ALGE-Timing OPTIc3 User manual

Version-E220509
Manual
Photo Finish
OPTIc3

Manual
Photo Finish OPTIc3
-2-
Important Information
General
Before using your ALGE-TIMING device read the complete manual carefully. It is part of the device and
contains important information about installation, safety and its intended use. This manual cannot cover
all conceivable applications. For further information or in case of problems that are mentioned not at all
or not sufficiently detailed, please contact your ALGE-TIMING representative. You can find contact details
on our homepage www.alge-timing.com
Safety
Apart from the information of this manual all general safety and accident prevention regulations of the
legislator must be considered.
The device must only be used by trained persons. The setting-up and installation must only be executed
according to the manufacturer’s data.
Intended Use
The device must only be used for its intended applications. Technical modifications and any misuse are
prohibited because of the risks involved! ALGE-TIMING is not liable for damages that are caused by im-
proper use or incorrect operation.
Power supply
The stated voltage on the type plate must correspond to voltage of the power source. Check all connec-
tions and plugs before usage. Damaged connection wires must be replaced immediately by an author-
ized electrician. The device must only be connected to an electric supply that has been installed by an
electrician according to IEC 60364-1. Never touch the mains plug with wet hands! Never touch live parts!
Cleaning
Please clean the outside of the device only with a smooth cloth. Detergents can cause damage. Never
submerge in water, never open or clean with wet cloth. The cleaning must not be carried out by hose or
high-pressure (risk of short circuits or other damage).
Liability Limitations
All technical information, data and information for installation and operation correspond to the latest
status at time of printing and are made in all conscience considering our past experience and knowledge.
Information, pictures and description do not entitle to base any claims. The manufacturer is not liable
for damage due to failure to observe the manual, improper use, incorrect repairs, technical modifications,
use of unauthorized spare parts. Translations are made in all conscience. We assume no liability for
translation mistakes, even if the translation is carried out by us or on our behalf.
Disposal
If a label is placed on the device showing a crossed-out dustbin on wheels (see drawing), the
European directive 2002/96/EG applies for this device.
Please get informed about the applicable regulations for separate collection of electrical and
electronical waste in your country and do not dispose of the old devices as household waste.
Correct disposal of old equipment protects the environment and humans against negative con-
sequences!
Operating ranges and interferences
The ALGE WTN operates in 2.4 GHz frequency band, the same as WLAN. This is also used by other
services. The operating range as well as the operation may be disturbed by devices working at the same
or neighbouring frequencies.
Copyright by ALGE-TIMING GmbH
All rights reserved. Any duplication, either in full or in part, requires the prior written consent of the
copyright holder.

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Declaration of Conformity
We declare that the following products comply with the requirements of the listed standards.
We, ALGE-TIMING GmbH
Rotkreuzstrasse 39
A-6890 Lustenau
declare under our sole responsibility, that the photo finish camera of the type:
OPTIc3 and OPTIc3-PRO
is in conformity with the following standard(s) or other normative documents(s):
Safety: EN 60950-1:2006 + A11:2009
EMC: EN55022:2006+A1:2007
EN55024:1998+A1:2001+A2:2003
EN61000 3-2:2006 + A1:2009 + A2:2009
EN61000 3-3:2008
Additional Information:
The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, also
the EMC Directive 2004/108EG and accordingly carries the CE-marking.
Lustenau, 10.02.2017 ALGE-TIMING GmbH
Albert Vetter
(General Manager)

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Photo Finish OPTIc3
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Table of Contents
1Introduction.................................................................................................................. 8
1.1 OPTIc3 Models........................................................................................................................ 8
1.1.1 OPTIc3 – System Components ......................................................................................................... 8
1.1.2 OPTIc3-PRO – System Components ................................................................................................ 9
1.2 Requirements for PC (Desktop or Notebook).......................................................................... 9
1.3 Accessories ............................................................................................................................. 9
1.4 Function................................................................................................................................. 10
2Layout of the Software OPTIc3NET............................................................................11
3Select Language of OPTIc3.NET Software ................................................................12
4Connection of Camera................................................................................................13
4.1 Network connection............................................................................................................... 13
4.1.1 OPTIc3 IP Configurator ................................................................................................................... 13
4.2 Camera connected to Ethernet with POE+ Power Supply.................................................... 14
4.3 Camera connected via Ethernet with external supply........................................................... 14
4.4 Camera communication by Wi-Fi .......................................................................................... 15
4.5 Connection of two or more Cameras..................................................................................... 15
4.6 Power Supply of the OPTIc3................................................................................................. 15
5Camera Position..........................................................................................................16
5.1 Lens Angle............................................................................................................................. 17
5.2 Focusing the Camera............................................................................................................ 18
5.2.1 Adjustment of Focus (Aperture)....................................................................................................... 18
5.2.2 Scan Rate........................................................................................................................................ 18
5.3 Camera Alignment on Finish Line ......................................................................................... 20
5.4 Camera Adjustment from a Device with Wi-Fi....................................................................... 23
6Photo Finish for Different Sports...............................................................................24
6.1 Selection of Type of Sport..................................................................................................... 24
6.1.1 General............................................................................................................................................ 24
6.1.2 Track and Field with Anemometer................................................................................................... 24
6.1.3 Track and Field without Anemometer.............................................................................................. 24
6.1.4 Horse Race...................................................................................................................................... 24
6.1.5 Dog Race......................................................................................................................................... 25
6.1.6 Rowing / Canoe............................................................................................................................... 25
6.1.7 Cycling............................................................................................................................................. 25
6.2 Sports with Individual Starts.................................................................................................. 25
6.3 Track and Field (Athletics)..................................................................................................... 25
6.3.1 Zero Control for Track and Field (Start Control)............................................................................... 27
6.3.2 Evaluation for Track and Field......................................................................................................... 27
6.4 Horse Races.......................................................................................................................... 28
6.5 Dog Races............................................................................................................................. 28
6.6 Rowing or Canoe................................................................................................................... 28
6.7 Cycling Races........................................................................................................................ 28
7Setting the Camera......................................................................................................30
7.1 Camera Settings.................................................................................................................... 30
7.2 Remote Control Camera Adjustment ............................................................................ 31
7.3 Recording and Picture Adjustments ............................................................................... 32
7.4 WTN Radio Adjustments (OPTIc3-PRO) ...................................................................... 33
7.5 Voice Communication - VoIP (OPTIc3-PRO).............................................................. 33
7.6 Picture Quality Adjustments ......................................................................................... 34
7.7 Image Adjustment.................................................................................................................. 35
7.7.1 2-D Preview ................................................................................................................... 35
7.7.2 Image Adjustment with manual Lens............................................................................................... 37
7.7.3 Image Adjustment with a Motor Zoom Lens .................................................................................... 37
7.7.4 Brightness Adjustment..................................................................................................................... 38
7.7.5 eXtremLuX (L) (OPTIc3-PRO)......................................................................................................... 38
7.7.6 Scan Rate Doubling (OPTIc3-PRO) ................................................................................................ 39
7.8 Synchronization ........................................................................................................ 39
8Software OPTIc3.NET..................................................................................................41
8.1 Icon List ................................................................................................................................. 41

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8.2 Footer .................................................................................................................................... 42
8.3 Menus of the Software........................................................................................................... 43
8.3.1 Menu <File>..................................................................................................................................... 43
8.3.2 Menu <TIMING>.............................................................................................................................. 44
8.3.3 Menu <Setup>................................................................................................................................. 45
8.3.4 Menu <Connection> ........................................................................................................................ 50
8.3.5 Menu <Sport>.................................................................................................................................. 51
8.3.6 Menu <Show>.................................................................................................................................. 51
8.3.7 Menu <Help>................................................................................................................................... 53
9Evaluation Windows ...................................................................................................54
9.1 View 1.................................................................................................................................... 54
9.2 View 2.................................................................................................................................... 56
9.3 Overview................................................................................................................................ 56
10 Timing (Timing Window) .........................................................................................57
10.1 Tool Bar of the Timing Window: ............................................................................................ 59
10.2 Photo Finish Recording......................................................................................................... 63
10.2.1 Manual Recording or ....................................................................................... 63
10.2.2 Manual Recording in Timing Window.......................................................................................... 63
10.2.3 Push Button Recording ............................................................................................................... 63
10.2.4 Sensor Recording (Photocell)...................................................................................................... 63
10.2.5 Motion Detection (OPTIc3-PRO) .......................................................................................... 64
11 Evaluation of Races.................................................................................................65
11.1 Time Window......................................................................................................................... 65
11.2 Manual Evaluation................................................................................................................. 66
11.3 Lane Evaluation..................................................................................................................... 66
11.4 BIB Evaluation....................................................................................................................... 67
11.5 Three different lines in the photo finish picture...................................................................... 67
11.5.1 Time Cursor................................................................................................................................. 68
11.5.2 Result Lines................................................................................................................................. 68
11.5.3 Time Jump Markers..................................................................................................................... 68
12 Heat List ...................................................................................................................69
12.1 Field Selector ................................................................................................................... 70
12.2 Class Mode ...................................................................................................................... 71
12.2.1 Start Time of a Class ............................................................................................................. 72
12.3 Insert Row(s) ............................................................................................................... 73
12.4 Delete ........................................................................................................................... 73
12.5 Import an Excel list ........................................................................................................ 73
12.6 Export Excel list ............................................................................................................ 75
12.7 Import List Layout ..................................................................................................... 75
12.8 Export List Layout .................................................................................................... 75
12.9 Export Selected Result Lists ............................................................................ 75
12.10 Export Result List ....................................................................................................... 75
12.11 Transponder Times Integration ................................................................................. 75
12.12 Transponder Impulse Selection ............................................................................ 75
12.13 Video Wall – Sponsors ................................................................................................ 76
12.14 Video Wall – Lists ........................................................................................................ 76
13 Meet Browser...........................................................................................................77
13.1 Enter Race Structure manually.............................................................................................. 78
13.2 Import Race Structure ........................................................................................................... 79
14 Post-Processing ......................................................................................................80
14.1 Color – Black & White .............................................................................................. 80
14.2 Brightness / Contrast / Gamma .................................................................................... 80
14.3 Cut – Delete Image Parts ...................................................................................... 80

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14.4 Insert Parts of Event Picture in a Heat .................................................................... 81
14.5 Export of Images ................................................................................................................... 82
14.5.1 Export of a marked Image........................................................................................................... 82
14.5.2 Image Export of a View ............................................................................................................... 82
15 Data Exchange Settings..........................................................................................83
15.1 AlgeDisplayOutput................................................................................................................. 84
15.2 OPTIc3-XML-Dataformat....................................................................................................... 85
15.2.1 Settings for Data Exchange with SELTEC TAF3......................................................................... 86
15.2.2 Adjustments for the Timing Client of SELTEC TAF3................................................................... 88
15.2.3 Execute Heats............................................................................................................................. 91
15.3 Data Format of Finish Lynx ................................................................................................... 93
16 Import and Export of Meets and Heats...................................................................95
16.1 Import and Export Meet......................................................................................................... 95
16.1.1 Export Meet................................................................................................................................. 95
16.1.2 Import Meet................................................................................................................................. 96
16.2 Import and Export of Heat ..................................................................................................... 96
16.2.1 Export Heat ................................................................................................................................. 96
16.2.2 Import Heat.................................................................................................................................. 96
17 Integration of IDCam................................................................................................97
17.1 Adjustment of the IDCam ...................................................................................................... 98
17.1.1 OPTIc3-Camera and IDCam at the same PC.............................................................................. 98
17.1.2OPTIc3 Camera and IDCam at different PCs.............................................................................. 98
17.1.3 Offset between photo finish and IDCam...................................................................................... 98
17.2 Integration of the IDCam at the same PC ............................................................................. 99
17.3 Commands in the OPTIc3 to Control the IDCam.................................................................. 99
18 Connection to StartJudge SJ2..............................................................................100
19 Integration of a Video Wall....................................................................................101
19.1 Settings to control a video screen ....................................................................................... 103
20 Integration of a Timing or Transponder System..................................................104
20.1 Adjustment of Interface .................................................................................................. 104
20.1.1 Race Result............................................................................................................................... 105
20.1.2 Mylaps....................................................................................................................................... 106
20.2 Transponder Mapping .................................................................................................. 106
20.3 Excel file to import the transponder mapping:..................................................................... 107
20.4 Adjustments in the Transponder Mode ............................................................................... 107
20.4.1 Settings..................................................................................................................................... 107
20.4.2 Timing Mode.............................................................................................................................. 107
20.4.3 Simultane Transponder Impulse................................................................................................ 107
20.4.4 Additional................................................................................................................................... 107
20.5 Recording Using Data from External Devices..................................................................... 108
21 Technical Data .......................................................................................................110
21.1 Connections......................................................................................................................... 110
21.2 Display Board Interface "display board".............................................................................. 111
21.2.1 Display Board RS232 Interface................................................................................................. 111
21.2.2 Display Board RS484 Interface................................................................................................. 111
21.2.3 Data Format .............................................................................................................................. 112
21.3 Minimum Requirements PC (Desktop or Notebook)........................................................... 112
22 Update of the OPTIc3 System...............................................................................113
22.1 PC-Software OPTIc3.NET................................................................................................... 113
22.2 Camera Firmware................................................................................................................ 114
23 Accessories for Photo Finish ...............................................................................116
23.1 Network Cables and Cable Reels....................................................................................... 116
23.2 Lenses for the OPTIc3......................................................................................................... 116
23.3 Tripod and Gear Head......................................................................................................... 117
23.4 Further Accessories............................................................................................................. 117

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1......photocell socket (2 x)
2......gear head socket
3......motor zoom socket
4......RJ45 socket (Ethernet)
5......input for external power supply (+9 to 13.4 VDC)
6......banana socket – start impulse (2 x)
7......banana socket – finish impulse
8......banana socket – data output for display board (RS232)
9......banana socket – data output for display board (RS485)
10....spirit level
11....LED (power)
12....LED (ready)
13....USB socket (2 x)
Key-Commands:
....[F1] .... .......... opens the manual of the OPTIc3 (Acrobat Reader must be installed)
....[F5] .... .... manual start impulse with keyboard
....[F6] .... .... manual intermediate impulse with keyboard (time stops, no recording)
....[F7] .... .... manual stop impulse with keyboard (time stops, picture is recorded)
...[F8] .... .......... manual recording (at any time possible, also if no race is open)

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Photo Finish OPTIc3
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1 Introduction
This manual can also be opened directly in the OPTIc3.NET-software (pdf-file) by pressing the
key <F1> or in the menu <HELP> (F1 Open the user manual).
The camera is a new generation of the successful ALGE-TIMING photo finish series OPTI. It
fulfills the highest expectations and is at the same time very user friendly. The OPITc3 can be
upgraded with various features and allows scan rates between 3,000, and 30,000 frames per
second (fps).
With its 2D CMOS sensor, the camera can be adjusted in 2D videomode (up to 100 fps (frames
per second)) and later switch to scan mode for photo finish. The extremely light sensitive sen-
sor and the innovative technology by ALGE-TIMING allow fantastic picture quality even at very
bad light conditions.
The OPITc3 camera can easily be connected with a PC over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. The CAT5e
cable transfers picture data from camera to PC in GBit velocity.
1.1 OPTIc3 Models
Two different OPTIc3 camera models are available:
•OPTIc3 is the basic photo finish system with many possible upgrade features.
•OPTIc3-PRO is the photo finish system including mostly all upgrade features.
1.1.1 OPTIc3 – System Components
•photo finish camera OPTIc3 (without lens)
•ALGE-TIMING USB flash drive with OPTIc3.NET software and manual
•Power over Ethernet POE+ (power supply for camera)
•Wi-Fi USB flash drive (for wireless use of camera)
•RJ45 Ethernet cable, CAT5 cable with 10 m
•RJ45 Ethernet cable, CAT5 cable with 3 m
1.1.1.1 Upgrade Features for OPTIc3
You can acquire many useful additional features for the OPTIc3. Almost all of these features
are integrated in the OPTIc3-PRO.
The active upgrade features can be shown by clicking on (third icon in the upper left cor-
ner "Atl Settings"). Now the “ATL Settings” are opened and the active extensions are shown
below.

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O3-HiREs: OPTIc3 upgrade for higher vertical resolution from 1360 to 2016 pixel
O3-LS8: OPTIc3 upgrade for scan rate from 3000 to 8000 lines per second
O3-LS15: OPTIc3 upgrade for scan rate from 8000 to 15000 lines per second
O3-LD: OPTIc3 upgrade for line doubling
O3-EL: OPTIc3 upgrade for light blasting (eXtremLuX))
O3-WTN: OPTIc3 upgrade for integrated WTN (Wireless Timing Network)
O3-VoiP: OPTIc3 upgrade for communication per Voice over IP with starter
O3-MD: OPTIc3 upgrade for motion detection (automatic recording)
O3-MZ: OPTIc3 upgrade for motor zoom (controlling of focus, iris and zoom)
O3-HSV: OPTIc3 upgrade for high-speed video (100 frames per second)
O3-TSP: OPTIc3 upgrade for recording and evaluation with transponder systems
O3-2EVAL: OPTIc3 upgrade for recording and evaluation on different PCs
1.1.2 OPTIc3-PRO – System Components
•photo finish camera OPTIc3 (without lens)
•ALGE-TIMING USB flash drive with OPTIc3.NET software and manual
•Power over Ethernet POE+ (power supply for camera)
•Wi-Fi USB flash drive (for wireless use of camera)
•RJ45 Ethernet cable, CAT5 cable with 10 m
•RJ45 Ethernet cable, CAT5 cable with 3 m
•transport case for OPTIc3 system KL-OPTIc3
•upgrade O3-LS8, O3-LS15 and O3-LD (for maximum scan rate of 30,000 fps)
•upgrade O3-HiRes (high resolution with 2016 vertical pixels)
•upgrade O3-El (eXtremLuX - various technologies to improve the picture at bad light
conditions)
•upgrade O3-WTN (ALGE-TIMING Wireless Timing Network)
•upgrade O3-VoIP (Voice over Ethernet communication from PC with starter)
•upgrade O3-MD (motion detection - automatic recording)
•upgrade O3-HSV (high-speed 2-D recording at 100 fps with IDCam-software)
1.2 Requirements for PC (Desktop or Notebook)
Operating System: Windows 7, 8 or 10
Processor: Intel Core i5 (similar or better)
Hard Disk: minimum 256 GB hard disk (recommended SSD)
Memory: minimum 4 GB RAM
Monitor Resolution: minimum full HD (1920 x 1080)
Interfaces: Gigabit Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi
1.3 Accessories
We can offer several additional, sport specific products for the all OPTIc3 models. Please con-
tact your ALGE-TIMING dealer for further details.
•camera tripods, lenses, cables, gear heads etc. (see 20 Accessories for Photo Finish)
Please refer to our website www.alge-timing.com for further accessories and devices in
combination with OPTIc3.
When assembling the camera, please note that the fastening screw on the underside must not
be longer than 10mm, otherwise the camera will be damaged.

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1.4 Function
The photo finish camera has a CMOS area scan sensor as used e.g. for photo cameras. The
2D picture is only used to adjust the finish line. In the photo finish recording mode it records
one vertical line per picture. The recording speed for this vertical line is up to 3,000 fps (OP-
TIc3) and 15,000 fps (OPTIc3-PRO). Each line is stored on the hard disk of the PC. When an
object moves over the finish line (e.g. an athlete) and you combine the recorded times, you
receive a picture that includes the time in horizontal direction, i.e. each vertical line is allocated
to a time.
The following example shows how a picture is recorded. If you use a scan rate of 1/1000
seconds it means that the finish line is scanned 1000 times per second. Each of these pictures
records a small piece of the object. If the speed is adjusted correctly, it shows the object in the
right size.
The next example shows the same object, but now crossing the finish line with a higher speed.
The object is always shown in longitudinal direction according to time (depending on scan rate
and speed). It is clearly visible that the object is in front of the camera for a shorter period of
time and therefore less often pictured. As a result, the object appears shortened in the picture.
Part of the OPTIc3 is an electronic image processing system. The recorded picture is stored
on the hard disk of the PC and can be printed at the printer connected to the PC at any time.