Using a Wind Gauge for Horizontal Jumps

Updated 8 hours ago

Initial Config

AthleticFIELD supports the use of FinishLynx-style and Gill ultrasonic wind gauges for use with horizontal jumps. Lynx-style gauges may be controlled internally through the app, or externally using the Lynx-WG-SA standalone controller.

To begin, enable the Allow Wind Gauge Measurement? checkbox from the User Settings page:

This will enable the Wind Gauge Settings menu item in the main menu and the home screen:

To enable the wind gauge connection, check the Active? checkbox, and then choose a connection type:

You can learn more about the various connection types at the laser device setup page, which uses the same connection types.

Next, select the type of wind gauge you are using. AthleticFIELD currently supports the ultrasonic wind gauges offered by FinishLynx as well as Gill Athletics.

Controller Types

AthleticFIELD offers two different controller types, and which one you select makes a difference in the workflow during an event:

External: This requires the use of an external controller such as the Gill Athletics handheld controller or the Lynx standalone controller. A separate wind gauge operator triggers the measurement (on the wind gauge controller) when the athlete begins their run-up, and, once the measurement is complete, the calculated wind speed average is transmitted to AthleticFIELD and automatically typed into the correct field. This is the only method available for Gill Athletics wind gauges.
In App: The wind gauge is connected directly to the AthleticFIELD device without the need for an intermediate controller or operator. The AthleticFIELD operator is responsible for initiating measurement when the athlete begins their run-up. The average is calculated on board the AthleticFIELD device and recorded automatically to the attempt.

The In App controller mode will prevent you from taking Field Attempt Videos, since you'd be recording a video when the athlete begins their run-up and this would prevent you from pressing the button to start the wind reading. External Controllers will allow for the use of Field Attempt Videos

Physical Hookup Details

Lynx Style Wind Gauges

If you're using a Lynx style wind gauge, you can use it with or without a Lynx-WG-SA controller, in either In App or External controller mode. If you use the gauge with In App mode, you can still use the SA controller as a battery pack.

With Standalone Controller, In App Mode

Connect your wind gauge to the controller using the XLR cord provided. Connect your USB-Serial adapter to the other XLR port on the controller unit using the provided cable.

Without Standalone Controller, In App Mode

Use the long cable provided with the wind gauge to connect the wind gauge directly to the USB-Serial adapter, using the Serial-XLR adapter provided. You'll need to provide an external 12-volt power source for the red and black banana plugs.

With Standalone Controller, External Controller Mode

Connect your USB-Serial device to the 9-pin plug on the back of the external controller. Connect the wind gauge to the XLR port. You may need a null-modem adapter if the connection doesn't work when you first try it.

Gill Athletics Wind Gauges

Connect your USB-Serial adapter directly to the port on top of the controller. You may need a null modem adapter if the connection doesn't work.

Serial Options

Unless you're using a TCPIP-serial device, you'll be using Serial as your connection type. When you select your wind gauge type, the serial baud rate and other options will fill in with the correct defaults, which are usually 9600 baud, 1 stop bit, even parity, and 7 data bits.

If you're used to a Lynx-style wind gauge from other equipment in the past, you may recall that it has been configured in the past at no parity and 8 data bits. The Lynx wind gauge works in either this configuration or the defaults above. The defaults in AthleticFIELD are not wrong.

From the Device drop down menu, select your serial device (usually a USB-serial converter). If the device doesn't appear, tap the Refresh button, and look again.

Testing

Once the wind gauge is configured, you can press the Test button at the bottom of the options screen.

In App Controller Mode: Press the Measure button at the bottom of the screen. The wind gauge will measure for five seconds, and then return a reading.
External Controller Mode: After pressing Test, trigger your wind gauge to take a reading with the external controller. If the test is successful, a reading will appear on your screen when the controller returns its reading.

During the Event

In App Controller Mode: At the top of the Wind box, you'll see a flag icon. When the athlete starts their run-up, press the flag icon to start taking a wind reading. When the reading is completed, it will appear in the box.

External Controller Mode: Instruct your wind gauge operator to begin the reading when the athlete begins their run-up. Once the reading is successful, you'll see it automatically entered into the wind reading box.