Port Settings

FinishLynx can easily communicate with external devices (third-party database software, scoreboards, wind gauges and LapTime devices). For this, the communication port used by FinishLynx and the external device must be configured correctly in the relevant tab of the Options dialog.

Three types of communication ports are available in FinishLynx, depending on options, plug-ins and the external device being used:

ClosedSERIAL PORT

Serial devices should be connected to a serial port available on the computer (or USB-Serial adapters), on the back panel of the EtherLynx camera or the Connection Box.

  • Serial Port: (drop-down) - List of all available serial ports available.
    • <none> No serial port selected.
    • COM[#] (Serial Port) The ComPort [#] is used for communication.
    • [Camera name] (C-Box) The Connection Box attached to this camera is used for communication.
    • [Camera name] (Body) The 9-pin port labeled SERIAL on the back of this camera is used for communication.
    • [Camera name] (HDMI) The HDMI port on the back of this camera is used for communication. For scoreboards only. Requires an EtherLynx camera with the Video Display Module option.
  • Additional serial settings (drop-downs) - When a serial port is selected, the following are available:
    • Baud Defines the serial communication speed, or bit rate.
    • Data Bits Defines the number of bits in each transfer.
    • Parity Defines the error detection method.
    • Stop Bits Defines the number of bits sent at the end of every character.
NOTE: When available, default values for the additional serial port settings are automatically set based on the selected Script:. Otherwise, refer to the user manual of the external device to determine the required settings.
ClosedNETWORK PORT

Alternatively, compatible external devices can be connected and configured as part of the FinishLynx Ethernet network. The Network ComPort (NCP) Plug-in must be installed with a valid serial number to allow communication of this type.

  • Serial Port: (drop-down) - List of the available network communication protocols.
    • Network (connect) FinishLynx will establish a connection with a defined Ethernet Port and IP Address.
    • Network (listen) FinishLynx will make a defined Ethernet Port available for an external device to establish a connection.
    • Network (UPD) FinishLynx will broadcast data to the defined Ethernet Port and IP Address as per the UPD protocol (common for Daktronics devices).
  • Additional Network settings - When one of the network communication protocols above is selected, the following parameters are available:
    • Port (free-text) The Ethernet port to use should be entered.
    • IP Address (free-text) The IP Address of the external device should be entered.

See Network ComPort (NCP) Plug-in for more information.

ClosedHDMI PORT

Vision-Series EtherLynx cameras with the Video Display Module have their HDMI port available in the Scoreboard Options

  • Serial Port: (drop-down) - List of all available HDMI ports available.
  • Additional HDMI settings (free-text) - When an HDMI port is selected, the following parameters are available:
    • WidthClosedDefines the width, in pixels, of the HDMI output.
    • HeightClosedDefines the height, in pixels, of the HDMI output.
    • LeftClosedDefines the starting horizontal coordinate, in pixels, of the HDMI output.
    • TopClosedDefines the starting vertical coordinate, in pixels, of the HDMI output.
NOTE: When available, default values for the additional HDMI port settings are automatically set based on the selected Script:.