RaceAmerica 5843AW User manual

Wireless Speed Trap
RaceAmerica Corporation
105 Bonaventura Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
[phone]
www.raceamerica.com
[email protected]
Copyright 2021 RaceAmerica Corporation
Rev A
Models 5843AW/5843AZ
with 6430/6630/6830 LED Speed Displays

2
RaceAmerica 5843 Wireless Speed Trap
Table of Contents
PRODUCT INFORMATION LINKS................................................................................................3
PRODUCT OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................4
PACKAGE COMPONENTS ..............................................................................................................4
LOCAL REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................................4
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS - T-LINKS .....................................................................................4
AVAILABLE OPTIONS......................................................................................................................4
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS - DISPLAYS ..................................................................................4
SPEED TRAP SETUP .........................................................................................................................5
TYPICAL TRACK SETUP.................................................................................................................6
USING 6X30 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.................................................................................................................................9
SPARE PARTS .....................................................................................................................................9
SUPPORT AGREEMENTS................................................................................................................9

3
RaceAmerica 5843 Wireless Speed Trap
PRODUCT INFORMATION LINKS
RaceAmerica Website www.raceamerica.com
RaceAmerica Online Store store.raceamerica.com
Raceamerica Online Forum www.raceamerica.com/forum
Product Warranty www.raceamerica.com/legal.html
Service & Repairs www.raceamerica.com/service.html
Technical Assistance www.raceamerica.com/techcall.html
Owner’s Manuals www.raceamerica.com/prodpdf.html
Mounting Diagrams www.raceamerica.com/mountpdf.html
Product Catalog www.raceamerica.com/catalog.html

4
RaceAmerica 5843 Wireless Speed Trap
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The Wireless Speed Trap replaces track cables
normally used to connect track sensors to the
timing system. Model 5843 T-Link3 units manage
the speed detection based on the trap length. The
results are sent wirelessly to a Digital Display
and/or a PC.
The wireless T-Link3 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 - 5843 T-Link3 Wireless Speed Trap Unit
2 - IR Beam Emitters (5040)
2 - IR Track Sensors (5140)
1 - Track Sensor Cable - 66ft trap (06-5830)
1 - Owners Manual
LOCAL REQUIREMENTS
6830DW or 6830DZ Digital Display and/or PC
(with 4520BUSPD and 3123A Data Capture soft-
ware) to collect and display results.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Model 5843 T-Link3
Frequency (AW) 900MHz band
Frequency (AZ) 2.4GHz band
External Battery pn 55-E670
T-Port Connections
ID ‘C’ Track Sensors
Connection Type RJ-45 Modular
Max Operating Range -20ºF to 120ºF (Display)
0ºF to 120ºF (T-Link2)
Battery Life 24 hours
Minimum Speed 132ft Trap 22.50 MPH
66ft Trap 11.25 MPH
AVAILABLE OPTIONS
5500 USB Battery Pack Charger
06-TL02 Cable T-Link3 to PC 25ft
6070B Blow Molded sensor case (2 ea)
6038P - Printer (connects to PC)
7540 Foam Stands (for emitters & sensors)
06-58T3 Spare Recongure Jumper Kit
04-0151 Optional 132ft speed trap cable
High gain antenna - increase range to miles
Since Large Digital Displays will often be used
with the Wireless Speed Trap, specications are
summerized below:
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 6830
Display Type: Red LED 7-Segment
Digit Height: 8in/20cm Inch Tall
Wireless Frequency: 900MHz
Dimensions: 14-1/4in x 46-3/4in x 3in
Mounting: Top 1/4” Eyelets - 30” c
Housing: Powder coated aluminum
View Filter: Red Transparent acrylic
View Range: 320ft/100m in full sun
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 6630
Display Type: Red LED 7-Segment
Digit Height: 15in/38cm Inch Tall
Wireless Frequency: 2.4GHz
Dimensions: 22-1/4in x 64in x 4in
Mounting: see Mounting Diagram
Housing: Powder coated aluminum
View Filter: Red Transparent acrylic
View Range: 660ft/200m in full sun
Both displays are powered by 12VDC and are
available with an optional external rechargeable
battery.

5
RaceAmerica 5843 Wireless Speed Trap
SPEED TRAP SETUP
Each Speed Trap T-Link3 unit is congured
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-Link2 unit. Valid
T-Link3 ID codes are ‘C’ , ‘D’, ‘E’ & ‘F’ for Trap
sensors. The wireless optimizer code is also listed
on the identity label. The optimizer code identies
wireless communications optimization and
compatibility with other T-Link3 and 4520BUSPD
units.
Install the antennas on all T-Link3 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-Link3 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 5843
T-Link3 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 o the ground will
minimize false trips.
Power on the T-Link3 and observe the LED
illuminates alternating between red and green,
then illuminates red if the battery charge level
is below 30% of full charge or green if charge is
above 30% of full charge. If the battery charge
is at minimum charge, the T-Link3 will power o
even if the power switch is ON. If the SPEED
sensor is not aligned with the beam emitter, the
LED will be solid on GREEN; if the FINISH
sensor is not aligned, the LED will be solid on
RED. When both sensors are aligned, the LED
will ash green when receiving a polling request
from a Speed Trap Display or 4520USPD unit
connected to a PC. The LED will ash red when
replying to a polling request If the LED is ON
solid, the track sensor is out of alignment. Utilize
the alignment functions included with the large
display to monitor alignment.
Figure 1 - T-Link3 power and external connections
Power
Blink RED/GREEN - Power ON
RF Receive Status
Blink GREEN - Receive
Blink RED - Transmit
Align Status
Solid RED - Not aligned
ID Code
e.g. ‘C’
Optimizer Code
e.g. C305

6
RaceAmerica 5843 Wireless Speed Trap
TYPICAL SPEED TRAP SETUP
Model 5843 Wireless Speed Trap can be operated with either a
Large Display or a PC or both.
For initial alignment, start with both beams
out of alignment (LED ON). The LED will go
out when the speed or nish beam is in alignment;
once the both beams are aligned, the LED will
pulse when the Speed beam is aligned.
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 4520BUSPD unit (internal to the display
or external to the PC - see page 6).
USING DIGITAL DISPLAYS
A 6430/6630/6830 Digital Display will receive
the data to its internal wireless 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 6430/6630/6830 can operate in dierent
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.

7
RaceAmerica 5843 Wireless Speed Trap
Display Hold Time 4 5
15 seconds ON ON
30 seconds ON OFF
45 seconds OFF ON
60 seconds OFF OFF
Display as Master or Slave
Switch number 3 determines whether the
6430/6630/6830 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
132 foot OFF
66 foot ON
The minimum speeds that can be recorded are
22.5 MPH for the 132ft 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 Sis Start, Fis Finish
and the adjacent # is a number. Alignment is
accomplished when the numbers stop counting.
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
bindicates the battery level for the ID ‘C’ Speed
Trap T-Link2 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 4520BUSPD Wireless Unit. Locate
the T-Port connector on the back of the T-Link2
unit. Connect this T-Port to a 9-pin serial PC
port using the 06-TL02 data communications
cable. Power on the 4520BUSPD and observe
the right LED illuminates and blinks o, then
on very quickly appearing as a icker. If only
the 4520BUSPD if powered on, no other LEDs
will illuminate. When other T-Links are powered
on, the LED will ash when a wireless signal is
received from a T-Link3 unit. The left LED will
ash very quickly indicating the 4520BUSPD is
receiving a good signal from other T-Links.
Install the PC Capture Software, congure the
software for the PC COM port receiving the data;
use the software ‘Help’ sections as required.

8
RaceAmerica 5843 Wireless Speed Trap
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 rst beam, a ‘_’ dash appears
in the rst position indicating a sensor trip. 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.
USING SPARE T-LINKS
T-Link3 identier codes are preset at the
factory. Using an external Reconfig Jumper
provided with the backup T-Link3 unit, a T-Link3’s
ID code can be changed enabling a single backup
unit to replace any unit with the same optimizer
code. With the 5843 T-Link3, a spare ID ‘D’
unit can be recongured as a ID ‘C’ unit. To
temporarily change the ID code of a T-Link3 unit,
power the unit o. Select the Recong Jumper
with the desired ID code and install into the T-Port
of the T-Link3 unit to be recongured. Power on
the T-Link3 unit. The left LED will ash three
short times to conrm the T-Link3 unit has been
recongured to the new ID code. Unplug the
Recong Jumper and connect any cables to the
T-Link3 unit for normal use. Do not power o
the T-Link3 unit after a new ID code has been
assigned. The change of ID is temporary. When
the T-Link3 unit is powered o, the ID code will
revert back to the preset ID shown on the bottom
of the T-Link3 unit.

9
RaceAmerica 5843 Wireless Speed Trap
BATTERY CHARGE
Charge the batteries using the charging
cable provided by RaceAmerica. All functional
electronics are disabled during battery recharge
to avoid damage. Typically battery charging will
take 8 hours for a completely exhausted USB
Battery Pack.
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-Link3
unit. All other pins should not be connected to
avoid damage to the T-Link2 unit.
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.
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 5843 Wireless Speed Trap
REVISION HISTORY
07/14 - Initial release
02/15 - 132 foot trap replaces 10 foot option