1const e="Frequently asked questions, brought over from finishlynx.com/faqs on 2026-09-29 and re-pointed at this site's own pages. Rendered by src/desktop/pages/Faq.jsx. Each answer is a list of blocks: a plain paragraph, '- ' for a bullet, '1. ' for a numbered step, or lines starting with '|' for a small table. Inline: [label](/in-site-path) or [label](https://external), **bold**.",t=[{id:"purchasing",title:"Purchasing FinishLynx",items:[{q:"Do you offer training?",a:["Lynx offers remote video training for new FinishLynx users at an additional cost. We are also happy to connect you with local service providers in your area who can offer in-person training if that's preferred.","Submit a [Training Request](/training) and a member of the Lynx staff will contact you shortly. You can also email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).","Just took over a system, or bringing one back after a few seasons? [Start here](/start-here) goes from what you own to your first meet, in order."]},{id:"operator-certification",q:"Does Lynx offer operator certification?",a:["Lynx doesnât issue an externally recognized operator certification. Its training teaches your crew to run the system; it isnât a credential.","For a recognized credential, look to your sportâs governing body or officials association. In the US, for example, USATF certifies photo-finish officials through each local association.","To book training with Lynx, see [Training Request](/training)."]},{id:"new-package-setup",q:"We just got a new package. What do we need, and how long does setup take?",a:["**A Windows computer.** One is required, and two are recommended so meet management runs on its own computer. Check it against the [minimum computer requirements](/faq#what-are-the-minimum-computer-requirements-for-a-laptop-to-r).","**A couple of hours.** Following the package quick start guide, expect a couple of hours to get running, then some practice races. It isnât highly technical.","**Events and start lists.** LynxPad, Lynxâs meet management software, creates events and athletes, seeds heats and sends start lists to FinishLynx. See the [LynxPad manual](/manual/lynxpad).","The whole order, from unpacking to a first meet, is on [Start here](/start-here)."]},{q:"What are the minimum computer requirements for a laptop to run the FinishLynx software?",a:["**Windows operating system.** All FinishLynx software and plug-ins are developed for Windows, so every computer used by a FinishLynx operator must be running some version of Windows. FinishLynx is not compatible with Apple, iOS, Android or Linux, and we don't recommend trying to port it to another operating system.","Using a Mac? See [FinishLynx runs on Windows only](/limitations#windows-only) in Known limitations.","FinishLynx is compatible with all modern versions of Windows, including Windows 11. If you plan to use it with Windows 11, review the [Windows 11 compatibility information](https://www.finishlynx.com/finishlynx-windows-11-compatibility/) first.","**Minimum computer specifications.** Generally, any Windows-based computer purchased in the last 10+ years should be powerful enough to run FinishLynx, LynxPad and all other Lynx software. The more RAM and hard drive space it has, the easier it will be to capture large events.",`| Specification | Minimum | Recommended | 2| Operating system | Windows 98 or later | Windows 10 or later | 3| Processor | 500 MHz | 2 GHz Core i7 or higher | 4| RAM | 512 MB | 8 GB or higher | 5| Storage | 16 GB HD | 512 GB SSD or higher | 6| Screen resolution | 800 Ã 600 | 1920 Ã 1080 or higher | 7| Network card | 10/100 Ethernet | 10/100/1000 Ethernet (RJ45 port) | 8| USB ports | 1 | 2 or more | 9| Nice to have | â | Number pad, matte screen |`,"If you need more help, email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or [contact technical support](/contact)."]},{q:"Where can I find a product price list?",a:["If you're interested in the price of a specific product, call +1 (978) 556-9780 or email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) (US domestic sales) or [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) (international sales)."]},{q:"Which FinishLynx package is right for me?",a:["Lynx offers a number of packaged solutions tailored to different sports, configurations and budget levels. Find the right package for your organization on the [Solutions page](https://www.finishlynx.com/solutions/).","Exploring FinishLynx for a US high school track & field program? We have Scholastic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond packages available, each a considerable saving over buying the components individually. [Contact us](https://www.finishlynx.com/contact/) for details.","Already have the Scholastic package? It runs FinishLynx LITE. See [FinishLynx LITE vs full FinishLynx](/lite-vs-full) for what LITE can do and how to upgrade."]},{id:"repair-completed-when-ship",q:"My repair says Completed. When will it ship?",a:["**Completed** means the work is done and a sales order is on its way to you. Pay it with the **Pay Now** button (card) or send a purchase order to Lynx domestic sales;
9 the unit ships back once the payment or the PO is in, and the status changes to Shipped.","If a few days pass with no sales order, email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) with the RMA number and ask for it. Every status, and who acts next at each one, is on the RMA page: [What your status means](/rma#status)."]},{id:"warranty",q:"What warranty comes with Lynx equipment, and how do I make a claim?",a:["The terms are in the [Lynx Warranty Agreement](/documents/Lynx_Warranty.pdf), and in the [Extended Warranty Agreement](/documents/Extended_warranty.pdf) if you bought extended cover. Keep your invoice: it dates the warranty.","To claim, submit a repair request in the [Returns Portal](/rma) the same way as any repair and mention the purchase date in the notes. The team checks coverage when the case is reviewed, so you don't need to prove it first. See [Before you send it in](/rma#before-you-send)."]},{id:"loaner",q:"Do you offer a loaner while my camera is repaired?",a:["Lynx doesn't run a loaner pool. If a meet is close, ship the unit expedited and put the date you need it back on the RMA case; repairs have been turned around the same or next day when the team knew the deadline. See [Before you send it in](/rma#before-you-send).","For a second camera or a backup start system, contact [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) (US) or [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) for a quote."]}]},{id:"camera-setup",title:"Camera setup, alignment & booting",items:[{q:"How do I know if I have the remote lens?",a:["A remote lens will always have a cable coming out of the housing. The black cable with the 9-pin female connector connects to the Remote port on the back of the camera, or, if you use a Remote Positioner, to one of the serial ports on the positioner. A second cable then runs from the positioner to the camera's Remote port.","To learn more about the common lenses offered, see [Lenses & Mounts](/manual/finishlynx/resources/lenses-mounts) in the online manual."]},{q:"How do I use the Electronic Level Indicator in FinishLynx?",a:["The EtherLynx Vision camera offers an optional Electronic Level feature that shows an indicator inside FinishLynx telling you whether the camera is level. Adjust the camera's swivel until the indicator shows green and 0.0 degrees. The number is how many degrees the camera is away from perfectly horizontal.","[Watch the tutorial](/videos?v=ZNcFw3DW5sQ)."]},{q:"What does an orange blinking boot light on my Vision-series camera mean?",a:["The orange boot light means the camera is waiting for a connection from the computer.","Follow [Flashing amber BOOT light](/troubleshoot/camera/etherlynx-camera/boot-and-connection/finishlynx-not-finding-camera/flashing-amber-boot-light) in Troubleshoot, or the [Camera Boot Troubleshooting Guide](/documents/Camera_Boot_Troubleshooting_Guide.pdf) (PDF)."]},{q:"What is the IP address of the camera, so we can ping it to make sure it is working?",a:["The camera is assigned an IP address by the computer when it boots: the next one in sequence after the computer's own. If the camera does not boot, it is never assigned an address and cannot be pinged.","To check the camera's address, open Camera Settings; the IP is listed under the Setup tab. For easier troubleshooting we recommend the standard IP scheme in the [Networking quick-start guides](/documents)."]},{q:"Where should my camera be located in relation to the finish line?",a:["The camera should always be in the [plane of the finish line](/manual/finishlynx/get-started/stage-1-setup). The distance back and the height can vary a lot with your lens and the light available; we recommend 10 to 15 feet from the track and 10 to 15 feet high.","- Before building any permanent structure, test your lens in the location you want. Make sure it covers all the lanes at a standard setting without digital enhancement.","- Under stadium lights, make sure there is enough light reflecting off the athletes back to the camera to give readable images.","- Mounting the camera higher lets each lane's view look over the torso of the competitor in front rather than through them. As the height goes up, move the camera further back too, so hip numbers stay clear and are not distorted by a steep angle.","If the camera has to go in a specific spot, tell your sales representative or [contact technical support](/contact) and we can help pick the best lens for your facility."]},{q:"Why is there a red (pink) tint on my IdentiLynx video feed when it boots?",a:["If the IdentiLynx+ or XR+ video feed comes up the wrong color (usually pink), the camera's infrared (IR) filter did not switch on correctly during boot. Rather than rebooting the camera, you can open its settings directly in a browser and toggle the IR filter.","[This video
9](/videos?v=PgDUSGDJzYA) shows how, and Troubleshoot has the same steps under [Image is pink or wrong color](/troubleshoot/camera/identilynx-verilynx/image-and-focus/image-is-pink-or-wrong-color)."]},{q:"Can we use a second or borrowed camera with our system?",a:["Yes. A second EtherLynx camera, such as one borrowed from another school, works with your FinishLynx system as long as you are not mixing a Scholastic (FinishLynx LITE) camera with a non-Scholastic one. To check which you have, see [How to tell which one you have](/lite-vs-full#how-to-tell).","Taking your IdentiLynx to another meet as a second camera needs nothing special, except that newer IdentiLynx models may need the host computer to run a recent FinishLynx. The camera loads with default settings on a computer it hasn't used before, so set up its Camera Settings (such as Automatic Capture) again."]},{q:"Where does the IdentiLynx plug in?",a:["Into the network switch, not into the photo-finish camera. The EtherLynx camera, the IdentiLynx and the FinishLynx computer each connect to their own port on the switch.","The IdentiLynx is powered over Ethernet. With its supplied PoE injector, run a cable from the switch (or the computer) to the injector's **In** port, and from the injector's **Out** port to the camera. For the IdentiLynx SR-2 and HRS, Lynx recommends a PoE+ gigabit switch.","Connect the IdentiLynx last: open FinishLynx, power on the EtherLynx cameras, and once they appear in Hardware Control, plug in the IdentiLynx. The [IdentiLynx SR-2 & HRS quick start guide](/documents/IdentiLynx-SR_HRS-series-QSG.pdf) has the full setup."]}]},{id:"errors",title:"Common error messages",items:[{q:"Why am I getting a camera boot error?",a:["First, replace the Ethernet cables one at a time to rule out a bad cable or connection. If you use a multi-port switch, try different ports in case one has a loose or bad contact.","If the problem persists, work through [Boot error on screen](/troubleshoot/camera/etherlynx-camera/boot-and-connection/boot-error-on-screen/other-code) in Troubleshoot or the [Camera Boot Troubleshooting Guide](/documents/Camera_Boot_Troubleshooting_Guide.pdf) (PDF)."]},{q:'Why do I keep getting an "Error arming event" message even though the RadioLynx is connected and working fine?',a:["1. Open **Camera Settings | Input** and set **Gun Sensor** to **None**. This turns off the wired start connection. The wired start and the wireless start are two separate, independent connections.","2. Check that the RadioLynx is configured correctly: open **Camera Settings | RadioLynx** and make sure the selected item matches where the receiver is physically connected (C-Box, camera back, radio port and so on).","If you need more help, [contact technical support](/contact)."]},{q:'Why do I keep getting the message "Error Aligning a Camera"?',a:["FinishLynx shows this when the camera has not booted and the operator clicks the red stop sign in the top-left corner to open alignment mode. It means no camera is available. Make sure the camera has booted and its information line appears across the top of the FinishLynx window before opening Alignment mode."]},{q:'Why do I get the message "Capture Button Serial Port Unavailable"?',a:['"Capture button serial port unavailable; keyboard capture will be used." This common message can appear when FinishLynx starts. If you use [Auto Capture](/manual/finishlynx/features/plug-ins) and not the capture button, no action is needed and you can run your meet as planned.',"If you do use the capture button, the COM port it is on was not found. Check that the USB adapter is plugged in before FinishLynx opens and that its COM port is selected under **File | Options | General**. See [My USB adapter is installed but the COM port isn't listed](#com-port-not-listed) below, or the [Capture Button Serial Port Unavailable guide](https://www.finishlynx.com/capture-button-serial-port-unavailable/)."]},{q:'Why does my IdentiLynx load to 32% and then produce "Error 202"?',a:["Some versions of Windows need extra permissions to enable the IdentiLynx camera. Close FinishLynx, right-click its icon and choose **Run as administrator**, then try again.","If that does not fix it, check that there are no conflicting IP addresses on your network, and [contact technical support](/contact) if needed. More solutions and best practice are under [Error booting camera](/troubleshoot/camera/identilynx-verilynx/boot-and-connection/error-booting-camera) in Troubleshoot and in the [IdentiLynx Troubleshooting Guide](https://www.finishlynx.com/wp-content/uploads/IdentiLynx_Troubleshooting.pdf) (PDF)."]},{q:'Why does FinishLynx say "Waiting for printer connection" when it starts?',a:["This comes from a known Windows 11 printing issue, and it can make FinishLynx very slow to open. Apply the Windows 11 print fix first, then remove printers you no longer use.","The steps are in [Slow start or printer warning](/troubleshoot/software/finishlynx/slow-start-or-printer-warning) in Troubleshoot."]},{q:"What does error 3002 mean?",a:["Error 3002 means FinishLynx couldn't write the .lif results file when the event was saved. The Output Directory (**File | Options | Database** tab) is missing, not writable, or on another computer that FinishLynx has lost contact with.","Follow [Error writing .LIF file](/troubleshoot/software/finishlynx/error-writing-lif-file) in Troubleshoot."]}]},{id:"software",title:"FinishLynx software & networking",items:[{q:"Can I use an IdentiLynx camera with the VeriLynx profile to judge field events?",a:["Yes. All full-frame digital video cameras can be used with the VeriLynx profile. The VeriLynx camera is the recommended model and meets the minimum requirements. See [VeriLynx](/manual/finishlynx/features/verilynx) in the manual."]},{q:"Can I use my EtherLynx camera as a LapTime device for capturing splits?",a:["Yes. With the LapTime plug-in you set the number of laps per race and evaluate the Lynx image on each lap to create split times for every athlete.","Read about the [LapTime module](/manual/finishlynx/features/laptime-module) in the manual, or [watch the video](/videos?v=QNJOL__NeDY)."]},{q:"Can I use the keyboard to toggle capture?",a:["The spacebar toggle for capture is a safety feature in case the capture button is damaged or lost. It is not the best way to capture, because it is easy to lose track of whether capture is on or off, and leaving it on for a long time can bog the computer down with images.","The spacebar works differently from the capture button: tap once to turn capture on, and tap again to turn it off. If a race is spread out and you keep stopping and starting, it is easy to end up capturing while nobody is finishing.","If you must use it, go to **File | Options | General** and set the capture button dropdown to **Keyboard**. If no COM port is available for the capture button, FinishLynx falls back to keyboard capture automatically."]},{q:"How can I correct overexposed or underexposed FinishLynx images?",a:['**Overexposure** ("blown-out" or "flared" highlights) often comes from bright whites or reflective surfaces, like white hip stickers with black numbers. If the camera is focused, you are using AGC and the gain is between 70 and 90, reduce **Brightness** to even out the exposure:',"1. Go to **Camera Settings | Parameters**. Brightness is listed next to the AGC parameters (it does not apply with manual gain).","2. Reduce the value in steps of 5, capturing test images until the image looks right.","3. Remember it will change as the sun moves.",'**Underexposure** ("crushed" shadows or blacks) loses detail in the dark areas. If the camera is focused and the gain is between 70 and 90, reduce **Gamma** to bring the detail back:',"1. Go to **Camera Settings | Setup**. Gamma is near the bottom (works with AGC or manual gain).","2. Make small changes in steps of 0.05, capturing test images until the image looks right.","3. Again, this will change as the sun moves.","See also [Gain control tools](/manual/finishlynx/features/gain-control-tools) in the manual."]}
9,{q:"What factors affect the quality of my FinishLynx images?",a:["Photography basics apply to FinishLynx images too. Five things matter most:","- **Light source.** The sun is the best light, but shining straight into the lens it can wash the image out completely. It is best directly behind the camera, reflecting off the athletes back to the lens. Shadows on the camera side of the finish line make hip numbers harder to read. Adjust the iris and gain for the ambient light, and under artificial light (indoors, stadium lights) add extra light pointing at the finish line.","- **Lens type.** A fixed lens gives slightly better images because there are fewer moving parts and less glass for the light to pass through. A zoom lens gives flexibility in where the camera goes, and several fixed lenses get expensive, so weigh your options.","- **Frame rate.** The speed of the object crossing the line and the frames per second are closely related: the faster the object, the higher the rate. Think about the type of race (sprint versus distance) and the level (youth versus Division I).","- **Depth of field.** A large depth of field makes it hard to get near and far lanes all in focus. Raise the camera: as the height increases, the ratio between the distance to lane 1 and lane 8 shrinks. Closing the iris (like squinting) also helps, but not when light is poor.","- **Lens speed.** The f-stops (1.4 to 16) and how wide the iris opens. Because the iris is fixed during capture, this sets how much light floods the sensor. A higher frame rate produces a darker image, so open the iris to compensate."]},{q:"How do I access the FinishLynx hidden settings?",a:['Hidden settings let you program your own keyboard shortcuts ("hot-keys") for the commands you use most during a capture. In FinishLynx, hold **Shift + Ctrl** and click **File | Optionsâ¦**.',"[This video](/videos?v=nHY8bAHP9tc) shows how to add custom shortcuts from the hidden settings. The built-in shortcuts are listed under [Shortcuts & mouse functions](/manual/finishlynx/resources/shortcuts-mouse-functions) in the manual.",`The settings support gives out most often, listed by the problem each one fixes, are on [FinishLynx "Other Settings"](/other-settings#changes), with every other setting and how to save a change that won't stick.`]},{q:"How do I export the video from IdentiLynx to post on the web?",a:["FinishLynx exports IdentiLynx (IDL) video as an .avi file. Several newer IDL features are described in the release notes, so it is worth reading them to use the camera fully.","1. Do not click inside the IDL image, or you will select a single pixel to export on every frame.","2. To export a specific area, left-click, hold and drag a box around the part of the image you want.","3. Use the player controls at the top left of the image box: go to your start frame and choose **First**, then to your end frame and choose **End**.","4. Go to **Image | Export video**.","5. Play the file in a media player to check the quality.","The [release notes](/release-notes/finishlynx) also cover adding images (such as a company logo) and a running time stamp to each frame. Having trouble? See [Video export issues](/troubleshoot/camera/identilynx-verilynx/capture/video-export-issues) in Troubleshoot."]},{q:"How do I recover an unsaved FinishLynx event after a computer crash?",a:["FinishLynx auto-saves open events, files and images into a temporary folder. After a sudden crash, the event that was running can be recovered from **C:\\Lynx\\Temp**.","[Watch how](/videos?v=AtzvVO-uCRY)."]},{q:"How do you set up networking for a Capture and a Read computer?",a:["- Give each computer a unique static IP in the same scheme (192.168.0.xxx). We suggest 192.168.0.5 and 192.168.0.15.","- Put both computers in the same Workgroup and keep them off a Domain, to keep it simple.","- Use a common shared directory with full read and write rights for all users (images are saved locally on the Capture computer).","- Share the Lynx directory on the C: drive with full read and write rights.","The [Networking (Windows 10)](/documents) and [Networking (Windows 11)](/documents) quick-start guides walk through it step by step. Still stuck? [Contact technical support](/contact)."]},{q:"My results are in military time (24-hour) format. How do I fix it?",a:["Results in military time mean no start time has been applied to the event: what you see is the time of day the athletes crossed the line.","**If the camera is still on:*
9* open the event again, look at the time of day (TOD) for the first-place finisher, then scroll the list of starts for one equal to that TOD minus roughly the race duration. Select it and click the three-traffic-lights icon (**Apply selected start to event**). Click the finish times to check they recalculate to valid race times. You may need to try more than one start.","**If the camera has been powered off** and you run FinishLynx 8.20 or later, start times are saved in a file with each event. Open the event, choose **Event | Select Start**, pick the right start from the list (about five are kept; the hidden settings can raise that), apply it, then click the first-place time in the results to recalculate.","On older versions the only fix is to find a hand time for first place and work out the rest from the delta between each athlete.","If none of the starts give valid race times, FinishLynx never received the start. You can still add one afterward, for example with a TOD start or an Image Start from a known time: see [Recover a race after a missed start](/troubleshoot/start-system/recover-a-race-after-a-missed-start)."]},{id:"com-port-not-listed",q:"My USB adapter is installed, but the COM port isn't listed in the dropdown.",a:["COM ports are read when FinishLynx opens. If you plug the adapter in afterward it will not appear; restart FinishLynx and it will be listed.","If it still does not appear, open **Device Manager** (Control Panel) and check the adapter is listed and working, with its COM number in brackets. If it shows a small warning symbol, there is a problem with the device or the connection:","1. Plug the adapter into a different USB port.","2. Reinstall the adapter's driver.","3. Plug the adapter back in and let Windows recognize it (a pop-up confirms the device is installed and working).","If the adapter is not listed at all, do steps 2 and 3. If it is listed under **Ports** but FinishLynx still cannot see it, a hidden setting introduced in version 8.5 may need changing:","1. Hold **Ctrl + Shift** and open **File | Options** to get the Hidden Settings window.","2. Expand **SerialPort** and select **TypeMask**.","3. Change the value to **-1**.","4. Close and restart FinishLynx.","Current versions already default TypeMask to -1, which lists every type of COM port."]},{q:"What is the most current version of FinishLynx, and should I upgrade?",a:["The current release is always free to download from [Software](/software), and what changed in each version is in the [release notes](/release-notes/finishlynx).","Before upgrading, open your current FinishLynx, go to **Help | About** and write down your serial number; you will enter it again during the install. It is worth staying current so you do not miss features that could improve your events. Releases usually land in November and December, so check before the indoor season and give yourself time to try the new features without competition pressure."]},{q:"Why aren't the athlete names loading into FinishLynx events?",a:["Make sure the database points at the folder where your meet management software saves the competition files. Open **File | Options | Database** and confirm the **Input Directory** and **Output Directory** both point to that competition folder (they should be the same path). If not, click **Browse** and set them.","You can also open the competition folder and confirm the files are being written (lynx.evt, lynx.ppl), then try loading an event again.","Still not working? See [Databases](/manual/finishlynx/features/databases) in the manual and the [Interfacing with Meet Management](/videos) videos."]},{q:"Why doesn't the computer recognize the USB adapter (COM ports)?",a:["Usually the driver was never installed, or an old driver was carried over when Windows was updated. Confirm you have the right driver for your adapter and version of Windows, install it (uninstalling the old one first if needed), then plug the adapter in and let Windows recognize it. Windows normally shows a notice that the device installed and which COM number it was given.","To confirm the COM number later, open **Device Manager** and look under **Ports**. Both drivers are in the Drivers section of the [Software page](/software): the FTDI driver for the USB capture button, and the ATEN UC232A driver for the older adapter. [Capture button not working](/troubleshoot/software/finishlynx/capture-button-not-working) walks through which one you need."]},{q:"Can one image score two events that ran together?",a:["Yes. Evaluate the first event and save it, then click the **Go to Event** icon on the Results tool bar to load the second event's start list onto the same image. Evaluate the second event and save it with **File | Save As** under the second event's name.","The full steps are in [Score two events from one image](/troubleshoot/software/finishlynx/score-two-events-from-one-image) in Troubleshoot."]},{q:"When should I press the capture button?",a:["Press and hold the capture button only while athletes are crossing the finish line, and release it to stop capturing.","If blank stretches are left between finishers, click the **Autocrop** icon to remove them. See [Stage 4: Capture](/manual/finishlynx/get-started/stage-4-capture/stage-4-capture) and [Crop image tools](/manual/finishlynx/features/image-tools/crop-image-tools) in the manual."]},{q:"Why does the running time keep going after the last finisher?",a:["That's normal. When FinishLynx receives the start, the Running Time box turns yellow and starts counting. Leave it running â don't reset the clock inside the event."]},{q:"How do I mark a scratch, DNS, DNF or DQ in FinishLynx?",a:["Right-click the athlete's entry in the **Place** column of the Results, choose **Status**, then pick the status (for example Did Not Start, Did Not Finish, Disqualified or Scratched).","See [Competitor status](/manual/finishlynx/features/results-tools/compet
9itor-status) in the manual."]},{q:"Will my older camera work with the latest FinishLynx?",a:["Yes. All cameras, no matter how old, work with the most recent version of FinishLynx, so there's no need to install an older version. Download the latest release from [Software](/software).","If a camera won't load and you have FinishLynx LITE, check [which edition you have](/lite-vs-full#how-to-tell)."]},{q:"How do I record and play back IdentiLynx video?",a:["IdentiLynx video is captured into an event like any other image: create an event and capture as normal. The camera's Automatic (IdentiLynx Motion) capture method works without the Automatic Capture Mode plug-in.","To play it back, click the **Play** icon on the IdentiLynx image pane. Hold **Ctrl** while clicking Play to play only the selected frames, or **Shift** to repeat the whole video.","See [IdentiLynx cameras](/manual/finishlynx/features/identilynx/identilynx) in the manual."]}]},{id:"fieldlynx",title:"FieldLynx",items:[{q:"Can I send data to my scoreboard over the Ethernet network?",a:["Yes, with every display, though extra hardware may be needed. The Network COM Port (NCP) feature, included with FinishLynx, adds **Network (connect)**, **Network (listen)** and **Network (UDP)** to the serial port dropdowns so an IP address and port can be used to send to a display.","A SeriaLynx may also be needed: it takes the Ethernet connection (wired or wireless) and converts it to serial (RS-232), so displays with a serial connection can be used on the network too. Which method fits depends on the scoreboard maker and the facility's infrastructure. See [Scoreboards](/manual/finishlynx/features/scoreboards) in the manual and the [Scoreboard scripts](/scripts) library."]},{q:"FieldLynx fails to receive a wind reading even though the gauge is connected and working. How can I correct this?",a:["If the wind gauge starts its countdown and takes a reading, check:","- The battery in the gauge. A low battery can cause the failure; try mains power to see whether it works with enough power.","- The USB-to-serial adapter. On some computers the adapter sends commands but never receives data. Try connecting the gauge to the camera's C-Box or the serial port on the camera back instead.","If the countdown does not start at all, check your connections and the setup in the Wind options. Troubleshoot also has [No wind readings](/troubleshoot/wind-gauge/lynx-wind-gauge/no-wind-readings-in-finishlynx) for the FinishLynx side."]},{q:"Why can't I connect to the Access Point (AP) with my FieldLynx device?",a:["Every Access Point bought from Lynx is labeled with the details for your wireless setup. The IP address is in the 192.168.0.3x range, and the SSID is normally **Lynx**, which is the network name you should see broadcast. Each FieldLynx unit needs its own static IP in the same range as the AP.","1. Ping the AP from one of the computers on the wired network.","2. Check the IP address of the FieldLynx device (192.168.0.3x).","3. Search for the **Lynx** SSID with the wireless card.","4. Connect to the Lynx network.","If any step fails, have your equipment in front of you and call technical support on +1 (978) 556-9780. If the AP came from another supplier, keep its manual handy, as we may not know it."]},{q:"Why isn't my scoreboard displaying data?",a:["This is usually the wrong scoreboard script, communication settings or COM port in the Scoreboard options, or a bad connection. Check the [scoreboard scripts](/scripts) library for your display's script and settings, and [Scoreboards](/manual/finishlynx/features/scoreboards) in the manual for the setup. For more help, [contact technical support](/contact).","For FinishLynx, Troubleshoot has step-by-step checks: [Connecting a new scoreboard](/troubleshoot/scoreboards-and-displays/physical-scoreboards/connecting-a-new-scoreboard), [Scoreboard stopped working](/troubleshoot/scoreboards-and-displays/physical-scoreboards/scoreboard-stopped-working) and [Only one line of results](/troubleshoot/scoreboards-and-displays/physical-scoreboards/only-one-line-of-results)."]},{id:"laserlynx-basics",q:"LaserLynx basics: what it is, what it needs, and what to do if the laptop goes down",a:["LaserLynx is the laser distance-measuring system for throws and horizontal jumps. The sighting unit on its tripod ranges to a prism on the target pole, and **FieldLynx or FieldLynx Lite on a Windows laptop or tablet** turns that reading into the athlete's mark. The unit is not a stand-alone field-event device: on its own it can only show a point-to-point distance on its display.","How it connects, from the ring outward: the target pole and prism at the mark, the sighting unit on its tripod with a clear line of sight to the circle or board and the landing area, a serial cable (or a USB-to-serial adapter) to the FieldLynx computer, and from FieldLynx out to a field scoreboard or a second display if you use one.","- Set up the control measurement once per event: sight the center of the circle (or the corners of the take-off board), click Set, and FieldLynx works out every mark from there. Confirm it with a Test Measurement against a steel-tape distance.","- Keep the prism near the ground when measuring, facing the sighting unit, with the pole upright and still.","- If the laptop goes down mid-event, you can still measure a throw on a Mato total station with **Missing Line Measurement** in its Program menu: sight the center of the circle, then the landing mark, and subtract the circle radius from the result yourself. It is slower and easier to get wrong than FieldLynx, so treat it as a backup.","Which total stations work, and what to do about one that won't measure, are under [Is my total station supported](/troubleshoot/software/fieldlynx/is-my-total-station-supported) and [LaserLynx no measurement or overtilt](/troubleshoot/software/fieldlynx/laserlynx-no-measurement-or-overtilt). Setup step by step is in the [LaserLynx quick start guide](/documents/LaserLynx_qsg.pdf) and the [setup video
9](/videos?v=_CuqpdSPxZU)."]}]},{id:"accessories",title:"Accessories & add-ons",items:[{q:"Can I repair the motor for my Remote Positioner at home?",a:["Yes, in many cases. Troubleshoot walks through it under [Remote positioner motor damaged](/troubleshoot/camera/etherlynx-camera/lens-and-hardware/remote-positioner-motor-damaged), and the full directions are in the [Remote Positioner Motor Home Repair Guide](/documents/FinishLynx_Remote_Positioner_Repair_Guide.pdf) (PDF)."]},{q:"What do I need to use an RFID chip system with FinishLynx?",a:["There are many RFID systems on the market and not all of them interface with FinishLynx, so confirm compatibility before you buy. Every chip system integration needs the [LapTime plug-in](/manual/finishlynx/features/laptime-module) for FinishLynx; [contact sales](https://www.finishlynx.com/contact/) for a quote.","Some systems connect over serial and others over Ethernet. Once the plug-in is installed, open the LapTime options and set the communication settings for your reader, following the manufacturer's technical manual. Lynx's own partner system is [MYLAPS](/partners/mylaps).","Setup notes for MYLAPS, IPICO, Trident and Race Result decoders, a cross-country workflow and fixes for common chip problems are in Troubleshoot under [LapTime / Chip timing](/troubleshoot/software/finishlynx/laptime-chip-timing)."]},{q:"Why isn't my RadioLynx working properly?",a:["There is a series of steps to find the cause, and all you need is an unfolded paperclip. Start with [RadioLynx](/troubleshoot/start-system/radiolynx/finishlynx-not-receiving-start/transmitter-beeps-with-start) in Troubleshoot, or follow the [paperclip diagnosis](https://www.finishlynx.com/diagnose-radiolynx-with-a-paperclip/) on finishlynx.com. As always, [contact technical support](/contact) with any questions.","If the start only works close to the camera, misses some starts, or picks up another meet's starter, see [Only works close to the camera](/troubleshoot/start-system/radiolynx/only-works-close-to-the-camera), [Misses some starts](/troubleshoot/start-system/radiolynx/misses-some-starts) and [Changing frequency](/troubleshoot/start-system/radiolynx/changing-frequency). To save a race the start missed, see [Recover a race after a missed start](/troubleshoot/start-system/recover-a-race-after-a-missed-start)."]},{q:"Why isn't SeriaLynx sending data to the display board, or receiving data from a wind gauge?",a:["A SeriaLynx setup has several parts. Before going further, check:","- All wires are connected and secure.","- You can ping the SeriaLynx (if it is wireless, ping the Access Point first, then the SeriaLynx).","- The Scoreboard (or Wind) options in FinishLynx have the correct IP address and port selected.","For the full process, see [Port settings](/manual/finishlynx/resources/port-settings) in the manual, or [contact technical support](/contact)."]},{q:"Which capture button cable do I need?",a:["There are two ways to connect the capture button (the hand-held plunger) to the FinishLynx computer:","- **Serial cable with a USB adapter (older setup):** a 9-pin serial to 3-pin XLR cable. Plug the 9-pin end into a serial port, or into a USB port through the USB-to-serial adapter supplied with the system.","- **USB capture button cable (current):** a USB-to-XLR cable that plugs straight into a USB port with no adapter. It is compatible with Windows 11, where some USB-to-serial adapters have driver problems.","A 3-pin XLR to 15-pin cable is for the start sensor, not the capture button.","Each type needs its own driver. See [Capture button not working](/troubleshoot/software/finishlynx/capture-button-not-working) for the drivers and the COM port setup. To get a cable, contact Lynx at [email protected]."]},{q:"Does the Gill Halo work with RadioLynx wireless start?",a:["Yes. The Gill Halo works with FinishLynx and with RadioLynx. Connect the timing system to the timing port on the Halo (or to the Start port on a Gill speaker). With RadioLynx, use Gill's adapter cable in place of the start sensor â a sound sensor in front of the speaker is unreliable. Then set the RadioLynx tab in FinishLynx as described under [Gill Halo](/troubleshoot/start-system/third-party-equipment/gill-halo) in Troubleshoot. Gill's own documentation covers the Halo itself."]},{q:"Will the Electronic Start System Plus work with our HiLink start radio?",a:["Yes. Connect the two with a transmitter input cable, the same kind of cable used with the RadioLynx (EncRadio) transmitter. If your HiLink radio didn't come with one, [contact sales](https://www.finishlynx.com/contact/).","How the electronic gun connects is covered under [Connecting the gun](/troubleshoot/start-system/electronic-gun-system/connecting-the-gun) in Troubleshoot."]},{q:"Is there a rain cover for the Electronic Start System?",a:["No weather cover is sold for the Electronic Start System. In heavy rain, cover it with something like a plastic bag."]},{q:"Does the Lynx Wind Gauge need calibration or maintenance?",a:["The Lynx Wind Gauge is solid-state, with no moving parts, and its [datasheet](/documents/wind-gauge-lynx-2017.pdf) describes it as maintenance-free. The housing is corrosion-free polycarbonate rated IP65.","World Athletics rules, quoted on the datasheet, say
9wind gauges must be made and calibrated to international standards, with their accuracy verified by an organization accredited by the national measurement authority. For calibration questions about your gauge, email [email protected].","If the gauge was knocked over or shows no light, see [No light, solid red light or stopped after a fall](/troubleshoot/wind-gauge/lynx-wind-gauge/no-light-solid-red-light-or-stopped-after-a-fall) in Troubleshoot."]},{q:"How do I weigh down my tripod on windy days?",a:["A tripod that blows over can break the Remote Positioner, the lens or the camera, so use more weight than you think you need:","- Use a wide-base tripod.","- Tie it down with heavy sandbags or blocks, or stake it into the ground.","- Put the weight on the side the wind is coming from. If the wind swirls, add weight on the opposite side too.","- At venues that are often windy, consider a heavier tripod, or a metal post on a weighted wheeled base with a lower center of gravity.","Troubleshoot has the full checklist, including keeping the camera on the finish line in wind, under [Tripod blows over or shifts in wind](/troubleshoot/camera/etherlynx-camera/lens-and-hardware/tripod-blows-over-or-shifts-in-wind). If the positioner already broke, see [Remote positioner motor damaged](/troubleshoot/camera/etherlynx-camera/lens-and-hardware/remote-positioner-motor-damaged)."]}]},{id:"other",title:"Other common questions",items:[{q:"How do I submit an RMA to repair my camera?",a:["Lynx has an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) portal where you submit and track hardware repairs remotely by ticket number. Through it you can:","- Submit product repair requests.","- Receive repair and return notifications.","- Track updates and repair notes.","- Receive notification of return shipping.","The [Repair RMA](/rma) page has the steps and the link to the portal."]},{q:"What type of light will help when capturing in poor or low lighting conditions?",a:[`Incandescent quartz-tungsten-halogen lamps, or metal halide overshadowed with halogen, give better light without creating "striations" or "bars" on the image. LED lighting is promising and may be the future for photo-finish lighting. Depending on the camera's speed, aim for 150 to 300 foot-candles spread evenly across the finish line.`,"**Why the bars?** Artificial light on an AC circuit cycles on and off 50 to 60 times a second. A camera at 1,000 frames per second captures some frames during the part of the cycle when the light is off.","5L300 cameras can be bought with **Phased Light Compensation (PLC)**, which samples frames before and after a dark line and blends pixels to hide the effect. 5L500 Vision cameras can be bought with [LuxBoost](https://www.finishlynx.com/product/luxboost-low-light-capture/), which dramatically improves image quality in low light. [Contact sales](https://www.finishlynx.com/contact/) for a quote on either."]}]}],o={_comment:e,groups:t};export{e as _comment,o as default,t as groups};
Line numbers count LF bytes from the start of the resource, as the search results do. Vendor segments are library code the classifier recognised; they are stored but not indexed. Bytes are shown as Latin1 characters, one per byte.