Swift Sports SPEED LIGHT User manual

SPEED LIGHT Sports Timing System
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OWNER’S
MANUAL
SPEED LIGHT
SPORTS TIMING SYSTEM
Copyright 2005
Swift Performance Equipment
PO Box 726
Lismore. NSW.
Australia. 2480
Ph. [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-MAIL [email protected]
Internet www.spe.com.au

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Contents Page
1. Introduction 3
2. Before Use 4
2.1 Charging the Battery 5
2.2 Default Settings 5
2.3 Operational Description 5
2.4 Connecting the Gates 6
2.5 Quick Start 7
3. Basic Features 8
3.1 Keyboard Layout 8
3.2 Keyboard descriptions 9
3.3 System Components 10
3.4 Switching On 11
3.5 Switching Off 11
3.6 Setting the Time 11
3.7 Setting the Date 11
3.8 Purging Memory 12
3.9 Lap Mode 12
3.10 8 Lane Mode 14
3.11 Jump Mode 17
3.12 Download Data 19
3.13 Print Data 22
3.14 Recall Event Data 24

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4. Appendix 25
4.1 Trouble Shooting 25
4.2 Care and Maintenance 26
4.3 Specifications 27
4.4 Start-gun Sensor 28
5. Glossary 30

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1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the
SPEED LIGHT Sports Timing System!
The SPEED LIGHT Sports Timing System signals a new era in athletic
training and performance evaluation.
With a wide range of sporting applications, from competition event timing to
precise performance measurement, this equipment provides the means to aquire
quantifiable and accurate performance data to enable you to bring out the best
in your athletes!

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2. Before Use
2.1 The Battery Reliable operation of the SPEED
LIGHT Sports Timing System is greatly dependant on battery charge and
condition.
Take the time to read the following section carefully.
Although the battery in your SPEED LIGHT Sports Timing System has been
fully charged prior to shipment, to ensure reliable operation, SWIFT
recommend you fully discharge and then re-charge the battery prior to use. The
easiest way to achieve this is by leaving the unit powered on for
approximately 3 days. If you wish to discharge the batteries at a faster rate it is
necessary to connect the timing gates, and begin timing . Discharge will occur
in approximately 6 hrs in this configuration.
Do not recharge until the “LOW BATTERY” message is seen on the
Display. (You must press “ENTER” to acknowledge this warning and enable
further progress through the menu! ).
NOTE: If you have access to a mains supply, the system can be run via it’s
battery charger. Use only the supplied charger!!
WARNING. READ THIS !!!
Due to the variability of battery conditions possible, SWIFT cannot guarantee
the integrity of data saved to memory for any defined amount of time after the
“LOW BATTERY” message is first displayed, if you continue to time races.
DOWNLOAD YOUR DATA AS SOON AS IS PRACTICAL AFTER
COLLECTION .

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Charging the Battery.
To charge the battery, connect only the supplied Plug-Pack charger to a
mains outlet and connect the lead to the “CHARGE” socket on the Timing
Module. Charge for 14 hrs max. Longer charge times may shorten battery life.
It is wise to fully discharge the battery two or three times a year before
recharging. This is a common procedure with NI-CAD batteries, and helps to
increase battery life.
2.2 Default Settings
On first receiving, , your SPEED LIGHT timing system & after PURGING
memory you will note the following default settings:
a. Memory cleared
b. Number of splits set to 1
c. Number of jumps set to 1
d. Event Number set to 1
2.3 Operational Description
2.3.1 Timing gates
Each timing gate consists of 2 tripods, one timing light and one reflector.
Two light beams are bounced off the reflectors and back to the timing light.
When the beams are both broken (triggered), for example when an individual
runs through it, the timing module records the time at which the light gate was
triggered. Correct Gate alignment is achieved when the internal beeper is quiet
(two small red L.E.D.s’ will also light on the top and bottom of the light gate
when gate it is aligned.)
N.B. On later model Speedlight Timing Systems, from approximately
Serial # SL-OPT180, you will find that the the red LED’s will be OFF when
the gates are aligned.Please be aware of this anomaly.

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See fig 1.
fig.1
2.4 Connecting the Gates
All connections are made via simple modular RJ type connectors (insulation
displacement type) using a standard connection throughout all available
peripherals.
You will notice two sockets on the rear of each timing light. Both of these are
functionally identical and are used for parallel connection or “daisy chaining”
of timing gates when in Lap Mode.
E.G.
Simply connect a cable from the Single Lane input on the Timing Module to
the first Timing light, connect another cable at the first Timing light and plug
the other end of this cable into the second Timing light and so on. This
procedure can be repeated for up to 10 Gates over 200m of cabling.
The versatility of the SPEED LIGHT system means that it is not necessary to

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trigger gates set up in the sequence in which they are connected.
Any gate can be used as a start gate, and then later as a lap/split gate during in
your testing protocol.. Split/lap times will continue to be saved to memory
until the split number of splits you require have been recorded. Such versatility
allows for the design of complex protocols for agility testing around a preset
course.
The SPEED LIGHT Sports Timing System also has an auto-detect function
that senses what type of device it is connected to and automatically places itself
in the correct mode of operation. The default mode , with nothing attached is
“LAP MODE”.
2.5 Quick Start Instructions
1. Remove Timer Module from the case.
2. Remove Tripods from the case and set each up with all but the very last leg
segments extended, so that they are all at an equal height.
3. Using the "quick-connect" mount, attach each timing light to a tripod.
4. Using the "quick-connect" mount, attach each reflector to a tripod.
5. Place the Timing Lights at required positions on the appropriate track.
6. Place the Reflectors exactly opposite the Timing Lights and align.
If in 8 Lane Mode run a connecting cable between each Timing Light and its
corresponding lane input on the 8 Lane Interface.
If in Lap mode all light gates are connected in a daisy chain fashion. In this
mode you must have the Timing module connected by cable via the Single lane
input.
Switch power on and away you go!!

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3.1 Keyboard Layout
Fig 1

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3.2 Keyboard Description
Press for 1 second to turn on.
Turns power off.
(Only active from main menu.)
Selects modes, variables and options.
Used in 8 lane mode to cycle through lanes.
Increments selected variables.
Increments lap/split number.
Increments jump mode results
Decrements selected variables.
Decrements lap/split number.
Decrements jump mode results.
Toggles lap/split on display.
Toggles height/flight/contact.
Selects recall mode.
Starts or stops a timed event.
Manually grab a lap/split time
(lap mode only)
Selects a prior event for perusal.

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Resets screen to previous menu.
Aborts an event.
3.3 System Components
A basic SPEED LIGHT System consists of the following components:
∗Timing Module
∗4 x Timing Lights
∗4 x Reflectors
∗8 x Tripods
∗Computer Cable
∗STSI Software
∗Timing Gate Cables
∗Cable Joiners
∗Battery Charger
∗Carry Case
Options
The following options are available should you require them.
∗Additional Light Gates
∗Start-Gun Sensor/Siren
∗Jump mat
∗Printer Cable
∗8 lane interface
∗Cables
∗Battery Powered Printer

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3.4 Switching ON
3.4.1 Hold the “ON” key down until the message “SPEED LIGHT TIMING
SYSTEMS” appears.
3.4.2 Wait 3 seconds for the next screen message and press enter twice.
3.5 Switching OFF
Press the “OFF” button while in the Main Menu. This button will not
function at any other menu location.
3.6 Setting the Time
3.6.1 After turning the Timing Module on, press reset if gates check OK.
3.6.2 Use the [∧] or [∨] buttons to scroll through the menu till “SET TIME” is
displayed & press [ENTER]
3.6.3 Use [<] or [>] buttons to move cursor to hh:mm:ss position. Use the [∧]
or [∨] to increment or decrement value.
3.6.4 Press [ENTER] when time is correct
N.B. Clock is in 24 hr format.
3.7 Setting the Date
3.7.1 After turning the Timing Module on, press reset if gates check OK.
3.7.2 Use the [∧] or [∨] buttons to scroll through the menu till “SET DATE”
is displayed & press [ENTER]
3.7.3 Use [<] or [>] buttons to move cursor to dd:mm:yy position. Use the [∧]
or [∨] to increment or decrement value.
3.7.4 Press[ENTER] when date is correct

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3.8 Purging the Memory
3.8.1 Use the[∧] or [∨] buttons to scroll through the menu till “PURGE” is
displayed & press[ENTER]
3.8.2 Press “RESET” if you have no need for any stored data. (Any other key
will abort the memory purge)
3.9 Lap Mode
3.9.1 Using Single lane Lap Mode
a. Connect Light gates as required.
b. Press [ON] until screen message appears. Wait for next prompt
(approx. 2 seconds)
c. Press [Enter] twice within 5 seconds Failure to do so will result in
automatic turn off of module.
d. Timing gates are checked for alignment. If all are OK confirm by
pressing [Reset]
e. You are now in the main menu
(from here you have several options which will be covered in later chapters.)
Press [Enter] to select LAP MODE
(the timing module automatically re-checks the timing gate alignment at this
point and again before each event)
f. Use the [∧] or [∨] to increment or decrement the number of splits
required per event. You may have noticed the event number in the top right
hand corner of the display. This number is an individual identifier for each
event and is stored along with the split and lap times, date, time of day, and
event mode, for recalling, printing or transfer to a computer at a later time.

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The event number automatically increments at the start of each event. It is a
useful way to identify an event with a particular athlete.
g. Because the SPEED LIGHT Timing module is capable of using any
Timing gate as a start gate, and self-configuring to start with a timing gate
“clear” or “covered” it will now give you the option to position your athlete in
the required start position. Take the time to fully understand this point as it
is the key to achieving reliable, repeatable results by eliminating the
possibility of “cheating” on the start. By positioning the athlete within a
Timing gate’s beams the timing module will respond with “Start is covered”.
If you press [Enter] now the system will be armed and waiting for the athlete
to start the timer by leaving this Timing gate.
Alternatively you may have pressed [Enter] when “Start is Clear” was
displayed, which would leave the Timing module waiting for any valid start
input to trigger the timer. A valid start input could be any one of the
following.
i. Pressing [Stop/Start] button once. (pressing twice will finish the event)
ii. A start signal from the Auxiliary start input. ie. Electronic Starting
pistol or siren.
iii. A simple switch closure on the Auxiliary start input.
iv. A triggering of any one of the Timing Gates attached to the Single Lane
input.
v. Using the optional Startgun sensor as a thumb switch
h. RACING
While the Timing module is recording times you can change toggle between
Laps to Splits by pressing [<] or [>].

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i. You can also study earlier splits and laps by scrolling up and down with the
[∧] or [∨] Buttons. Keep in mind that the timing module will default to the
latest split/lap time when another gate is activated.
j. When the preselected number of splits have been reached the timing module
will display “FINISHED”.
k. You can now examine splits and laps at your leisure by using the arrow
buttons.
l. Pressing [Reset] will reset the timing module ready for another event using
the same number of splits as previously set up. (ie go to point g.)
m. Press [Reset] again to exit to main menu.
n. Pressing the [OFF] button will turn the timing module off when in the main
menu.
3.10 8 Lane Mode
a. Before turning the power on, connect a cable between each Light
Gate and corresponding lane number on the 8 lane interface. Connect the
interface to the timing module via the ‘Multi Function Port’. The connection to
the Multi Function Port must be made before power up to as it is at this point
that the auto detect feature scans peripherals to determine what type of mode is
required.
b. Press [ON] until screen message appears. Wait for next prompt
(approx. 2 seconds)

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c. Press [Enter] twice within 5 seconds Failure to do so will result in
automatic turn off of module.
d. Timing gates are checked for alignment. If all are OK confirm by
pressing [Reset]
e. You are now in the main menu
Press [Enter] to select 8 LANE MODE
(the timing module automatically re-checks the timing gate alignment at
this point and again before each event)
f. Use the[<] or [>] to increment or decrement the number of lanes
required (maximum of 8 lanes). If you select less than 8 lanes, (say 5
lanes), the timer looks at the first lanes from which valid triggers are
received, rather than looking at lanes 1 through to 5.
g. Use the [∧] or [∨] to increment or decrement the number of laps
required per event.
h. The Timing module is now ready for the start. A valid start signal
could be any one of the following:
i. Pressing [Stop/Start] button once. (pressing twice will finish the event)
ii. A start signal from the Auxiliary start input. ie. Electronic Starting pistol
or siren.
iii. A simple switch closure on the Auxiliary start input.

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i. 8 LANE RACING
During and after an 8 lane race, the ARROW keys & ENTER key are used to
select the data displayed.
i. Pressing [<] or [>] toggles between Lap times or Split times
ii. Press [∧] or [∨] to increment or decrement the Lap/Split number
iii. Press [ENTER] to cycle through the lane numbers ( 1 to 8 ). The Lane
number is displayed on the bottom line at the far left position.
When the preselected number of lanes & laps has been reached the timing
module will display ‘FINISHED’. Place numbers will then be displayed for the
selected lane at the bottom line far right position. Pressing [ENTER] will cycle
through each lane, also displaying the Place for that particular lane.
j. Pressing [RESET] will reset the timing module to the LANES / LAPS
setup, where changes for the next event may easily be done. If the next event is
the same as the previous event, just press [ENTER] and you are ready for the
next start.
k. Pressing [RESET] again will return you to the main menu.

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3.11 JUMP MODE
3.11.1 Using Jump Mode
a. Before turning the timing module on, connect the Jump Mat to the
adaptor plug and the adaptor to the Multi-Function Port. This is done to set the
mode correctly.
b. Press [ON] until screen message appears. Wait for next prompt (approx.
2 seconds)
c. Press [Enter] twice within 5 seconds Failure to do so will result in
automatic turn off of module.
d. Timing gates are checked for alignment. If all are OK confirm by
pressing [Reset]
e. You are now in the main menu
Press [Enter] to select JUMP MODE
f. Use the [∧] or [∨] to increment or decrement the number of jumps
required per event. Press [ENTER]
g. The Timing module will now display the status of the Jump Mat start.
ie. ‘START IS OFF MAT’ is displayed if the mat is clear.
‘START IS ON MAT’, is displayed if a subject is on the mat
h. Press [ENTER] to confirm the start method. The timer is now ready to
start measuring from the first change of state of the mat.
(i.) If ‘OFF MAT’ was selected, recording begins when the subjects
first jumps onto the mat.
(ii) . If ‘ON MAT’ was selected, recording begins when the subjects
first jumps off the mat.
i. Recording will stop when the preselected number of jumps has been
reached or [STOP] is pressed.
j. Height, contact time & flight time can now be examined by pressing [<]

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or >] keys. Pressing [∧] or [∨] keys will increment or decrement the jump
number.
k. Pressing [RESET] will reset the timing module ready for another test
using the same number of jumps.
l. Pressing [RESET] again will return you to the main menu.

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3.12 Down Loading Data
Using the Supplied SSTI Software
If you have installed the SSTI Software simply run the Download Wizard and
follow instructions.
Downloading 8 Lane data to a PC
To transfer stored data from your Speed Light Timing System to your IBM
compatible PC or Macintosh please observe the following steps.
3.12.1 Ensure you have a serial communications program such as Windows
“Terminal” running on your computer. Set communications protocol as follows.
Speed 1200 baud
Data 8 bits
Stop bit 1
Parity None
COM port COMn
3.12.2 Set up to receive a “text file”,
the name and location of your choice. (Refer to your computer software manual
for procedures on receiving text files)
a. Connect the computer interface cable between the computer com port
and the Timing module’s Multi-function port before turning on the Timer.
b. From the main menu, press [∧] or [∨] to select ‘DOWNLOAD TO PC’
and press [ENTER].
c. Use [∧] or [∨] keys to select the lowest event number you wish to
download, and press [ENTER].