FlashTiming FT-FAT User manual
Technical Support:
Bob: 309-369-6208
FlashTiming FT-FAT
User Manual
Version 1.5
For FT-FATLS Plus, FT-FAT200, FT-FAT120(V2), FT-FAT90
Table of Contents
1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Minimum System Requirement .................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Installation .................................................................................................................................... 1
2 System Setup ........................................................................................................................................ 2
2.1 Startup Instructions ...................................................................................................................... 2
Line Scan Video ..................................................................................................................... 3
Ethernet cables for Camera Stand ........................................................................................ 3
2.2 Camera Setup ................................................................................................................................ 4
Lens Adjustment ................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Computer Setup ............................................................................................................................ 4
2.4 Networking Computers ................................................................................................................. 5
2.5
The Capture Folder
...................................................................................................................... 5
2.6 Scoring Data Folder Setup (Optional) ........................................................................................... 6
AthleteNet’s RunMeet .......................................................................................................... 6
Hy-Tek’s Meet Management ................................................................................................ 6
Sports Automation’s TrackMate ........................................................................................... 8
Direct Athletics MeetPro ....................................................................................................... 8
EasyWare Easy Meet Manager ............................................................................................. 8
RaceTab ................................................................................................................................. 9
Apple Raceberry JaM’s ScoreMeetLynx ................................................................................ 9
3 Getting Started.................................................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Configuring the System ............................................................................................................... 11
Video Capture Folder .......................................................................................................... 11
Scoring Folder ..................................................................................................................... 12
Advance Settings for Folder Discovery ............................................................................... 13
File Naming Options for Non-Meet Management Users .................................................... 14
3.2 Network Information .................................................................................................................. 15
4 Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 16
4.1 FT-FAT Radio Devices .................................................................................................................. 16
USB Radio ............................................................................................................................ 16
Starter Unit .......................................................................................................................... 17
Camera ................................................................................................................................ 17
4.2 Camera Settings .......................................................................................................................... 17
Switch Cameras ................................................................................................................... 17
Camera Mode...................................................................................................................... 17
Set the Brightness ............................................................................................................... 18
Set the Frame Rate .............................................................................................................. 18
Video Quality ....................................................................................................................... 18
Test the System ................................................................................................................... 18
Advanced Settings ............................................................................................................... 18
4.3
Setting up for a Meet .................................................................................................................. 20
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Before the Race
................................................................................................................. 20
Zero Control Test ................................................................................................................ 21
4.4 Scheduled Events ........................................................................................................................ 22
Meet Management Events.................................................................................................. 22
5 Capturing Video .................................................................................................................................. 23
5.1 Starting a Race ............................................................................................................................ 23
5.2 Capturing Video .......................................................................................................................... 23
Live Review .......................................................................................................................... 23
Bookmarks .......................................................................................................................... 24
Manual Capture .................................................................................................................. 24
Backup Timer ...................................................................................................................... 24
Stop Watch .......................................................................................................................... 24
5.3 Save the Video ............................................................................................................................ 25
5.4 Race Clocks .................................................................................................................................. 26
6 Video Review ...................................................................................................................................... 27
6.1 Load Video .................................................................................................................................. 27
6.2 Line Scan Video ........................................................................................................................... 27
Line Scan Controls ............................................................................................................... 28
6.3 Full Frame Video Controls ........................................................................................................... 29
6.4 Calibrate the Video ..................................................................................................................... 30
6.5 Determining Athletes Times ....................................................................................................... 30
6.6 Record Times ............................................................................................................................... 31
Verify the event................................................................................................................... 31
Record Mode ....................................................................................................................... 31
Recording an Athlete’s Time ............................................................................................... 32
Entering Names from the Athlete’s Roster ......................................................................... 32
Auto Sort ............................................................................................................................. 32
Athlete’s Menu .................................................................................................................... 33
Determining Athletes in Non-Lane Races ............................................................................ 33
Save the Times .................................................................................................................... 33
Display Race Results ............................................................................................................ 34
7 Displays ............................................................................................................................................... 35
7.1 FT-Display .................................................................................................................................... 35
Setup ................................................................................................................................... 35
Options ................................................................................................................................ 35
7.2 FT-Scoreboard ............................................................................................................................. 36
7.3 Second Monitor or Window........................................................................................................ 36
7.4 Daktronics Matrix and All Sports Displays .................................................................................. 36
Set the communication protocol for sending data to the display. ..................................... 36
7.5 Options for Matrix Displays. ....................................................................................................... 37
7.6 AthleticLIVE ................................................................................................................................. 37
8 Menu and Short-Cuts .......................................................................................................................... 38
8.1 Menu ........................................................................................................................................... 38
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8.2 Keyboard Shortcuts ..................................................................................................................... 39
9 Reading Times into the Meet Management Application .................................................................... 40
9.1 Hy-Tek’s Meet Manger................................................................................................................ 40
9.2 AthleticNET’s Run Meet .............................................................................................................. 40
9.3 Apple Raceberry JaM’s ScoreMeetLynx ...................................................................................... 40
9.4 DirectAthletics MeetPro ............................................................................................................. 40
9.5 EasyWare Easy Meet Manager ................................................................................................... 40
9.6 RaceTab ....................................................................................................................................... 41
9.7 Sports Automation’s TrackMate ................................................................................................. 41
10 FT-FAT System ..................................................................................................................................... 42
10.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 42
10.2 The Starter Unit ........................................................................................................................... 42
10.3 Powering the Unit ....................................................................................................................... 43
Power Save Mode ............................................................................................................... 43
Battery Test ......................................................................................................................... 43
10.4 Setup ........................................................................................................................................... 43
10.5 Starting a Race ............................................................................................................................ 44
Abort the Start Procedure ................................................................................................... 44
No Response/Time Out ....................................................................................................... 45
Recall the Race .................................................................................................................... 45
10.6 Race Clock Inadvertently Starts .................................................................................................. 45
10.7 Radios Do Not Communicate ...................................................................................................... 45
10.8 Test the Units .............................................................................................................................. 46
10.9 FCC Notice ................................................................................................................................... 46
11 Appendix A: Tips for Hy-Tek Meet Manager Users ............................................................................ 47
12
Appendix B:
Networking
your Computers
.................................................................................... 49
12.1
Managed vs Unmanaged Network
........................................................................................... 50
12.2
Assign all
Computers
to the same Workgroup
......................................................................... 50
12.3 Win10 Computers ....................................................................................................................... 50
Turn Off Wireless Network ................................................................................................. 50
Unblock Messages from other computers .......................................................................... 51
Change from public network to private network. .............................................................. 51
12.4
Windows 7 and Windows 8
...................................................................................................... 52
Connect your computers to a router or switch.
.............................................................. 52
Set computers to a private network
................................................................................ 52
12.5
Set the Private
Sharing
Options
................................................................................................ 53
12.6 Turn
off all firewalls and
virus
checkers
................................................................................... 55
12.7
Set Folders for Sharing
.............................................................................................................. 56
12.8
Check the Computer’s IP Address
............................................................................................ 56
12.9 Set the Computer's IP Address.................................................................................................... 57
Appendix C: Technical Support ................................................................................................................... 59
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1 Introduction
FlashTiming FT-FAT is a radio linked, fully automatic timing system, which support hosting quality track
meets with accurate times and fast results. FlashTming FT-FAT software supports FlashTiming’s Digital
Camera product line including the FT-FAT LS Plus, FT-FAT200, FT-FAT120 (version 2 cameras) and FT-
FAT90 systems. The FT-FAT LS Plus system provides both line scan and video images of the finish line
with frame rates up to 1000FPS. The other systems provide full frame video up at 200, 120 and 90
frames per seconds.
FT-FAT software captures time stamped video of the finished line and provides a unique, easy-to-access
file naming system for each heat recorded. Playback of captured results is easy and the results can be
transferred to a meet management application with a click of a mouse.
1.1 Minimum System Requirement
Computer used for capturing videos, running FlashTiming FT-FAT:
CPU with benchmark value of 5000 or greater for FT-FATLS Plus and FT-FAT200
3500 or greater for FT-FAT120 and FT-FAT90.
8 GB of RAM
200 GB Hard Drive
1024 X 768 resolution monitor (1980 x 1080 recommended). **
Windows 10 Operating System, 64bit
USB 2.0 port
1 Gigabit Network adapter (Ethernet)***
Computer needed for reviewing videos only:
CPU with benchmark value of 2000 or greater
4 GB of RAM
80 Gigabytes HD
1024 X 768 resolution monitor (1980 x 1080 recommended). **
Windows 10 Operating System, 64bit
Network adapter (Ethernet)
* There are many variables that determine the computer’s speed. Use
www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php to determine your CPU’s capability.
Find your CPU Name by typing in “About your CPU” in the Windows search box.
** Computers with screen resolution at or near the minimum size need to have the text size set to
normal (DPI = 96pt). Otherwise, portions of the user interface may not fit on the screen.
***May substitute recommended 1Gbit to USB-C adapter.
1.2 Installation
The installation program, SetupFT-FAT.exe is available for download on our website:
http://flashtiming.com/updates/
Run setupFT-FAT.exe on the computers you will use for capturing and reviewing videos. Do not plug in
the FT-FAT camera or the USB radio until instructed to do so.
To install the software:
1. Run SetupFT-FAT.
2. Accept all defaults in the Installation Wizard. The Installer loads the FlashTiming FT-FAT
software, device drivers for the camera and the USB radio, and .Net Framework 6.0 (if needed).
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2 System Setup
2.1 Startup Instructions
These instructions will guide you through the initial setup of your FT-FAT system and give a quick summary on
how to use the system.
1. Connect the camera to the capture computer
. Attached the right-angle antenna to the back of the camera cover.
a. Attach the power cord with the power supply to the black Trendnet POE Switch. Plug the power cord
into a standard wall outlet.
b. Connect the camera to the Trendnet POE Switch with a Cat6 Ethernet cable. The system comes with
an extra Cat6 Ethernet cable for testing purpose. Plug one end of the cable into the Ethernet port on
the back of the camera cover. Plug the other end of the cable into one of the 4 ports on the back of
the switch labeled POE. Do not use port 5 for the camera.
c. Connect the POE switch to the computer with one of the provided Ethernet cables. Plug one end of
the cable into any port on the back of the POE Switch. Plug the other end of the cable into the
Ethernet port on your computer. Your computer must have a 1Gbit Ethernet port for the camera to
capture at the maximum frame rate for your FAT system.
You can connect your other computers to any of the ports on the POE Switch.
The capture computer is the only computer that needs to have a 1Gbit Ethernet port. The other computers
can have a 100Mbit Ethernet port.
2. Connect the USB radio to the computer
. Use the USB cable to connect the USB radio to the computer
a. Attached the right-angle antenna to the USB. Use the external antenna if in a metal press box or in
another setting that may impede the radios from communicating.
3. Setup the FT-FAT starter unit.
. Insert 3 AA batteries in the back of the starter unit. The starter unit beeps 3 times when you install
the battery.
a. Attach the Straight antenna to the top of the starter unit.
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The next step is to run the application, start a race and capture a trial video. Turn off Windows Firewall and
any 3rd party security application. Shut down all other applications before starting the application.
Launch the FlashTiming program and select Capture and Review from the start screen.
The Configure Windows automatically displays when you launch the program. In the Configure Window:
1. Click Select Video Folder.
2. Enter a Meet Name, such as “Test”, click Create Meet and then click OK.
3. In the Configure Window, select None as your Meet Management Software and then click OK to close the
Configure Window.
The program searches for the three radio devices and reports their status in the FAT Devices tab. The camera
defaults to full frame video and the live feed is shown in the preview area. If the camera is not found, you
may need to set the IP address of the camera. See the “Camera Settings, Advanced Setting, Camera IP
Configurator” section in the manual to change the IP address of the camera.
Once all devices are detected, the Start Race tab appears and you’re ready to start and capture video of a
race.
1. Press the green button on the FT-FAT Starter Unit. This will send an “Are you ready?” signal to the
computer. The green light on the starter and the green button on the computer will flash.
2. Press the green button on the computer. This sends the “I’m ready” signal back to the starter and the
green buttons will turn solid on both computer and the starter unit.
3. The race is now ready to start. Fire a starting pistol or simulate the start with either a loud sound or a
vibration, such as slapping the speaker holes on the starter unit.
Important: Hold the starting pistol at least 12 inches from the starting unit when firing the gun.
Positioning the gun any closer may damage the starter unit’s sensor.
The green light remains solid and the red light flashes on the starter. Notice the race times display above
the preview area.
4. Press the Capture button above the preview area. Record some movement with the video camera, press
Stop.
5. The Select File Name window appears. You may create a filename by selecting items from the menus or
simply type a name in the text box at the bottom of the dialog. Click Okay. A standard Windows Save
Dialog appears. Click Save.
The saved video appears in the Load Video tab. Double click the video to load the file. Use the control
buttons underneath the preview area to play your video. Navigate through your video with the track bar,
the left and right keyboard arrows or the mouse scroll wheel.
Line Scan Video
If you purchased the FT-FATLS Plus, you can set the camera to line scan mode by clicking the FAT Devices tab
and then the Camera Icon. Click the Mode Drop down menu and select one of the LS modes.
Ethernet cables for Camera Stand
Camera stand orders contains two cables with waterproof connectors to use with the camera base. The 15ft
cable with the black connector is for the camera pole. The black housing on the cable attaches to the opening
at in camera base and the other end attached to the camera housing.
The second cable with the silver connector connects to the black housing after it’s been attached to the
camera base.
See the YouTube video for detailed instructions for installing the cable:
https://youtu.be/QABRefFWPYc
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2.2 Camera Setup
The camera can be placed inside or outside the track. A good starting point is 15-18 feet back from the
nearest lane and 10-12 feet up. The stock lens has a zoom range of 4mm to 12mm which supports
distances to the track between of approximately 8 to 25 feet. Position the camera so the finish line is
centered in the preview area. The higher the camera is positioned, the easier it is to determine the
athlete’s lane and position. Refer to the Start-Up Instructions for more details.
Lens Adjustment
The camera comes equipped with a manual zoom lens. There are 3 rings on the lens which adjust the
zoom, aperture and focus. The inside ring controls zoom, the middle ring controls the aperture, and the
outside ring controls the focus.
To adjust any of these settings:
Launch the FT-FAT application with the camera connected.
Click Capture & Review.
Cancel the Configuration dialogue. The camera image should appear automatically
Position the camera to show the finish line
Loosen the thumbscrew on the zoom ring and rotate the ring.
Tighten the thumbscrew when you are satisfied with the image.
Repeat the previous two steps for the focus.
When adjusting the zoom, it is also necessary to adjust the focus. With a runner standing in lane 1 and
lane 8, adjust the zoom and focus so you can see the torsos of both athletes.
2.2.1.1 Len Aperture
The lens aperture, or iris, controls the amount of light reaching the camera sensor and it should be
adjusted based on a variety of performance tradeoffs. For most purposes it is recommended that this
position be set about 20% away from the Open position. The adjustment is made with the middle thumb
screw on the lens. This adjustment has a range from Open to Close and is labeled O on the Open end
and C on the Closed end.
Fully opening the aperture will soften the image (i.e., slightly degrade the lens resolution), but will allow
for the lowest possible exposure time and reduce motion blur. It may be necessary to further open the
iris in environments with very low light levels such as night meets or poorly lit areas. For extremely
bright situations such as direct sunlight, the camera image may be saturated white unless the aperture is
further closed. The camera’s automatic exposure and gain settings are generally capable of
compensating for these different conditions. See Camera Settings in Section 4 for information on
controlling the camera’s settings.
2.3 Computer Setup
The FlashTiming System can be set up to work with one, two, or three computers. One computer is
sufficient when there is adequate time between races for the capture official to review the video and
record the times. Determining the athletes’ times in lane races take very little time. Non-lane races take
longer to review due to matching the finish order to the athlete numbers.
If using meet management application, such as Hy-Teks’s Meet Manager, and the meet is pre-seeded,
updates to the heat sheets may be made in the meet management application before recording the
results. This may take some time and using a second computer to review the video can help reduce the
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