TAG Heuer HL 440 User manual

Minitimer HL 440
User Manual
Version 08/2012

Page 2
Table of contents
1. Introduction 3
2. Technical description 4
3. Function Menus <F> 6
3.1. Power on Menu 6
3.2. Main Menu 7
3.3. Menu during a Run 8
3.3.1. In PTB / Split mode 8
3.3.2. In Training mode 9
4. How to use Minitimer 10
4.1. Recharge the internal battery before starting a new timing session. 10
4.2. Switch ON the Minitimer. 10
4.3. Connection to the Martel HL 200 Printer 10
5. Menu (F) 11
6. Opening Run and Timing 14
6.1. RECALL function (R) 15
7. Download a new version of Firmware 16
8. Protocol 16
9. Configuration 17
9.1 Computer, Minitimer and a Printer 17
9.2 Two Minitimer 8 synced Inputs 17
9.3 Chronoprinter 540 – Minitimer – Computer (not synced together) 18
9.4 Chronoprinter 540 synced with a Minitimer to a Computer 18
9.5 Training 19
9.6 Training with coach 20
9.7 Cable Pin-outs 21
10 Technical specifications 22
11 Notes 23

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1. Introduction
•The Minitimer HL 440 is a professional timing system with 4 inputs using the same « high Technology » as
our Chronoprinter 540. It is an essential general-purpose timer for many applications.
•The HL 440 has a high precision “time base”, ideal for communication bi-directionally with a computer. It
supersedes the popular PTB 605 and 606. Together with TAG Heuer software it is possible to print the
calculated times and the name of the competitors on the Martel (HL 200) printer (connected to Minitimer).
•It memorizes 30'000 times in 99 timing sessions with a user-selected precision between 1 second and
1/100' 000
th
of second.
•The Minitimer can be connected to our Martel HL 200 printer enabling the printing of times on line (ON
LINE) or in download mode (OFF LINE).
•The HL 440 can be used at the start of a race (Alpine skiing for example) as a numerical-keyboard to
identify the competitor’s number. As soon as the competitor leaves the start both the time and the
competitor number will be transmitted to the timekeeper by wire connection, or by our radio transmission
system (HL 670 or HL 680).
•It is also an excellent backup system (manual or automatic). The competitor number can be introduced
before or after the timing impulse (RECALL function)
•Two Minitimers can be connected together (or to a Chronoprinter 540) to provide up to 8 input channels.
• The Minitimer has a special timing mode called “Training,” which is designed for the automatic training
sessions (Start, Inter 1, Inter 2 and Finish )

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2. Technical description
1. RS 232 PC: Sub-D9f connector for bidirectional serial communication with PC. It is possible to
download Online or Offline one or several sessions. This serial connector is also used for a
Master/Slave syncing Output.
2. Power: External power supply to recharge the internal batteries.
Power supply HL540-1 (110-220 Vac / 12 Vdc).
Connection to an external 12Vdc battery is possible by using the HL520-17 cable.
3. ON/OFF power switch.
4. RS 232 (printer, display): Sub-D9f connector for the Martel HL200 Printer. It is possible to print
Online or Offline one or several runs. This serial connector is also used for a Master/Slave syncing
Input, or to send data to a TAG Heuer display board (Training mode)
5. Four banana jack inputs for external timing impulses and/or synchronization. Working contact
(normally-open collector).
Ex.: Manual push button (HL 18), photocells (HL 2-31/35) start gate (HL 7-1/3).
Respect the correct polarity!
The Minitimer HL 440 provides a visual (on the LCD) and audio alarm, should an external input remain in
short-circuit. This feature allows you to observe the status of TAG Heuer’s new “direct-response”
photocells (HL 2-31, HL 2-35 and HL 2-32 – serial number 7000 or higher), and allows the timekeepers to
instantly determine if a photocell is out of alignment.
1 2 3 4 5

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6. Blocking: Manual keys to unblock and block the External inputs 1 – 4. An input is blocked when the
corresponding black bar is shown on the LCD display.
7. LED Power: Two led lamps (green and red) show the battery loading progress and the external
power supply function.
8. Keyboard: to enter the time and date for synchronisation, and for introducing competitor numbers,
distances and arrival windows (Training mode)..
9. « *» Star Key “ERROR” – to cancel an incorrect number you entered or to confirm a menu option.
Also used to cancel printing.
10. « R » Key “RECALL”: to access the unassigned memorized times of a channel for identification.
11. UP/ DOWN keys: to navigate the menu and to scroll through the unassigned memorized times.
12. ENTER: to confirm a menu selection, time, date or competitor number.
13. Green Keys: Manual Impulse and time-of-day synchronization.
Warning
The manual timing keys (1 to 4) do not guarantee timing precision. Only two simultaneous
impulses can be processed at a time from the manual keys.
6
7
8
9
13
11
10
12

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3. Function Menus <F>
3.1. Power on Menu

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3.2. Main Menu
--- --- 16:00:00 --- ---
16/02/10
MEMORY FREE 25000
ENTER TO MENU -> F
OPEN SESSION
SYNCHRO
Open a new session
SYNCHRO MANUAL
SYNCHRO SLAVE
SYNCHRO
DATE <JMA> dd/ /aa
TIME <HM> hh:
READY FOR SYNCHRO
--- --- 16:00:00 --- ---
16/02/10
READY FOR SYNCHRO
RANK A SESSION
CLEAR MEMORY
TIMING MODE
LIST A SESSION
PTB SEQUENTIAL 1-- 4
PTB SEQUENTIAL 5 – 8
SPLIT 1 – 4
SPLIT 5 – 8
TRAINING
CLEAR MEMORY
YES / NO
ON SCREEN
TO PRINTER
Select a session
Select a session Enter a bib’s nu ber
PARAMETERS PRECISION
LOCK TIME
INPUT STATUS
CAPTURE WINDOW
BEEP
RS232 PC
RS232 AUX
LANGUAGE
STATUS
PRINT SETTING
1 sec to 1/ 100'000 sec
INPUT 1 TO 4
( 1 – 4 )
INPUT STATUS
Enter Ti e MAX / MIN for
Inter 1, Inter 2, Finish
ON / OFF
Select the Baud Rates
2400 to 57'600 Bds
Special 9600 Bds Ctrl Flux
TO PRINTER
TO AUX
TO HL970 / HL980
ENGLISH
FRANCAIS
DEUTSCH
ITALIANO
BATTERIE 100%
MÉMOIRE LIBRE 25'000
Print the Miniti er status
PRINTER
DOWNLOAD
PRINTER OFF
MAREL ON
TO PRINTER
TO COMPUTER
TO CHRONO RS232
TO RS232 AUX*
Select a run to download * only when RS232 AUX has been
selected
Lock ti e 99.99 to 0.01 sec
PRINTER OFF
MARTEL ON
Select the Baud Rates
2400 to 57'600 Bds
Special 9600 Bds Ctrl Flux
NUMBERING MANUAL
AUTOMATIC
Running Ti e
Ti e of Day
Blank the Board
ON SCREEN
TO PRINTER

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3.3. Menu during a Run
3.3.1. In PTB / Split mode

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3.3.2. In Training mode
--- --- 16:25:06 --- ---
CLOSE SESSION
RANKING
RANK A SESSION
LISTING
LIST A SESSION
PARAMETERS
ON SCREEN
TO PRINTER
Close a session
ON SCREEN
TO PRINTER
ON SCREEN
TO PRINTER
LOCK TIME
Select a session
Select a session
Select a bib nu ber
Input 1 to 4 Lock Ti e 99.99 to 0.01 sec
Select a bib nu ber
PRINTER
DOWNLOAD
CAPTURE WINDOW
BEEP
RS232 PC
RS232 AUX
LANGUAGE
STATUS
PRINT SETTING
PRINTER OFF
MARTEL ON
TO PRINTER
TO PC
TO CHRONO RS232
TO RS232 AUX*
Select a run to download * only when RS232 AUX has been
selected
Enter the ti e MAX / MIN
for Inter 1, Inter 2, Finish
ON / OFF
Select the Baud Rate
2400 to 57'600 Bds
Special 9600 Bds Flow Ctrl
RS232 PRINTER
RS232 DATA
TO HL970 / HL980
BATTERY 100%
FREE MEMORY 25'000
Print co plete status of the
Miniti er
PRINTER OFF
MARTEL ON
ENGLISH
FRANCAIS
DEUTSCH
ITALIANO
NUMBERING MANUAL
AUTOMATIC
Running Ti e
Ti e of Day
Blank the Board
ON SCREEN
TO PRINTER

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4. How to use the Minitimer
4.1. Recharge the internal battery before starting a new timing session.
Minitimer OFF and connected to the power supply HL 540-1 AC/DC: the red LED is ON
while charging. The red LED turns OFF when the battery is completely charged.
Minitimer ON and connected to the power supply HL 540-1
The red LED is ON while charging.
The red LED is OFF when the battery is completely charged.
The green LED is ON (power supply connected)
Without the external power supply, the green LED turns on briefly at power up and then turns off.
When the capacity of the battery reaches 30%, the green LED flashes, indicating that your Minitimer is
operational for approximately 8 hours.
INFORMATION
The capacity of the battery can be checked via the function menu <F> PARAMETER – STATUS.
IMPORTANT
Never charge the device under 0°C (32°F) and over 3 0°C (86°F)
4.2. Switch ON the Minitimer.
Switch ON the Minitimer
The LCD illuminates for 5 seconds
•Minitimer HL 440 and the Firmware version (V.B – 06)
Select how the Serial output should be used
•RS232 TO PRINTER
The data will be configured for a serial printer (HL 200 - Martel).
•RS232 TO AUXILIARY HL440 OR PC.
In this mode, the synchronized data and time-of-day are sent with a “top second” signal. You’ll
be able to adjust the baud rate. We recommend using 9600 Bds.
•Select your synchronizing method :
 Synchro Manual
• Enter the current date and confirm with ◄┘
• Enter the time-of-day(format HH:MM) and confirm with ◄┘
• Synchronize the Minitimer with any Green Manual Impulse Key (1 – 4). If the timer is
to be synchronized with another device with an external input (1 – 4), do not forget to
unblock the input (Red key 1 – 4).
The LCD display shows
•Four black bars (▬) which indicate that all the four inputs are blocked,
•The time of the day and the date
Synchro Slave
This will put the Minitimer in Slave mode. The Device will wait for the synchronized time-of-day
information through the serial Input « Printer » from a «master» Minitimer.
For more information, please refer to «configuration» at the end of this user manual.
4.3. Connection to the Martel HL 200 Printer
•Read the printer user’s manual carefully.
•Connect the printer to the Sub-D9f on the right.
•First turn on the printer, and then turn on the Minitimer.

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5. Menu (F)

OPEN RUN: start a new timing run after closing the previous run. The run number is displayed when
input 1 is unblocked.
 CLOSE RUN: Exit the current run with this option. Times will be saved but cannot be modified later.
 SYNCHRO: to establish a new time-of-day synchronization.
•Manual synchro
• Enter Synchro Date (dd:mm:yy) and Time (hh:mm), confirm with ◄┘
• Synchro the Minitimer with the Manual Green Key (1 – 4) or if the system should be
synchronized as along with another device from an external input (1 – 4), do not
forget to unblock the associated external input (Red key 1 – 4).
•Slave synchro
• This will put the Minitimer in Slave mode. The Device will wait for the time-of-day
information through the serial Input « Printer » from another Minitimer «master»
Chrono Mode:
PTB Sequential: (1 to 4) or (5 to 8)
Sequential recording of time-of-Day on 4 channels ( 8 channels if 2 HL 440’s are connected together
with RS232 connection). This mode does not calculate Net Times!
In this mode, bib number entry is not possible.
SPLIT: (1 to 4) or (5 to 8)
Sequential recording of time-of-Day on 4 channels (8 channels if 2 HL 440’s are connected together
with RS232 connection). This mode will not calculate Net Times.
In this mode, it is possible to enter bib numbers.
TRAINING:
This mode allows you to perform automatic timing for Training sessions, with a Start, two intermediates
and a Finish. This mode will automatically recognize the bib numbers after the start at both intermediate
locations and at the finish, through the “Capture windows” information specified in the Parameters
Menu.
IMPORTANT
In the TRAINING MODE, several runs for a competitor can be memorised for later analysis
during a timing session.
 RANKING / RANK A SESSION: (only in the Training mode)
Ranking of the current timing session or any memorized session. Note that only the best time of each
competitor will be displayed on the LCD or printed.
 LISTING / LIST A SESSION: (only in the Training mode)
This is a listing of a competitor number’s times in chronological order for the current session, or any
memorized session. All the times (Inter 1, 2 and Finish) will be displayed for each run within the session.
# 01 COMPETITOR 1
INTER 1 10.23
INTER 2 23.56
FINISH 42.98
CLEAR MEMORY: Clear the memory only when you start a new timing session and you are sure you
do not need to retain the previous session(s) in memory!

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 PARAMETERS :
oPRECISION: you can choose the timing precision between 1 sec to 1/100’000th of second. The
LCD display will show a maximum precision of 1/1’000
th
of second, however, all times transferred,
memorized and printed are at the specified precision.
oLOCK TIME: Lock-out time of the 4 inputs is selectable from 0.01 to 99.99 seconds. To enter
1.00 sec, press 1 – 0 – 0 and confirm with ◄┘.
The minimum lock-out time of 0.01 sec should not be used with any mechanical triggering device
(bounce may cause several impulses).
oINPUT STATUS
Selection of Inputs and their timing info functions info (transmit / received)
UP Narrow: TRANSMIT
DOWN Narrow: Received
HORIZONTAL: Close
The default status of the input is set as « Transmit » (after switching off)
oCAPTURE WINDOWS: (only into the Training mode)
The time window (min / max) automatically identifies the competitor number as he passes
through the various timing points while his run is in progress.
If the value is defined at 0, no restrictions are activated there is no guaranty that the competitor
will be correctly identified.
oBEEP: Audio Signal activation (ON/OFF). The last setting is memorized.
oRS232 PC: Baud rate is selectable (2400 / 9600 / 38'400 / 57'000 and 9’600 Bds Select “Flow
Control” for our radio Data / Voice transmission HL 680.
oRS232 AUX : Data bus RS232 “PRINTER”
 TO PRINTER : printer (ON/OFF)
 TO AUX: Serial bus RS232 PRINTER is setup for Master/Slave mode.
 To HL970/HL980: will send information to a display, including Net Time (especially for the
Training Mode) – only for the training Mode
•Running Time on the TAG Heuer display
•Running Time of Day of the HL 440
•Blank command to the Display
Running time is the default setting
Display Duration of net times is adjustable from 1 to 59 seconds using the ▲Plus / ▼
Less arrows, then validate with ◄┘ (10 seconds is the default setting).
oLANGUAGE: The Minitimer is programmed in English , German, French and Italian
oSTATUS: Capacity of the memory available, number of runs memorized and battery status in %.
oPRINT SETTING: print the full parameter settings of your Minitimer, including memory status,
timing mode, precision and input lock time.
 PRINTER:
oPRINTER OFF: No output available. Serial bus is closed.
oPRINTER ON: Times and Data are send to the Serial « Printer » connection.
IMPORTANT
When you turn on the Printer, all saved data will be printed.

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 DOWNLOAD:
oTO PRINTER
Print all Times and data on the serial printer.
oTO COMPUTER
Send all data to the serial connection « Computer »in a traditional protocol
oTO CHRONO RS232
Send Data to another Timing device (like a CP540 or Minitimer)
oTO RS232 AUX
Send Data through the serial output « PRINTER »
 DUPLICATE:
Allows another or several competitor N°’s to be ass ociated with a particular start, intermediate or finish
time already received.
Not available for Training mode
 INSERT TIME:
Allows you to create a particular start or finish Time–of-Day for any competitor.
Not available for Training mode
 NUMBERING: You can select Manual or Automatic competitor numbering assigned to input 1 (Start)
only
Automatic: in ascending UP order
Manual: enter the competitor’s N°+ ENTER
At any time it is possible to cancel the next competitor by pressing “0” + Enter.
This is available only in the Training Mode

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6. Opening Run and Timing
oEnter the menu (F) and select OPEN RUN
Do not forget to unblock the external input (Red key 1 – 4), if necessary.
oThe Minitimer records sequentially the time-of-day from each input. Each time can be matched with a
competitor n°(N°+ ◄┘), before the impulse, or after with the RECALL function. Note: only in Split
mode.
SPLIT mode: Each time can be identified with a bib number (N°+ ◄┘) BEFORE the start Impulse or
AFTER with the function RECALL «R»
TRAINING Mode: it is important to define correctly the parameter “CAPTURE WINDOWS” (Max /
Min) for the Intermediates and Finish.
The time window (min / max) automatically identifies the competitor number’s expected arrival as he
passes through the various timing points while his run is in progress.
•For intermediate times: if the crossing time is inside of the window, the bib number of the
competitor will be automatically identified to the time, and the MiniTimer will automatically
calculate the Net Time. If the crossing time is outside of this window (lower or higher), the time of
the day will be saved, but without identification. It will be necessary to use the function <R>
(Recall) in order to correctly identify this time, if desired later.
•For Finish: if crossing time is inside the window, the time-of-day will be automatically identified
with bib number, and the MiniTimer will calculate the Net Time. On the other hand, if the crossing
time is not within the window, two scenarios are possible:
•If the time is less than the MIN value entered in the "Capture Window,” the time of the day will
be memorized, but the running time will continue until the end of the window (MAX time).
•If the time is greater than the MAX value entered in the "capture Window” parameter, the time
of the day will be saved, but running time will automatically disappear at the MAX value, and
competitor number will be identified as a “DNF.” (Do Not Finish).
Defining the capture Windows:
In training mode, it is possible to send one or more forerunners to establish estimated arrival times
for the training course. To tell the MiniTimer that a forerunner is about to start, press the “*” key and
then enter a bib N°+ ENTER.
The forerunner will define the times at Inter 1 and 2, and finish.
As soon the forerunner crosses the finish line, the Minitimer will switch automatically to the “Capture
Windows” menu, and thus allows the operator to define the MIN / MAX settings for Inter 1, 2 and
Finish. On the LCD, the times set by the forerunner will be shown, so that you can fine tune the
“Capture Windows” settings.
The times recorded by the forerunner are not included in Rankings or Listings.
It is possible to cancel the new starter, in SPLIT and TRAINING mode by entering the bib’s number
“0” and valid with ◄┘.

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6.1. RECALL function (R)
This allows you to:
oRecall all the memorized times from any input, from the buffer, with or without competitor numbers.
oReview and select times not yet identified with a bib number.
Example:
- Press R
- Select Input
- Scroll Up / Down with the ▼and ▲keys. Place the black arrow with the desired time
_ _ _ _ ►16 :55 :40.789
- Enter the competitor number and confirm with ◄┘
The *symbol is associated with this N°(indicates that this time was recalled and associated with a
bib number).
oRecall competitor N°and modification.
Example:
- Enter the competitor N°
- Press R
- Select Input (1 – 4)
The competitor N°to modify will be displayed.
- Press (error) and enter the new competitor N°.
- Confirm with ◄┘
The *symbol is associated with this N°(indicates that this time was recalled and associated
with a bib number).
oDirect time identification on an input
- Press R
- Select Input (1 – 4)
- When a new time arrives, identify it immediately by entering the competitor N°
- Validate with ◄┘
oCancel errant time
- Press R
- Select Input (1 – 4)
- Select the errant time by using “UP/DOWN” arrows
- Press to request the change
- Press “0” to cancel the time
- Press to valid the cancelling
oChange indentified time
- Press R
- Select Input (1 – 4)
- Select the time you want to change the identification by using “UP/DOWN” arrows
- Press to request the change
- Enter the new bib’s number
- Validate with ◄┘
ATTENTION!
A time identified with competitor “0” deletes the time. The character “C” is memorized and
associated with the time.

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7. Download a new version of Firmware
Program downloads and new releases of the TAG Heuer firmware “up loader” are available free of charge
on our website www.tagheuer-timing.com.
For this operation, you need to have:
•Sub-D9p cable HL 605-10
•The software «TAGHeuerFirmmanager.exe » installed on your PC.
Procedure
1. Copy the software «TAGHeuerFirmManager.exe » onto your hard disk drive
2. Connect the HL440 with the external power supply (The HL440 should be off before plugging in the
external power supply). Do not turn on the HL440 yet!
3. Connect the RS232 cable (HL605-10) to the PC and to the HL440
4. Run the software « TAGHeuerFirmManager.exe »
5. Select the COM Port
6. Select the file: Update (HL440_xxx.dat)
7. Press START on the software.
8. Power ON the HL440
The HL440 will go into a special mode « Download ».
The LDC back light will be ON, but LCD will be blank.
9. As soon as the upgrade is downloaded into the HL440, validate the software with OK.
10. Remove the RS232 cable from the HL440.
11. The HL440 is ready to use.
8. Protocol
Please refer to the TAG Heuer Timing Standard protocol: THCOM08

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9. Configuration
9.1 Computer, Minitimer and a Printer
Settings
HL 440
Synchro: Synchro Manual
Setup: RS 232 PC 9600 bps
RS 232 AUX PRINTER
Input mapping : Input 1 to 4
9.2 Two Minitimer 

8 synced Inputs
Settings
HL 440 / 1
Synchro: Synchro Manual
Setup: RS 232 PC 9600 bps
RS 232 AUX TO AUX
Input mapping : Input 5 to 8
HL 440 / 2
Synchro: Synchro Slave
Setup: RS 232 PC 9600 bps
RS 232 AUX VERS PRINTER
Input mapping : Input 1 to 4

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9.3 Chronoprinter 540 – Minitimer – Computer (not synced together)
Settings
CP 540
Synchro: Synchro Manual
Timing mode: PTB SEQ 1 to 4
HL 440
Synchro: Synchro Manuel
Settings: RS 232 PC 9600 bps
RS 232 AUX VERS AUX
Input mapping : Input 5 to 8
9.4 Chronoprinter 540 synced with a Minitimer to a Computer
Settings
PC 540
Synchro: Synchro Manuel / GPS
Timing mode: PTB SEQ 1 à 4
HL 440
Synchro: Synchro Slave
Setup: RS 232 PC 9600 bps
RS 232 AUX TO AUX
Input mapping : Input 5 to 8

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9.5Training
Settings
HL 440
Synchro: Manual Synchro
Setup: RS 232 PC 9600 bps
RS 232 AUX TO AUX
Input mapping : Input 1 to 4

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9.6Training with coach
Setting
HL 440 / 1
Synchro: Manual Synchro
Setup: RS 232 PC 9600 bps
RS 232 AUX TO AUX
Input mapping: Input 1 to 4
HL 440 / Coach’s monitor
Synchro: Manual Synchro
Setup: RS 232 PC 9600 bps
RS 232 AUX TO AUX
Input mapping: Input 1 to 4
Parameter : Capture windows has to be set exactly as HL440 / 1