Support - FinishLynx

FinishLynx Windows 10 Compatibility

Posted on February 1, 2016 - 11:51 am by lgreenwood14

FinishLynx is Fully Compatible with Windows 10

Since the release of Windows 10 in July 2015, our tech support team has received many questions about its compatibility with FinishLynx. We’re pleased to announce that the FinishLynx timing software and its components are fully compatible with the Windows 10 operating system.

If you want to upgrade your primary capture computer from Windows 7/8 to Windows 10, there should be no problems using the FinishLynx software to time races. However, there are some settings that should be double-checked after upgrading your operating system to Windows 10+. This includes changing the Windows power management settings, checking the firewall exceptions, and updating drivers for 3rd party hardware like USB-to-Serial Adapters.

Prevent Ethernet Issues by Disabling Windows 10 Power Saving Mode

Some users have reported issues with the ability of the Vision Power-over-Ethernet camera to load inside FinishLynx. Often, users will see the camera load within the software, only to have it red-line within moments. A simple fix to the power management settings of the Ethernet port can solve this issue. Please see the post below on how to disable power saving mode in Windows 10:

www.finishlynx.com/windows-10-ethernet-reliability/

USB-to-Serial Adapter Compatibility

If you are upgrading from Windows 7 or an earlier version of Windows, we recommend that you update your computer’s USB drivers to ensure compatibility with the ATEN (UC232A), Prolific, Sabrent, and other USB-to-serial adapters. All FinishLynx systems ship with the ATEN UC232A USB-to-serial adapter. As of July 2018, the latest version of the ATEN Windows driver is 1.0.084. You may also visit the ATEN website to see if any newer drivers have been released since this posting. Read more on Windows 8 driver compatibility

KEYLOK USB Dongle Driver for Windows 10

Some customers running Windows 10 may need to update the drivers for their KEYLOK USB Dongle. An older version of the KEYLOK drivers is included with both the ResulTV and NetExchange software. If you are experiencing issues with either of those programs while running Windows 10, we recommend you install the latest version of the KEYLOK dongle software. As of this posting (02/02/2016), the latest drivers were released on January 16, 2016. You can check for newer versions directly on the KEYLOK website.

We work with partners and customers to ensure that FinishLynx is rigorously tested with new operating systems. But as with any software, updates and security patches may introduce new bugs. If you notice any issues while operating FinishLynx on a Windows 10 device, please contact tech support with details about your problem, settings, and device. Customer bug reports are invaluable in discovering and patching issues that could potentially affect thousands of Lynx users.

Happy capturing!

PS, have you joined our FinishLynx Timers Facebook Group yet?

Update: FinishLynx USB Adapter Compatibility with Windows 8

Posted on March 25, 2014 - 12:45 pm by lgreenwood14

Our technical support team has tested FinishLynx version 8.2+ and determined that the software is fully compatible with Windows 8 and 8.1. However, some Lynx users have experienced compatibility issues problems with their USB-to-serial adapters. In some cases, out-of-date USB drivers may cause problems on Windows 8 devices – making them unable to connect properly. Fortunately, this is a very easy fix. Simply download the latest device drivers for your model of USB-to-serial adapter and install them on your Windows 8 devices. This will ensure compatibility on race day. The latest Windows 8-compatible drivers can be downloaded from manufacturer websites. We’ve also included some instructions below for some adapters commonly used with FinishLynx systems. Please update your USB drivers if you use Sabrent, Prolific, or ATEN serial converters. See the directions and downloads below.

Note: If you are upgrading your computer to Windows 8 and have a Sabrent USB-to-Serial adapter (see right), you must follow the instructions below in order to update the Sabrent drivers.

1. Download the USB Driver listed below

FinishLynx USB to Serial Driver Download

2. Download the file below (Ser2pl64.sys)

Ser2pl64 (.sys) Serial-to-USB Driver Patch Download

3. Extract the file to your Windows 8 Driver folder

C:\Windows\System32\Drivers

Windows 8 Replace USB Driver Confirmation

4. Restart your computer with the new driver

Note: You may also purchase a new Serial-to-USB adapter to avoid any potential conflicts with 3rd party drivers. Simply contact Lynx or buy the adapter online from NewEgg.com.

5. Your Driver Update is Complete

Prolific USB Adapter Compatibility

The directions above will work for all Sabrent USB-to-Serial Adapters that ship with FinishLynx. If you have the older “Prolific” model, you’ll need to use the following driver to ensure compatibility with Windows 8.

Prolific USB Adapter Driver PL2303 (Windows 8)Download

ATEN USB-to-Serial Converter

All current FinishLynx systems ship with ATEN USB-to-Serial Converters. We have not encountered any issues with Windows 8 compatibility. But we still recommend to you update your drivers to prevent any future issues. The latest ATEN drivers can be found below.

ATEN USB Serial Adapter Driver Download

Pre-Season Checklist: Tips to Test & Prep Your System for Another Year

Posted on February 6, 2014 - 3:54 pm by lgreenwood14

12 Tips to Help you Prepare for Another Season of Flawless Results

For many Lynx users, timing is a seasonal job that comes and goes with the fall, winter, and spring. Some of our service providers are busy timing events year-round. But we know that many others, including high school and college customers, put their systems in storage all winter. If your FinishLynx system has been hibernating all winter, we suggest you look through the pre-season checklist below. It’s a great way to make sure your cameras, cables, and connectors are ready for the spring season. Performing these twelve steps will help you identify and prevent any unwanted surprises during your first meet of the year.

1. Perform a visual equipment check

Gather all the FinishLynx equipment, cables, and any other additional equipment added to the system. Do a relatively thorough inventory of all equipment and cables. Visually check that there is no obvious damage, rust, or corrosion to equipment and cables. If you don’t already have them, it is always beneficial to have spare network cables, serial cable, null modem cable, gender-changers and a 4- or 8-port switch.

2. Update your FinishLynx software to latest version

Open the FinishLynx software on your computer and go to Help | About. Verify that the latest version of FinishLynx is installed. As of October 2017, the latest version of FinishLynx is 10.03. Be sure that any other computers also have the latest version of FinishLynx installed. The latest software is available for free and can always be found on the FinishLynx software page under the downloads tab.

3. Verify that any software plug-ins are installed and up-to-date

If you own the LapTime, TimeTrial, or any other FinishLynx plug-ins, you may want to ensure that you have the latest versions. These plug-ins tend to have new devices or features added from time-to-time. The latest version of these plug-ins can be found on our website under the “Software Plugins” page. Please note that FinishLynx plug-ins must be purchased and require a serial number.

To verify that a plug-in is installed properly, open the FinishLynx software and go to Help | About. If there is a serial number displayed next to the plug-in, then that means it’s installed and should be working properly. But as with everything else, we recommend you test it just to be sure. If it says <not installed> then this could be due to a serial number entered incorrectly or because the plug-in was never installed. Verify your plug-ins on all computers that may be used with FinishLynx during the season. If you believe you purchased a plug-in but don’t have the serial number, please contact our customer support team for assistance.

4. Boot camera

(more…)

Lynx Timing and Photo Finish Seminar in Mexico

Posted on December 17, 2013 - 4:13 pm by giles

Classroom at FinishLynx Seminar — Classroom Learning

In early December 2013, Lynx System Developers, Inc. collaborated with the International Association of Athletic Federations [I.A.A.F.] and the Federación Mexicana de Asociaciones de Atletismo [F.M.A.A.] at a Digital Photo Finish and Timing seminar in Mexico City.

The three day seminar ran over three days and the timetable included:

A full day of FinishLynx system explanation, and classroom training
A ½ day of practical training at the Centro Deportivo Olimpico Mexicano
A further ½ day of advanced system configuration and operation
An athletics competion at the Centro Deportivo Olimpico Mexicano that was 100% timed by the participants.

Lynx provided two instructors, one Spanish speaking, and one from the Lynx Headquarters in the USAto present the information at the seminar. The FMAA organized the seminar, arranged accomodation for the instructors and the participants, and secured the cooperation of the Centro Deportivo Olimpico Mexicano in the project. The 24 particpants came from all parts of Mexico for the seminar.

FinishLynx Cameras — Participants brought their cameras to learn how to get the maximum from them

FinishLynx Logos and Branding Style Guide

Posted on December 4, 2013 - 10:07 am by lgreenwood14

We’re lucky to have such a large and diverse network of resellers and service providers supporting our brand. These partners serve as our most trusted ambassadors—bringing FinishLynx technology to new markets and providing timing and event services for almost any sport with a finish line. Anyone timing an event with a FinishLynx system serves as an extension of our brand. It doesn’t matter if it’s a local track & field meet or the Kentucky Derby. When there’s a Lynx camera aimed at the finish line, athletes and fans have come to expect the highest standard of photo-finish results.

Using the FinishLynx Logo on Websites & Event Banners

We’ve had many service providers ask if they’re allowed to hang Lynx banners at their events. Absolutely! We’re grateful for any logos or website links you want to provide on our behalf. The publicity helps promote our technology and expand our global network. In fact, here a few lynx logos you’re free to use. Click each image to open the full-size logo in a new browser tab.

White FinishLynx cat head outline – 360×360

FinishLynx Vector Logo Download

Brand Styles and Formatting

Lynx Purple Color Codes

The purple in the Lynx logo can be replicated with the following color codes:

Hex:	#55009C
RGB:	85, 0, 156
Pantone:	PMS 2685 or 267 are close matches

Lynx Logo Fonts

The font for the Lynx logo text is Eras Demi ITC, which is included in the Windows OS. If the font is installed on your OS, it should appear below:

LYNX

Capitalize & Combine All Lynx-based Product Names

All Lynx-named products are proper nouns and should be capitalized accordingly. Be sure to capitalize both the first letter of the word and the L in Lynx. For instance, it should be written as FinishLynx (rather than Finishlynx). All Lynx-named products should also be combined into a single compound, and without a space, dash, or hyphen. It should be written as FinishLynx (instead of Finish lynx or Finish-lynx). See the table below for more examples:

Correct Usage	Incorrect Usage
FinishLynx	not: finishlynx, finish-lynx, finish lynx,
LynxPad	not: lynxpad, lynx-pad, lynx pad
EtherLynx	not: Ether-Lynx,
ReacTime	not: reactime, react-time
IdentiLynx	not: identiLynx, ID-Lynx, Identilynx
ResulTV	not: Result TV, Resultv, result-tv
FieldLynx	you get the picture…

These style guidelines will help to make the FinishLynx brand a little bit clearer and memorable for new users. They’ll also help to ensure that Lynx products and services are consistently-named across all sports, regions, and languages.

Tip: Enhance Low-Light FinishLynx Captures with an Ellipsoidal Spotlight

Posted on August 1, 2013 - 11:05 am by lgreenwood14

Cycling photo finish with ellipsoidal spotlight — Cycling finish line with Ellipsoidal spotlight.

Capturing crystal-clear photo finish images can be especially challenging during low-light situations (e.g., night-time events or dim indoor lighting). Because the EtherLynx 2000+ and Fusion cameras are equipped with very light-sensitive image sensors, most Lynx users will never have issues with low-light conditions. The FinishLynx software also has built-in controls for adjusting the brightness, contrast, gamma, gain, and Phased Light Compensation. But adding artificial lighting to your finish line can also be a great way to enhance the clarity and contrast of your finish line images in low-light settings.

Flood lights and halogen lamps are both viable finish line lighting options. Lynx service provider Rob Whitacre from GC Racing has found an especially elegant solution for capturing low-light cycling events: an ellipsoidal spotlight. According to Rob:

A tool that has helped me a lot for low light situations is a theatrical ellipsoidal spotlight. Since I do many evening events at our velodrome and road cycling events at night the ellipsoidal light has been a very good tool. I used a Source 4 ellipsoidal made by ETC. What is nice with the ellipsoidal is it has shutters so you can create shapes with the light as opposed to a massive spot. I make a rectangle with the light focused only on the finish line.

The ellipsoidal spotlight allows for light to be focused across the entire length of the finish line. This produces image captures that are more uniform and evenly lit. Unlike stadium lighting, which can strobe 50-60 cycles per second and distort images, the ellipsoidal spotlight has a frequency that prevents any such distortion. See the image below for a real FinishLynx capture taken with the spotlight in use.

low-light finishlynx cycling image — Low-light FinishLynx image captured while using an ellipsoidal spotlight.

Have your own lighting tips and tricks? Share them in the comments or on our Facebook Fan Page.

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