Installation Instructions – Lap Counter System
for Routed Track Use (PMTR6850 or similar)
This lap counter system does not require any dead strip
or interruption of power and can be used with braided tracks or tracks using
copper tape. The system is not
directionally sensitive and uses ultra miniature “side looking” infrared
optical sensors. The infrared light
used is invisible to the human eye and cannot be observed in operation.
This system senses the guide as it passes through the slot and is
recommended for 1/32 or 1/24 scale racing (use of an overhead bridge type system
is recommended for HO).
CAVEAT : If the sensors are
close coupled (very close together) in your application then use of white or
blue guides may cause missed count issues.
Those issues can be resolved by marking the sides of the guide with a
black permanent marker.
1.
Peel back the braid / copper tape at the start / finish line and drill a
0.147” DIA hole through the track in the center of the braid / tape.
2.
Notch a groove into the slot from the holes drilled that is approximately
1/16” wide and 1/8” deep. It is
critical that this groove is straight across the slot since that is the light
path for the sensors to perform their function.
3.
Install one clear and one dark colored sensor opposite one another from
underneath the track in the holes that were drilled.
The top of the sensors should be just slightly underneath the braid /
tape and MOST CRITICAL the small round lenses of the sensors must face one
another as noted in the upper right hand illustration.
4.
Bend the leads of the sensors at 90 degrees flush along the bottom
surface of the track and temporarily tape the sensors in place.
Recheck to make sure the sensors are not too high (but their height is
the same from side to side) and that the lenses face one another.
5.
Plug in the printer port cable into the computer, install the software
(see attached) and plug in the small wall pack transformer to power the sensor
electronics. Fire up the system and
test the operation by passing a small strip of cardboard between the sensors.
6.
When satisfied with operation use silicone RTV adhesive or sealant to
fill in the bottom of each sensor hole to more permanently mount the sensor.
Make sure that the silicone is not too excessive such that it obscures
the lenses of the sensors.
7.
Install a cable clamp or similar device (not included) to strain relieve
the cable going to the sensors so that any tension on the cable does not cause
any problem with sensor alignment.
8.
Re-install the braid / copper tape
9. Vacuum the area occasionally to prevent
buildup of dust or crud that may obscure the sensor light path.