The Q-mini module is available in two basic variants:
- The single photocell version is used to measure times using a single photocell, typically at the finish of a race, at a checkpoint or at an intermediate position. The start is either a mass start or the start times are measured manually or known in advance, e.g. as the competitors are sent out onto the track. Using a program on the computer, we assign the competitor’s starting number to the impulses from the photocell. The output of the timekeeper’s work is therefore a record of the timing marks of the competitors’ runs through the timing point. Depending on the plant organisation, the data is further processed, e.g. in MS Excel. (see instructions – download at the bottom of the page)
- The twin photocell version is used to measure times using two photocells placed at the start and finish of the measured section. The distance of the photocells is limited only by the length of their cables.
The entire assembly consists of an optical sensor (a reflector is placed opposite the sensor) and the Q-Mini transducer itself. The converter is a device that is connected to the USB port of any laptop (Windows XP and higher), powers the sensor from the USB port and transmits pulses from the sensor to the computer. The Recorder application is then started on the computer, which allows to assign a start number to each received impulse (passage of the competitor), displays the measured data and allows to save them in CSV format (processed e.g. in MS Excel).
We use a USB cable to connect the Q-mini to the computer. The length of the USB cable should not exceed 4 metres. If you need to extend the distance between the Q-mini and the sensor (photocell), use the photocell extension cable. These cables are shockproof and can be strung up to a total length of 40 metres.
After installing the display add-on, it is possible to connect a large screen display to the system showing the time and possibly the start number or the competitor’s name (on request).
Equipment limitations
The Q-Mini is technically limited compared to the “full” version of the Q timekeeper:
- wireless connection of the sensor is not possible,
- the accuracy of the measurement is limited by the accuracy of the time base of the device with uncertainty (0.01% + 5 ms),
- the device does not back up data or power to the sensor (if our application is not running on the laptop for any reason, the pulses from the sensor are lost – the full version allows you to get the time stamps backwards).
