Set the Byo-yomi time per moment first, then the number of moments (up to 99). The total time available is displayed (e.g., "MOMENTS 05" for 5 moments of 20 seconds showing 1 min 40). A beep sounds at the end of each Byo-yomi moment. A non-blinking flag appears if a player reaches 0.00, but the Byo-yomi reloads if the player ends their turn before the last beep.
Canadian Byo-yomi: Usually follows a TIME period and can only be set as the last or single time control. The maximum total Byo-yomi time is 9 minutes 59 seconds. The number of moves cannot be set. Pressing the [*] button for 3 seconds reloads the time for the next series of moves. A non-blinking flag appears if a player reaches 0.00, disappearing when the opponent ends their turn.
UPCOUNT: Time starts at 0.00 and counts upwards. Can only be set as the last or single period.
END: Select this when no more periods are needed. After accepting END, FREEZE and SOUND settings can be configured.
The manual settings (options 26-30) are saved even after the clock is switched off or batteries are removed.
Notes:
Before starting, the lever position determines which player starts. The DGT3000 assumes the player with white pieces starts.
The display might show "FREEZE OFF" and "SOUND ON" when setting END parameters.
Warranty Conditions
Digital Game Technology guarantees the DGT3000 meets high quality standards. If a defect occurs within the first 5 years after purchase, contact the retailer. Proof of purchase may be required. Provide a detailed description of the problem and the serial number when returning a defective product.
The warranty is valid only for reasonable and intended use. It is voided by misuse or unauthorized repair attempts without prior written consent from Digital Game Technology.
Disclaimer
While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this Quick Guide, Digital Game Technology is not liable for any errors or omissions. DGT reserves the right to change hardware and software without prior notice. Reproduction or translation of any part of this guide requires prior written permission from Digital Game Technology.
Technical Specifications
Batteries: 2 AA (1.5 Volt)
Accuracy: Within 1 second per hour.
Housing: ABS plastic
Colour: DGT red
Display size: 35 x 130 mm
Clock weight: 270 gr (including 2 AA batteries)
Compliance:
The DGT3000 complies with EU directives: 2004/108/EC and 2011/65/EU.
The equipment is marked with the ♻️ [recycling-symbol], indicating it must be disposed of separately at an appropriate collection point at the end of its life.
The product is not suitable for children aged 0-3 years due to small parts (choking hazard).
DGT complies with the German "Der Grüne Punkt" Trademark regulations.
Contact: DGT, Hengelosestraat 66, 7514 AJ Enschede, The Netherlands. Website: digitalgametechnology.com
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