SPEEDTRAC X OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for purchasing this SpeedTrac X sport radar. The SpeedTrac X sport radar is one of the most exciting and innovative electronic products on the market today and represents the latest technology innovations.
WARNING: USE ONLY THE SPEEDTRAC or SPEEDTRAC X AC ADAPTER. USE OF ANY OTHER ADAPTERS (DO NOT USE A SPEEDCHEK ADAPTER) WILL LIKELY RESULT IN SEVERE DAMAGE TO YOUR SPEEDTRAC X AND VOID THE WARRANTY.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read the General Safety Guidelines, and Safe Use Recommendations.
GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
SELECT A SAFE, OPEN AREA TO USE YOUR SPEEDTRAC X SPORTS RADAR, AND TAKE ALL THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS SO THAT PEOPLE AND/OR PROPERTY OR YOUR SPEEDTRAC X SPORTS RADAR UNIT WILL NOT BE HIT.
The SpeedTrac X sports radar is a form of a radio transmitter. When it is turned ON, the unit’s internal antenna sends out a very low level radio frequency (RF) signal at a specific frequency. In addition to the low energy level and as the user is not required to be in close proximity to the unit, any exposure to RF energy is virtually eliminated when operating the SpeedTrac X sports radar. The device also features an “Auto Power Shut-Off” function that turns the unit off following five minutes of inactivity to reduce unnecessary RF output.
SAFE USE RECOMMENDATIONS
THE MANUFACTURER STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING:
1. For safety reasons, DO NOT use the SpeedTrac X sports radar for clocking
motorized, high-speed vehicles, such as automobiles, off-road vehicles, ATV’s,
motorcycles, snowmobiles, water craft, or other similar objects, unless done in
a closed-course and under a monitored, sanctioned and insured official event..
2. Regardless of the activity you have planned to use with SpeedTrac X, be sure
that you have selected a safe open area and that people, personal property, or
your SpeedTrac X sports radar cannot be inadvertently injured, struck, or
damaged.
3. Warm up properly before performing physical activities with the SpeedTrac X
sports radar. If you have been injured or strained previously in other
activities, performing a physical activity with SpeedTrac X sports radar could
aggravate your condition and injure you further. If this is the case, consult
your doctor before using the SpeedTrac X sports radar. Regardless, even if in
excellent health and physical condition it is imperative to perform a proper
warm-up and stretching of your muscles prior to increased physical activities or
sports participation.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES INTERACTION:
Most modern electric equipment is shielded from RF energy; however, some
equipment may not be properly shielded. Although highly unlikely, RF energy from
the SpeedTrac X sports radar may cause the malfunction of improperly shielded
electronic equipment.
Consult the manufacturer of any personal medical devices (such as pacemakers,
hearing aids, etc.) to determine if they are adequately shielded from external
RF energy.
Turn the unit OFF in health care facilities when any regulations posted in the
areas instruct you to do so. Hospitals or health care facilities may be using
remote RF monitoring equipment.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of the
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
USER INSTRUCTIONS:
CONTROL PANEL FUNCTIONS & OTHER PRODUCT FEATURES
The SpeedTrac X sports radar must be positioned directly
in line with (or facing) the direction of the target level. The device is
designed to measure and display the speed of objects* approaching the unit, and
coming within approximately 30 ft. (9m) from the front face of the unit, moving
away from the unit, (similar distances to above), passing over (or under if
suspended) the unit, and coming within approximately 4 ft. (1.2m) from the top
of the unit; or passing beside either side of the unit within approximately 4
ft. (1.2m) from the unit.
The SpeedTrac X sports radar has a very low power output level; and therefore,
unlike professional sports radar guns, it is not designed to clock objects from
long ranges. For example, although ideal for practicing and coaching, the
SpeedTrac X sports radar is not intended to be used in an actual game situation.
WATER AND X-BAND RADAR
The SpeedTrac X sports radar operates in what is called the X-band range of
microwave frequencies (10.525 GHz). Water (fog, rain) will affect the range and
sensitivity of transmitted and reflected radar waves. As an example “water
logged baseball's” will actually absorb the radar waves and therefore create
less reflected energy. This will compromise the accuracy and sensitivity of the
SpeedTrac X sports radar.
HOW THE SPEEDTRAC X WORKS
The SpeedTrac X sports radar utilizes X-Band DRO Doppler Shift radar technology
to clock speeds. The internally located antenna, when activated, sends out a
radio frequency (RF) signal at a specific frequency. The signal projects from
the unit like a flashlight beam, decreasing in strength with distance. If a
moving object, like a thrown ball, enters the device’s transmitted signal, the
frequency of the reflected signal of the ball is changed or shifted This
frequency change is proportional to the ball’s speed, and the SpeedTrac X sports
radar’s internal circuits instantly process the return signal to display speed
in your choice of either MPH or Km/H.
The SpeedTrac X sports radar’s projected signal is able to pass, unaffected
through certain materials, such as netting, wire mesh fencing, tarps or
backdrops, and Plexiglas. This allows you to put a protective barrier between
the moving target object and your SpeedTrac X sports radar, without affecting
speed measuring performance (a recommended precautionary procedure.)
ANGLE ERROR
The SpeedTrac X sports radar displays the speed at which a target object moves
in line with the unit’s projected signal. A target passing at an angle through
the signal will result in a displayed speed that is lower than the target’s true
speed. As an example of the magnitude of error potential, a 10º entry angle
reduces the actual speed by about 2%. Objects traveling at 90º (perpendicular)
to the signal may be ignored by the SpeedTrac X (no speed displayed).
SPEEDTRAC X SET-UP FOR MAXIMUM ACCURACY AND REPEATABILITY
Maximum accuracy and repeatability is obtained when the SpeedTrac X sports radar
is positioned behind a net into which objects are thrown or struck into with the
SpeedTrac being used as the “target”. Also, of importance is that the net in
front of the SpeedTrac X sports radar prevents the SpeedTrac from being struck
by the thrown or struck object. Using the SpeedTrac in this manner allows speed
measurement accuracies comparable to the highest priced radar guns (+/- 1 MPH).
Distances shown above are approximations and distances may vary slightly
depending on size and characteristics of target.
SPORTS APPLICATIONS
The SpeedTrac X sports radar is intended for interactive sports training,
coaching, or friendly competition for people of almost any age or skill level.
It can also provide hours of fun in “backyard” or “street level” sporting
activities. Your SpeedTrac X sports radar can be a valuable performance
enhancing tool for almost any sport where speed is an important factor. The
following lists just a few of the many sports in which the SpeedTrac X sports
radar can be used to help improve your skills.
BASEBALL, SOFTBALL AND CRICKET:
The SpeedTrac X sports radar is ideal for practicing and improving throwing
speed. Place your unit on the ground or floor about 25-30 ft. (7.62m) in front
of the pitcher/bowler. Placing the unit close to the pitcher/bowler, rather than
the target area, will result in higher “out of the hand” speeds. When used at
closer distances it is best to activate the Pro Mode to avoid ghosting and the
possible reading of arm, leg or body movement speeds. The radar can detect a
ball regardless of its direction of travel. Therefore, two people can play
“catch” and the SpeedTrac X sports radar will display the speed on both players’
throws without having to reposition the unit. However, the person throwing from
the backside will show a slower speed, as ball speed naturally diminishes over
the distance it travels. Also, see Angle Error section.
The average speed of a fastball thrown by a professional pitcher is 87 MPH (145
Km/H), with top recorded speeds in the 100-105 MPH (160-170 Km/h) area.
Professional curveballs and changeups are typically in the area of 72 MPH (115
Km/H).
TENNIS AND OTHER RACQUET SPORTS:
The SpeedTrac X sports radar is ideal for clocking and improving the speed
of serves or other type’s of shots. For practicing tennis serves, place your
unit facing the server just slightly forward of the net in the serving court. The
SpeedTrac X sports radar will display the speed as the ball approaches the net.
A typical first serve speed from a leading tennis pro is in the range of 110-130
MPH (175-210 Km/H).
SOCCER AND HOCKEY:
Place your SpeedTrac X sports radar behind the net facing the shooter. Note
that if a goalie is in the net the antenna will be blocked and speeds will not
be displayed. Shooting practice for “speed training” is most recommended without
goalie participation.
The average slap shot speed fired by a pro hockey player is about 85-90 MPH
(135-145 Km/H), with a few top players able to top 100 MPH (160 Km/H).
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Limited Warranty: 1-year factory warranty on parts and labor for consumer (end
user) use. Commercial, rental or other non-consumer use is a 30-day warranty. In
either case shipping charges are not covered.
EMG Companies, Inc. warrants to the original North American (non-North American
warranties must be presented to that country’s authorized distributor) purchaser
of the SpeedTrac X sports radar, that the product will be free of defects in
materials or workmanship for 1 year from the date of purchase. If a unit is
defective due to materials or workmanship your SpeedTrac X sports radar unit
will either be repaired or replaced (at our option) without charge to the
purchaser after unit has been received and inspected positively confirming the
warranty claim legitimacy. IMPORTANT NOTE: You must complete and mail the
attached warranty registration within ten (10) days of the date of purchase to
qualify for this warranty. Units returned without proper warranty registration
or units returned after the warranty has expired, will be repaired or replaced
(at our option) for a nominal charge.
EMG Companies will not be liable for loss of use of the product for any
incidental or consequential costs, expenses or damages incurred by the
purchaser. Any implied warranties are limited in duration to the period
indicated above and beginning on the date of purchase. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state
to state, so other foregoing limitations may not apply to you. This warranty
does not cover damage resulting from accident, unreasonable use, negligence,
improper service and/or any other causes not arising out of defects in material
or workmanship.
EMG Companies, Inc.
OUTER LIMITS SPORTS
1525 River Terrace Street
Prescott WI 54021 USA
Telephone: 715-262-0101
Facsimile: 715-262-0103
E-mail: info@speedtrac.com