What is the zero test?
I was asked If I knew how to do.
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A "zero test" or "zero gun test" is used to check that the automatic timing system starts and captures properly. Typically, a starting gun (with the starting sensor) is placed flat on the finish line and fired. The timing system should capture the flash of the gun at zero seconds. The zero gun test is required for IAAF running records. During a meet, the test should be performed once a day on each of the finish lines that will be used that day.
It's a good idea to place a scrap of cardboard under the gun, or your nice white finish line will get covered with black power from the gun. Place the gun so the flash will be close to the leading edge of the finish line. (For closed barrel guns, place the chamber near the leading edge of the starting line.)
It's a good idea to place a scrap of cardboard under the gun, or your nice white finish line will get covered with black power from the gun. Place the gun so the flash will be close to the leading edge of the finish line. (For closed barrel guns, place the chamber near the leading edge of the starting line.)
So I just place a gun on the finish line and fire it..how do you set it up so that it is armed and capturing at the same time?
The rule book solves some of the problem for you, The starter fires the gun, you co ordinate that they fire the gun just after you start the capture. Once you see the bright "flash" of the gun and read the time. you show the reading to the track Referee. It is nice to have the capture rate at 1000 frames a second but not required.
Windows version of Lynx is easy to have capture and arming at same time. Old dos Lynx and some of the other timing systems required you start the program in a special option just for the test.
I've had starters accidentally have the gun discharge just past where the camera captures and you don't get the flash just smoke. if that happens you should do it again.
The transducer should also be close to the gun. Once had a starter put the transducer in one lane and fired the gun in an other. The "zero" ended up being .003 so again had to do the test over.
Windows version of Lynx is easy to have capture and arming at same time. Old dos Lynx and some of the other timing systems required you start the program in a special option just for the test.
I've had starters accidentally have the gun discharge just past where the camera captures and you don't get the flash just smoke. if that happens you should do it again.
The transducer should also be close to the gun. Once had a starter put the transducer in one lane and fired the gun in an other. The "zero" ended up being .003 so again had to do the test over.