RaceAmerica 5830 User manual

Wireless Speed Trap
RaceAmerica Corporation
P.O. Box 3469
Santa Clara, CA 95055-3469
[phone]
http://www.raceamerica.com
[email protected]
Copyright 2013 RaceAmerica Corporation
Rev E
Model 5830/6530DW/6830DW
The Leader in Event Critical Timing Electronics

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RaceAmerica 5830 Wireless Speed Trap
Table of Contents
LIMITED WARRANTY .....................................................................................................................3
PRODUCT OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................4
PACKAGE COMPONENTS ..............................................................................................................4
LOCAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................4
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS - 5830C ...........................................................................................4
AVAILABLE OPTIONS ......................................................................................................................4
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS - 6X60DW ......................................................................................4
SPEED TRAP SETUP .........................................................................................................................5
TYPICAL TRACK SETUP .................................................................................................................6
USING 6X30DW DIGITAL DISPLAY ..............................................................................................6
6X30DW DIP SWITCH DEFINITIONS ...........................................................................................6
Display Hold Time .........................................................................................................................6
Display as Master or Slave ............................................................................................................7
Diagnostic Modes ...........................................................................................................................7
USING PC CAPTURE SOFTWARE .................................................................................................7
OPERATION ........................................................................................................................................7
USING SPARE T-LINKS ....................................................................................................................8
BATTERY CHARGE ..........................................................................................................................8
TECHNICAL DETAILS .....................................................................................................................8
Connection to a PC or Timer ........................................................................................................8
Data String Protocol ......................................................................................................................8
MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................................................8
SPARE PARTS .....................................................................................................................................9
SUPPORT AGREEMENTS ................................................................................................................9
01/08/13

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RaceAmerica 5830 Wireless Speed Trap
LIMITED WARRANTY
To the original purchaser of this RaceAmerica product, RaceAmerica warrants it to be in good work-
ing order for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from RaceAmerica or an authorized
RaceAmerica distributor. Should this product malfunction during the warranty period, RaceAmerica
will, at its option, repair or replace it at no charge, provided the product has not been subjected to mis-
use, abuse, or alterations, modifications, and/or repairs not authorized by RaceAmerica.
Any product requiring Limited Warranty service during the warranty period should be returned
to RaceAmerica with proof of purchase. If return of merchandise is by mail, the customer agrees to
insure the product, prepay shipping charges , and ship the product to RaceAmerica, Inc., 280 Martin
Avenue Unit 1, Santa Clara, CA 95050.
ALL EXPRESSED AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES FOR THIS PRODUCT ARE LIMITED IN
DURATION TO THE ABOVE NINETY DAY PERIOD.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL RACEAMERICA BE LIABLE TO THE USER FOR
DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS, OR OTHER INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF, OR INABILITY TO USE,
SUCH PRODUCT.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE
OTHER RIGHTS WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
RACEAMERICA
Timing Systems
™

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RaceAmerica 5830 Wireless Speed Trap
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The Wireless Speed Trap replaces track cables
normally used to connect track sensors to the
timing system. Model 5830 T-Link units manage
the speed detection based on the trap length. The
results are sent wirelessly to a Digital Display
(available in 5/8/15/24 inch digits) and/or a PC.
The wireless T-Link units operate over a wide
range of conditions. Optimal conditions are line
of sight between sending and receiving units and
six feet of ground clearance. Range can exceed
one mile. High gain antennas can be utilized for
greater distances or noisy environments.
The speed trap can be activated from either direc-
tion; an automatic reset function occurs if both
beams are not tripped within four seconds.
Diagnostics such as Beam alignment, RF signal
integrity, and Battery Level are available from the
display or PC.
PACKAGE COMPONENTS
Each Speed Trap package includes:
1 - 5830C T-Link Wireless Speed Trap Unit
ID ‘C’
2 - IR Beam Emitters (5040)
2 - IR Track Sensors (5140)
1 - Track Sensor Cable - 66ft trap (06-5830)
1 - Owners Manual
LOCAL REQUIREMENTS
6530DW or 6830DW Digital Display and/or PC
(with T-Link (ID ’Z’) and 3123A Data Capture
software) to collect and display results.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Model 5830 T-Link
Frequency 900MHz band
Internal Battery 12VDC
T-Port Connections
ID ‘C’ Track Sensors
ID ‘Z’ PC
Connection Type RJ-45 Modular
Max Operating Range -20ºF to 120ºF
Battery Life 24 hours
Minimum Speed 10ft Trap 1.70 MPH
66ft Trap 11.25 MPH
AVAILABLE OPTIONS
5890A Battery Charger
06-TL02 Cable T-Link to PC 25ft
6070B Blow Molded sensor case (2 ea)
6038P - Printer (connects to PC)
7540 Foam Stands (for emitters & sensors)
06-58ST Spare Reconfigure Jumper Kit
06-5810 Optional 10ft speed trap cable
High gain antenna - increase range to miles
7606 Suspension Arm Stand (for displays)
Since Large Digital Displays will often be used
with the Wireless Speed Trap, specifications are
summerized below:
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 6530DW
Display Type: 7-Segment
Digit Height: Five Inch Tall
Number of digits: Six
Dimensions: 11.5” x 27.6” x 3”
Mounting: Top 3/16” Eyelets - 22”c
Housing: Powder coated aluminum
View Filter: Red Transparent acrylic
View Range: 200’ in full sun
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 6830DW
Display Type: 7-Segment
Digit Height: Eight Inch Tall
Number of digits: Six
Dimensions: 14-1/4” x 46-3/4” x 3”
Mounting: Top 1/4” Eyelets - 30” c
Housing: Powder coated aluminum
View Filter: Red Transparent acrylic
View Range: 320’ in full sun
5/8/15 inch displays are powered by 12VDC .
5/8 inch are available with an optional internal
rechargeable battery. 24 inch requires 25VDC.

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RaceAmerica 5830 Wireless Speed Trap
SPEED TRAP SETUP
Each Speed Trap T-Link unit is configured
with a unique ID code and a wireless optimizer
code. These codes are listed on the identity label
located on the bottom of the T-Link unit. Valid
T-Link ID codes are ‘C’ for Trap sensors and ‘Z’
for scoreboard and PC interfaces.. The wireless
optimizer code is also listed on the identity
label. The optimizer code identifies wireless
communications optimization and compatibility
with other T-Link units.
Install the antennas on all T-Link units. If the
antenna is to be bent down for transport, loosen
the antenna slightly and rotate the upper portion of
the antenna into position. Hold the upper portion
of the antenna while tightening the knurled area
on the bottom portion of the antenna.
Position the T-Link unit with ID ‘C’ at the
speed trap with the cable extended between the
Speed and Finish sensors as shown in the diagram.
Plug the Speed Trap into the T-Port connector on
the 5830C T-Link unit.
NOTE: It is very important to set-up the speed
trap electronics at exactly the designated spacing
and in a perfect rectangle to make sure optimal
accuracy will be attained. Positioning the infra
red beams about six inches off the ground will
minimize false trips.
Power on the T-Link (ID ‘C’). The right LED
will illuminate immediately. If the SPEED
sensor is not aligned with the beam emitter, the
left LED will be OFF; if the FINISH sensor is
not aligned, the left LED will be ON. When both
sensors are aligned, the left LED will blink at a
regular interval (the ‘heart beat’) indicating proper
operation. If the left LED blinks ON solid or OFF
solid, the track sensor is out of alignment. Utilize
the alignment functions included with the large
display to monitor alignment.
For initial alignment, start with both beams
out of alignment (LED ON). The LED will go
out when the finish beam is in alignment; once the
finish beam is aligned, the LED will pulse when
the Speed beam is aligned.
Figure 1 - T-Link power and external connections
Power On/RF Transmit
ON - Power ON
Blink - Transmit
RF Receive Status
Blink - Receive
Align Status
Pulsing - Aligned
OFF - Speed NOT aligned
ON - Finish NOT aligned

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RaceAmerica 5830 Wireless Speed Trap
TYPICAL SPEED TRAP SETUP
Model 5830C Wireless Speed Trap can be operated with either a Large Display or a PC or
both. 15/24 inch models are only five digits.
The wireless speed trap requires either a digital
display or a PC with data capture software to
publish the speed trap results. Either method will
utilize a T-Link ID ‘Z’ unit (internal to the display
or external to the PC - see page 6).
USING 6X30D DIGITAL DISPLAYS
A 6X30DW Digital Display will receive the
data to its internal ID’Z’ unit and display the speed.
Use the DIP switches to set the speed trap length,
display alignment status, display the RF signal
integrity and set the display hold time when a
speed is displayed.
DIP SWITCH DEFINITIONS
The 6X30 can operate in different modes
dependent upon the DIP switch settings. The 8
DIP switches located on the back of the Large
Display are numbered from 1 to 8 and can be
switched ON or OFF. The ON position is indicated
on the switch itself. Each switch function and
setting are discussed below.
Display Hold Time
Switches 4 and 5 determine the length of time
to display the speed before clearing the display.
When race results are displayed, the display will
continue to display the results for the set time. If
the display is sent new race results prior to the set
time expiring, the display will be updated with the
new results and the display hold time timer is reset
to the set time.
Display Hold Time 4 5
15 seconds ON ON
30 seconds ON OFF
45 seconds OFF ON
60 seconds OFF OFF
45232B or

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RaceAmerica 5830 Wireless Speed Trap
Display as Master or Slave
Switch number 3 determines whether the
6X30DW is used in conjunction with a PC. When
using the Display without a PC, it functions as
a Master; when using the Display with a PC, it
functions as a Slave. Multiple Slave Displays can
exist in the race area.
Display - Master/Slave 3
Master ON
Slave OFF
Speed Trap Length
Switch number 6 determines whether race
results are displayed based on a 10 foot or a 66
foot speed trap.
Speed Trap Length 6
10 foot OFF
66 foot ON
The minimum speeds that can be recorded are
1.7 MPH for the 10ft trap and 11.25 MPH for the
66ft trap.
Diagnostic mode
Switch number 1 enables and disables the
diagnostic capabilities of the Large Display.
When enabled, the Large Display receives data
and displays error codes when invalid data has
been received. The following table is used to set
switch number 1 to enable/disable the diagnostic
feature:
Diagnostic Mode 1
Disabled ON
Enabled OFF
NOTE: IF SWITCH NUMBER 1 IS SET TO
THE ‘OFF’ DURING THE POWER UP SELF-
TEST, THE DISPLAY WILL CONTINUOUSLY
LOOP ON THE SELF-TEST UNTIL SWITCH
NUMBER 1 IS SET TO THE ‘ON’ POSITION.
The Display also has two diagnostic modes.
Alignment Mode - set DIP switches 1,4, 5 & 6 to
the OFF position; turn on power and the display
will show #S--F# where S is Start, F is Finish
and the adjacent # is a number. Alignment is
accomplished when the numbers stop counting.
Five digit models have only one center dash.
RF Integrity/Battery Level Mode - set DIP
switches 1, 4 & 5 OFF, switch 6 ON; turn on
power and the display will show -rF_b- where rF
integrity is displayed by the digit to the left and
b indicates the battery level for the ID ‘C’ Speed
Trap T-Link unit is the digit to the right. In both
cases, a dash (-) indicates 100%, ‘9’ indicates 90%,
‘8’ indicates 80% and so on. The system should
operate well at ‘7’ or above for both parameters.
USING PC CAPTURE SOFTWARE
Locate the T-Link unit identified as ID ‘Z’.
Locate the T-Port connector on the back of the
T-Link unit. Connect this T-Port to a 9-pin serial
PC port using the 06-TL02 data communications
cable. Power on ID ‘Z’ and observe the right LED
illuminates and blinks off, then on very quickly
appearing as a flicker. If ID ‘Z’ is the only T-Link
powered on, no other LEDs will illuminate. When
other T-Links are powered on, the center LED
will flash when a wireless signal is received from
another T-Link unit. The left LED will flash very
quickly indicating ID ‘Z’ is receiving a good signal
from other T-Links.
Install the PC Capture Software, configure the
software for the PC COM port receiving the data;
use the software ‘Help’ sections as required.
OPERATION
When the speed trap is set up and aligned
with either a Large Display or PC to capture data,
it is time to make a pass. The vehicle can pass
through the speed trap in either direction. As the
vehicle breaks the first beam, a ‘_’ dash appears
in the first position indicating a sensor trip. Five
digit models display a’*’ dot between the second

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RaceAmerica 5830 Wireless Speed Trap
and third digits
The system allows four seconds (4 sec) to
complete the pass before resetting; if both beams
have not been broken, the dash will disappear after
four seconds and reset the trap. Upon completion
of the pass, the speed will show on the display
(_XXX.XX) and/or the PC.
After each pass, the trap is locked out for
nine seconds to allow dirt and dust to settle. The
dash turns OFF when the trap is reset for the next
pass. New data will update the display with each
successful pass.
BATTERY CHARGE
Charge the batteries using the external charger
unit provided by RaceAmerica. All functional
electronics are disabled during battery recharge
to avoid damage. Typically battery charging will
take 12 hours. The charger indicator LED will turn
from red to green when charging is complete.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Connection to a PC or Timer:
The T-Port is a RJ45 connector with 8
conductors. Viewing the T-Port, pin 1 is on the left
side and pin 8 is on the right side of the connector.
For RS232 serial data communications, pin two is
ground and pin one is data sent from the T-Link
unit. All other pins should not be connected to
avoid damage to the T-Link unit.
Data String Protocol:
Data strings are sent from the ID Z T-Link
unit to provide timing timestamps from each
track sensor, battery charge level in each T-Link
unit, and RF Data Integrity level of the wireless
communications between the T-Link units. The
data strings are always terminated by a ‘carriage
return’ (cr) character and are 11 characters in total
length.
<id> is the ID code of the T-Link - A thru G and
Z are valid
<timestamp> is a 9-digit number for timing use
<error code> is a single digit number explained
under Error Codes
<rev level> is a 3-digit number of the Revision
Code of the T-Link
<batC> is a single digit number of the Battery
Charge Level of a T-Link unit
<rfC> is a single digit number of the RF
Integrity Level of a T-Link unit
<id> <timestamp> cr
ZB 00 <batC> 0000 <batZ> cr
ZW 00 <rfC> 00000 cr
<id> E <error code> 0000000 cr
<id> R <rev level> 00000 cr
All error messages are real time during
normal operation with different levels of urgency.
Errors E1, E3, and E5 indicate local interference
effecting the wireless communications or loss of
signal. These are error messages to alert the user
of intermittent interference and do not effect the
accuracy of the timing system unless the error codes
continue for more than 10 seconds of operation.
Errors E2 and E4 also indicate local interference
effecting the wireless communications or loss of
signal unless these error codes are preceded by 10
seconds of continuous error codes.
MAINTENANCE
To insure uninterrupted operation on race day,
it is suggested to keep track of battery usage hours
so as to have fully charged batteries. To maintain
the highest level of timing accuracy and minimize
false trips, annual preventive maintenance and
calibration should be performed on all system track
sensors and beam emitter units.

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RaceAmerica 5830 Wireless Speed Trap
SPARE PARTS
Further to minimize race program interruptions,
RaceAmerica recommends some spare parts. A
spare emitter/sensor pair should be available in the
event of an unfortunate accident during a program.
Contact RaceAmerica for availability and pricing
of spares items.
SUPPORT AGREEMENTS
Support agreements are available from
RaceAmerica providing Telephone Assistance on
technical issues and operational questions, repair
and/or replacement of hardware failures, Software
and Firmware updates and bug reporting, and
Annual Preventive Maintenance on all system
track sensors and beam emitter units. Contact
RaceAmerica for more information and pricing
of Support Agreements.

10
RaceAmerica 5830 Wireless Speed Trap
This assembly instruction is intended for use with
six digit eight inch digital displays.
7606B Stand Kit Contents
2 - Suspension Stand Arms with ‘J’ hooks
1 - Pipe Flange
2 - 20 in pipe sections
1 - Pipe union
1 - Base Plate with Pipe Flange
2 - 1/4-20 bolts with wing nuts
Assembly
1) Assemble the suspension arms with the
pipe flange and 1/4-20 bolts at most extreme angle
setting. Orient flange and ‘J’ hooks down.
2) Connect the two pipe sections with the
coupling and screw into the base plate flange to
assemble the post.
3) Carefully screw the suspension arm
assembly onto the post. Align such that arms will
suspend the display over the center of the base
plate on the diagonal for maximum stability.
4) Hang the display on the ‘J’ hooks; some
droop is normal; the display will swing in the
wind.
Additional Stability - (if required)
1) Place a weight onto the base plate or
stake it into the ground.
DISPLAY STAND ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Pipe Union
Base Plate
Assembled Suspension Stand
Pipe section
Suspension Arms
Flange and Arms
assembly detail