8
RaceAmerica Model 3850 Timer AC4
STEP 1 -
Familiarize yourself with the Components
pictured in this manual and how they interconnect.
Track Sensor Cables are used to connect the
starting line and finish line to the timer console
or T-Link Wireless units (Fig. 1 thru 6).
All connectors are keyed for proper
orientation. The 12VDC battery is connected
with the RED alligator clip to plus (+) terminal
of the battery and the BLACK alligator clip to
(-) terminal of the battery. Do not connect to an
operating motor vehicle! Optional 110/230VAC
adapters can also be used instead of a battery.
The free standing, battery powered Model
5040/5050 IR Beam Emitters are placed on the
end of the start line and finish line away from
the timer console and the Model 5140 IR Track
Sensors are placed on the console side of the start
line and finish line. Each of the Beam Emitter and
Track Sensor units are fully interchangeable with
each other. The Track Sensor cables plug into
their respective start and finish connectors on the
underside of the console.
If the T-Link Wireless option is used to
connect the track sensors, follow set-up per the
diagrams (Fig 2 or 3). The ‘Z’ unit cable plugs
into the Serial Port connector on the underside of
the console.
STEP 2 -
Identify the emitter/sensor placement at the
common start/finish line (laptimer) or the start line
and finish line (autocross Solo II). The lane width
should be set between four (4) and fifty (50) feet
for 5040 and eight (8) and seventy-five feet for
5050 emitters. To help in determining initial Beam
Emitter to Track Sensor alignment in larger track
widths, use a string stretched between the beam
emitter and track sensor or eyeball a straight line
between units.
STEP 3 -
Layout the wireless links or cables on the
track site. The large connector (RJ45) connects
to the console or T-Link Wireless unit and the
smaller connectors (RJ11) connect to the Track
Sensors at the start line or the finish line.. Connect
the Cable(s) to the Timer Console and the Track
Sensors. Single sensor laptimers use only the start
sensor position.
Once the system is properly set up and
aligned on the racing surface, the timer console
will continue to ‘monitor’ the track sensor at the
start line to start the next timer or at the finish line
to stop the next timer (lap-timer uses only the start
beam).
NOTE: once the start or finish line beam is
interrupted, the system imposes a two to nine second
lockout (see CONFIG menu) of that sensor to allow
blowing debris to settle. During the last second
of the lockout, the system performs alignment
testing of the triggered sensor to determine if the
alignment has changed. Failure of the starting line
beam alignment is indicated by flashing
[StArt]
[SEnSor] [test] [fAiLEd]
.
[Finish] [SEnSor]
[tESt] [FAiLEd]
would indicate the finish line
alignment has failed testing. These messages are
displayed until another message updates the Status
Display. This feature helps in early detection and
resolution of a low battery in the Beam Emitters,
someone tripped over a cable, or a sensor has been
bumped out of alignment.
STEP 4 -
Connect any optional scoreboards, displays
or PCs per owner manuals at this time. The
drawings in Figs 8 thru 10 show some of the
connection options. The Printer RS232 port can
be reconfigured to a RS232 Display port in the
Configuration menu.
Connections are for RS232 serial data at 9600
baud. When the option is located more than 100ft
from the console, using wireless or RS422 com-
munication PODs will accomplish the task.
STEP 5 -
Connect the RED and BLACK alligator clips
to the 12VDC battery or 110/230 VAC AC Adapter
and you’re ready to begin.
