Track Sensors & Infra-red Beam Emitters

RaceAmerica Infra-red Sensors overcome the problems with sunlight and alignment common with many photocell or low tech infra-red solutions. Other manufacturers use photocells which are very sensitive to sunlight and work poorly in bright sunlight. Other manufacturers also use more expensive laser powered beam emitters which generate a bright light to their low tech IR sensors. These seem to work if the sensors are shaded well from sunlight but often are intermittent when running a race event. While others purchase their sensors from outside sources, RaceAmerica’s Infra-red Track Sensors were designed by RaceAmerica back in 1991 and have been perfected over the years. These sensors are designed to operate in conditions from total darkness to the brightest sunlight without adjustment with easy setup. This is accomplished through a dual coded digital signal. Dual Beam and Tri-Beam units operate with multiple frequencies. The proven drag racing technology of RaceAmerica’s Infra-red Track Sensors and Beam Emitters provide line-of-sight detection of moving objects. The Digital Dual Coded Infrared (DDCIR) technology design is immune to radio interference and bright sunlight. The Track Sensors connect to any RaceAmerica Timer using an RJ-12 connector for fast and easy setup. The Beam Emitters are powered by four AA-size or four C-size batteries and provide detection of objects up to 250 feet away from the Track Sensors.

Track Electronics Drag Race Starting Beam Options Prestage Beam The Prestage Beam is the first beam the vehicle’s tire will encounter. Blocking the beam will illuminate the Prestage bulbs on the tree and is used as an indication the vehicle is approaching the Stage Beam. The Prestage Beam is located 7 inches in from the Stage Beam. The Prestage Beam is optional since there is no timing associated with the Prestage Beam. Stage Beam The Stage Beam is the most critical beam. Blocking the beam will illuminate the Stage bulbs on the tree and is used to position the vehicle for the start of a race. When the vehicle moves forward out of the Stage Beam, the beam re-establishes once the vehicle’s tire no longer blocks the beam. This is an indication to the timing system to end Reaction Time (RT) timing and begin Elapsed Time (ET) timing. Guard Beam The Guard Beam is positioned 16 inches in front of the Stage Beam and works in conjunction with the Stage Beam. In the event the vehicle’s tire rolls out of the Stage Beam but the beam continues to be blocked (by a header, body panel, flying dirt or sand, etc.), the vehicle’s tire rolls into the Guard Beam as a backup signal to the timing system to end RT and begin ET. This beams guards against the Stage Beam not re-establishing when the tire clears the Stage Beam. This beam is optional and is generally used when the track surface is loose dirt or sand and the vehicle has front wheel or all-wheel drive.

SENSOR MODEL	EMITTER MODEL	RANGE	APPLICATION
5140D Single Beam Sensor	5040B Single Emitter, 'AA' Batt	50ft	Start/Speed/Finish Downtrack
	5042B Dual Emitter, 'C' Batt	50ft	Center Lane Drag Downtrack
	5050B Single Emitter, 'AA' Batt	75ft	Extended range applications
	5060B Super Emitter, Int Rechgbl Batt	150ft	Speed Runs, across water
5158D Sensor	5058B Emitter, 'AA' Batt	50ft	Single Beam Stage/Start
6027 OPTION PROFESSIONAL DUAL BEAMS
5163L Left Dual Beam	5063L Left Dual Beam, 'C' Batt	50ft	Pre-Stage/Stage Beams
5163R Right Dual Beam	5063R Right Dual Beam, 'C' Batt	50ft	Pre-Stage/Stage Beams
6026 OPTION PROFESSIONAL DUAL BEAMS
5156LM Left Dual Beam	5054LM Left Dual Beam, 'C' Batt	50ft	Stage/Guard Beams
5156RM Right Dual Beam	5054RM Right Dual Beam, 'C' Batt	50ft	Stage/Guard Beams
6023 OPTION PROFESSIONAL TRI-BEAMS
5167L Left Tri-Beam	5067L Left Tri-Beam, 'C' Batt	50ft	Pre-Stage/Stage/Guard Beams
5167R Right Tri-Beam	5067R Right Tri-Beam, 'C' Batt	50ft	Pre-Stage/Stage/Guard Beams

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