How often does my camera need calibration, and how do I check the date?
At least every four years. The last calibration date is on the Setup tab of Camera Settings; past four years, FinishLynx shows a Timer tab as a reminder.
The camera's timing clock drifts slowly as it ages, so a timer-enabled EtherLynx camera should be recertified regularly. World Athletics (TR19.13(165)) and most governing bodies expect photo-finish cameras to be certified at least every four years; some governing bodies and championship meets require it more often, so check their rules if you time sanctioned events.
To check the date: boot the camera in FinishLynx, open Camera Settings and click the Setup tab. The last calibration date is shown there. When a camera's date is past four years, or unknown, FinishLynx shows a Timer tab in Camera Settings as a reminder. The camera keeps timing.
Certification replaces the camera's internal clock with a newly certified one, verifies its accuracy and writes the date into the camera. Request it through the Camera Calibration page, or ask for it on the same RMA if the camera is already going in for repair.
Goes deeper
- Camera Calibration — Service
Related questions
- How do I submit an RMA to repair my camera? — Through the Returns Portal, where you submit the repair request and then track the case by ticket number.
- Does the Lynx Wind Gauge need calibration or maintenance? — It is solid-state with no moving parts and its datasheet calls it maintenance-free. Governing-body rules on calibration are quoted on the datasheet; ask Lynx about your gauge.