Can two photo-cells be mounted on a single post as shown in the attached photo? I can't see any practical reason why not. This configuration keeps the two cells within a few centimeters of each other and seems to solve the problem of mounting matched pairs of cells on 2 separate posts.
TAG Heuer photocells can be mounted the proper way on a single post and still be within the maximum 20 cm or 7.87 inches of separation required by FIS.
Install the top photocell first then bring the bottom photocell up just under the top photocell mount leaving just enough space for adjusting the lower cell. You should have 16.5 cm or 6.5 inches of separation which is fine by current FIS timing specifications.
Posts: 16 | Location: Ludlow, Vermont, USA | Registered: October 24, 2002
Thanks Todd. Yeah, I can mount these in a conventional manner (one above the other), however I was told that these synchronized pairs of photo-cells (HL2-32) should be mounted so that the vertical separation is somehwere less than 4" (10cm), so that the beams from both transmitters will be captured by both opposing recievers.
Other than this configuration looking a little odd, I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work fine.
I've also mounted them one-above-the-other, with the top cell mounted upside-down. This works fine as well.
The major reason for mounting the primary and backup cells on two posts is to prevent melting snow or wind gusts from affecting both units. We will certainly agree that it takes more time and effort to do so but it is generally considored safer.
Here is a photo from the ongoing downhills at Lake Louise.
Your scheme seems to leave the cells open to odd snow buildup if it really starts coming down. I would at least make a snow shield to compensate for the layout.
Posts: 892 | Location: Trexlertown, PA, USA | Registered: September 10, 2002
Cells.JPG (17 Kb, 79 downloads) 
