LapRF Personal Timing System Preliminary Operator's Manual Rev 0.
Specifications 5.8GHz RF Detection Frequency 5.3-6.0GHz Programmable Attenuation 0-32dB Antenna Custom linearly polarized (Suitable for LHCP, RHCP, Linear use) Channels Arbitrary (defined by connected app.) Pilots 1-8, depending upon required precision and gate speed Mechanical Dimensions L =100mm, W = 100mm, H = 25mm Weight 121g Battery Cell 18650, 2600mAh, 3.7V nominal Consumption ~300mA @ 3.
Introduction The LapRF Personal Edition is the first in a family of race timing systems from ImmersionRC. LapRF technology uses the emitted 5.8GHz RF from race quadcopters (or fixed wing aircraft) to detect a passage through the start-finish gate. Different from other offerings on the market, the LapRF uses custom timing receivers with specially designed antennas to ensure that only quads which pass through the ‘beam’ are timed, and other sources of interference are ignored.
Getting Started Charging the Battery Using a standard USB Micro cable charge the timing puck for at least 3 hours before use. Ok, so nobody actually wants to do this… the battery is delivered approx. 70% charged, and won’t be damaged if the timer is powered up, and a few laps flown. Do not run it for long though before charging it to prevent permanent damage to the battery. App. Download Search for the term ‘LapRF’ in either the iOS App. store, or the Google play store. Download the free app. and install.
Placement The lapRF’s integrated patch antenna forms a beam which emits from the top of the product. Ideal placement is in the center of the gate, but that does expose it to strikes from low-flying (high speed) racers. A small hole in the ground works well to protect it for grass tracks, or where this is not possible, either protect the timer from strikes placing a solid object in front of it, or place the timer at a 45 degree angle from one corner of the gate.
iOS Application for iPhone and iPad Main Screen The main screen shows the lap times, including average, best, and total times, for each active pilot. Times in green are the best lap times for each pilot. Note: When a timing system is not connected, touching the large pilot number on the left side of the screen will create a manual time, and can be used to evaluate the app. The color if the ‘Start Race’ button currently indicates a valid connection to the lapRF.
LapRF Setup The lapRF setup page is where the number of active pilots is set, plus the band and channel that each pilot is using. In addition, the power level used for the race (all pilots should ideally use the same vTx power) is set here, along with a ‘sensitivity tweak’ which works a bit like the exposure correction on most high-end cameras. If you are missing laps, increase sensitivity, if you are getting false hits, decrease it.
Race Setup The Race Setup page is where miscellaneous race settings/preferences are configured. Race Start Delay Configure the delay between hitting the ‘Start Race’ button and the race starting. Use it to give time to get your goggles on before flying. Start Time From FPV races are usually either configured to start from the tone (start grid is positioned after the Start/Finish gate), or from ‘First to Gate’, where the start grid is positioned before it.
Diagnostics The diagnostics page shouldn’t normally be required, but can be a useful tool during debugging. The RSSI level of each configured pilot slot is shown. Power on video transmitters and walk them through the gate to ensure correct configuration of the lapRF, and the video transmitter itself.
Bands, Channels, and Frequencies The applications which support the lapRF define the bands and channels that are available for a race. All of the commonly used bands are present.
Increasing Bluetooth Range The internal bluetooth module uses a self-adhesive dipole antenna, fixed to the inside of the product. This antenna uses a standard U.FL connector, which may be removed, and replaced with an external antenna, by means of a 10cm U.FL to bulkhead SMA cable. When disassembling the case, a small plastic ‘blanking plate’ may be removed, to open up the hole through which to secure the SMA connector. For the antenna, the FatShark 2.4GHz dipole works well: http://www.getfpv.
Certification The CE, FCC, and other certificates for the integrated Bluetooth module are available from here: https://www.immersionrc.com/fpv-products/laprf/ Note that these certificates only apply when the internal antenna is used.
Troubleshooting Problem: LEDs are white on power-up Solution: Indicates an issue with the programming of the unique device ID, please contact support.
