FarmTek Polaris User manual

Sport Timing Specialists
Polaris
Autocross Timing System
Operating
Instructions
FarmTek, Inc.
1000 North Hwy 8, Suite D (9 2) 429-094
Wylie, TX 5098 (800) 55-6529
Farm T ek

FCC and Industry Canada Information
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital de-
vice, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protec-
tion against harmful interference when the equip-
ment is operated in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may
cause harmful interference to radio communica-
tions. However, there is no guarantee that inter-
ference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, the user is encour-
aged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures: (1) Reorient or
relocate the receiving antenna. (2) Increase the
separation between the equipment and the re-
ceiver. (3) Consult the dealer or radio/TV techni-
cian for help.
CAUTION: Changes made or modifications not
expressly approved by the party responsible for
FCC compliance of this equipment could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Industry Canada
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio
transmitter may only operate using an antenna of
a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for
the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce
potential radio interference to other users, the an-
tenna type and its gain should be so chosen that
the equivalent isotropically radiated power
(e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for suc-
cessful communications.
This radio transmitter (IC: 3845A-MI043) has
been approved by Industry Canada to operate with
the antenna types listed below with the maximum
permissible gain and required antenna impedance
for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types
not included in this list, having a gain greater than
the maximum gain indicated for that type, are
strictly prohibited for use with this device.
¼ wave whip, max gain 2 dBi, 50 ohm
This device complies with Industry Canada li-
cense-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is sub-
ject to the following two conditions: (1) this de-
vice may not cause interference, and (2) this de-
vice must accept any interference, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.
d'Industrie Canada
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie
Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner
avec une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal
(ou inférieur) approuvé pour l'émetteur par Indus-
trie Canada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de
brouillage radioélectrique à l'intention des autres
utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type d'antenne et son
gain de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée
équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas l'intensité
nécessaire à l'établissement d'une communication
satisfaisante.
Le présent émetteur radio (IC: 3845A-MI043) de
modèle s'il fait partie du matériel de catégorie I) a
été approuvé par Industrie Canada pour fonction-
ner avec les types d'antenne énumérés ci-dessous
et ayant un gain admissible maximal et l'im-
pédance requise pour chaque type d'antenne. Les
types d'antenne non inclus dans cette liste, ou dont
le gain est supérieur au gain maximal indiqué,
sont strictement interdits pour l'exploitation de
l'émetteur.
¼ whip d'onde, le gain max 2 dBi, 50 ohm
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'In-
dustrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée
aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne
doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur
de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioé-
lectrique subi, même si le brouillage est suscepti-
ble d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

© FarmTek, Inc.
POLARIS TIMER CONSOLE
Overview
Batteries
The Polaris timer console is powered by four AA
alkaline batteries. The timer runs 50 to 60 hours on
a new set of batteries. Always turn the timer off
before changing the batteries and always replace all
four batteries at the same time – do not mix old and
new batteries.
To check the battery level, follow these steps:
1) Press SETUP to access setup functions.
2) Press NEXT CHOICE until Check Battery
is displayed (just one or two presses).
3) Press ENTER to show remaining battery life.
4) Press SETUP to return to normal operation.
Keep in mind that when the console is first turned on
after being off for a while (e.g., overnight), the re-
ported battery level is artificially high for the first
half-hour or so of use.
When storing the timer for an extended period of
time, always remove the batteries.
Low Battery Warning
A low battery icon is flashed in the upper right cor-
ner of the Status Display when about 2 hours of
console battery life are left. Note that the battery
icon is also displayed whenever an electric eye has
a low battery. Check the console’s battery level as
described to see whether the console or the electric
eyes are the reason the icon is flashing.
Power On/Off
Turn the Polaris timer on and off using the slide
switch located at the upper right corner of the timer
console.
Connections
The Input jack is for connection of input devices
such as an optional bar code reader or numeric key-
pad. Do not plug an AC adapter from an older model
timer into the Input jack on this timer – it can cause
serious damage!
The Output jack is for connection of output devices
such as an optional scoreboard, printer or computer
interface cable.
The Horn jack provides audio output of the horn
sound to a PA system and control of the optional
external horn.

© FarmTek, Inc.
WIRELESS ELECTRIC EYES
Overview
Batteries
The electric eyes operate over 70 hours from a 9 volt
alkaline battery (use only alkaline batteries). The
Power lamp on the unit glows steadily while the
battery is good and flashes when the battery is low.
To help detect an eye with a low battery, the timer in
the announcer’s booth flashes a low battery icon in
the upper right corner of its Status Display when
any electric eye in use has a low battery.
The electric eyes operate at least two hours after the
first indication of low battery. Note: The two hour
period is from the first time the low battery light
begins flashing. If a unit with a low battery is turned
off and then later turned back on, the lamp may
glow steadily for some time before it starts flashing
again. This does not mean there are two more hours
of operation remaining at this point.
Once the Power lamp begins flashing, it is simplest
to just replace the battery during the next break in
your event – don’t worry about trying to use the last
few hours of the battery.
When storing the electric eyes for an extended pe-
riod of time, always remove the batteries.
Care
The electric eyes are not waterproof. If you plan to
run in the rain, slip a thin sandwich bag over each
electric eye. Snap a rubber band over the bag to hold
the bag in place and to keep it taught over the face of
the eye where the beam shoots through.
When you arrive home, remove wet equipment from
the carrying case, remove batteries and leave the
battery compartment cover off each unit. Allow the
equipment to dry out thoroughly in a heated or air
conditioned environment for several days.
Do not remove the antennas. Even though the an-
tenna can be removed, doing so can cause problems.
Electric Eye ID Codes
Each electric eye is permanently programmed with a
unique electronic identification code. The ID code is
transmitted whenever the electric eye beam is bro-
ken. For a set of wireless electric eyes to work with
a particular timer console, the timer console must
“know” the ID code of the electric eyes being used.
Most likely, you will never need to perform this
procedure, but if your timer ever loses it settings, or
you use a different set of electric eyes or a different
timer console than usual, you must have the timer
console “learn” the ID code of the electric eyes:
Learning a ew ID Code
1) Set up the electric eyes with about ten feet be-
tween each other and at least ten feet from the
timer console. Make sure no other electric eyes
are on or could accidentally transmit while pro-
gramming in the intended electric eye.
2) On the timer console, press the SETUP button to
access the timer Setup options.
3) Press NEXT CHOICE until you see the appro-
priate “Set ID” message for the eye you are pro-
gramming (e.g., Set Eye #1 ID, Set Eye #2
ID, etc.).
4) When you are ready to break the electric eye
beam, press ENTER. The timer will tell you to
“break the beam now”.
5) Walk through the selected electric eye beam. As
soon as the beam is broken, the timer momentar-
ily displays the ID code for the eye.
That’s it! Repeat the procedure for other eyes if
needed.

© FarmTek, Inc. [phone]
Preparation for Use
1) Attach each electric eye to a tripod. Place
Transmitter/Receiver pairs facing each other to
form start/stop lines between the eyes. The low-
est tripod height is generally best for timing ve-
hicles.
2) Turn the electric eyes ON. The power indicator
lamp on each unit should glow steadily. If the in-
dicator is blinking, the battery is low and should
be replaced.
3) Align the electric eyes. The opposing electric eye
should be directly in-line when sighting down ei-
ther line on top of the electric eye (left to right
alignment), and when sighting down the crack on
the side of the eye (up and down alignment).
4) Turn on the timer console at the timekeeper’s
table. The power switch is located at the upper
right corner of the timer.
5) The current event type is shown on the Status
Display . If AUTOCROSS is not displayed, select
the Autocross event as follows:
a) Press SETUP to access Setup functions.
b) Press ENTER to select a new event.
c) Press NEXT CHOICE several times until
AUTOCROSS is displayed.
d) Press ENTER to select Autocross.
6) Walk through each electric eye beam to force the
eyes to send a message to the timer console. This
makes the timer console update its electric eye
alignment indicators (see below).
Checking Eye Alignment
The bottom right corner of the Status Display
shows the alignment status of the electric eyes.
When the eyes are aligned, its number is displayed
(1 or 2). If not aligned, or if the beam is broken, “x”
is shown.
Alignment Display Shows
Eyes aligned Eye #
1 2
Eye #2 not aligned
(or beam broken) Eye #
1 X
Important! When setting up the electric eyes, take time to align the eyes as outlined above – even if the timer
indicates the eyes are aligned. This ensures a strong alignment instead of a possibly marginal alignment.

© FarmTek, Inc.
Timer Operation
Timer operation is virtually hands free. When the
start beam is broken, the timer sounds a single beep
and begins timing the vehicle. When the finish beam
is broken, the timer sounds a double beep and shows
the driver’s final time. Up to seven vehicles can be
on course at the same time.
Information about the cars on course is shown on the
timer’s two displays: The large numeric Time Dis-
play , and the two-line Status Display .
The Time Display shows either the running time of
the next car in line to finish, or the most recent finish
time. Finish times are held on the display for about
five seconds, after which, the display returns to
showing the running time of the next vehicle in line
to finish. The five second hold time can be adjusted,
see “Scoreboard Hold Time” later in this manual.
The first line on the Status Display shows the num-
ber of cars currently on course. When no cars remain
on course, the “Autocross” event name is displayed
instead.
The second line on the Status Display shows the
most recent finish time. This time is not removed
until another car crosses the finish line.
Number of vehicles on course
3 On Course
45.221 Eye # 1 2
Most recent finish time
Important Features
Accidental START Beam Break
If the start beam is accidentally broken, pressing the
CLEAR TIME button removes (“clears”) the most
recently started time. This is equivalent to the “Reset
Start” feature on other timers.
Accidental FI ISH Beam Break
If the finish beam is accidentally broken, pressing
the RESTART button resumes (“restarts”) timing as
if the timer had never been stopped. This is equiva-
lent to the “Reset Finish” feature on other timers.
Manual Stop (Vehicle does not Finish)
If a vehicle is not able to finish its run, care must be
taken to ensure times are not lost for the other vehi-
cles on course. When the vehicle would have been
the next to finish, press the black START/STOP
button to manually stop timing for that vehicle. (If
preferred, the NO TIME button performs the exact
same function.)
Manual Start
Pressing the black START/STOP button starts the
timer only if no other cars are on course. Once cars
are on course, the START/STOP button functions
only as a manual stop. If an “extra” car is on course
because the start beam failed to trigger, subsequent
cars can still be accurately timed by pressing the
RESTART button after the “extra” car crosses the
finish beam.
Locking Out The Electric Eyes
If you need to prevent a car from tripping the start or
finish beams, you can temporarily disable the elec-
tric eyes by pressing the EYES OFF button. " O "
is flashed over the electric eye alignment display
while the eyes are off. To re-enable the electric eyes,
press the EYES ON button.
Previous Time Recall
Use the PREV and NEXT keys to scan back and
forth through previous times. The previous time
display is removed after about ten seconds, or by
pressing any other key.

© FarmTek, Inc.
Helpful Hints – Electric Eyes
Optical Interference / Crosstalk
If the start and finish lines are along
the same side of the course (or even
close to being along the same line), be
sure to face the eyes in opposite direc-
tions as shown to the right. This pre-
vents the start electric eye from seeing
the finish electric eye, and vice-versa.
Protecting the Electric Eyes on Course
The optical range of the electric eyes is
over 150 feet. This means you can
place the electric eyes well off the
course to reduce the likelihood of be-
ing hit. If any sort of enclosure is built
over the electric eyes, do not use metal as this great-
ly reduces radio range.
Optical Interference from the Sun
When the electric eyes are setup with a very long
distance between them, a late afternoon sun shining
directly into the Photo-Receiver (the electric eye
with the antenna) can cause problems. A simple
remedy is to swap the electric eyes with each other
so that the sun shines into the face of the Photo-
Transmitter instead (the electric eye without the an-
tenna).
Electric Eye Ignore Period
To prevent accidental starts and stops, the electric
eyes are each ignored for about two seconds after a
vehicle passes through them. This allows time for
dust and debris to settle. If you have a special appli-
cation which needs a shorter or longer ignore period,
this can be adjusted with us over the phone.
Helpful Hints – Maximizing Radio Performance
The maximum radio range is 250 to 300 feet. This is
the distance from the electric eye with the antenna to
the timer console at the timer’s table (not the dis-
tance from the start line to the finish line).
As with any radio system, the shorter the radio dis-
tance, the better the system reliability. Consider this
when designing course layouts. If needed, external
antennas are available to substantially increase radio
range. Contact us for details.
Many factors affect radio performance. Here are
some common items to consider:
•Ensure the line-of-sight between the electric eyes
and the timer console is not obstructed by any
large metal objects or chain link fence. Verify
line-of-sight from down at the antenna’s level –
not just from your standing eye level.
•If the timer’s table is inside a trailer, motor-home,
etc., be sure the timer console has clear sight of
the electric eyes and the radio signal does not have
to shoot through metal walls to reach the timer.
•Position the timer console at least 2-3 feet from
major electronic equipment such as computers,
monitors, and the PA system.
•Raise the tripod with the electric eye as high as
practically possible. Radio range decreases sub-
stantially as the eye is positioned closer and closer
to the ground.
•External antennas are available to increase radio
range or to simply move the receiving antenna
outside of a window or obstruction. Contact us for
additional information.

© FarmTek, Inc.
Advanced Features
In addition to starting the timer with Eye #1 and
stopping the timer with Eye #2, the timer provides
other electric eye combinations. To select a different
electric eye combination:
1) Press SETUP to access Setup options.
2) Press NEXT CHOICE until Set Eye Usage is
displayed, then press ENTER.
3) Press NEXT CHOICE to scan through the avail-
able eye combinations and press ENTER when
the desired combination is displayed.
Note: An asterisk (*) is displayed next to the
currently active eye combination.
Timer Display Timer Action
Start #1, Stop #2Start with Eye #1, Stop
with Eye #2.
Start #2, Stop #1Start with Eye #2, Stop
with Eye #1.
Start #1, Stop #1Start and Stop with Eye #1
(a common start/finish line
allows just one vehicle on
course at a time).
Split Times
Up to two additional sets of electric eyes can be
added to measure split times. In Autocross mode
with multiple cars on course, split time information
is not displayed on the timer console or scoreboard.
Instead, split time data is only transmitted over the
computer interface. The software package can use
the data to compute and display the split times.
If you are only running a single car at a time, split
times can be displayed on the timer console and
scoreboard. To do this, use the “Sprint/General”
event instead of the Autocross event as follows:
1) Press SETUP to access Setup functions.
2) Press ENTER to select a new event.
3) Press NEXT CHOICE several times until
Sprint/General is displayed.
4) Press ENTER to select the Sprint/General
event.
By default, the Sprint/General event is set to start
with eye #1 and stop with eye #2 just like the Auto-
cross event. However, only one car can be on course
at a time. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Scoreboard Operation
The optional scoreboard adds excitement for partici-
pants and spectators. The scoreboard shows the
driver’s running time as the car approaches the fin-
ish, and then the final time once the finish line is
crossed. The driver’s time is shown for about five
seconds, after which, the scoreboard returns to
showing the running time of the next car.
Adjusting the Scoreboard Hold Time
The amount of time that a finish time remains on the
scoreboard is adjustable. Follow these steps to
change the scoreboard hold time:
1) Press SETUP to access Setup functions.
2) Press PREV CHOICE twice so Scorebd Op-
tions is displayed, then press ENTER.
3) Press NEXT CHOICE several times until Set
Hold Time is displayed, then press ENTER.
4) Press NEXT CHOICE until the desired hold
time is shown, then press ENTER.
Note: The scoreboard hold time also sets the amount
of time the numeric display on the timer console
shows each finish time.
Show Finish Times Only
To show only finish times without ever showing a
running time, choose Run Time O in the Score-
board Options menu (step 2 above). This setting
only affects the scoreboard – the timer console still
shows the running time after expiration of the score-
board hold time.
Connection to other Scoreboard Brands
The timer console can drive some other brands of
scoreboards. Not all features may be supported such
as running times or the wireless scoreboard inter-
face. Contact us for additional information.

© FarmTek, Inc.
Computer Interface
The optional computer interface cable provides a
connection between the timer console and a serial
port or USB port on a computer. We offer a simple
interface program that places times into the active
cell on a spreadsheet or similar program each time
the finish line is crossed.
To work with third-party software, the timer can
emulate the output of a variety of popular timers on
the market. This makes integration of the timer es-
pecially easy. Output options include models from
TAG Heuer (CP520, CP504, CP705), models from
RaceAmerica (AC4, T-Link), and models from JA-
Circuits (normal mode and chrono mode).
To choose an output option, follow these steps:
1) Press SETUP to access Setup options.
2) Press NEXT CHOICE until Inter ace Type is
displayed, then press ENTER.
3) Press NEXT CHOICE until the desired output
format (see details below) is displayed, then
press ENTER.
Standard Output
Choose this option to use the timer’s standard output
format. This format is required to use the timer inter-
face software we offer for placing times into a
spreadsheet or other Windows application. In this
mode, the timer transmits data only at the comple-
tion of each run.
TAG Heuer
Choose this option to emulate the output of common
TAG Heuer models like the CP520, CP504, and
CP705. The timer transmits both start and finish
beam breaks to the computer to support advanced
features in your software. When the Clear Time
(“Reset Start”) and Restart (“Reset Finish”) buttons
are pressed on the timer console, the equivalent
commands are sent over the interface to automati-
cally keep the timer and software in sync.
The start beam break is always sent as eye “1” and
the finish beam break is always sent as eye “2” even
if you have used the Eye Usage menu to swap the
start and finish eyes. This allows your software to
work properly without changes. Time data from split
eyes is sent as eye “3” and eye “4.”
JAC ormal
Choose this option to emulate the “normal” (not
chrono-mode) output of the JA-Circuits timer and
the RaceAmerica AC4 timer. Note: The timer emu-
lates newer versions of the AC4 that do not include a
start trigger. In AxWare, for example, uncheck the
“AC-4 with Start Trigger” option.
The timer transmits data only at the completion of
each run. When the Restart (“Reset Finish”) button
is pressed on the timer console, the equivalent com-
mand is sent over the interface (a time of all zeros).
JAC Chrono
Choose this option to emulate the output of the JA-
Circuits timer operating in “chrono-mode.” The tim-
er emulates the “reverse” chrono-mode of the newer
JA-Circuits timers. In AxWare, for example, check
the “ JAC Reverse Chrono ” and “ JAC Chrono
Timer Mode (Separate Start and Finsh) ” options to
properly support this interface.
The JAC Chrono mode is also compatible with the
“AxWrats” timer license in AxWare. When enabling
the timer in AxWare and the dialog box for testing
the AxWrats timer is displayed, click the “Exit” but-
ton to skip the timer test.
The timer transmits both start and finish beam
breaks to the computer to support advanced features
in your software. When the Clear Time (“Reset
Start) and Restart (“Reset Finish”) buttons are
pressed on the timer console, the equivalent com-
mands are sent over the interface to automatically
keep the timer and software in sync.
Note: For the AxWrats timer license, AxWare does
not support automatic Reset Start and Reset Finish
synchronization. This must be done manually on
both the timer and AxWare when required.
The start beam break is always sent as eye “A” and
the finish beam break is always sent as eye “B” even
if you have used the Eye Usage menu to swap the
start and finish eyes. This allows your software to
work properly without changes. Time data from split
eyes is sent as eye “C” and eye “D.”

© FarmTek, Inc.
Computer Interface (cont’d)
RA T-Link
Choose this option to emulate the output of the
RaceAmerica T-Link system. The timer console
emulates the T-Link “Z” unit. The timer transmits
both start and finish beam breaks to the computer to
support advanced features in your software. Note
that commands equivalent to the Clear Time (“Reset
Start) and Restart (“Reset Finish”) buttons are not
provided by the T-Link system or the emulation.
The start beam break is always sent as ID “A” and
the finish beam break is always sent as ID “B” even
if you have used the Eye Usage menu to swap the
start and finish eyes. This allows your software to
work properly without changes. Time data from split
eyes is sent as ID “C” and ID “D.” AxWare, for ex-
ample supports computation of split times from the
T-Link system as “Sector Timing.”
In addition to time data, the T-Link system also
sends battery and radio status to the computer. This
data is emulated by the timer console as follows:
Battery Strength: The timer console’s battery level
is provided under ID “Z.” The battery level of each
electric eye is reported as 50% unless the low bat-
tery light is flashing on the electric eye, then the
battery level reported is 10%.
Radio Strength: Radio signal strength data is not
collected by the timer console during normal opera-
tion. Therefore the timer reports simply reports 50%
signal strength at all times.
Pass-Through Mode
For the most flexibility, the timer console can be
placed into a pass-through mode in which the timer
does not display any timing information. Instead, the
timer console is a “black box” that simply passes
beam break information to the computer. To enter
pass-through mode, follow these steps:
1) Press SETUP to access Setup options.
2) Press NEXT CHOICE once until Passthru
Mode is displayed, then press ENTER.
The timer will restart in a new event called Time-
Stamp. This event directly passes all beam break
information to the computer in the interface format
chosen. Any of the interface types shown on the
previous page will work in pass-through mode ex-
cept for “JAC Normal.” The timer’s standard output
switches to a timestamp format when in the pass-
through mode. Contact us for additional information
about this format if needed.