The device described in the manual is the E-GUN / StartTime IV, an electronic start system designed for various sports such as athletics (AT), swimming (SW), and speed skating (SS). It can be used with a Start & Microphone Unit (SMU) or an E-GUN.
Function Description
The E-GUN / StartTime IV system comprises a flash gun and a sound generation box. When the starter activates the gun trigger, it simultaneously plays a sound, emits a flash, and sends a start pulse to the timing device. A second trigger press within a programmable delay will play a false start sound. The system supports two start output connections and a telephone line for connecting a headset, allowing for better communication. It can manage up to three different sports or disciplines. The unit features a multifunction LCD display, an enhanced internal amplifier, a keypad for setup, a high-fidelity loudspeaker, and an integrated optical flash. An additional line-out allows for connecting optional loudspeakers to deliver the start signal closer to athletes. A microphone unit enables the starter to give verbal commands, which are amplified. Two LEDs on the microphone unit indicate the status of the timer device. The StartTime IV unit also supports an optional external microphone and headset. It can be paired with the E-GUN electronic starting device, which replaces traditional powder guns and transducers for signaling the start and triggering timing devices.
Important Technical Specifications
Main unit dimensions: 376 x 215 x 245 mm with connectors.
E-GUN dimensions: 280 x 35 x 140 mm with a 7-meter cable.
Microphone dimensions: 118 x 25 x 80 mm with a 7-meter cable.
Protection class: IP41.
Power: Built-in 12 Volt / 7 Ah Sealed lead-acid battery.
Standby time: 24 hours (1000 starts). After this, the unit should be operable for 1 hour. The self-discharge time is approximately 12 months if not in use. An external 12V Lead/Acid battery (car battery) can be connected to the charger input if extended operation time is needed.
Charger: Max. initial current: 1.0 Ah (for dry use only).
Speakers: Load 3.2 – 16 Ohms.
Output speakers: @13.2 Volts, 3.2 Ohms, 1 kHz. Typical 2 - 13 Watts with < 1% Distortion. Maximum 2 - 19 Watts with 10% Distortion.
Storage temperature: -20°C to +65°C.
Working temperature: -10°C to +65°C.
Relative humidity: (20%-80%) without condensation.
Connectors pinning:
- CHARGER: Charger input for internal battery.
- TEL: Connection to Swiss Timing telephone line.
- SERIAL: Serial line to download new sounds or special functions (RS422/USB).
- START 1 (MAIN/PRIMARY): Connection to the main timing device.
- START 2 (BACKUP/SECONDARY): Connection to an additional timing device.
- LINE OUT: Connection to external amplifier with dedicated speaker.
- FLASH: Connection to external flash(es).
- GUN/MICRO: Connection to the E-GUN or SMU.
- SPEAKER: Connection to external loudspeaker(s).
Fuses:
- F1: 2 AT slow (Charger input / Car type).
- F2: 7.5 AT slow (Amplifier / Car type).
- F3: 2 AT slow (Logic / Car type).
- F4: 6.3 Ah slow (Located on battery cable / 5x20mm).
Usage Features
Operation Modes:
- Stand Alone Operation with TIMER (Quantum, Chronos, ARES): Connect the E-GUN or SMU to GUN/MICRO, and the cable from PowerTime to START 1. Turn the unit ON by pressing the POWER key (>0.5 sec). SMU LEDs and Recallers LEDs blink until sport selection is made. E-GUN red LED blinks until sport selection is made. Select the sport (Athletics, Swimming, Speed Skating or Custom). After 5 seconds, the sport will be automatically selected. SMU: ST4 power lamp will light up and red LED SPEAK in the microphone should be lit. E-GUN: ST4 power lamp will light up. Adjust the volume button on the StartTime IV to an appropriate level. Press the TRIGGER (E-GUN) or START (SMU) button. One signal should sound from the loudspeaker(s), and the TIMER should be activated. If a false start is to be announced, press the TRIGGER (E-GUN) or START (SMU) button again within time selected in SETUP [2]. False start signal(s) SETUP [2] and SETUP [10] will be heard. The level of the start/false start signal can be adjusted on the main unit. The unit cannot be started if one of SETUP [6] or SETUP [7] is selected to NO and TIMER is not activated. The false start signal is only functional if SETUP [10] is selected from 1 to 5 seconds. Select SETUP [10] to DISABLED if false signal is not used.
- Stand Alone Operation (PowerTime): Similar connection and power-on procedure as with TIMER. The main difference is the specific timing device used.
- Independent Operation: For this mode, the StartTime IV can be used without an E-GUN or SMU. It is only possible to carry out starts and false starts with the "START" button of the ST4. First use only: Set SETUP [6] and SETUP [7] to NO. Turn the unit ON by pressing the POWER key (>0.5 sec). Press the START key for the start. If a false start is to be announced, press the START key again within the time selected in SETUP [9] and several signals will be heard (depending on SETUP [2] and SETUP [10] selection).
Audio Levels:
- VOLUME: Level of internal and external loudspeakers.
- LINE OUT: Level of LINE OUT.
- HEADSET: Level of optional headset.
- MICRO: Level of microphone (SMU unit or Headset micro).
Adjust levels using the SELECT knob button and the + and - buttons.
Battery Level Indication:
- Full charged.
- Half charged.
- Empty; connect charger as soon as possible.
- Empty; connect charger urgently (BLINK).
Menu Setup Navigation:
The main menu allows access to Exit Setup, Setup, Diagnostics, Factory Reset, and Pair Recaller.
- Setup Menu: Allows configuration of various parameters:
- Start Sound: Selects the sound played at start (e.g., BANG, BIP, BEEP, WHISTLE).
- False Sound: Selects the sound played for a false start.
- Flash Output: Configures flash output (N.O. or N.C.).
- Start 1 Output (Main / Primary): Configures main start output (N.O. or N.C.).
- Start 2 Output (Backup / Secondary): Configures backup start output (N.O. or N.C.).
- Ready 1 Needed (Main / Primary): Determines if the main timing device needs to be ready (YES/NO).
- Ready 2 Needed (Backup / Secondary): Determines if the backup timing device needs to be ready (YES/NO).
- Recaller mode: Options include Only Display, Block Start, Trig False, OFF.
- Auto Ready: Sets the time in seconds (1-60) after which the starter or recallers are authorized to give a false start after a start.
- False Signals: Defines the number of false start signals (1-4) generated when a false start is activated.
- Standby: Sets the time (15, 60 minutes) before the unit enters standby mode.
- Power off: Sets the time (90, 180 minutes, Disabled) before the unit powers off.
- Radio Frequency channel: Selects the RF channel (e.g., 1 (2402.75 MHz) to 83 (2484.75 MHz)).
- Factory settings: Provides protected setup values for AT, SW, SS, and CUS (Custom) sports.
E-GUN Keypad Features:
- TALK LED: Indicates selected audio channel (SPEAK or TEL).
- READY 1 LED: Indicates main timing device readiness.
- READY 2 LED: Indicates additional timing device readiness.
- FLASH CHARGE LED: Indicates flash system recharging.
- KEYPADS: Allows selection of audio channel (1x for SPEAK, 2x quickly for TEL) and TEST mode (+ 1x for TEST).
- TRIGGER: Allows starter to start the TIMER.
Extension Cables:
- Microphone cable can be extended up to 30 meters.
- Loudspeaker cables can be extended up to 30 meters with 0.75mm² cable or 50 meters with 1 or 1.5mm² cable.
Maintenance Features
Safety Precautions:
- Use only the supplied or approved charger.
- Do not bypass the power cord ground lead.
- Ensure proper installation, cabling, and power levels before plugging into AC power.
- Protect equipment from splashing, rain, and excessive sun.
- Do not use if damaged or insecure.
- Verify power distribution and voltage on the rating plate.
- Connect to power sockets with protective earth.
- Do not open the case; call qualified personnel if servicing is needed. Disconnect power supply cable before opening.
- Use reusable carry cases for transport and repair returns to prevent damage.
- Maintain sufficient security distance from the public if a horn is included.
Fuses:
The unit contains three car-type fuses and one 5x20 mm fuse.
- F1: 2 AT slow (Charger input / Car type).
- F2: 7.5 AT slow (Amplifier / Car type).
- F3: 2 AT slow (Logic / Car type).
- F4: 6.3 Ah slow (Located on battery cable / 5x20mm).
Factory Reset:
The Factory Reset menu allows resetting the factory parameters. This is only possible if CUS sport is selected.
Environmental Protection:
The product should not be disposed of with household waste. It must be returned to a local authorized collection system for recycling to protect the environment and human health, and to conserve natural resources.
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