As we approach the end of 2019, we can’t help but think about all that we have achieved this year. Lynx continues to provide the quality and support that you, our community, need and deserve. Reflect on the past year with us by taking a look at what happened over the course of 2019.

6/2019 New Balance Nationals (Greensboro, NC)

In June, two Lynx tech support team members traveled down to Aggie Stadium in North Carolina with Flash Results. At this event, the nation’s best high school runners, jumpers, throwers, walkers, and relay crews competed for an exciting four days that marked the 28^th year of the New Balance Nationals Outdoor competition. Even more exciting, our IsoLynx player tracking technology was implemented alongside FinishLynx equipment! By combining IsoLynx with FinishLynx, the event displayed the speed and estimated finish times of the racers. This is just a sneak peek of what this new system has in store for the sports technology industry!

8/2019 Pan American Games (Lima, Peru)

Once again, a tech support team member traveled to work alongside Flash Results, but this time it was for the 2019 Pan American Games. 747 athletes from 41 countries across the globe participated in the Athletics portion of this event. There were several 3-sided Lynx LED displays positioned throughout the field, displaying information to the entire crowd. Want to see the action? View the full Facebook Album here.

10/2019 Office Updates (Haverhill, MA)

Upgrading our headquarters began in October of this year after receiving some polite feedback that our old sign was much too weathered and faded. So, we decided to spruce up the place a little bit! Installing a new exterior sign was just the beginning. In November, new cubicles were added, and the office space was renovated. We are loving the new renovations, but it does not end there. We will have even more updates through the upcoming months- stay tuned!

11/2019 International Conferences & Trade Shows (Cologne, Germany – Manchester, England – Tomaszów Mazowiecki, Poland)

November was a very busy month for our Director of International Sales, Paul. He started November in Cologne, Germany for the FSB Trade Show. He was joined by our CEO and Director of Marketing to catch up with some partners and meet with new people to talk about the latest in sports technology. Paul then made his way to Manchester, England for a photo-finish conference with HS Sports at the Etihad Campus. He then finished up his trip in Tomaszów Mazowiecki, Poland for a Conference with Domtel Sports Timing. It was so amazing to speak with members of the sports timing community from different places around the world. 

12/2019 National Athletic Directors Conference (National Harbor, MD)

This is definitely something we look forward to every year! The National Athletic Directors Conference was held in National Harbor, Maryland this year. Our Sales and Marketing departments flew down to speak with Athletic Directors from around the country. It is always a blast to explain how FinishLynx can make track timing a million times easier for any school.

2019 Technical Support Overview

FinishLynx 10.12- Did you catch the new FinishLynx software version that was released 8/14/2019? If not, be sure to update your software to enjoy features including:

• Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) which is a Vision PRO feature meant to optimize focus adjustment
• Camera White List Management which makes it possible to run concurrent FinishLynx sessions on a single network, each session controlling specific cameras

Group Training

Our fantastic technical support staff always keeps busy! If they are not diagnosing issues over the phone, or responding to your emails, they can be booked for new user training sessions. Our tech guys traveled to and met up with Lynx users in places like Texas, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and more. What better way to learn than from the experts themselves? If you would like to experience this hands on training with the Lynx technical support team, please fill out a form to learn more.

Support Videos

2019 brought 4 new tutorial videos to our YouTube channel and Support Videos page. Is there anything that doesn’t have a video that you wish it did? Let us know!

New videos included:

• IsoLynx Tracking at the New Balance Nationals- 2019
• LaserLynx Basics: FieldLynx Plug-Ins
• FinishLynx 10.12 New Feature: Automatic Exposure Control (Vision PRO only)
• FinishLynx 10.12 New Feature: Camera White List Management

Top 5 Social Media Posts of 2019

Here at Lynx, we like to keep it fun. We want to interact with our community, and keep you up to date on all of our company happenings. That is why we value posting on social media so much. It lets us see what all of our customers are up to, and how they are using FinishLynx equipment, which makes for some pretty cool re-shares on our accounts! Thanks for that, by the way. We love being tagged in all of your amazing, cool, beautiful, funny, rare shots. There is no better reward than seeing how our community is using our products out in the field. That is why for this blog post we decided to do a countdown of our most popular social media posts of 2019. #1 had the most reactions, comments, and engagements. Do you think you know which post it was? Let’s find out!

5. What is your FinishLynx Name?

4. The Big Reveal of our New Exterior Sign:

3. Dubai World Cup Vision PRO Capture:

2. 27th Anniversary Celebration- 25th Anniversary Blog Post:

And finally… the number one post of the year… did you guess it?

1. ForceLynx April Fools Blog Post:

Looking Forward

Although we achieved a lot this past year, Lynx is always thinking about what comes next. It’s interesting and amazing how so much can happen in just one year. We hope that 2020 will bring new and exciting content ideas that will make the FinishLynx experience all the more exciting. Please let us know if there is anything you would like to see in the upcoming year. Everything we do is aimed at benefiting our community, whether that be increasing understanding or keeping you all entertained! We appreciate your continued support of our company, and thank you for being a valued member of the Lynx family.

Connect with us!

We wish everyone a safe and happy new year! See you next decade!

Haverhill, MA – It’s that time of year again! Lynx Headquarters is closing for an extended winter break for this wonderful holiday season. What better way to spend this time of year than with friends and family? The Haverhill office will close Friday, December 20^th at the end of the work day. We will reopen at 9:00AM (Eastern Standard Time) on Thursday, January 2^nd. 

Lynx employees are very excited for our annual holiday party on Friday, December 20^th. We are gathering for a delicious lunch at Joseph’s Trattoria Bakery Café in Haverhill, MA.

Limited technical support will be available during our winter break by calling the office and following the prompts to leave a message: (978) 556-9780. You can also submit a tech support web form, and it is possible that you may receive a response via email.

2019-2020 Holiday Schedule:

Close: Friday, December 20^th 2019 

Re-Open: Thursday, January 2^nd 2020

Cologne, Germany – We’re just two weeks away from the 2019 FSB Trade Show in Cologne, Germany. FSB is a global trade exhibition for architects, engineers, and manufacturers in the sports and recreation industries and is held every other year at the Cologne Exhibition Center. This year 26,000 visitors hailing from 119 countries are expected to turn up, including Lynx System Developers. In addition to our usual showing of various FinishLynx photo-finish and front-facing cameras, we’ll also be featuring a Lynx LED Infield Display plus IsoLynx player tracking technology which has proven to be a powerful and exciting addition to many sporting events.

We’ve been working hard to prep for this major event. We will be shipping three photo-finish cameras, one IdentiLynx video camera, one LED Infield Display, 700+ marketing brochures, and dozens of display materials. Special thanks to our German partner ProTime for their continued help coordinating the shipping for this event.

There’s no doubt FSB is a great chance to generate new partnerships and business opportunities. But the reason we love this show is because we get to spend time speaking with our existing partners and customers. We’re expecting to see dozens of our international resellers this year, as well as old colleagues from across the sports timing community. Is your company planning to attend this year’s FSB show? If so, stop by the FinishLynx booth:

Booth: Hall: 9.1 – Aisle: C No. 78 & D No. 79

Dates: Tuesday November 5th – Friday November 8th

To see the full schedule for attendees, please visit the FSB website here.

We look forward to seeing you in Cologne! Send an email to International Sales and we would love to meet up.

Need a more complete solution to time your Cross Country races? You’re not alone! With so much happening around the finish line, it can be tough to simultaneously identify competitors, provide accurate times and finish order, AND link every athlete with their respective finish times. Thankfully, Lynx offers a harmonious solution to the obstacles of Cross Country timing: our FinishLynx Triad of Products.

What is included in our Triad of Products? Glad you asked. It combines three popular digital products to improve the speed and accuracy of capturing meet results. Lynx makes Cross Country timing simple by integrating photo-finish, video, and RFID Chip Results into a single interface:

The finish line can be a confusing place at Cross Country meets due to the high volume of finishers crossing at the same time. Athletes can finish fractions of a second apart, and accurate team scores often depend on individual results. This is why fast and accurate identification (AKA our Triad!) is crucial for ANY Cross Country meet!

By linking three complimentary products together, FinishLynx is well equipped to take on the challenges of Cross Country timing. We have created a powerful solution much greater than each of the three systems working independently. By integrating real-time tracking, timing, and visual verification into an intuitive interface, we provide our customers with everything they need for accurate and reliable results at Cross Country meets.

See the GIF below to understand how easy it is to evaluate races with FinishLynx:

Like what you see? Contact us today to receive a quote on a Cross Country timing package!

August 2019 – FinishLynx Version 10.12 has been released and is now available to download from our FinishLynx Software & Downloads webpage. We encourage all FinishLynx users to update their software immediately to stay up to date with the latest features. Two of the latest features included in this release are the Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) along with Camera White List Management. Along with the two features described below, the new release also includes Scoreboard Scripts and Advanced – Other Settings. Scroll to the bottom to find the software download plus the release notes for version 10.12. 

Automatic Exposure Control (AEC)

Note: (AEC) is a Vision PRO feature meant to optimize focus adjustment.

Depth of field (DOF) is the distance between the nearest and the furthest objects that are in acceptably sharp focus in an image. As light falls through the day, the lens iris will open to compensate loss of light; an ill effect of a wide open iris is a reduced DOF. Accordingly, focus that may have looked proper when adjusted early in the day with a closed iris may look soft once light falls and the iris opens.

In 2D-Align mode, with AEC enabled, it is possible to fully open the iris without overexposing the image. When focus is adjusted in this minimal DOF mode, it will remain proper later in the day once the lens iris opens.

Camera White List Management

It is now possible to run concurrent FinishLynx sessions on a single network, each session controlling specific cameras. The White List feature allows you to determine which EtherLynx or IdentiLynx cameras should be booted by FinishLynx, and which should be ignored. This can be useful in an advanced configuration where it is necessary to run FinishLynx on multiple computers connected to the same network.

For additional support, please contact Technical Support at support@finishlynx.com 

First introduced in October of 2014, the EtherLynx Vision camera has continuously proven itself as one of Lynx’s most powerful and trusted cameras. Its advanced features had never been seen before, and its innovative capabilities are now allowing Lynx users to operate fully automatic timing equipment on another level. In fact, a few years down the road, you may look back and ask yourself how you ever did any of your timing without a camera of this caliber. How can we speak so highly of this technology? Because we have the evidence to back it up.

The EtherLynx Vision is a sports timing powerhouse with the ability to produce high-speed photo-finish results. It stands out from our older cameras because it checked off a lot of firsts for Lynx:

• First camera with EasyAlign 2-D alignment mode
• First camera to produce full-color images by default
• First camera to contain an array image sensor (allows users to switch between 1-D and 2-D modes from within the software)

The striking new features of our Vision camera, combined with game changing upgrades, make it nearly impossible to say no to updating your timing routine with our latest technology.

EasyAlign 2-D Video Alignment Mode

EasyAlign is just another way that a Vision camera will make your life easier. This revolutionary mode displays a live, full-frame video preview of the camera’s field-of-view on your computer screen. The 2-D preview overlays two thin lines (vertical and horizontal) so that the camera can be adjusted visually to ensure precise alignment on the finish line. Once the camera is aligned, the array image sensor makes it simple to switch the camera back to 1-D capture mode to get accurate, photo-finish results.

In the past, EtherLynx line-scan cameras had to be aligned using 1-D mode, which can be time consuming. Operators had to rely on the colors and lane lines in the images to determine proper angles and alignment. Worry no more! The 2-D video mode has evolved Lynx technology to align Vision cameras quickly and accurately on the finish line, therefore ensuring top of the line trustworthy results. Easy is in the name for a reason!

Full Color Images

We are not in the 1900’s anymore! Black and white images are a thing of the past, unless you are trying to post some artsy selfies on Instagram. In this day and age, you should not have to struggle to read the results of your race due to the lack of color in the photo. The Vision camera will provide you with high quality images containing up to 32,756 colors! Even the best timers have obstacles: hip numbers can fall off or be obscured, but by having full-color results, quick and accurate evaluations can be made by using school affiliation and uniform color &/or design. The races you time will be blown away by the way you are representing yourself: as a qualified, reliable, and up-to-date technological sports timing wiz.

Along with these technological features, Vision cameras also have:

• Power-Over-Ethernet: Comes standard so no AC power is required at the camera location
• Gigabit Transfers: Allows for improved data connectivity at 1,000 Mbps
• Silent Operation: Dramatically reduced power consumption gets rid of the need for internal fans or cooling, making the Vision the quietest camera yet
• Backwards Compatibility: Integrates with every camera since 1996

With options to upgrade including:

• High Resolution Option: Camera comes standard with 1,000 fps, but high resolution brings it up to a whopping 2,000 fps at 1,280 vertical pixels
• On-Board Level Option: Allows timers to monitor that the camera is level directly from within the FinishLynx software
• LuxBoost Option: Greatly amplifies brightness during low-light captures
• Electronic Filter Control Option: Enable and disable low-light camera filters from within the FinishLynx software
• Wi-Fi Option: Wirelessly transfer timing and results data
• Internal Battery Option: Allows the camera to continue running in the event of a power outage
• Phased Light Compensation Option: Helps correct the strobing effect of artificial phased lighting when capturing finish line images indoors

With all of these new hardware and software features, the Vision has become the standard for photo-finish cameras and Fully Automatic Timing. Every timer needs this as part of their setup because it brings results to a whole new level of accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. Contact us to see how you can integrate an EtherLynx Vision camera into your timing setup today!

Request More Details Now

It has been our absolute pleasure to speak with Markus Lindinger and to bring back our old Timer Spotlight Series. Our goal here is to reach out to our amazing Lynx community, find out more about them and their unique stories, and share that with you all to enjoy and relate to. Keep reading for some great information on who Markus is, what he does, and how he uses FinishLynx technology.

Name: Markus Lindinger Professionelle Zeitnehmung (Professional Timekeeper)

Location: Upper Austria

Number of Events: 60-70 per year (about 80-95 days per year)

Can you briefly tell us about your business?

I offer timing for multiple sport events: Road cycling, Mountain biking, Cyclocross, Para cycling, running events, Triathlons, and much more – but mainly road cycling – one day and stage races.

My services include: online registration, chip and photo-finish timing, live-results (based on chip timing and photo-finish), providing data for TV graphics, uploading integrated results to UCI-dataride, and much more.

What is one thing that makes your company unique?

I develop my own chip timing and results software with full focus on the possibility to be processed by a single operator. Many customers are surprised to see me handle the whole timing alone. 

What are the biggest challenges you face in your business?

Always keeping up with the rules of the sport and the needs of the organizers. Integrating the continuous changes and additions into my software is the biggest challenge.

What has been your favorite race so far and why?

That was the “Tour of the Alps” this year, just because it was the event with the highest level of riders I have timed so far. Capturing Chris Froome and Vincenzo Nibali with my EtherLynx is quite cool.

If you could time any type of race in the world, which would it be and why?

It has to be one of the three grand tours or a world championship. As a road cycling fan, it would be a great experience to be a part of the biggest races. Of course, I know that is far beyond my capacities. 

When did you start using FinishLynx?

At the beginning, I offered data management for cycling. In 2004, I discovered the EtherLynx 2000 with the ACM Plug-in. That is when my journey with FinishLynx started.

What products and accessories are part of your usual timing set up?

• 1 EtherLynx Vision PRO 6k lines
• 1 IdentiLynx XS
• 2 Microgate MicroGraph display boards
• 1 AGLE start clock
• 5 MyLaps Prochip decoders
• 4 of them integrated in custom built cases for standalone operation of 14 hours and real-time communication over LTE
• 1300 MyLaps ProChips
• 2 Notebooks for timing, 4 further for live timing, etc.
• My van, modified to a full functional office

What are your usual EtherLynx camera capture settings?

Rate: 2000 lines/s

Automatic Capture Object Detection Threshold: 10-15 (25-35 when it rains)

AGC Brightness: 50-68 

Frequency: 7

What features would you like to see added to the system?

That would be the possibility to transfer a captured part of the image from one event to another. In some cases when I run more events simultaneously, it can happen that some athletes arrive late while already capturing the next race. In that case it would be nice to transfer the captured athlete to his event from the actual one. 

What three words would you use to describe FinishLynx?

Best possible photo-finish-system.

What made you start timing? What keeps you going (favorite part of the job)?

The start was a combination of being a cycling fan, the need of a timer for a race of the local cycling club, and my interest in developing software.

What keeps me going is a lot:

• The fun of being involved in cycling races and other sport events
• The feedback of my customers
• The satisfaction when everything works smoothly…

Wishing a big thank you to Markus for taking the time to participate in out Timer Profile Series. Each Lynx user has their own unique background and style, and we appreciate you sharing your experiences with us!

Interested in being a part of our Q&A? Please send an email to: marketing@finishlynx.com

To learn more about Markus Lindinger Professionelle Zeitnehmung: Click Here

To learn more about photo-finish timing systems: Click Here

We are thrilled to introduce two of our newest employees to our Lynx community. Please join us in welcoming Greg Beaudette and Shannon Brault.

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Gregory Beaudette

Gregory Beaudette joined the Lynx Tech Support team in March. He comes from an upbringing in running, and after competing for Bishop Hendricken High School’s storied running program, began working as an RI high school track and field official during breaks from school. Soon after, he began helping out with their timing. Since then, he has gained experience timing at every level, from youth to masters, local to championship, on the track and on the roads.

In 2017, Greg graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. At school, he competed for the XC and Track and Field Teams, collecting accolades including multiple All-Conference and All-Region honors, as well as being a conference champion in the outdoor 10k. His most valued accomplishment, however, was helping the cross-country team to qualify for their first trip to the NCAA national championship in 25 years.

Fun Fact: Greg is an avid hiker and backpacker, so when he’s not running, timing, or taking calls and emails, you can probably find him somewhere in the White Mountains of NH!

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Shannon Brault

Shannon Brault was welcomed onto the Lynx marketing team this June after graduating in May from Merrimack College. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with concentrations in Marketing and Sport Management. Shannon loves being around people and sports! She worked for the Boston Red Sox last season and watched them win the World Series. This season, she interned with the Boston Bruins, and really wants them to bring home the win Wednesday night so that she can start saying she is Boston’s good luck charm.

Lynx has accepted Shannon into their community with open arms, which makes her job a whole lot easier! She is new to the world of sports timing, but she is beyond excited to start learning the ins and outs of the business. She is looking forward to getting to know everyone better and contributing in any way that she can.

Fun Fact: Shannon’s last name is pronounced “Bro” and yes, (regretfully) she does sometimes respond to people when they refer to her as such.