TAG Heuer HL 2-33 User manual

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PHOTOCELLULE HL 2-33
MANUEL D’UTILISATION
Version 02-2009

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DESCRIPTION
The Infra-Red photocell HL 2-32 set is composed of two transmitters (HL 2-32E) and
two receivers
(HL 2-32R). There are 4 matched units in each set allowing system A and B
coverage of a timing line.
All units are internally battery powered only (AA-type x 3). Adjustment of the output
impulse time (blocking after initial triggering) is available on the receivers. This
photocell satisfies the most exacting requirements of sports timing and is normally
used at finish lines where parallel redundancy of two sets of independent sensors is
needed for A and B timing systems (as required for FIS ski events and equestrian
jumping for example)
The sets of photocells (4 units in all) are matched and tuned to work with each other
and should be kept as a set. Do not mix units with other sets since unwanted
interference from the two sources of coded transmitters may result. Any repairs and
adjustments MUST be done as a matched set of 4 units.
The theory of operation is to provide two sets of photocells that are fail-operational.
Both transmitters (Tx) are placed on one side of the finish together, the two receivers
(Rx) are likewise placed together on the opposite side from the receivers. The
transmitters should ultimately be aimed to cover BOTH receivers at the same time. In
this manner a failure or misalignment of one transmitter will still allow both receivers
to operate normally. (We would further recommend the use of and optocoples system
(the HL 533 FIS-type for example) to greater enhance the fail-operational nature of
these products in an A/B timing system set-up)
The transmitters emit a coded Infrared (IR) signal controlled by individual timing
oscillators in each Tx unit that are only recognized by the matched receivers.
A synchronization cable to link the two Tx units’ oscillators is essential and must
ALWAYS be installed for proper operation. The fact that there are two separate
housings on each side of the finish line further increases the redundancy of this set-
up and design. This OSC link cable keeps the Tx units working in harmony as they
send the coded IR beams to the receivers. This makes sure that the coded infrared
signals being sent to the two receivers do not interfere with each other and cause
false triggering. Without the OSC link synchronization cable on the Tx side the
photocells will probably trigger incorrectly and will send random impulses.
Synchronizing the IR signal source on the transmit side provides complete rejection
of anything but the coded IR signal at the receiver end and the assurance that no
interference from the two transmitters’ unsynchronized oscillators, or other IR
sources (sunlight/flash), will cause the two receivers to trigger incorrectly.

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PRINCIPE
The above photocell works perfectly with a distance between transmitter and receiver
of up to 40 m. (130 ft.) in "LOW" position and up to 80 m (260 ft) in "HIGH" position.
PHYSICAL SET-UP
Transmitters are on one side, receivers are on the other. Do not set up in an opposite
manner.
We recommend the use of 4 separate support posts (one for each unit) so that a
disturbance or problem with on post will not case a failure of the entire A/B concept.
Units are placed in as close vertical proximity as possible. Do not separate vertically
by more than 10cm as this may cause alignment, accuracy and triggering problems.
The goal in set up is to make certain the physical set up allows BOTH transmitters to
“cover” BOTH receivers. Only close vertical separation will allow this. DO NOT
attempt to isolate the two sets. The whole idea is to allow either/or of the transmitters
to “cover” the two receivers on the opposite side. In such a set up the physical
redundancy of the two receivers remains completely functional and accurate even if
one of the transmitters should fail.
RECOMMENDED USE
•The photocells must be placed within close vertical proximity to each other
when used at the same timing line in order to avoid large differences in
triggering times.
•For added timing system dependability, use these photocells with our HL
553 impulse distributor and optocoupling
•When the photocells are mounted, connect both transmitters with the
dedicated cable on the SYNCHRO (3 pins plug).

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•To line up correctly these double photocells, line up first the upper
transmitter with the upper receiver. The bottom photocells are OFF.
•When the alignment is correct, turns OFF the upper photocells and ON the
bottom one and line up them correctly.
•Then, switch ON again the upper photocells and test them masking one of
the transmitter and after the other one.
•If the transmitters and receivers are close of each other (2 - 3 cm), each
transmitter can be lined up on both receivers. In this situation, the double
photocell is very reliable for the main and back up system.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
Set-up and switch on ONE transmitter with (10) in LOW mode. (Use HIGH
only when necessary)
Switch on the photocells (2) on “IMPULSE” mode (standard use) or
“DIRECT” mode
Depending on the sport to be timed and the application, it may be necessary
select either “direct” trigger output to the timer, or to have a period of time in
which the photocells’ output pulse for timing is blocked (“Impulse”) between
the impulse generated and the NEXT impulse sent.
The most popular method is to use “Impulse” settings so that you can adjust
(using the lower knob) the Impulse signal width from 0.01 seconds to 2.4
seconds.
“Direct” ties the output trigger “directly to the photocell sensor. The impulse
length is thus not adjustable and is always a function of how long the photocell
signal is obstructed. This can be very useful for determining out-of-alignment
status or how many objects pass in sequence in front of the cells.
Watch very carefully for BOTH the BATT and OSC (Oscillator Syncro Lock)
LEDs to illuminate briefly and then immediately go out. This is the NORMAL
start-up condition and it is important to see it happen this way. If the
Transmitter OSC or BATT lights don’t flash momentarily at
power-up or remain on (or flash) after power-up, remedial action is required
(as described below).
A) Battery Check
When you switch on the photocell, the LED (3) "BATT" illuminates briefly and
goes out.

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I New Batteries (3) does not illuminate
II Used batteries (3) flashes slowly (once every 2 sec.).
The batteries insure at least 30 hours of functioning at
20°C
III Flat batteries (3) flashes rapidly (once every sec.).
The batteries must be replaced. If this arises during the
timekeeping the batteries will insure at least 6 hours of
functioning at 20°C.
B) OSC Check – Transmitter
Each transmitter has an OSC (Oscillator) LED condition light. This indicator
must light-up very briefly when the Transmitter is first switched on, and then
go out right away. If the OSC light stays on after power-up or comes on during
operation, this indicates a problem (the oscillator that provides the coded IR
signal did not start up and/or is not working correctly) This can normally be
remedied by turning the transmitter off/on (slowly – wait 4 seconds in the off
position before turning on) again, sometimes repeatedly. The OSC LED must
be off after power-on or the cells are unusable
C) Lining up the photocells
One transmitter should now be on and roughly aimed at the two receivers. Go
over to the receiver side and switch on the two receivers with (2) and (10).
When you switch on the receivers, the LED "SIGNAL" (4) illuminates as
long as the transmitter(s) is/are not lined-up with the receiver(s). This
“SIGNAL” LED on the receivers is linked to another red LED behind the
lower lens on the other side of the housings that also shows you when the
photocells “trigger” (flash of red) or are not lined-up (solid red). Using the
sighting groove (1) as a rough guide align the two receivers with the aim
point of the transmitters’ supports on the other side of the line and try to get
an initial aim and ‘lock”. Watch the “SIGNAL” LED for a reaction one it starts
to respond. As soon as the signal light starts responding to your aiming
avoid using the sighting groove and watch the response of the red LED
WARNING
Battery (hours of use) is very much reduced below 0°C (32°F) and
depends on their quality. We strongly recommend using new
batteries as soon as LED (3) flashes. The use of Lithium batteries
for colder temperatures is highly recommended and provides
excellent value (operating time/cost) relative to alkaline options
Do not use rechargeable batteries.

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only for aiming. You want the red signal LED to extinguish and stay
extinguished.
Once the red signal LED stays solidly OFF, go back over and readjust the
ONE transmitter on the other side of the line. Continue to refine the aim
point for BOTH receivers by carefully adjusting the transmitter(s). Use the
sighting groove (1) as a rough guide. Make sure the transmitter is on and all
LEDs are extinguished (normal). Try to get the one transmitter to aim at and
“cover” both receivers and make the red “signal” lights on each receiver go
out. You’re looking for a “center point” of best aim. Take your time and work
back and forth if necessary using the two receivers and ONE transmitter at
first. Fine-tune this alignment on LOW power until one transmitter is
covering the TWO receivers perfectly.
Go back to the receivers and aim them again by using the sighting groove
(1). Once roughly aimed, carefully move each receiver to zero-in on the
transmitter signal using the “SIGNAL” LED condition as your only guide.
Once the “SIGNAL” LED starts responding to aiming, avoid using the
housing as a rough guide and now use the SIGNAL LED reaction
exclusively to fine-tune the aim point. You are in proper alignment when
LED (4) "SIGNAL" is firmly and solidly off (not even flickering) and stays off
even if you move the receiver photocell slightly (the “tap” test).
Return to the transmit side and now finally fine-tune the aim of the
transmitter to the receivers with the aid of the red LED as seen through the
lower lens of the receiver. This luminous indicator placed under the
receiving lens allows you to very accurately “center” the alignment of the
transmitter on the receiver from across the line and is a huge assistance to
assuring correct installation. It should be possible on low power at 40m to
easily find the solid center-point of the aim of one transmitter to both
receivers.
Turn OFF the first transmitter once aligned, and repeat the same process
with the second transmitter. It is crucial that the two transmitters be able to
independently cover BOTH receivers.
Only when both transmitters are aimed, turn off BOTH transmitters and
Install the transmitter Synchronization link cable into the SYNCRO
jacks on each transmitter housing. Do not overtighten this cable connection.
When the cable is installed, turn on the transmitters simultaneously and
watch for all LED’s to flash and extinguish. Check alignment one last time
by momentarily covering one of the two transmitters to see that no signal is
produced on the receivers (watch the lower lens of the receivers for a red
flash/light when triggered/obscured).

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We recommend that transmitters and receivers be steadily and solidly
mounted on supports such as HL4-3, or on high quality tripods (not
permitted for FIS skiing applications - solid surfaces only, not snow). If the
support structures are not solid or straight the alignment and stability will be
very difficult to achieve. This point cannot be understated and the quality of
the support system will dramatically influence your success in aiming and
keeping these cells properly aligned throughout the competition. There
should be absolutely no movement in the supports you chose or the
brackets you work with.
Go to the expected trigger point of the finish line and use your hand to find
the exact trigger point of the receive cells. You can look at the lower lens of
the receivers to see the red LED trigger. When you obstruct the beam
between the transmitters and receivers, the LED "SIGNAL" (4) comes on
momentarily and the timing impulse is provided at the output connections
(7). This test at the resulting beam line will tell you if the beam is too high or
low and EXACTLY where the trigger point is. Move the cells higher in
snowy and dusty conditions but be aware that placing cells too high can
cause athletes or vehicles to slip under the finish beams. Installation of the
cells TOO HIGH is a VERY COMMON MISTAKE. Check the actual trigger
point with your hand.
D) Delay (Adjusting length of impulse) (6)
The “Impulse” setting is very useful in one-by-one sports (alpine skiing,
Equestrian). This is in order to eliminate additional unwanted and
unnecessary times caused by the moving body parts after initial triggering of
the valid signal (you want to “lock-out” following impulses for a certain time
once the front of the body is correctly detected). Alpine Skiing would use a low
setting (3/100ths/sec or so). Cross Country or motorsports might select ½ sec.
In all cases the “lock-out” time is set by the user based on conditions and
preferences using the knob on the receiver housing to the times indicated on
the dial. Avoid very long lock-out values so that times are not lost or
swallowed-up if following athletes/vehicles are expected close together.
Min. adjustment : Duration of impulse 1/100 sec.
Max. adjustment : Duration of impulse 2.4 sec.
Note: Older models of the HL 2-32 set do not have the “direct” option and only
provide “Impulse” type operation via an ON/OFF switch in the same location

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E) Output jacks (7)
•Normally-Open collector outlet
Working contact (short circuit between black and green terminals
•Use only high-quality banana plugs
Green terminal : Impulse
Black terminal : Ground
When you initially connect to your timer, polarity of this two-wire connection is
important (no damage will result – it just won’t trigger the connected timer).
F) Changing the batteries
•Remove the screw underneath the case.
•Slide the electronic unit out of the case.
•Change the 3 batteries observing the polarities marked on the bottom.
•Be sure to use good quality Alcaline type 1.5 volt batteries
(UCAR Energizer E-91).
•Put the electronic unit back in the case and do up the screw carefully.
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
The use of high quality Lithium batteries is also recommended and yields
weeks of constant use. Check the operation and roll the batteries in the casing
to ensure proper seating.
IMPORTANT
If timing is interrupted for a long period or when it is finished:
Turn button (2) and (10) TO OFF position

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1)
S
ighting groove
2) Direct / OFF / Impulse switch
3) Battery Check
(Normally Off)
4) Alignement Check led
(Off = Aligned)
5) OSC* Synchro Cable Jack
6) Locking Impulse adjustment
7) Output jacks
8) Serial Number
(keep matched sets together)
9) Oscillator Status Indicator
(Normally Off)
10) Low / OFF / High Switch
PHOTOCELLULE HL 2-33
1
4 3
2
3
4
6
7
9
10 5
3
* * The “SYNCHRO” plug allows for using 2 photocells in parallel.
2 2
1 3 1 3

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Principle High frequency infra-red (50 KHz)
Detection of signal by frequency
discrimination
Distance for use 40 Meters (131 ft.) in "LOW" position
80 Meters (262 ft.) in "HIGH" position
Output impulse adjustable By optocouplers and working contact.
Impulse from 1/100 sec. to 2 seconds
Working temperature - 20°C to + 50°C (-4°F to 122°F)
External power supply 6 – 12V DC, max. current 100 mA
Internal power 2 x 3 batteries 1.5 V "Alkaline"
Type AA Energizer LR6
Power reserve in "LOW" pos. 100 hours at 20°C (68°F)
50 hours at -20°C (-4°F)
Power reserve in "HIGH" pos. 50 hours at 20°C (68°F)
20 hours at -20°C (-4°F)
LED Checks - State of batteries
- Alignment
- Code Oscillator Status
Precision of repetitive impulsions +/- 0.02 ms
Dimensions 2 cases of 160 x 160 x 40 mm (6 x 6 x 1,5
inches)
Weight (incl. batteries) 800 gr (29 ounces) transmitter / receiver
Mounting with supports ref. HL4-3 or tripods
(1/4 " camera thread)