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#12
  • Notes from the Editor
  • In the Spotlight - Doug Padilla
  • New Rules for FAT for Track
  • Wiring Diagrams
  • Leasing Option
  • Computer Considerations
  • TECH CORNER - Serial Shortage
  • Ethernet Network Solutions
  • Banners
  • New Products: 4LSS, Rain Guard

NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

Kate Farrington

There is electricity in the air!

The photo-finish world is abuzz with talk of the latest product line from Lynx System Developers, Inc. - EtherLynx 2000. You will learn about some of its new features in these pages.

Two of the premier U.S. Indoor Track events of the winter - Millrose Games in NYC, and Simplot Games in Pocatello, ID both appeared "live" on our very own CyberScoreboard. We were also very pleased to provide another season of excellent timing and results coverage for the International Skating Union's World Junior and European Championships in Marquette, MI and Sweden, respectively.

Similarly, our home page is alive with activity as thousands and thousands of "hits" are logged each week from across the globe. A good number of visitors as of late are interested in the Doug Padilla "auction", featured in this issue's Spotlight. We invite all readers to share feedback, as always.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Doug Padilla Recovery Fund to benefit from bids for EtherLynx 2000

Track and Field was the sport for which FinishLynx was first developed and the one which remains close to the heart of our organization. The fate of one of the U.S.'s top distance runners, Doug Padilla of Orem, Utah, whose leg was shattered by a freak car accident last summer, has weighed heavily on the minds of many involved in the sport, including Lynx System Developers, Inc. president, Doug DeAngelis. Just as DeAngelis was packing up equipment for this year's Chase Millrose Games, it was brought to his attention that the organizers of the event had decided to make a donation to Padilla's Recovery fund, which was set up to help cover Padilla's enormous medical bills. The Lynx connection to both the Millrose Games and U.S. running spurred Doug to immediately agree to help the cause as well.

A "state of the art' EtherLynx 2000 system valued at $12,740 is currently being auctioned off by the Doug Padilla Recovery Fund. Bids from interested colleges, schools, or individuals should be made by mail to the same address as contributions to the fund:

Doug Padilla Recovery Fund

c/o Harley Jacobs

First Security Bank

77 North State Street

Orem, UT 84057

Telephone: 801-342-2177

Fax: 801-225-0994

However, you may check our home page at www.finishlynx.com for the current highest bid. The winning bid at the auction will be formally announced at the Boston Marathon on April 21, 1997.

NEW RULES FOR F.A.T.

Changes give Finishlynx more weight

And who said we would not change the sport! The (U.S.) National Federation Track and Field and Cross Country Rules Committee recently met and made major changes to the rules which effect timing.

    • National records will not be granted beginning with the 1998 season unless the time is recorded by fully automatic timing (FAT) systems.
    • Recognizing that the use of timers and pickers varies with automatic equipment, the committee determined that when a FAT system is used, the games committee may reduce or eliminate the use of judges and timers at the finish line.
    • In determining qualifiers for a subsequent round, timing to the one one-thousandths (1,1000) of a second using FAT systems is permissible.

While these rules are great news for FinishLynx operators, they also do not have to be beacons of obsolescence for long-time officials who have been working finish lines at track meets for years.

Recruiting officials to perform the very necessary jobs of getting hip and bib numbers, keeping track of finishers, communicating with the starter and even policing the results and finish line area can be a very cost-effective way of improving your service while not alienating track enthusiasts.

WIRING DIAGRAMS

And other technical notes.

Due to demand, our technical department has developed some wiring diagrams to provide solutions to common problems in wiring.

These diagrams are available for downloading from our web site: http://www.finishlynx.com. They include:

    • Button splitter
    • Cable for connecting Wind Gauge to Mac
    • Cable for connecting Wind Gauge to PC
    • Serial Devices (Lynx Inputs)
    • Lantastic Network
    • Preparing Coax

If you can think of other diagrams that you would like to see, call our technical support line (800-989-LYNX), and perhaps we can help you.

LEASING OPTION

If you are short on cash, try the `90s way of financing

Have you been considering a new purchase or an upgrade to your system, but have hesitated because payment in one lump sum is out of the question? We have decided to replace our "Fiscal Flex" program with a leasing option.

If you decide to lease your equipment, you will be able to stretch your payments out to up to three years by making low monthly payments. Pass on the word to a friend who is interested in purchasing, or call.

COMPUTER CONSIDERATIONS

For EtherLynx 2000

Industry watchers who predicted that computer prices would continue to fall have noticed that in fact, many people who are buying today are spending more than they would have even a year ago. The reason for this is that people continue to want more out of their machines.

This trend can be seen with FinishLynx, as our latest generation software is demanding as well. If you are thinking about making a purchase and want to make sure you will be "upward compatible" with EtherLynx 2000, keep these minimum requirements in mind:

·16MB of RAM for Windows 95

·32MB of RAM for Windows NT

·Windows NT or Windows 95 installed and running

·EthernetTM card installed and TCP-IP networking protocol installed

·16bit video mode (800x600 preferred)

NETWORKING SOLUTIONS FOR ETHERNET

Tips for EtherLynx 2000 users

Like most Ethernet networks, the EtherLynx2000 camera(s) and the computer(s) can be connected in a variety of ways:

    • 10 base T(twisted pair) cable-No hub
    • 10 base T cable, and Ethernet hub
    • 10 base 2 (coaxial) cable
    • 10 base FL (Fiber Optic) cable

Our technical staff is ready to assist you in setting-up ethernet networks. However, if you are using 10base2 (coaxial) cabling, you MUST use a terminator at each end of the cable as show below. DO NOT connect the cable directly to your Ethernet card on your Computer or your Camera.


Any questions regarding ethernet networking should be directed to our technical support department: 800-989-LYNX.

BANNER EVENT

Signs of the Times

Hot off the presses are new FinishLynx banners, in bright colors suitable for all seasons. The one shown to the right travelled to the other side of the globe to appear at this year's second annual Kent Tour of China international cycling race. Faces in the crowd mirror the giant leap forward that country has taken to allow international athletes - and sponsors - to grace its streets, but perhaps an editorial on the recent death of China-shaper Deng Xiaoping is better left for another forum...

If you are interested in bringing a banner to your corner of the world, please call the office for availability.

FEEDBACK

Snail Mail, e-mail, telephone, or fax us with your comments, tips, or stories.

The Welsh News, a publication of the Welsh Schools Athletic Association reported "It is most pleasing to report that the FinishLynx Photo Finish equipment bought with a grant from the Sport Lottery Wales and supported by TSB Bank pls, has proved of outstanding benefit to athletics in Wales.

The original concept of making the equipment available to our Governing Body, Leagues and Clubs has been a great success. . . The 3 sets of equipment are now widely used at all levels of competition from National Championships, through the League and County events down to Club Level. No charge is made for the use of the equipment, the WSAA bearing the cost of insurance." C.E. Hughes, the president of the organization, added "We would not be without it, Thank you (or in Welsh) Diolch yn Fawr

"You people are the greatest! Last night I sat at home in Pennsylvania and watched the Millrose Games on your program. You don't know how much I appreciate your service. I missed not being part of the Millrose Games very much and you people made me be able to cope with the transition from coaching at Villanova and being in the limelight to being at home during this great meet. Thank you," "Uncle" Marty Stern

I was just in the FinishLynx web site at http;://www.finishlynx.com and was happy to see complete Millrose results not to mention some cool finish photos. Its worth the trip! Keith Whitman Kent State Track

Don Paige of Bahama, NC sent via e-mail: The new site looks great and it is very informative. This is the avenue of the future and I hope all Track & Field related companies follow your lead. Thank you for this wonderful service.

And finally, Arthur Foster, Dad & Coach of "Char Foster" writes: "I think you are doing a great job!! PLEASE keep it up..

TRAINING SEMINARS

Bring a Lynx trainer to your area

This winter Lynx System Developers, Inc. hosted hugely successful FinishLynx seminars in Boston, Gainesville, FL, Lubbock, TX, and Long Beach, CA.

Participants gain insight on digital photofinish theory, hear a basic lens primer, and get hands-on instruction on camera alignment, results processing, and data management. A live demonstration of EtherLynx2000 is also available.

If you are interested in hosting a seminar, please contact us for more details.

WING, PLACE, or DRAW?

Jerry Matthews of Christchurch, New Zealand sent via the Internet this humorous image of a seagull sailing to a win. Jonathan Livingston fans celebrate!

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