FarmTek Polaris Operating Instructions Manual - page 10
©
FarmTek, Inc.
Computer Interface
The optional computer interface cable provides a
connection between the timer console and a serial
port or USB port on a computer. We offer a simple
interface program that places times into the active
cell on a spreadsheet or similar program each time
the finish line is crossed.
To work with third-party software, the timer can
emulate the output of a variety of popular timers on
the market. This makes integration of the timer es-
pecially easy. Output options include models from
TAG Heuer (CP520, CP504, CP705), models from
RaceAmerica (AC4, T-Link), and models from JA-
Circuits (normal mode and chrono mode).
To choose an output option, follow these steps:
1) Press SETUP to access Setup options.
2) Press NEXT CHOICE until Interface Type is
displayed, then press ENTER.
3) Press NEXT CHOICE until the desired output
format (see details below) is displayed, then
press ENTER.
Standard Output
Choose this option to use the timer’s standard output
format. This format is required to use the timer inter-
face software we offer for placing times into a
spreadsheet or other Windows application. In this
mode, the timer transmits data only at the comple-
tion of each run.
TAG Heuer
Choose this option to emulate the output of common
TAG Heuer models like the CP520, CP504, and
CP705. The timer transmits both start and finish
beam breaks to the computer to support advanced
features in your software. When the Clear Time
(“Reset Start”) and Restart (“Reset Finish”) buttons
are pressed on the timer console, the equivalent
commands are sent over the interface to automati-
cally keep the timer and software in sync.
The start beam break is always sent as eye “1” and
the finish beam break is always sent as eye “2” even
if you have used the Eye Usage menu to swap the
start and finish eyes. This allows your software to
work properly without changes. Time data from split
eyes is sent as eye “3” and eye “4.”
JAC Normal
Choose this option to emulate the “normal” (not
chrono-mode) output of the JA-Circuits timer and
the RaceAmerica AC4 timer. Note: The timer emu-
lates newer versions of the AC4 that do not include a
start trigger. In AxWare, for example, uncheck the
“AC-4 with Start Trigger” option.
The timer transmits data only at the completion of
each run. When the Restart (“Reset Finish”) button
is pressed on the timer console, the equivalent com-
mand is sent over the interface (a time of all zeros).
JAC Chrono
Choose this option to emulate the output of the JA-
Circuits timer operating in “chrono-mode.” The tim-
er emulates the “reverse” chrono-mode of the newer
JA-Circuits timers. In AxWare, for example, check
the “
JAC Reverse Chrono
” and “
JAC Chrono
Timer Mode (Separate Start and Finsh)
” options to
properly support this interface.
The JAC Chrono mode is also compatible with the
“AxWrats” timer license in AxWare. When enabling
the timer in AxWare and the dialog box for testing
the AxWrats timer is displayed, click the “Exit” but-
ton to skip the timer test.
The timer transmits both start and finish beam
breaks to the computer to support advanced features
in your software. When the Clear Time (“Reset
Start) and Restart (“Reset Finish”) buttons are
pressed on the timer console, the equivalent com-
mands are sent over the interface to automatically
keep the timer and software in sync.
Note: For the AxWrats timer license, AxWare does
not support automatic Reset Start and Reset Finish
synchronization. This must be done manually on
both the timer and AxWare when required.
The start beam break is always sent as eye “A” and
the finish beam break is always sent as eye “B” even
if you have used the Eye Usage menu to swap the
start and finish eyes. This allows your software to
work properly without changes. Time data from split
eyes is sent as eye “C” and eye “D.”