Operating Issues

Are you stuck or not sure what to do? We suggest the following:

1. Read the Quick Start guide and/or peruse the Lightning AccuTimers User Manual (see below)
2. Consult the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section
3. See if this is a known issue and, if not, file a new one
4. If nothing else fits, contact us

Downloads

Included here is everything else you might need or want to know to enjoy your Lightning AccuTimers system.

User and Setup Guides

Read how to quickly setup your system and/or learn more about the capabilities and operation of Lightning AccuTimers.

Configuration and Update using Windows

Although not necessary to change the unit settings or even operate the system, this Windows™ utility make it easier to do so. It is required should you ever wish to update the unit firmware or communicate with Windows PC timing software.

To find out the latest improvements, visit our Updates page or run the utility.

Frequently Asked Support Questions (FAsQ)

Click on the comment or question to see the response. (Click again to hide it.)

• I just got my timer, set it up in my house, and I cannot get it to work.
The technology used by the timing system does not work well in tightly enclosed spaces like the bedroom, kitchen, family room, etc. of a house.
Set it up in a wider open area (indoor arena or outdoors away from your house or buildings) and it will work properly.
• The timer is not aligning at a longer distance between them or outside and it worked before indoors.
The power level of your beacon may be too low for the distance between the beacon and the detector. Increase the beacon power and try again.
Replace the batteries in the beacon and try again.
• I periodically get false starts and stops of the timer.
The power level of your beacon may be too low for the distance between the beacon and the detector. Increase the beacon power and try again.
Replace the batteries in the beacon and try again.
• My beacon or detector or console [or handheld] does not turn on.
Replace the battery and try again.
If it still appears to not be working, please refer to section 8 of the Lightning AccuTimers User's Guide
• The LED on the detector stays red (never turns green).
The detector is not seeing the beacon, so it is best to start with a basic setup. Put the beacon on a tripod and turn on the beacon at its lowest power setting.
Holding the beacon in your hand, turn it on and step in front of the beacon (about 20 feet) pointing the detector at it. The LED on the detector should start blinking green which means it sees the beacon.
If it remains red, you may have an issue with your detector or beacon; try another one if you have it. Otherwise, you will need to contact us for a replacement.
• I am having difficulty getting the beacon and detector aligned.
This is pretty rare. First, ensure you followed the steps in the prior FAQ entry.
In about 10 seconds, the green LED will blink fast and then turn solid green indicating it is aligned with the beacon.
Now, press the button on the detector and start backing up until you get the distance you want. Note that you may have to increase the beacon power level if alignment is lost after a certain distance.
If you are still having challenges getting alignment at a distance, please refer to section 8.3 of the Lightning AccuTimers User's Guide.
• We are not sure the beam is breaking properly. How do we test it?
The console and handheld both have a test mode for the beam. To enter test mode, use the menu system and select "Other > Beam Test".
The beam status will be continually reported ("Aligned" or "Break") allowing you to adjust the beam, walk through it to test it, etc. Note that during test mode, each time the beam is broken, it waits a short time before checking for alignment again.
Exit the beam test mode by pressing any key (which then automatically ends test mode).
For more information, please refer to section 8.3 of the Lightning AccuTimers User's Guide
• We are planning to have multiple systems running near each other at an event. Will each system work properly?
Yes. Each Lightning AccuTimers system only works with units within its own Group. Groups are independent and never interfere with each other.
You can have as many Lightning AccuTimers system Groups running as you like in the same complex or even the same arena.
• Both my friend and I have a Personal System. Can I use my handheld unit at her arena? [also console]
Yes. Note that by default, each system is in its own Group, so your handheld will not work with your friends arena setup without changes. A handheld (or console) unit only works with ONE Master Detector.
You can temporarily change the ID of your handheld unit to work with another Group. (Learn more about wireless Groups in section 7.1 of the Lightning AccuTimers User's Guide.)
1. When visiting the arena, first note the ID of the Master Detector which is a 5 or 6 digit number printed on the back (and also inside the battery compartment).
2. Next ensure the Master Detector and any associated handheld and/or consoles that will be used are turned on and running.
3. Turn on your handheld unit.
4. Using the menu system on your handheld, select "Other > Visitor?".
5. You have a choice to either enter the Master Detector ID number or, if there is only ONE nearby active Master Detector, to have the handheld unit find it for you.
6. In a few moments if you entered the ID or up to a minute if you are searching for it, your handheld unit will detect the Master Detector and be ready for use.
7. The handheld unit will remember the new assignment even if the handheld is turned off.
8. When you are done with this visit, select "Other > End Visit" and the unit will be usable again with your own system.
SUPPLEMENT: This also works for console units and with Professional systems.
• My master detector and handheld [console] unit are not communicating [connecting via wireless]. What should I do?
First, replace the batteries. A weak battery is mostly the culprit.
Next, ensure your units are both running properly and pass their internal diagnostics.
Check if the detector and handheld [console] are in the same Group by examining their IDs. The detector has its ID printed on the back of the case (and in the battery compartment). The handheld can display its ID using the menu "SysInfo" option. The ID of the handheld should be the ID of the detector plus 4, 5, 6 and 7 ONLY.
If the ID is not within range, did you set your handheld [console] as Visitor for use at another arena? If so, you need to reset it using "Other > End Visit" and check it again. (This is also a fairly common oversight.)
Else if the ID is not within range, consult the FAQ directly above to change the handheld [console] ID.
If the ID is correct, then perhaps the wireless channels are not the same on the handheld [console] and detector. You should use the Lightning AccuTimers Console and Handheld Utility to resolve the issue.
• One of my tripods broke. Can I get a replacement?
For now, MICROCode Consulting does not sell individual tripods.
However, note that any camera tripod can be substituted as the mounting nut is identical.
• What is the widest gap for the electric eye?
The "gap" between the beacon and the detector (that form the electric eye) depends upon the power setting. The low power setting works up to around 70 feet, the medium power setting up to around 150 feet, and the high power setting around 250 feet — up to 300 feet in some cases.
Dusty conditions and lighting conditions can affect the distance.
• What is the range of the timing system?
The wireless connection distance between the detector unit and a handheld unit is about 200 feet. Any obstructions blocking line of sight will lower the distance.
The wireless connection distance between the detector unit and a console unit is beyond 350 feet. Any obstructions blocking line of sight will lower the distance.
• Even though the beacon and detector are pointing at each other, they do not stay aligned and the detector blinks green and then flashes red before blinking green again. What do I do?
Unfortunately, the beacon has entered "advanced/test" mode. It needs to be reset back to "normal" mode. Here is how to reset it:
1. Turn on the beacon.
2. While in set power mode — with the LED blinking one, two, or three times (and then pauses and repeats) — press-and-hold the WHITE button until the LED turns solid red.
3. Release the button. The beacon will now emit a LONG blink followed by two short blinks (and then pauses and repeats).
4. QUICKLY, press the white button and release it. The beacon should now now emit a LONG blink followed by ONE short blink (and then pauses and repeats). If it does not, redo this step.
5. If you do not press any button for about 5 seconds, the beacon will return to set power mode. If this happens before you can reset the beacon, start again with step (b).
6. Once set properly, allow the beacon to return to normal operation and it will now work properly.