Derby Timers

36 Matuk Dr., Hyde Park, NY 12538

(845) 229-5189

SmartLine Finish Line Overview

SmartLine Detailed Overview

The eTekGadget SmartLine Finish Line Timer supports up to 8 lanes with instant race results resolved to .00005 seconds.  You may send the race times to a computer for storage, analysis and display by any of the popular race management software packages.  The SmartLine Timer shows the placement result as it occurs on large bright red 2¼ inch displays attractively mounted above each lane. They are easily seen across a large room.

    Computer interface and photo finish trigger included as part of the standard package -- 

The SmartLine Finish Line Timer is the only timer that includes the computer interface and a photo finish trigger as part of the standard package.  This little timer is packed with valuable options, test functions and  smarts.  Use our free setup program to change any of the parameters without having to know the commands.  You can also use our setup program to easily test the sensors and switches on the timer.

You may use the timer without connecting it to a computer, however there are several software programs available that help you manage the race.  They really make the job much easier.  You can project the computer screen image onto the wall so that the spectators can see the race results.  They thoroughly enjoy watching who is going to race next, what the times of the racers are and, yes, who won.  

The photo finish trigger is already in the timer and the additional Photo Finish Device may be added at any time.  The Photo Finish Device accepts the trigger from the SmartLine Timer.  The video capture software that we provide with it takes a picture and saves it in a (jpg) picture format file.  You may display it on the computer screen as soon as it is taken.  You can connect a projector to the computer for a large display of the actual finish on a wall or screen.  You may also connect it to the same computer that is used for the race management and alternate between the two programs.  We have used the photo finish pictures on our pack's web site.  It tells a great story.

    SmartLine's generous 6-inch clearance above track and custom or standard width -- 

The SmartLine Finish Line Timer is made with generous 6-inch clearance above the track.  The clearance above the track allows for flexibility in the height of the race cars, semi-truck or whatever else you are racing. The leg of the timer is 8 inches long so the clearance may be more on some thin tracks.

The width of the finish line is dependent on the width of your track.  You may specify any width up to 32 inches wide and any number of lanes up to 8 per track.  The standard spacing from center to center is 3.5 inches.  If your lane spacing is not standard or the spacing is greater than 4 inches apart, just tell us the dimensions and we can make one to fit your  needs.  

You need to specify either the track manufacturer (BestTrack or Piantedosi) or the dimensions of your track when you order a timer.  The dimensions of the entire width of the track and the distance from the left side of the track to the center of each lane are necessary on non-standard tracks.  This is so that the  sensors may be placed into the bar of the timer at the correct locations and the bar and panel may be cut to the correct size for your track.  BestTrack and Piantedosi Oars will pre-drill their tracks for our timer.  We make a standard mount for these tracks.

    SmartLine Timer remembers settings  --

You can use our Setup Program that is included with the timer to easily set your preferences.  The preferences that you enter are saved in non-volatile memory.  The timer will remember the preferences you set the next time you turn it on.  The number of physical lanes, the number of decimals, the length of delay time for the automatic reset or other timed functions, the lane order, and other parameters are stored in the timer.

    SmartLine's automatic reset  --

The automatic reset may be set to any value between 1 and 255 seconds.  It may be set to 0 if you wish to use a program to send a reset command or you want to press the physical reset button after the race is complete. 

The displays will go blank ready for the next race when the timer has been reset.  If the start gate switch has not been closed a decimal point will be displayed until the start gate is made ready for a new race (closed).  The displays will also show if there is an obstruction, such as a car, under the sensors by showing a small c until it is removed.  When the displays are blank, you are ready for a new race.

    SmartLine's Setup Program  --  

We supply a very nice Setup Program with every timer.  It allows you to click on buttons in the windows style to set the parameters in the timer.  You do not have to learn any of the commands that are sent to the timer.  The sensors and switches may also be tested with this software.  

The SmartLine Finish Line Timer may also be tested without the use of the setup program by simply holding the reset button down for 3 seconds, until the displays show the letter L.  You may test the sensors by moving your hand or other object between them.  The display will show a lower case c when there is an object between the sensor and illuminator.  There are built-in sensor IR illuminators so that no external lamps are required.  The start gate switch may be tested by simply pressing the switch.  The displays will show a decimal point when the switch is closed.  To exit the test mode, all you need to do is press the reset button.

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SmartLine Finish Line System

	SmartLine system computer unit.
	Display for each lane.
	LED and Sensor for each lane.
	SmartLine Setup Program and manuals on CD.
	AC Power Adapter.
	10' Serial (RS-232) cable built into timer.
	Reset/Start gate switch included on 35' cable.           Longer cable lengths available with specification for nominal cost.

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SmartLine Commands

You may also use a generic terminal program for communicating with the finish line in which case you would have to use the commands.  The complete list of commands are documented in the SmartLine Command Manual.  The list of commands are supplied for anyone creating their own programs or who already have a program that requires the commands.  Please contact us if you have any questions about these commands or any other software issues.  

The SmartLine lower case commands were created to allow for a more flexible command structure and to create additional commands.  The lower case commands have been implemented by the RaceTender software package and the GrandPrix Race Manager software package.  

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Last modified: Wednesday October 31, 2007.