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11 replies

FINISHLYNX for unorthodox timing needs

F fatherpierceMember
Hi guys - thanks for letting me post up a question, I scanned the forum and didn't see anything covering this topic.

I'm looking to utilize a video system to more accurately time a race, specifically a competition between firefighters where time is stopped when the competitor grabs the top rung of a ladder.

The competition is currently started with a photoreflective beam, and the timing is completed when three judges press a button to finish the time. Accuracy hasn't been perfect, because of human error. I wouldn't look to use Finishlynx, since there is no finish line, but rather my thought was that the Identilynx system could actually slow down the race to 1/2 speed, or allow the judges a chance to go frame by frame to identify the exact moment when the rung is grabbed.

Questions:

Is it possible to run Identilynx without a Finishlynx camera?
Is it possible to give the finishlynx system an external signal for the start?
Is there a system that could get the job done at a lower cost than Finishlynx?

Any help anyone could offer would be very much appreciated, thanks in advance.
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P patmacdonaldMember
It is apparently possible to run an Identilynx without a line scan.

If I were to do this competition just once, I'd use a regular line scan camera at the start area, using manual capture to get the start time.

I'd use it again to activate the identilynx in proximity to the ladder rung.

Maybe something else would do it better, but if it was a one off, I'd start there.
F fatherpierceMember
Can you be a little more specific with your recommendations?

We repeat this event weekly at different locations throughout the summer, so we would be willing to invest a bit for a smart solution.

What would fall into the category of a "regular line scan camera"?

The manual capture would receive the signal for the start time, correct?

Would the line scan camera also then tell the Identilynx to start taking photos?

I apologize again, I just don't know a lot about the software so I figure I'd come to the pros.
J johnMember
Identilynx has at best 60 fps so time resolution for it is not great. It is primarily designed as an identification device, not a timing device. It will work without a Finishlynx camera.

Without a finishlynx camera you cannot introduce a start signal, photocells only connect to Finishlynx cameras. Identilynx cameras do not have internal quartz timing crystal so the time shown is from the clock on your computer, not too accurate.

I would probably go with the photocell start and would look at a low pressure tape switch to put on the top ladder rung to get a finish. Overall a much less expensive solution and easier to manage. It also gives you instant results without having to analyze. You could also modify the ladder with a hole just above the top rung and use a photocell there but a tape switch would be easier.

Clock, Photocell and Tape Switch for about the price of a 60 fps Identilynx. Buy a clock and photocell that has expired homologation for cheap and spend a few bucks on a display board or two, much better!
mhowardmhowardMember
John and I were thinking the same thing with the low pressure tape switch. After watching the video, the main issue would be wireless transmission of the signal. There are multiple transmitters that might be able to be attached to the ladder in some form.

I would question: how well it might stay attached to the ladder? will the transmitter continue to function reliably getting banged around like that? if there is any interference with the antenna in close proximity to the ladder? does every team use the same ladder (need for multiple transmitters)?

Simple enough, www.tapeswitch.com
M michianatimingcomMember
With the IdentiLynx Pro XS you would get frame rate to 1/60th of a second. I doubt that would give you fine enough timing.

I hate to say it, but a cheap video photo finish system would do 1/120th of a second.

I think what you really want however is FinishLynx to 1/1000th of a second, or more. I would be interested in seeing what happens if you shoot right down the face of the tower. If the key is hitting the top rung, then I'd be concerned that the rung is not always in the same place, so line scan might not cut it. If it could be defined as when the hand goes to height x, then you could easily do that I think. Interesting.
P patmacdonaldMember
I'm guessing www.eagleeyedv.com

You'd need a customized solution.

Seeing what this is, my initial idea wouldn't work at all. Stupidly, there are still ways that it could work, but it'd take time to break down the raw times, and it'd still be relying on someone hitting a button to stop capturing. By no means official.

I wonder about a solution more like a swim solution, something that automatically starts a timer, and then two people hit a button when the top rung is touched. That time is averaged.
M michianatimingcomMember
About 30-35% of my FinishLynx sales are to people who buy a different system initially and then realize that they want the power, reliability and efficiency of the FinishLynx System. I periodically know of someone wanting to sell such a system, and I may know of one now. If you wish to contact me via email I can discuss this with you. I don't mean to be overly forward or pushy.

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