Category Archives: Support

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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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