F.A.Q.
Q. Why do you use two beams on each gate?
A. It’s a long story……… Dual beams have historically been the system of choice for most sports institutes due the ability of these dual beams to eliminate false triggers. Some manufacturers use single beams with software correction that effectively looks for longest activation of the single beam when the runner passes the gate. This works well in most cases, however we are yet to see how such a system filters out such a “longest signal” if it is generated by the thigh/femur when it is parallel to the ground. Think about that for a moment…….Clearly, setting the single beam gate at an appropriate height might solve this, but how do you handle this when testing a squad of athletes with varying heights? Dual beams work. Period.
Q. I can’t install the software…HEEELP.
A. If you are using an employee supplied laptop, you may find that administration privileges and/or proxy servers and firewalls make software installation from this address problematic. You can solve this problem by downloading the full installation package from here . If you are still having problems, give us a call!
Q. What is the battery life on Speedlight timing gates.
A. Each gate has a 1.8AH battery, that will drive a gate, with both sensors powered on for approximately 6 hrs. This is a long time, but realise that the sensors are not always on during your testing, and you’ll see that battery life will surpass your needs on a any testing day, given a fresh charge the night before.
Q. How long should I charge the gates?
A. Each gate has an automatic charge system, Normally the gate will show a RED led when charging is under-way, and this led will extinguish once charge has been achieved- normally 3 hrs for a totally flat battery. The lack of this led being lit indicates that the charger has put the battery’s on trickle, or standby mode, keeping them ready for next time you want to use them. You will not damage the batteries by leaving the charger connected. NOTE: If you connect the charger and the RED led does NOT turn on, this is usually an indicator that the batteries are VERY flat, and our smart charging system is slowly raising the battery voltage before it can implement it’s fast-charge mode, which is only visible when this is occurring.
Q. How far away will the wireless work
A. The wireless system used in the Speedlight timing system runs a on the same frequency as your wifi hoe computer network. It does however oprate at slower data speedsa and so can transmit over much longer distances. The best we have a cheived is 2 kilometers between gate and base, but this is an impractical example. Range is effected by a number of variables, but a rule of thumb is that if you have direct line of sight between the base unit and the gate, 500m should not be a problem.
Q. How far can I have the reflector away from the Speedlight V2 gate
A. We recommend a maximum distance of 7 meters, although this can be extended with the use of special reflectors. Ask us how!
Q. How many gates can I use at the same time
A. We have limited , in software, the maximum number of gates to 10.
Q. Can I use more than one Speedlight system, in close vicinity to each other
A. Yes, you can, and to make communications bullet-proof, we have included an option in the V2 Software for you to select a different address for the base unit on each system.
Q. What computers can I use the V2 Software on?
A. Speedlight V2 software has been designed to capitalise on the latest Windows 7 Slate computers that are being released. However, it will run on any PC running Windows XP- SP3 or higher.
Q. Do I have to buy 4 gates?
A. No, not at all, you can purchase more, or less, if you want build your system as your budget allows
Q. Why can’t I jump on your SpeedMat with my footy boots on?
A. You can, but only if you protect the mat with a heavy rubber mat. The reason for this lies in the fact that Swift is all about accuracy, and putting a big slab of rubber between the switching mechanism and the foot, will result in inaccuracy by way of lower flight times as the rubber is compressed, and spreads the load over a larger area. Speedmat is one of the most sensitive in the business with a mechanical mechanism that displaces only 0.2mm before activation occurs. No one makes a mat like Swift!
Q. Can I share the V2 Software with my friends ?
A. Yes, Swift does not charge for it’s software at this time. you are welcome to install the software on any PC you like.
Q. Are the lasers you use for gate alignment dangerous?
A. Like always, you should never stare into the beam. Our lasers are the same type as commonly used in Laser pointers. These are known as class 2 lasers. Class 2 laser is safe because the blink reflex will limit the exposure to no more than 0.25 seconds. It only applies to visible-light lasers (400–700 nm). Class-2 lasers are limited to 1 mW continuous wave, or more if the emission time is less than 0.25 seconds or if the light is not spatially coherent. Intentional suppression of the blink reflex could lead to eye injury.
Q. What does your SpeedStrobe product do?
A. Our Speedstrobe device allows you to introduce audio visual cues for use in your testing. We have included some pre-set tests that can utilize the SpeedStrobes, for reaction timing and decision making tests. More functionality will follow in future software releases. The Speedstrobe simply plugs into the top of any Speedlight V2 gate.