Paperclip test

The paperclip test tells you which part of a RadioLynx start isn't working: the transmitter, its input cable or the red start sensor. You need an unfolded paperclip. Have FinishLynx running with the camera on, so you can see each start come in.

How to fix it

Run the test

  1. Unplug the black and green plugs from the transmitter
  2. Press the signal button at the top left of the transmitter. It should beep, and FinishLynx should get a start
    1. No start: check the RadioLynx settings in FinishLynx and the DIP switches, as in Transmitter beeps with start
    2. Start received: go on to step 3
  3. Put the ends of the paperclip into the black and green sockets on the transmitter, where the plugs were. It should beep
    1. No start: the transmitter is at fault. This needs a repair: send it in to Lynx.
    2. Start received: the transmitter works. Go on to step 4
  4. Plug the black and green banana plugs back into the transmitter, and unplug the red start sensor from the other end of the cable
  5. Put the paperclip into holes 1 and 3 at the end of the cable. It should beep
    1. No start: the cable is at fault. Check where the wires join the banana plugs (below)
    2. Start received: the transmitter and cable work. Go on to step 6
  6. Plug the red start sensor back into the cable
  7. Blow into the sensor, or tap it sharply into the palm of your hand. It should beep
    1. No start: replace the start sensor
    2. Start received: the transmitter, cable and sensor all work

If the cable fails

  1. Slide the black and green covers up the cable (use pliers if they're tight)
  2. Check each wire is held by the small screw inside its banana plug, and tighten it
  3. Run step 5 again. If it still fails, contact Lynx support about the cable

Good to know

  • Use the RadioLynx start sensor, the one with the red band. The white wired start sensor is for the wired start cable
  • Three beeps when the transmitter turns on or after a signal mean the battery is low, with about 200 starts left. Charge it before the meet

Keep the meet running

If a part fails mid-meet, time the rest of the meet with the wired start cable that came with your system: see Recover a race after a missed start.

Lynx's own write-up of this test: Diagnose RadioLynx with a paperclip. The same steps are in the RadioLynx Troubleshooting Guide.

Send it in for repair

Start an RMA. The portal walks you through what to include and where to ship it.

Submit an RMA

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