Track & Field; System Overview - Eagle Eye Pro Timing Manual

I. TRACK & FIELD
A. SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1. General Introduction & Suggestions
Your Eagle Eye Pro timing system is an easy to use combination of software and hardware. As with all
electronic equipment and computer software, it is important that you understand its many features. The
information below will help lay the foundation to begin learning your system and working with this
manual.
Training a Timing Operator
Operating your Eagle Eye Pro timing system does not require a computer expert. However, an operator's
experience and ability depends on your expectations and the importance of the competition being timed.
It is possible to train a student in as little as fifteen minutes (10 minutes of instruction and 5 minutes on
their own) to operate the software for small time trial event, however more training is required for a
large invitational that integrates results with meet management software.
Practicing
Eagle Eye Pro software is equipped with a video simulator called a Virtual Grabber. Using the virtual
grabber allows you to practice without the need to connect the camera. Although you will not see a live
image, the Virtual Grabber allows you to trigger the race clock, record, playback, bookmark athletes,
determine results, etc. You will need to insert the USB Key before using the Virtual Grabber. Note:
Grabber is another word for camera.
Developing a Meet Schedule
We recommend using a rolling schedule for your first event, or building a time schedule with adequate
time between events so that the novice operator will not be stressed during competition. Adequate
practice and familiarity with the system will help assure a quality first meet experience for everyone. The
goal of a capable operator should be to allow the Starter to move the meet along as efficiently as
possible.
Meet Management Operator
Track and field competitions that integrate timing (Eagle Eye) with meet management software (Hy-Tek,
Race Tab, RaceberryJAM, etc.) require the use of two computers to operate efficiently; one computer
dedicated to timing and another dedicated to meet management. These two computers are typically
networked via the included USB switch. Above all, it is important not to underestimate the need for a
knowledgeable operator of your meet management software. This person dictates the flow of results
and must keep pace with the running events and enter field events in a timely manner.
Hip Numbers & Finish-Line Management
The use of hip numbers to identify athletes is common for all electronic timing systems. The ability to
successfully read hip numbers on the recorded video is a result of camera placement (distance of camera
to athlete(s)), the lens focus and aperture and the appropriate (exposure) setting for current lighting
conditions. Special attention to the above will assure that hip numbers can be identified on the recorded
race video.
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