MacFinish 2HS 500 manual
2.4.2 Finish detection
The system can use different finish signal sources, depending on the sport for which the system is
being used:
• photocells, for example with athletics
• manual finish push button, for example with road cycling races of many hours.
Plug the cable of the chosen finish sensor into 'Arrival' on the front of the 'MacFinish Interface Box',
OR
in the finish connection of the 12-wire cabling system (cable-reel or Connection-box).
2.4.2.1 Photocells
Photocells are used to give an arrival signal to the MacFinish Interface Box, so that the recording of
photo and time could take place automatically. The photocells consist of an infrared light transmitter
and receiver module, which should be installed close to the finish line, on the left and right side of
the track. Mount them at a suitable height (between athlete chest and hip height), depending on the
age of the athletes that you want to record. Make sure that you do not mount them too high, as
(small) athletes who do not interrupt the photocells will not be recorded automatically. The
schematic representation may give you an idea.
Photo: Photocells
Try to position the photocells as close to the finish line as possible, but make sure that they do not
obscure the view of your camera!
• The photocell transmitter is simply connected to a battery pack (12Vdc), to receive power.
• The photocell receiver is connected to the MacFinish system (Interface Box or 12-wire
cabling).
You can identify the transmitter and receiver by the following;
• On the photocell transmitter you see an arrow (
→
) pointing AWAY from the photocell.
• On the photocell receiver you see an arrow (
←
) pointing TO the photocell.
You can fix your photocells easily with Velcro strips on the L-shaped metal plate, which can be
screwed on top of the included tripods. Of course, they can also be fixed more permanently by
means of the screws. When the IR light beam is interrupted between the transmitter and receiver, a
signal is sent to the MacFinish Interface Box, indicating that a competitor is finishing, or just has
finished. You may wonder how images are correctly being recorded when the photocells are placed
just behind the finish line! Make sure that both photocell modules are correctly pointed towards each
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