PortaTree Snowmobile Tracks - Manual (Page 2)

9. Before connecting the computer (do not connect the PORTATREE PROFESSINAL at this time),
power up the interface box by connecting the red wire to positive and the black wire to ground 12
Volts D.C. an AC to DC converter can be used but it must have a minimum of 2 amps of supply
current (please do not use an inexpensive converter or you may have operation problems). We
recommend a12 volt automotive battery as it is probably the best source of D.C. power you will find.
We generally like to see between 12.5 and 14.0 Volts D.C. when measured on the buss bars with a
volt meter. Run a 6 amp battery charger on the battery.
Note: A. Do not power up the PORTATREE PROFESSIONAL Computer until all tree and
Track connections are properly attached to the Sub D Connectors.
B. Do not use the small transformer to power up the Portatree Professional in conjunction
with the interface box. The interface box will power up the Portatree Professional.
C. Power level voltage is CRITICAL!! If you seem to have a staging problem ( .000
reaction time) in one lane, you more than likely have a low voltage level problem.
Check with a volt meter.
WARNING!!!! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADJUST SENSITIVITY OF THE PHOTO CELLS
UNLESS YOU HAVE READ ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS AND ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE
OF THE PORTATREE PROFESSIONAL SYSTEM. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE INFRARED
PHOTO CELLS SHOULD REQUIRE NO ADJUSTMENT.
10. After powering up the interface box you will have power to all of your detectors but the pre-stage
and stage lights on the Christmas tree will not work until the computer is connected. You can align
all of the detectors by sweeping left/right and up/down. The red L.E.D. will illuminate when the
detector is aligned. Read the literature on the banner units to efficiently align them. They may
require sensitivity adjustment (please see warning above). All reflector type banner units should be
aligned on center of the target so that they will be perfectly aligned. Half of the target should be able
to be covered before the L.E.D. on the top of the unit goes out. If the target has to fully covered, to
make the L.E.D. go out, then it is set too sensitive, It must go out when half or a little more than half
of the target is blocked. Warning!! Adjustment can be made by removing the adjustment
access plug and turning the adjustment screw with a very small screwdriver. Read scanner
alignment information so that you become familiar with scanner alignment techniques. Note:
Reflectors can go bad due to moisture. Try a new reflector.
11. The computer can be connected after the detectors are all working. Disconnect the 12 volt power to
the interface box and then plug the two 25 pin Sub D Connectors into their respective positions.
Power up the interface box. Read the manual and watch the video on the Portatree Professional
Computers operation. The Portatree Professional Computer is set up at the factory and should be
ready to operate. Set the computer accordingly if required.
Please note that you must operate this system with SS : “Y” (YES) so that if there is a bye run, the
empty lane will red light when the starter’s switch is contacted. This is due to the fact that the
stage light is always on so that the computer thinks that a race vehicle is in both lanes--all the time.
THIS IS HOW ASPHALT DRAG TRACKS SET THEIR SYSTEMS-FOR YOUR INFO ONLY
12. Now the starting line can be set using the pre-stage and stage lights on the Christmas tree. Use the
Portatree Video to understand how rollout is set and build a rollout wheel to set the rollout. After the
rollout is set and the starting line is securely fastened, we must limit the field of vision of at least the
stage receivers so that unwanted reflections will not affect their performance. This is done by
locating 1 inch steel pipes - - 24 inches long - - in front of the receiver - - so that it is between the
stage receiver and the emitter. Position the pipe so that the red L.E.D. on top of the banner receiver
stays on and us unaffected by the pipe. Only the receivers need this protection. A bracket must be
made to fix the pipe in position. The pipe should be painted inside and out with flat black paint (not