We currently have a set of Tag Heuer timing equipment used for timing thoroughbred racehorses over a distance of around 400m.
Since we purchased the equipment we have had a number of issues with reliability to the point where we have stopped using it. We are now looking for ways to try and make it better so we can use it effectively.
The set of equipment we currently use is as follows:
Tag Heuer HL 675-2 receive
Tag Heuer 545 Chronopronter
4 x Tag Heuer HL3 – 500 photocells (with 4 x Tag Heuer HL3 – TX)
We believe a possible reason for this is distance/range - the wireless photocells do not produce a powerful enough signal to reach our receiver. The furthest photocell from the receiver is no more than 400/500m away. Based on the spec this should not be an issue... We previously used older Tag equipment whereby external transmitters were attached to the photocells with banana cables. We did not have any problems with range with this kit and we very rarely missed clocking a horse.
Another possible issue is that there are also several other groups of people timing the same racehorses. Some of them have the same equipment as us and their timing equipment sits within very close proximity of ours. I have been told that interference between the various set ups is causing the majority of our problems, but we have also tried setting up alone and the same problems occur – perhaps not as regularly but the system is far from 100%.
I would be grateful if anybody could please help as we are very disappointed with the results we are currently getting.
Many thanks
Tom