Chapter 4. Installation
STACK ST8302 and ST8360 Video-Logger System
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User Guide
Trackside IR Beacon
Only one Stack trackside beacon can be used on the track. Do not
position your beacon half way around the track, as this may
inconvenience other users of Stack equipment.
Choose a suitable location for the beacon, which should be:
•
as close as possible to the start/finish line
•
at least 4 metres (12 feet) away from other types of beacon
•
positioned at the same height as the lap-timing sensor on your
vehicle
•
positioned level so that it transmits the IR beam horizontally
•
protected from direct sunlight for long periods, in hot conditions
•
positioned so that the sun is not directly behind it (because the
sensor may be unable to distinguish between the IR emitted from
the sun and that given out by the beacon)
•
protected from water spray in wet conditions, e.g. by fitting a
protective beak. Do NOT cover with a plastic bag.
The beacon needs a 12v DC power supply. A sealed lead-acid battery
with a rating of at least 2.5 Ah is ideal. When fully charged, such a
battery will provide continuous operation for approximately 15 hours.
There is a two-colour status LED on the beacon which provides an
indication of remaining battery life:
•
Green
: adequate voltage for normal operation
•
Red
: too low, replace with a full-charged battery
•
Off
: the battery is discharged or disconnected
