Fully Automatic Timing Systems for US Track & Field
Everything You Need to Capture NFHS-Certified Fully Automatic Timing
FinishLynx is a powerful Fully Automatic Timing (FAT) system that captures photo-finish track results accurate to 1/1000th of a second or more. Lynx timing systems are trusted by high schools, colleges & universities and track clubs across the United States.
Capture FAT with Our Most Popular Photo-Finish Camera
Just a few of the great features of the Vision include:
- Full-color photo-finish results images
- Power-over-Ethernet
- Advanced power control
- EasyAlign full-frame video camera alignment mode
- Customized Upgrade Options
- LuxBoost low-light amplification
- Internal battery pack
- Electronic filter controls
- Video Display Module (VDM)
Precise Photo-Finishes
Lynx cameras capture from 600 fps up to 2,000 fps and all FAT results are accurate to at least 1/1000th of a second with a click of the mouse.
NFHS-Certified Results
FinishLynx is the #1 Fully Automatic Timing system in the USA. It’s trusted by high schools, colleges & universities and track clubs across the country.
Unparalleled Technical Support
Solutions are just a click or call away with our toll-free technical support and countless online support videos & resources.
Full-Color Results Images
Every high school track package includes the EtherLynx Vision camera, which captures full-color FAT images by default.
EasyAlign Camera Alignment
All timing systems now include EasyAlign, providing a full-frame video preview for easy camera alignment.
Custom & Upgradeable Solutions
Each FinishLynx timing package can be tailored to your individual needs and upgraded at any time as your program grows.
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Package Comparison |
SCHOLASTIC |
BRONZE |
SILVER |
GOLD |
PLATINUM |
DIAMOND |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Number of Photo-Finish Cameras |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
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EtherLynx Camera Model(s) |
5L510 |
5L500 Vision |
5L500 Vision |
5L500 Vision |
5L500 Vision |
5L500 Vision |
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Standard Frame Rate |
600 |
1,000 |
2,000 |
2,000 |
2,000 | 2,000 |
2,000 | 2,000 |
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Lens |
2.8 – 10mm |
2.8 – 10mm |
Motorized Zoom |
Motorized Zoom |
Motorized Zoom |
Motorized Zoom |
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EasyAlign – Full-Frame Video Alignment |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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Full-Color Photo-Finish Images |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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Wired Start System |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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All necessary Ethernet & Camera Cables |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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Water-Resistant Housing |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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Power-Over-Ethernet Injector |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark with asterisk |
One Checkmark with asterisk |
One Checkmark with asterisk |
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Custom FinishLynx Carrying Case |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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LynxPad Meet Management Software |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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Tech Support & 1-Year Renewable Warranty |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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Camera Tripods & Mounting Hardware |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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FinishLynx Software |
LITE |
FULL |
FULL |
FULL |
FULL |
FULL |
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Support for RadioLynx Wireless Start |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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Internal On-Board Level |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
Two Checkmarks |
Two Checkmarks |
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Support for Lynx Software Plug-Ins |
negative |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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Support for Multiple FinishLynx Cameras |
negative |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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Support for IdentiLynx 2-D Video Camera |
negative |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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Serial Scoreboard Interface for Display of |
negative |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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Wind Gauge Interface for Automatic Wind |
negative |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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Auto Capture & Virtual Photoeye Plug-in |
negative |
negative |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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High Resolution (2,000 fps) Images |
negative |
negative |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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Remote Positioner (Remote Camera Adjustment) |
negative |
negative |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
Two Checkmarks |
Two Checkmarks |
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Motorized Lens (Remote Lens Adjustment) |
negative |
negative |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
Two Checkmarks |
Two Checkmarks |
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IdentiLynx Full-Frame Video Camera |
negative |
negative |
negative |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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Internal RadioLynx Wireless Start System |
negative |
negative |
negative |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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*Power-Over-Ethernet Network Switch |
negative |
negative |
negative |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
One Checkmark |
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Display |
negative |
negative |
negative |
9-Digit LED |
Infield Video Display |
Portable LED Display |
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Video Display Module (VDM) |
negative |
negative |
negative |
negative |
One Checkmark |
Two Checkmarks |
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LuxBoost Low-Light Capture |
negative |
negative |
negative |
negative |
negative |
Two Checkmarks |
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Internal Camera Battery |
negative |
negative |
negative |
negative |
negative |
Two Checkmarks |
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Weather-Proof Wind Gauge |
negative |
negative |
negative |
negative |
negative |
One Checkmark |
Frequently Asked Questions – High School Track & Field
Fully Automatic Timing – or FAT – is the standard required today by every regulatory body in Track & Field. In general, the requirements of an approved FAT system include:
- The timing must be started automatically by the signal from the starting apparatus (like a starter pistol in Track and Field)
- The system must be capable of producing printed images showing the times
- It must be capable of timing to a precision of at least 1/100th second
FAT is mandated for record ratification at all levels, from World Athletics to the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS).
If, and only if, a timing system meets all of these requirements, can it be used to sanction meet results for new state, national, and international records.
Absolutely not – There are three main components to a basic digital line-scan FAT system:
Photo-Finish Camera – A photo- finish camera aimed at the finish line captures 1,000 fps for accurate, time- stamped results images approved by the NFHS.
FinishLynx Software – Powerful timing and results software captures photo-finish results and integrates hardware like scoreboards, wind gauges, and additional cameras.
Start Sensor – An integrated start sensor detects the start signal and instantly relays it to FinishLynx for accurate Fully Automatic Timing and results.
FinishLynx timing systems can capture anywhere from 600 frames per second (fps) up to an astounding 20,000 fps. That’s why FinishLynx is trusted by world-class events like NASCAR and the Tour de France. In fact, FinishLynx cameras have an internal digital clock that is accurate to plus-or-minus one part per million.
One way to think of line-scan photography is to imagine sitting in a room with the door open a tiny crack and watching someone from outside run past the door. As they run by, you only ever see a thin “slice” of them through the door. But, after a short period of time, they will travel completely past the doorway. Now imagine that the crack in your door is aligned perfectly with
the finish line.
A line-scan photo-finish image is actually composed of a series of incredibly thin individual pictures of a finish line (and whatever is crossing it). Then, each vertical finish line image is combined one after the other to create a full image. See the diagram for an example.
The FinishLynx software combines these thin, time-stamped images side-by-side so it becomes very easy for the timer to see exactly when each competitor crosses the finish line. Simply click the mouse on a competitor’s torso and the software displays their finish time automatically down to 1/1000th of a second.
FinishLynx photo-finish cameras integrate seamlessly with RFID chips and video cameras to create a complete Cross Country timing system that improves the speed and accuracy of meet results. Combine photo-finish, video and RFID into a single interface to have the best possible timing solution for every race.
The finish line at a cross country meet can be a confusing place with multiple finishers crossing at the same time. Athletes can finish fractions of a second apart and accurate team scores often depend on individual results. This makes fast and accurate identification crucial for any Cross Country meet.
Quick and Easy Hardware Setup
- Unlike any other FAT system, the FinishLynx software can use a Remote Positioner to adjust the camera placement and align it perfectly on the finish line every time.
- Thanks to RadioLynx Wireless Start Technology (included with the higher-end packages), the days of stringing cables to each of the start locations are a thing of the past.
Data Sharing
- All Lynx systems (Bronze and above) have the ability to link to scoreboards and meet management software for instant and error-free sharing of data (results, names, affiliations, etc.).
High-Quality Photo Printing
- The photo-finish image printouts produced by a FinishLynx FAT system meet all the requirements for record authorization at all levels of the sport.
Improved Meet Results
- Fairness – Coaches and athletes quickly learn that results are accurate and reviewable, putting an end to unnecessary disputes.
- Timeliness – Meets will start and end on time because there won’t be confusion over lanes and finish times at the end of every race.
- Accuracy – Athletes won’t be denied recognition for their achievements.
Improved Financial Results
- Make better use of limited resources – No need to find hand timers for every lane.
- Save on costs – No need to pay a costly timing service to provide FAT at each local meet.
- Raise money for the program – High-quality image printouts can be sold as souvenirs.
Parents and coaches alike know the importance of trophies and photos in youth sports to celebrate athletes’ personal achievements. Luckily, anyone who owns a FinishLynx system already has the ability to capture and preserve these memories which can also bring in some revenue for the sports program.
- Sell exciting finish line images to proud parents and athletes
- Print photo-finish images onto t-shirts for a unique souvenir
- Get local sponsorships from area businesses to help offset some costs
Athletic programs across the country are constantly in need of additional funding. And with a combination of local sponsorships and/or selling photo-finish images to families, the additional revenue can really add to a track program’s bottom line. Even if you’re a small high school, you could be generating hundreds or even thousands of dollars in revenue by selling your photo-finish and/or IdentiLynx images at meets.
There are a number of resources available online to assist schools in learning how to use their new system. No matter which High School Package you choose, the Lynx team is dedicated to helping you master the art of capturing photo-finish results.