Category Archives: Support

The value of an IdentiLynx full-frame video camera for identifying participants in a race is indisputable. But finding out that the few seconds of critical image is missing can be extremely frustrating. In this blog post, we try to understand what can lead to lost frames from an IdentiLynx camera and explore some possible solutions in the FinishLynx software. 

Causes

Low Network Throughput

Ethernet cables and network switches have an impact on the amount of data moved from the IdentiLynx camera to the FinishLynx software. To transfer high resolution images at a high frame rate, shielded cat6 cables and a gigabit switch will improve the performance.

Slow Disk Speed

FinishLynx writes image data to the hard disk in real-time. Again, to transfer high resolution images at a high frame rate, a fast hard disk such as a 7200 rpm hard drive, or even better, a solid-state drive (SSD) will also improve performance. Alternatively, increasing the IdentiLynx buffer size (continue reading below) will also help reduce the risk of lost frames.

FinishLynx User Interaction & LapTime Events

When a FinishLynx operator interacts with the application to scroll through an image, move the hash-line, or enter data into the Results Zone for example, FinishLynx uses the computer’s memory (RAM) to store the new IdentiLynx image until the user action is completed.

The percentage of allocated memory currently used is displayed at the bottom right, in the Status Zone. If the buffer reaches 100%, then any new image is lost because there is nowhere to store it.

In addition, a combination of many LapTime events and a long results list can cause FinishLynx to spend a lot of time re-sorting and re-drawing the results area leading to a full buffer.

Solutions

Buffer Size

The size of the buffer, the available amount of data that FinishLynx will reserve in memory (RAM) for IdentiLynx cameras, is defined by the following Other Setting:

• Hardware\Ethernet\IdentiLynx\CacheSize

What Size?

The allowable CacheSize is controlled and limited by Windows when allocating memory (RAM).

• Recommended value: 100MB (100000000 bytes)
• Max value: 500MB (500000000 bytes)

NOTE: If the value is too high and Windows does not allow FinishLynx to use the configured CacheSize value, the IdentiLynx camera will fail to boot and will not appear in the Hardware Control window.

To change the Hardware\Ethernet\IdentiLynx\CacheSize:

1. Hold Ctrl–Shift and click File | Options
2. Expand Hardware
3. Expand Ethernet
4. Expand IdentiLynx
5. Select CacheSize
6. Enter the number of bytes

Limit User Interaction

Another way to reduce the risk of losing image frames for any camera is to be conscious of the impact of specific operations on how FinishLynx deals with new image.

For example, avoiding or limiting the following actions will help:

• Holding mouse buttons to use scroll bars or move the hash line.
• Clicking a cell in the Results Zone to edit text.

Reduce the Leader and Trailer

The Leader and Trailer value in the Camera Settings of IdentiLynx cameras adds a number of frames at the beginning and end of each time image is captured. By reducing this value, you reduce the amount of data being requested by the camera. Less data means less chances for the buffer to fill during user interactions.

EtherLynx Cameras

EtherLynx cameras also have available buffer to store new images, but this memory is located in the camera itself. The amount is fixed and varies per camera model.

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Additional Resources

1. Contact Technical Support 
2. FinishLynx Online Help Manual – IdentiLynx
3. Basic IdentiLynx Setup Video

 

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. 

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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

1.   Create a Hy-Tek Source in ResulTV using the settings below.

Note: Port can be set to any desired number.

2.   Create a new layout in ResulTV for Women’s Team scores.

1. Insert a new object
2. Set the source to local override, selected sources, Women’s Team Scores
3. Set the field to display the desired information (typically team place, team name, or team score)
4. Repeat for each desired object in the layout

Tip: Use Copy [Ctrl + c] and Paste [Ctrl + v] to avoid setting the source for each object

3.   Repeat Step 2 to create a Men’s Team Score layout.

4.   Check that the settings in Hy-Tek are correct.

5.   Send team score information from Hy-Tek.

1. Use Request 3 for Women’s Team Scores; Request 4 for Men’s Team Scores

Learn more about ResulTV Live Data Display software here.

“Capture button serial port unavailable; keyboard capture will be used.”

This common error message appears when starting your FinishLynx software. There are two scenarios which would cause this message to occur:

• You’re using Auto Capture and do not use the Capture Button. In this case, no further action is required. Simply click Ok and proceed with running your meet. The Capture Button Serial Port doesn’t need to be assigned as no Capture Button is being used.
• You are using the Capture Button (either alone or in conjunction with Auto-Capture) and either 1) the computer assigned your adapter a COM port number that FinishLynx is not looking for, 2) you opened FinishLynx prior to plugging in your USB to serial adapter, or 3) the Capture Button has not been assigned a COM port number by the computer.
  1. Connect your USB to serial adapter to your computer prior to opening FinishLynx.  In FinishLynx, go to File | Options and locate the Capture Button dropdown
     • If your Capture Button’s COM port is listed, choose that and click OK.
     • If no COM port is listed, proceed to Step 2.
  2. Check that the USB-to-serial adapter is recognized by the computer in the Windows Device Manager with a COM port listed
     • In Device Manager, it will be listed under Ports
       • If the USB-to-serial device is not recognized by the computer, then you will need to install the appropriate drivers.  If you are using an ATEN adapter supplied by Lynx, click here to download the driver from our website (must have internet access).
     • Once you have confirmed your computer recognizes the USB-to-serial adapter and has assigned it a COM port number, re-open FinishLynx and go back to Step 1 above.

Note: Also check that the camera is set to manual capture in the Camera I | Options | Capture tab | Capture Method

 

Contact tech support with additional questions.

The RadioLynx Wireless Start unit is extremely popular with Lynx timers. While most won’t have issues, the goal of this post is to provide a quick way to troubleshoot the hardware if something does seem wrong.  If your software settings are configured correctly, you can troubleshoot why your RadioLynx may be malfunctioning using just an unfolded paper clip. Follow along with the steps below to help pinpoint what exactly is going on with your system.

Step 1 

With your FinishLynx system set up and turned on, remove the black and green plugs from the RadioLynx transmitter. Push the signal button in the top left corner to elicit a start.

If no start is received, review your software settings and check internal dip-switches.

If a start is received, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2

Insert an unfolded paperclip into the black and green plugs of the transmitter and squeeze to elicit a start.

If no start is received, contact technical support.

If a start is received, the transmitter is working. Proceed to Step 3.

Step 3

Replace the cord by plugging in the black and green banana plugs. Remove the impact sensor. Insert the paperclip into the female XLR end numbered 1 and 3. Squeeze to elicit a start signal.

If no start is received, contact technical support.

If a start is received, the transmitter and cord are working. Proceed to Step 4.

Step 4

Replace the impact sensor. Blow into the sensor or tap into the palm of your hand.

If no start is received, the impact sensor should be swapped out with another or replaced.

If a start is received, all of your settings and hardware are working properly.

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