TBox-Radio & WIRC photocell User manual

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1 Kit TBox-Radio & WIRC photocells

Jack Inputs Ext GPS antenna (TBox-4x only)

inputs LEDs Sync Jack RS232 Jack 2 manual

2 1. TBox-Radio 1.1 Appearance Radio antenna 2 x Photocells Jack Inputs Ext GPS antenna (TBox-4x only) 4 Group / ID LEDs Radio Config button 2 inputs LEDs Sync Jack RS232 Jack 2 manual input switches Mini GPS LED (TBox-4x) Power Status The TBox-Radio receives impulses from Wireless Infra-Red Cells (WIRC) photocell via the internal radio receiver.

3 1.2 Power ON/OFF The ON/OFF button switch has 3 functions: 1) Indicates the charge level of the battery Press and hold the ON/OFF button (front left) The 4 group/id LEDs (1 4) will illuminate to indicate the battery charge status 4 LED s ON green: 100 % 3 LED s ON green: 75% 2 LED s ON green: 50% 1 LED ON green: 25% 1 LED ON red: < 10% (TBox-Radio will only power on with external power applied) 2) Switch ON / OFF the TBox a) Press briefly the ON/OFF button (0.5s 1.5s) until the battery status is indicated on the LED s 1 4 b) Release the ON/OFF button and repress it within 1 second, and hold down until the 4 channels LEDs are ON, and the audible beep signal is emitted c) To switch OFF TBox-Radio simply repeat steps a and b 3) Activates the Bluetooth fast advertising mode Led Status of Power LED TBox-Radio USB Battery On/Off Yellow ON OFF connected Battery Charging Green ON OFF connected 100% charged Yellow blinking ON connected Battery Charging Green blinking ON connected 100% Charged Green blinking ON disconnected > 25% Red blinking ON disconnected Low battery

4 1.3 Timing Inputs The TBox-Radio model offers 2 hardware inputs and 4 wireless Radio-Inputs Manual Push Buttons (inputs 1 & 2) Jack-Mono photocell inputs (inputs 1 & 2) Working contact without potential (short-circuit) Input via Radio (see the description in chapter 1.4) Each press of the button, short-circuits on the Inputs or radio impulse are stored in the TBox- Radio memory, with associated date and time of impulse as CSV files. The user can configure a locking time using the TBox-Setup App. This facility allows the blocking of undesired impulses corresponding to the channel configured. E.g. to ignore multiple inputs from dirt or snow dust. 1.4 Wireless Configuration The TBox-Radio is configured and linked to WIRC photocells using two Parameters: Group (frequency parameter) ID (photocell identification) NOTE: TBox-Radio and WIRC photocells must be configured with an identical Group setting Group (Frequency parameter) EU / India We have the choice of selecting either from the 6 Group options below Group A, B, C, D: Wireless Transmission Distance: up to 2000m (clear line of sight) Each group uses ¼ of the full frequency band Min locking time of 200ms Group E, F: Wireless Transmission Distance: up to 5000m (clear line of sight) Each group uses the full frequency band Those groups limit the use of 2 WIRC only. Min locking time is longer: 500ms OFF: The radio transmission function is disabled. This mode is selected to save power when you prefer to connect TBox-Radio to photocells using a hard-wired solution rather than wireless.

5 1.4.2 Group (Frequency parameter) North America We have the choice of selecting either from the 8 Group options below Group A, B, C, D: Wireless Transmission Distance: up to 2000m (clear line of sight) Each group uses ¼ of the full frequency band Min locking time of 200ms Group E, F, G, H: Wireless Transmission Distance: up to 5000m (clear line of sight) Each group uses ¼ of the full frequency band Those groups limit the use of 2 WIRC only, Min locking time is longer: 500ms OFF: The radio transmission function is disabled. This mode is selected to save power when you prefer to connect TBox-Radio to photocells using a hard-wired solution rather than wireless. To configure your desired Group, press the Setup button The current Group selected is indicated by the (LED array A, B, C & D) Release and press the number of times you want to change the setting. Group LED A LED B LED C LED D A GREEN B GREEN GREEN C GREEN GREEN GREEN D GREEN GREEN GREEN GREEN E YELLOW F YELLOW YELLOW G (*) YELLOW YELLOW YELLOW H (*) YELLOW YELLOW YELLOW YELLOW OFF RED RED RED RED (*) only available for North America

6 1.4.3 ID (Photocell Identifier) Each impulse from a specific WIRC photocell, will be identified with the input number configured. TBox-Radio use a lookup table to link the photocell ID to a defined input (A to D). Thanks to the TBox-Setup App, where you can configure each specific Input value with a photocell ID. You can also manually change the Input attribution on the photocell itself provided a connection with the TBox-Radio is established (see chapter 2.4.3). NOTE: Each TBox-Radio radio input (A to D) must be configured with a different photocell ID to avoid data conflict. 1.5 Radio Communication The TBox-Radio will indicate each time an impulse is receive by flashing the relevant LED and giving an audible beep representing the configured ID. TBox-Radio will also identify in the same method when any photocell is misaligned. The communication works with acknowledge (ACK) signal to improve reliability. In case of perturbations or poor radio link the WIRC will make a few attempts to transmit the impulse. The pulse will only be lost if all attempts fail. 1.6 Time delay and precision In case of a good radio communication with no interferences, the time delay from the IR beam detection to the generation of a time event by the TBox-Radio will vary from 10ms to 150ms depending of the selected Group. In case of interferences this delay might reach a few seconds. However, whatever the delay value, the TBox-Radio takes it into account and generate a corrected time event with a precision of 1ms.

7 1.7 Mini-USB The Mini-USB connector has various functions including: 1.8 RS232 External power supply and battery charging COM port emulation for RS232 communication and data transfer - Real time of day in optional protocol formats (FDS, Alge, Seiko & TAG Heuer) - Configure the TBox-Radio options and parameters (with the app TBox-Setup ) - COM communication is only possible when the TBox-Radio is turned ON 2GB USB Flash Drive - All impulses are stored in a.csv file on the drive. A new file is created every time the TBox-Radio is switched ON - User needs to maintain sufficient memory availability to ensure storage of data - The space required for a competition of 1000 times is approximately 40 Kbytes - Flash Drive access is only possible when the TBox-Radio is turned OFF Jack-Stereo connection 3.5mm. In conjunction with the TBox-Setup, the protocol output can be configured by the user. FDS, Alge & TAG Heuer Time of day protocol Serial printer Display Output (FDS Protocol & TAG Heuer) 1: TBox-Radio TXD 2: TBox-Radio RXD 3: GND

8 1.9 In/Out Synchro Jack-4pin connection 2.5mm. Allows to synchronize the TBox-Radio with other timing systems 1: TBox-Radio +3.3V 2: TBox-Radio Sync In 3: TBox-Radio Sync Out 4: GND TBox-Radio Sync In Internal resistor to Vcc: 10 kohm Active state: Tie to Gnd, Sink 0.3mA Inactive state: Leave disconnected TBox-Radio Sync Out: Min ext. resistor to Vcc: 1kohm Max Vcc: 5V Active state: Tied to Gnd (1ms) Inactive state: Open circuit 1.10 Synchronization There are four different methods to synchronize the TBox. After power up, all 3 inputs LEDs will flash yellow if the TBox-Radio is not synchronized. a) Sync at Zero. This is the default synchro method. Once the TBox-Radio is switched ON, the first impulse will sync the internal time at Zero b) GPS Sync Only possible with models including GPS (TBox-4x) To start the GPS Sync, ensure TBox-Radio is powered off, hold down the button Input 1 whilst powering ON the TBox The sync will commence once the TBox-Radio receives sufficient GPS data Once synchronized, the internal clock drift is constantly compensated by GPS signals (if GPS coverage is maintained) c) External. Not yet implemented.

9 d) Sync via App 1.11 Bluetooth All synchro methods presented above can be controlled manually or automatically by our Timing Applications It is also possible to synchronize the TBox-Radio to a user define time of day, using one of the 2 inputs The TBox-Radio is able to be synchronize at the IPad time A Bluetooth connection can be established with compatible FDS timing or setup Apps. When not connected, a TBox-Radio advertise its presence continuously at a slow rate. Faster advertising rate can be momentary activated by a single and short press of the power button How to update the TBox-Radio Firmware To update the firmware, it is very easy. No software is required. a) Copy and paste the.bin file to the FDS-TBOX USB SD-Memory card Note that you should have only ONE firmware file on the menu. If you want to save the previous.bin files, create a sub-directory on the SD-Memory b) Ensure that you have no file call UPDATLOG.txt on the SD-Memory. If so delete it c) Disconnect your TBox-Radio from your PC d) Ensure that the TBox-Radio is OFF, then press and hold the ON/OFF button. The 4 Inputs LED s will switch Yellow then Green to indicate that the firmware updated successfully at which point you can release the ON/OFF button. e) A file UPDATLOG.txt is created on the SD-Memory to confirm that the new firmware is installed. f) Once the operation completed, it is advised to remove the.bin file from the root directory of the TBox-Radio SD card.

10 1.13 Technical specifications Radio Power Frequency : Europe India North America 100 mw MHz MHz MHz Operating temperature: -20 C to 50 C Precision diplayed 1/1 to 1/1000s Radio impulsion precision 1ms Time drift: 20 C; max 2.5ppm from -20 C to 70 C External power input: Battery: Autonomy: Bluetooth module: Dimension: Weight: USB compatible (5V +/- 10%) up to 1A LiPo 2200mAh 140 hours (GPS and Radio inactive) 70 hours (Radio active and GPS inactive) 45 hours (Radio and GPS active) BLE x80x31mm (without GPS) 124x86x31mm (with GPS) 180gr

transmission photocell transmitting its impulse wirelessly via

11 2. Photocells WIRC (Wireless Infra-Red Cells) 2.1 Appearance The Wireless Infra-Red Cells (WIRC) are a dual transmission photocell transmitting its impulse wirelessly via the internal radio transmitter and the 3.5mm Jack connector for wired installations.

) the ON/OFF button until the battery LED status is Yellow b) Release the ON/OFF button and quickly repress it (within 1 second) and hold down until the

12 2.2 Power ON/OFF The ON/OFF button switch has 2 functions: 1) Battery status Press and hold the ON/OFF button (front left) LED green: > 60% LED yellow: > 20% LED red: < 20% 2) Switch ON OFF the WIRC a) Press and hold (1sec. 2secs.) the ON/OFF button until the battery LED status is Yellow b) Release the ON/OFF button and quickly repress it (within 1 second) and hold down until the battery Led status briefly flashes Yellow and then turns to Green. Switch OFF WIRC, simply repeat step a and b (at the end the LED is OFF) IR Transmitter IR Receiver ON / OFF Buttons Setting LED Status Mini-USB Status LED ON / OFF Setup button

13 2.3 Battery Status (IR Receiver) 1) Battery status whilst charging LED WIRC On/Off USB Battery Yellow OFF connected Battery Charging Green OFF connected 100% charged Yellow Flashing ON connected Battery Charging Green Flashing ON connected 100% Charged 2) Battery status with device ON and USB disconnected LED WIRC On/Off USB Battery Green ON disconnected 100% charged Yellow ON disconnected 20% - 60% charged Red ON disconnected 10% - 20% charged 3) Battery status with device OFF and USB disconnected Test by briefly pressing ON / OFF button LED WIRC On/Off USB Battery Green OFF disconnected 60% - 100% charged Yellow OFF disconnected 20% - 60% charged Red OFF disconnected <20% charged

14 2.4 Wireless Configuration The IR Receiver Cells and TBox-Radio are configured and linked using two Parameters Group (frequency parameter) ID (photocell identification use only on the TBox-Radio) NOTE: Each photocell working with TBox-Radio must be configured with the identical group setting Group (Frequency parameter) EU / India We have the choice of selecting either from the 6 Group options below Group A, B, C, D: Wireless Transmission Distance: up to 2000m (clear line of sight) Each group uses ¼ of the full frequency band Min locking time of 200ms Group E, F: Wireless Transmission Distance: up to 5000m (clear line of sight) Each group uses the full frequency band Those groups limit the use of 2 WIRC only Min locking time is longer: 500ms OFF: The radio transmission function is disabled. This mode is selected to save power when you prefer to connect TBox-Radio to photocells using a hard-wired solution rather than wireless.

15 2.4.2 Group (Frequency parameter) North America We have the choice of selecting either from the 8 Group options below Group A, B, C, D: Wireless Transmission Distance: up to 2000m (clear line of sight) Each group uses ¼ of the full frequency band Min locking time of 200ms Group E, F, G, H: Wireless Transmission Distance: up to 5000m (clear line of sight) Each group uses ¼ of the full frequency band Those groups limit the use of 2 WIRC only Min locking time is longer: 500ms OFF: The radio transmission function is disabled. This mode is selected to save power when you prefer to connect TBox-Radio to photocells using a hard-wired solution rather than wireless. To configure your desired Group, press the Setup button The current Group selected is indicated by the (LED array A, B, C & D) Release and press the number of times you want to change the setting. Group LED A LED B LED C LED D A GREEN B GREEN GREEN C GREEN GREEN GREEN D GREEN GREEN GREEN GREEN E YELLOW F YELLOW YELLOW G (*) YELLOW YELLOW YELLOW H (*) YELLOW YELLOW YELLOW YELLOW OFF RED RED RED RED (*) only available for North America

16 2.4.3 ID (Photocell Identifier) Each impulse from a specific WIRC photocell, will be identified with the input number configured. TBox-Radio use a lookup table to link the photocell ID to a defined input (A to D). Thanks to the TBox-Setup App, where you can configure each specific Input value with a photocell ID. You can also manually change the Input attribution on the photocell itself provided a connection with the TBox-Radio is established. NOTE: Each TBox-Radio radio input (A to D) must be configured with a different photocell ID to avoid data conflict. To set the ID form the WIRC, press the Setup button for 5 seconds until the audible beep is heard. Then Each time you press the button Setup, it will change the ID setting ID LED A LED B LED C LED D A GREEN B GREEN C GREEN D GREEN Once the desired ID is selected, press again the Setup button for 5 seconds until the audible beep is heard (this will activate the selection) If no confirmation is performed, the WIRC return to an idle state after a few seconds on inactivity.

2.5 Radio Communication The WIRC will indicate each time an impulse is transmitted, by flashing the relevant LED representing the configured ID (refer to upon table) The WIRC communication works with

17 2.5 Radio Communication The WIRC will indicate each time an impulse is transmitted, by flashing the relevant LED representing the configured ID (refer to upon table) The WIRC communication works with an acknowledge (ACK) signal. The photocells will resend their ID and impulse several times if no ACK is received and each time also flash the relevant LED representing the configured ID (refer to upon table) Red flash means no that no acknowledge has been received from the TBox. Flashing green means that pulse transition is completed with success. The ACK feature provides the user with a basic level of testing the positioning and communication between TBox-Radio and photocells. Many attempts may indicate that the communication is not very stable. A change of position of the photocell or the TBox-Radio (or just the antennas) may improve the communication. Radio transmissions cannot be 100% guaranteed. An unfavourable environment or an improper installation might lead to the loss of data. FDS cannot be held responsible. 2.6 Wired Connection The Jack connector on the rear of the WIRC photocell receiver enables a hard-wired connection to any timing device available today. The photocells simulate a short-cut between the 2 wires. The output impedance is 660 ohm, and the max voltage allowed on the output pin is 5.5V. 1: Output 2: NC 3: GND

18 2.7 USB The Mini-USB connector has various functions including: External power supply and battery charging Configure the WIRC photocell options and parameters (with the app TBox-Setup ) Update the Firmware 2.8 How to update the WIRC Firmware Updating the firmware is relatively simple. The software FdsFirmwareUpdate is requested a) Install the program FdsFirmwareUpdate on your computer b) Connect the USB cable to your PC and WIRC Photocell c) Run the program FdsFirmwareUpdate d) Select the COM Port e) Select the update file (.bin) f) Press Start on the program g) The photocell WIRC will update h) Once the update is finishing, remove USB cable and switch ON the photocell WIRC 2.9 Technical specifications Radio Power Frequency : Europe India North America 100 mw MHz MHz MHz Operating temperature: -20 C to 70 C Precision Min locking time (between two detections) External power input: Battery: Receiver Transmitter Autonomy: Receiver Transmitter Dimension: Weight (Tx / Rx): 1ms 200ms for Groups A-D; 500ms for Groups E-F USB compatible (5V +/- 10%) up to 1A LiPo 1700mAh LiPo 1700mAh 150 hours radio ON / 250 hours radio OFF 180 hours 111x60x27mm 200gr each

19 3. Copyright and Declaration This manual has been compiled with great care and the information it contains has been thoroughly verified. The text was correct at the time of printing; however, the content can change without notice. FDS accepts no liability for damage resulting directly or indirectly from faults, incompleteness or discrepancies between this manual and the product described. The sale of products, services of goods governed under this publication are covered by FDS s standard Terms and Conditions of Sales and this product publication is provided solely for informational purposes. This publication is to be used for the standard model of the product of the type given above. Trademarks: All hardware and software product names used in this document are likely to be registered trademarks and must be treated accordingly.

20 Contact : FDS-TIMING Sàrl Rue des Philosophe Yverdon-les-Bains Switzerland info@fdstimin.com

TBox-Radio. TBox-Radio User manual. 1. Appearance. The TBox-Radio receives impulses from Wireless Infra

TBox-Radio. TBox-Radio User manual. 1. Appearance. The TBox-Radio receives impulses from Wireless Infra TBox-Radio TBox-Radio 1. Appearance Radio antenna 2 x Photocells Jack Inputs Ext GPS antenna (TBox-4x only) 4 Group / ID LEDs Radio Config button 2 inputs LEDs Sync Jack RS232 Jack 2 manual input switches