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In a previous blog post, we discussed meet management file formats, FinishLynx software formats, and meet management integration as a way to understand how FinishLynx communicates with a meet management program. This post addresses the best practices of data management as it relates to the files saved by FinishLynx. 

FinishLynx will save three (3) types of files with each event run:

1. LIF File: Results file used by meet management
2. .EVT File: FinishLynx event file — one file is created for each race
3. .io1 (.io2) Files: Camera files  that are associated with each specific .evt file

All three file types are typically named by the event, round, and heat numbers (i.e. 4-1-1). This means that from one meet to another, there will be multiple files with the same name that may overwrite one another. It’s also possible that results from the LIF files of previous meets may be pulled into meet management software if that data is not managed. 

This issue is easily solved by creating a sub-folder in the shared directory for each meet:

• One folder should be saved to the shared input/output directory on the meet management computer. 
• The other folder should be a sub-folder of the event directory saved on the FinishLynx computer. 

Folders can be named with the meet name, date, or both and should be created within a shared directory. Simply point your input/output directories and event directories to the new folders for each meet.

Event Directory Settings:

Database Settings:

As always, if you have additional questions please feel free to contact technical support. 

Learn More About Lynx File Formats & Extensions

When using FinishLynx with a meet management program, there are a number of files that are created that allow one program to communicate with the other.  It can be helpful to understand what these files are, the purpose they serve, and where to find them. In general, the files are created in one of two places; either FinishLynx or the meet management software.

Meet Management File Formats

Meet Management files are used to create a schedule in FinishLynx and populate each event with start lists/entries. These files include:

.PPL File – a list of each competitor and their ID/Bib number (if used)
.SCH File – a list of each event, round and heat in the schedule
.EVT (Classic Event Log) – a list of each event, round, and heat with the ID, lane assignment, and name of each athlete entered. It may also contain other relevant information including affiliation. Open with a text editor like Notepad to view the contents.

FinishLynx Software Formats

Files produced by FinishLynx include:

.LIF File – This file contains the results of each event, round, and heat in the following comma-separated format: 

Place, ID, lane, last name, first name, affiliation, <time>, license, <delta time>, <ReacTime>, <splits>, time trial start time, user 1, user 2, user 3

This file is used by meet management software to populate results and score the meet. This simple text-based data format can then be shared across the network with race scoring programs or uploaded to the web and formatted for live results. Below is a screenshot of a .LIF file:

Meet Management Software Integration

To ensure successful integration of the two software programs, these files must be saved to a shared folder. In FinishLynx, set your input and output directory to that folder under the Database | Options. 

It is recommended to save these files to the meet management computer (if using more than one computer) as they are utilized by the meet management software. 

FinishLynx creates other files that should be saved to the capture computer as they can only be accessed by the FinishLynx program and may need to be reviewed after the meet is over.  These include the event files (Boys 3000.evn) and associated camera files (Boys 3000.io1). 

Create a folder on the C: drive and set the Event Directory to this location under the Event | Options. It is recommended that you create a new folder for each meet.

Have some specific questions about connecting FinishLynx with your meet management software? Contact tech support now. 

The remote positioner for Lynx photo-finish cameras is a popular add-on that allows for the remote adjustment of cameras from within the FinishLynx software. The remote positioner contains small motors that enable the camera to tilt, swivel, or pan while mounted atop a tripod. In some cases—especially during tight storage—a motor can be broken and will require repair. If you have a broken positioner motor, Lynx will send you the replacement and you can complete the repair at your own convenience. Rather than sending your positioner back to Lynx, you can save time and money by replacing the motor(s) yourself. The process is very straightforward. After receiving your replacement motors, please follow the steps below. 

To begin, find yourself a work area that is flat, clutter-free, and well-lit. 

Necessary Tools:

• 1/4″ socket driver
• 3/16″ socket driver
• Medium Phillips head screwdriver

Note: Some older Positioners will require a 5/16″ socket driver as larger nuts were previously used. 

If you’re only replacing the Pan Motor, skip steps 5-6, 8. 

Step 1: Turn the Positioner so the back legs are closest to you. 

Step 2: Begin by removing the 2 short screws from the back legs of the mounting plate.

• Remove the 2 long screws from the front legs of the mounting plate and remove the plate. 
  

Step 3: Remove the 4 screws from the base of the Positioner.

Step 4: Flip the Positioner over and remove the bottom plate. Unplug the 3 cables. 

Step 5: Using the 3/16″ socket driver, remove the 4 jack screws from the sides of the serial plugs.

Step 6: Using the 1/4″ socket, remove the 2 nuts from the circuit board; remove the board by pulling up and away.

Step 7: Remove the nuts and washers from any broken motors. Transfer the stand to the new motor. 

1. Replace the old motor with the new motor with the wires pointed inward. 
2. Replace the washers and tighten the nuts.

Step 8: Replace the circuit board.

1. Tighten the nuts. (The motor mount nut may need to be adjusted for the board to fit.)
2. Tighten the jack screws. (Over-tightening may cause the screws to break.)

Step 9: Plug the motors into the board taking note of the labels and motor positions — right, left, pan

Also keep in mind that the motors are upside down and therefore reversed.

Step 10: Replace the bottom plate with the pan motor to the back.

Step 11: Flip the Positioner over and tighten the 4 screws on the base.

1. Tighten the two long screws on the front legs of the mounting plate.
2. Tighten the two short screws on the back legs of the mounting plate. 

If you need any additional help, please contact tech support: 978-556-9780 or support@finishlynx.com