Lynx FinishLynx Platinum User manual

FinishLynx PLATINUM Package Quick Start Guide - For Vision Cameras
1
FinishLynx Platinum package
Quick Start Guide
For EtherLynx Vision Cameras

FinishLynx PLATINUM Package Quick Start Guide - For Vision Cameras
2
Quick-Start Guide - FinishLynx Platinum Package Timing System
Verify that your FinishLynx Platinum Package contains the components pictured here. If not, or if you need help, call: [phone] - USA
Item
Description
ID
Item
Description
ID
EtherLynx Vision high sensitivity
Primary camera (x2)
5L500
Not Pictured
Video Display Module
VDM
Not pictured
Timing option embedded in
camera
5LTE
2 x C-Mount 8-48mm f1.2
Motorized Zoom Lens
C848M
Connection box cable
451
Normally closed start sensor with
light
3L400
Remote Positioner (x2)
2L102
100 ft. Ethernet cable
C10BT
25 ft. Ethernet cables (x4)
C10BT
500 ft. start sensor cable
3A100
Tripod (x3)
BG3036
IdentiLynx Full Frame Video
Camera kit
IdentiLynx
Geared Head (x2)
BG3275
8 port 10/100 Power over
Ethernet switch
PoE-Switch
Super Head Clamp (x2)
BG2909
Connection box
C-Box
Capture button and USB/Serial
adapter
1A205U
RadioLynx Transmitter and
Receiver (includes RadioLynx
start sensor (red case)
3L900
2 x Carrying case
1A207
Button splitter
B-SPL
Wired SeriaLynx
8L108
Sonic Wind Gauge with Tripod
and 50m cable
WG-Lynx
Lynx 84x168 Pixel LED Display
KLXLED084
x168
2x CS Mount 2.8-10mm P-Iris
lens
CS2810P
CS Mount to C Mount Adapter
MCS-C
Lynx USB Flash Drive with
FinishLynx32, LynxPad, and
Plugins
5LSW, 5LPRW
5LPACM
5LPNCP and
9LSW01
Be sure to keep your USB flash drive safe. It includes your Serial Numbers, Software, & Quick-Start Guides.
To access the files, insert the flash drive in your computer and click on START.html
Items not included
Laptop running Microsoft Windows. Your computer needs: two available USB ports, and one available Ethernet port.
Flathead screwdriver. (optional)
Step ladder and table. (optional)
Plumb bob and string. (optional)
Printer (optional).
Recommended: UPS –Uninterruptible Power Supply (Battery Backup)

FinishLynx PLATINUM Package Quick Start Guide - For Vision Cameras
3
Introduction
In this quick start guide, you will learn how to set up and configure the FinishLynx network. Set up the EtherLynx Vision cameras and
align them with the finish line using the remote positioners and remote lens, capture, evaluate, and print a FinishLynx image and
results, configure FinishLynx to work with the Portable LED Display, import a start list and export results of competitors that you have
created in LynxPad. For more answers to common questions, visit www.finishlynx.com/support
Step 1: Go to the Track
Bring your FinishLynx system (and an assistant) to the track.
Make sure there is power available for your computers and for
the Power-over-Ethernet switch. The EtherLynx Vision camera
and the IdentiLynx camera will receive their power via the
Ethernet data cables.
Set up a table near the finish line, ideally on the infield if power is
available. The finish line should have black lane markers painted
or taped on the finish. If not, we suggest you use black matte
tape to designate lane lines. This will help you align the camera
and get clearer images.
Step 2: Install the Software
A. FinishLynx
Install from the Lynx USB Flash Drive that came with your system
or download the latest version of FinishLynx at:
www.finishlynx.com/product/software/finishlynx-results-software/
Follow the instructions on your screen to install FinishLynx and
the RadioLynx (RL), Network Com Port (NCP), and Auto-Capture
Mode (ACM) plug-ins. When prompted, enter the serial numbers
from your flash drive.
1. Start FinishLynx by clicking the Windows Start button and
selecting All Programs | FinishLynx.
2. Verify that you have correctly installed the RL, NCP, and
ACM plug-ins by clicking Help from the Menu bar and
selecting About…. When the About FinishLynx window
appears, the NCP, ACM, and RL plug-ins are listed with the
serial numbers you entered during installation.
B. LynxPad
Install using the Lynx USB Flash Drive or download the latest
version of LynxPad at:
www.finishlynx.com/product/event-management/lynxpad/
Follow the instructions on your screen to install LynxPad. When
prompted, enter the serial number found on your Lynx USB Flash
Drive.
NOTE: You should right-click on the installer and select Run as
Administrator to install LynxPad. If you do not, you will not be
able to print from LynxPad.
Step 3: Evaluate a Sample Image
1. Start FinishLynx. Click File |Open….
2. Double-click Sprint.evn to open the sample event.
3. Click once on the torso of a competitor on the left side of the
screen. A red hairline appears. You can click and hold the
red crosshair, and drag it up or down to the correct lane
number on the left side of your screen.
4. Press Enter on your computer. The finisher’s time appears
in the start list above the image.
5. Repeat these steps for all competitors on the screen. You
have just successfully evaluated a race in FinishLynx.
6. Click File | Close Window. If you want to reuse the image
later for practice evaluation, click No when asked to save
your changes. Close FinishLynx.
Step 4: Configure the network for Windows 10
Follow the instructions on the Windows 10 Networking QSG.

FinishLynx PLATINUM Package Quick Start Guide - For Vision Cameras
4
Step 5: Set up the Primary Camera and Tripod
Set up the tripod in line with the finish line, preferably on the
infield and approximately 15 feet back.
NOTE: Minimum recommended camera distance from track is 12
feet (at this distance you may not be able to see the feet of the
athlete in Lane 1. Being able to see the feet is not a requirement
for accurate timing on the torso of the athlete). If you need to be
closer than this, you may have to use the optional 2.8-10mm
lens supplied with your Platinum Package. (See last page of
QSG for these lens instructions)
1. Extend the tripod legs so the geared head is approximately
7 ft high.
2. On the near side of the finish line, hold a plumb bob so that
it is suspended directly above the middle of the finish line.
This is the plumb line, shown as a in the image below.
3. Tie string to the screw on the top of the tripod head. Have
your assistant take the other end of the string to the far side
of the finish line and hold the string taught. This is the sight
line, shown as bin the image below.
4. Move the tripod to the left or right until the plumb line and
sight line touch at position Cin the image below. The tripod
is now in the plane of the finish line.
Step 6: Set up the Reverse Angle Camera and Tripod
1. Repeat instructions above for Secondary Camera on the opposite side of the track
Step 7: Attach the cameras to the tripods
NOTE: Primary camera is marked TIMING ENABLED on
camera ID plate on base of camera.
1. Secure the remote positioner to the camera bottom by
turning the black handled thumbscrew. Make sure the
FinishLynx label faces in the same direction as the camera
lens will face.
Note: Cables omitted for clarity and actual lens may vary from model shown
2. Connect the cable that comes with the remote positioner to
the port on the positioner and the port on the back of the
camera labeled Remote.
3. Connect the cable on the remote lens to the remaining serial
port on the remote positioner.
4. Secure the geared head to the top of the tripod.
5. Note how the mounting plate is attached to the top of the
geared head. Then pull back on the lever at the top of the
geared head to release the mounting plate.
6. Tighten the mounting plate to the bottom of the remote
positioner by turning the screw with a flathead screwdriver.
Make sure the Lens marking on the bottom of the plate is
facing the front of the remote positioner (where the Lynx
label is affixed).
7. Attach the camera with the remote positioner and mounting
plate to the tripod by clicking the mounting plate into place
on the geared head.
8. With the camera lens lined up with and facing the finish line,
make minor adjustments to the tripod legs so both bubbles
on the tripod are centered.
9. Turn the black knob on the geared head that controls the tilt
of the camera so that it is at about a 30 degree angle to the
ground.
10. Repeat this process for the second EtherLynx Vision
camera.
Sight Line
Plumb Line

FinishLynx PLATINUM Package Quick Start Guide - For Vision Cameras
5
Step 8: Connect the Cables to your Cameras
AC
EtherLynx Vision
Primary Camera
Connection Box Sensor
DB 15 Cable
XLR
Capture
Button
Cat 5 Ethernet
IdentiLynx
Camera
Cat 5 Ethernet
AC
PoE
Switch
USB Button Splitter
EtherLynx Vision
Reverse Camera
Cat 5 Ethernet
Cat 5 Ethernet
Primary camera (Marked TIMING ENABLED on camera ID
plate on base of camera)
1. Connect an Ethernet cable to the network connection on
your computer and the other end to a port on the Power
over Ethernet switch
2. Connect an Ethernet cable between the back of the Primary
camera labeled POE 10/100/1000 and a port on the Power
over Ethernet switch.
3. Turn on the camera by pressing and holding the white
power button on the back.
Step 9: Align the Primary Camera
NOTE: The EtherLynx Vision camera can be aligned using either
1-D mode or 2-D EasyAlign mode. We recommend using
EasyAlign. If you are using an older model EtherLynx camera,
however, it must be aligned using classic 1-D mode.
NOTE: If running a wireless Ethernet card on your
computer, we recommend that you disable it before starting
FinishLynx and while the camera is booting.
Start FinishLynx. Wait while the green status bar in the lower
right corner of the screen completes its cycle. After this is
complete, repeat Step 8 parts 3-5 to connect, power, and boot
the reverse angle camera. Allow the green status bar to
complete its cycle.
Align Camera in EasyAlign 2-D Video Mode
1. Activate EasyAlign by clicking on the 2-D Align Icon in
the top left-hand corner of the FinishLynx Hardware
Control screen.
2. The icon turns green and the 2-D video viewer appears
within the software. The 2-D viewer makes it easy to see
how your camera is aligned on the finish. The goal is to
align the green vertical line on the painted white finish
line and near its front edge.
3. Adjust Remote Lens/Positioner Controls –Adjust the
remote lens/position controls on the right of the FinishLynx
hardware control screen.
Center Remote Camera Positioner
Click to center the camera automatically using the remote
positioner.
Remote Camera Tilt, Pan & Swivel
Use the remote Tilt, Pan, and Swivel buttons to adjust the
orientation of the camera on the finish.
You want to ensure the green vertical line is perfectly aligned on
the white finish line, and that all lanes are visible in the viewer.
Tilt
Pan
Swivel
Have your assistant run through the finish line and watch where
they appear on the computer monitor. The goal is for the
runner’s torso to be fully visible in both the inside and outside
lanes. Once the camera's position is correct, you can optimize
the remote lens settings.
Remote Iris (adjusts amount of light in lens)
Enable the Auto-Iris feature to allow the software to remotely and
automatically adjust the camera iris as the lighting changes:
a. Access the Camera Settings .
b. Under the Parameters tab, set Gain Method: to AGC.
c. Check Auto-Iris. Click Ok. The iris will now open or close to
maintain the AGC Parameters.

FinishLynx PLATINUM Package Quick Start Guide - For Vision Cameras
6
Remote Focus (adjusts near/far image focus)
1. Click and hold and on the keypad on the right of
the FinishLynx screen until the image becomes crisp. Start
by focusing on the far lane and adjust until all lanes are in
focus. Ensure that athletes in all lanes (near and far) are in
focus.
2. Once the camera appears to be aligned, click the green
alignment icon to close 2-D alignment, then click the
red 1-D alignment icon .
You will know when your camera is aligned on the finish line
because the 1-D image will be primarily white. See image
below for proper 1-D alignment.
If you followed the steps closely in 2-D align, the camera
should already be aligned in 1-D mode as well. The 1-D
image should look similar to the following screen capture:
Step 10: Align the Reverse Angle Camera
1. Repeat Step 1: above for the non-timing Reverse Angle Camera.
Step 11: Mount & Install IdentiLynx camera
Follow the instructions on the IdentiLynx Quick Start Guide
Step 12: Setup RadioLynx wireless start
Follow the instructions on the Internal RadioLynx Quick Start Guide
Step 13: Connect Scoreboard
Follow the instructions on the Portable LED Display Quick Start Guide
Step 14: Automatic Capture Module (ACM) Setup and Operation
A. Using ACM to Stop Running Time
The following information will help to set up the ACM feature for
automatically capturing the athletes as they cross the finish line.
1. In the Hardware Control window, click Camera Settings
.
2. Navigate to the Capture tab, set Capture Method to
Automatic, and uncheck Manual.
B. Using ACM to Stop Running Time
The following information will help to set up the ACM feature for
stopping or pausing the running time with each race.
1. In Camera Settings, navigate to the Inputs tab and set
Photo Eye to Internal.
2. Click OK to close the Camera Settings.
3. Go to Scoreboard |Options and set the Offset to 0.03.
C. Manually Control ACM
1. Click File |New to create a new blank event, or click the
Create New Blank Event button in the upper left.
2. In the Event Window, make sure there is an Afor Armed
and Sfor Scoreboard, and it says Armed to the right of the
race clock. (When using ACM, the C for capture will not
show until capture is enabled).
3. Create a start for the event and confirm that the running time
is showing on the Portable LED display.
4. Click the Capture icon to enable capture, then hit the
Alt +Fkeys and it will say Finishing to the right of the race
clock (click Scoreboard for shortcut keys).
5. Have someone run through the finish line. The camera
should capture image, and the running time should stop and
display the time to the hundredths.
6. As you evaluate the image, the results should populate and
page on the Portable LED Display.
NOTE: In multi-lap races, you can use Alt +Pto pause the
running time as competitors pass in front of the camera.
D. Automatic ACM Setting
NOTE: Autobreak settings will occur automatically for every race,
so play with your settings to make sure it fits the way you want to
handle each race, even multi-lap races.
1. Go to Scoreboard |Options.
2. Under Running Time: on the third line is Autobreak. These
settings allow it to occur automatically.
3. Checking Finish will cause the running time to stop when
capture is enabled and the competitors cross the finish line.
4. Checking Pause will cause the running time to pause each
time competitors cross the finish line in multi-lap races when
capture is enabled.

FinishLynx PLATINUM Package Quick Start Guide - For Vision Cameras
7
Step 15: Create a Competition Directory for FinishLynx and LynxPad to Share
1. Follow the instructions on the Windows 10 Networking QSG.
2. In FinishLynx, click File | Options |Event. Click the
Browse button next to the Event Directory:text field and
navigate to the directory you created in Step 4. Click Ok.
3. Open the LynxPad software.
4. Click File | Options…and uncheck the Load Existing
Results on Program Start box. Click Ok.
5. Open the sample competition by clicking File | Open.
Navigate to C:\LynxPadData\Sample and then double-click
the lynx.cmp file. A practice competition opens on the
screen.
6. Still in LynxPad, click File | Options…. Click the Browse
button next to the Directory: text field. Navigate to the
directory you created earlier. Select it and click Ok. Click
Apply and then click Ok again.
7. Still in LynxPad, click File | Save as…and navigate to a
location you wish to save the LynxPad data. Click Ok. Now,
FinishLynx can get start lists created in LynxPad, and
LynxPad can import results generated by FinishLynx.
Step 16: Use FinishLynx with LynxPad Data
1. In FinishLynx, click to load the schedule of events from
LynxPad. The Go To Event dialog appears.
2. Click Load Schedule once and then expand the drop-down
list; a list of events appears. Select the 110 Meter Hurdles
Men (9, 3, 1) event in the list, and then click Ok. The first
heat of the third round of the men’s 110m hurdles opens on
the FinishLynx screen.
3. Either use a starting gun or tap the end of the sensor with
your hand –this simulates the firing of the starting gun and
starts the yellow FinishLynx timer.
4. Toggle the Capture by clicking the button next to the yellow
timer , and then have your assistant run through the
finish line.
5. Practice evaluating the image by following the same steps
you followed earlier in Step 3:
6. Click File | Save to save the race to the Practice
competition directory.
7. (Optional) Print the results and a portion of the FinishLynx
image by right-clicking on the image and drawing a box
around the portion you want to appear in your printout. For
example, the first place finisher or a close finish between
two competitors. Click Ok and then select the printer from
the Print dialog to send the image with results to the printer.
8. Click File | Close Window and then click Yes to save
changes you made to the FinishLynx image when you
cropped it.
9. In LynxPad, click to highlight Men 110 Meter Hurdles in the
Events window. The start list appears in the Heats window.
10. Still in LynxPad, click Competition | Refresh All Results.
The results from the race you just evaluated appear in
LynxPad.
NOTE: If you plan on using the same directory for each
meet, it is recommended that you move all of the contents
to another directory prior to the start of the next meet. This
will archive your files in case you need them for results
verification, as well as keep the main directory from
becoming cluttered.
Optional: Using the 2.8-10mm P-Iris Lens
First, connect the lens cable to the Remote serial port on the
back of the camera. Then, configure your camera settings to
use the 2.8-10mm P-Iris lens: in FinishLynx, access the
camera settings by clicking . Under the Setup tab,
locate the Iris Type: setting and select the P-Iris radio
button. Click Ok.
Remotely adjust lens aperture to control the amount of
light in the lens. If your picture looks too white or washed
out, use the Close Iris button in FinishLynx to let less
light in. Likewise, if your picture looks too dark, use the
Open Iris button in FinishLynx to let more light in. To
enable the Auto Iris feature: click | Parameters tab;
check Auto Iris, and then click OK. FinishLynx will now
automatically remotely open and close the iris depending on
the amount of light.
Note: By default, the iris will be in the closed position, so it
is normal for the image in FinishLynx to be very dark or
black at first, until you open the iris.
Manually adjust lens focus and zoom rings.This lens is a
varifocal lens, meaning it will not stay in focus when you
change the zoom. This step will require some fine tuning to
Zoom Adjuster
Focus Adjuster

FinishLynx PLATINUM Package Quick Start Guide - For Vision Cameras
8
get the proper zoom and focus in order to achieve a good
image.
4. Once the camera appears to be aligned, click the green
alignment icon to close 2D alignment and then click on
the red 1-D alignment icon . You will know when your
camera is aligned on the finish line because the 1-D image
will be primarily white. See image below for proper 1-D
alignment.
If you followed the steps closely in 2-D align, the camera
should already be aligned in 1-D mode as well. The 1-D
image should look similar to the following screen capture:
Note: If your picture looks washed out by too much light, turn the
aperture ring to a higher f-number to let less light in.
5. Have your assistant run through the finish line and watch
where they appear on the computer monitor. The goal is for
the runner’s torso to be fully visible in both the inside and
outside lanes. Now, have your assistant run through the
inner-most and outer-most lanes. Adjust the tilt of the
camera until they are clearly visible on both ends of the
finish line.
Note: It may be necessary to move the camera further back
from the track if you cannot see all lanes in the image.
Tilt
Pan
Swivel
6. After the image on the computer shows a white background
and black lane lines and your assistant appears in the inner
and outer-most lanes, adjust the camera lens focus ring
again until all lanes appear crisp and in focus.
This completes the FinishLynx PLATINUM Package Quick Start Guide.
Looking for more resources? Visit our YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/finishlynx) for setup and
support videos.