FarmTek Polaris Operating Instructions Manual - page 8
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FarmTek, Inc.
Helpful Hints – Electric Eyes
Optical Interference / Crosstalk
If the start and finish lines are along
the same side of the course (or even
close to being along the same line), be
sure to face the eyes in opposite direc-
tions as shown to the right. This pre-
vents the start electric eye from seeing
the finish electric eye, and vice-versa.
Protecting the Electric Eyes on Course
The optical range of the electric eyes is
over 150 feet. This means you can
place the electric eyes well off the
course to reduce the likelihood of be-
ing hit. If any sort of enclosure is built
over the electric eyes, do not use metal as this great-
ly reduces radio range.
Optical Interference from the Sun
When the electric eyes are setup with a very long
distance between them, a late afternoon sun shining
directly into the Photo-Receiver (the electric eye
with the antenna) can cause problems. A simple
remedy is to swap the electric eyes with each other
so that the sun shines into the face of the Photo-
Transmitter instead (the electric eye without the an-
tenna).
Electric Eye Ignore Period
To prevent accidental starts and stops, the electric
eyes are each ignored for about two seconds after a
vehicle passes through them. This allows time for
dust and debris to settle. If you have a special appli-
cation which needs a shorter or longer ignore period,
this can be adjusted with us over the phone.
Helpful Hints – Maximizing Radio Performance
The maximum radio range is 250 to 300 feet. This is
the distance from the electric eye with the antenna to
the timer console at the timer’s table (not the dis-
tance from the start line to the finish line).
As with any radio system, the shorter the radio dis-
tance, the better the system reliability. Consider this
when designing course layouts. If needed, external
antennas are available to substantially increase radio
range. Contact us for details.
Many factors affect radio performance. Here are
some common items to consider:
• Ensure the line-of-sight between the electric eyes
and the timer console is not obstructed by any
large metal objects or chain link fence. Verify
line-of-sight from down at the antenna’s level –
not just from your standing eye level.
• If the timer’s table is inside a trailer, motor-home,
etc., be sure the timer console has clear sight of
the electric eyes and the radio signal does not have
to shoot through metal walls to reach the timer.
• Position the timer console at least 2-3 feet from
major electronic equipment such as computers,
monitors, and the PA system.
• Raise the tripod with the electric eye as high as
practically possible. Radio range decreases sub-
stantially as the eye is positioned closer and closer
to the ground.
• External antennas are available to increase radio
range or to simply move the receiving antenna
outside of a window or obstruction. Contact us for
additional information.