Installation Resources for Architects & Contractors

For architects, sports builders and electrical contractors planning a new or renovated track: the junction boxes, conduit, power and network a FinishLynx timing system needs, so they go in with the track instead of being dug in later.

• Hayward Field
• Icahn Stadium
• Estádio Mangueirão
• Gombak Stadium
• Mexican Olympic Sports Center

Planning key

• Primary finish line: Weatherproof junction boxes inside and outside the finish line, joined by 2–3 conduits (2" / 50 mm PVC) under the track. AC power and Ethernet (Cat6) for the finish-line cameras and timing network. The spare conduit gives redundancy and room to expand.
• Reverse the 100 m: Junction boxes inside (and outside if possible) at the 100 m start, with conduit from the finish line and across the track. AC power and Ethernet, so the cameras can move there.
• Reverse the 200 m: Junction boxes inside (and outside if possible) at the 200 m start, with conduit on from the 100 m and across the track. AC power and Ethernet, so the cameras can move there.
• 1500 m start: Conduit from the 200 m infield junction box along the back straight, then across the track to a junction box on the outside. AC power and start (XLR-3) cabling, fed through the 200 m junction box and its fiber.
• Fiber to the press box: Fiber optic from the press box, under the bend to the finish line’s infield junction box, then on through the infield to the 200 m junction box. The timing network: Ethernet isn’t recommended over 300 ft (90 m), so fiber covers the distance, with a powered converter at each end back to Ethernet. The press box also needs dedicated AC power for the timing computers.

One cable to every camera

Every current Lynx camera runs on Power-over-Ethernet (PoE+): one Ethernet cable from a PoE+ switch or injector carries both its power and its data, so the camera doesn’t need a separate power supply.

• 802.3at PoE+: The standard power input on every current Lynx camera. AC, DC or battery are options.
• Cat6: Recommended for every Ethernet run, to the camera and to the computer; Cat5 minimum. Over 300 ft (90 m), use fiber.
• Multimode fiber: For runs over 300 ft (90 m): up to 2,000 m, with a media converter at each end. Each converter needs AC power of its own, so plan an outlet at both ends of the fiber.

On meet day a Lynx track package can also run as its own closed network, cabled above ground, needing only power from the venue. The conduit and junction boxes above are for a permanent installation.

Junction box design

• Inside and outside the track, near the finish line.
• In-ground, with drainage or an open bottom so water can’t build up.
• Power and communication cables kept separate inside.
• Multiple conduit connections for redundancy and future upgrades.
• At least three 2" (50 mm) conduit runs at the finish line, with sweep elbows and no sharp bends where fiber will run.

Basic track

• A pair of junction boxes on opposite sides of the finish line.
• 2" (50 mm) underground conduit connecting them.
• Ethernet between the finish-line camera and the timing computer.
• AC or PoE power for cameras and accessories.

Advanced track

• Junction box pairs at alternate finish lines, so the race direction can change.
• Conduit along the straights to the 100 m, 200 m and 1500 m starts, for underground start cabling.
• XLR connection points in infield junction boxes, so starters can stand where they need to.
• Infield power and data for wind gauges and extra cameras.
• Connections to scoreboards, displays and the press box or control room.