SPEEDTRAC X™
Personal Sports Radar™
Featuring Advanced Digital Processing™
Part Number 52000
Thank you for purchasing this SpeedTrac X Personal Sports Radar. The SpeedTrac X speed sport radar is one of the most exciting and innovative electronic products on the market today and represents the latest in technology innovations. The exceptional features and advantages of the SpeedTrac X speed sport radar are listed below.
| ü Features Advanced Digital Processing (ADP) |
| ü Integrated X-Band DRO Doppler Shift radar speed measurement technology |
| ü Can be used for just about any sporting activity |
| ü Easily used by one person |
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ü One-touch function buttons |
| ü Durable, lightweight and compact design |
| ü Convenient carry/hanging handle and stand |
| ü Easy to read, high intensity LED display |
| ü Indoor/outdoor use |
| ü Wide speed measuring range (15-150MPH/24-199Km/H), with display in choice of MPH or Km/H |
| ü PRO-MODE (low speed cutoff feature) |
| ü RECALL function to re-display previous speed |
| ü AUTO SHUT-OFF (to conserve battery power) |
| ü Low battery indicator |
| ü Integrated tripod mount |
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ü Optional accessories include AC Power Supply (US = #52001, UK = #52004 & CE = #52005), Fabric Carrying Bag (#52002), Tuning Fork (#52003) and Tripod (#52006) |
| ü AC or DC powered – uses 4 “C” cell batteries |
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT INFORMATION!!!
Read the General Safety Guidelines, Safe Use Recommendations and Warranty Information before operating the unit.
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.
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 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.
SAFE USE RECOMMENDATIONS
THE MANUFACTURER STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING:
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.
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.
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.
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.
IF, DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD, YOU CHOOSE TO OBTAIN REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT, PLEASE MAKE THE ARRANGEMENTS AS SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBED BELOW.
1. Pack the SpeedTrac X sports radar; carefully in it’s original box. If the original box is not available, then use a sturdy carton with plenty of newspaper or other non-static padding all around the unit so that the unit cannot move and is protected from shipping damage. CAUTION: Do not use foam materials as they can create static electricity that can harm or discharge PIC software.
2. Carefully print on the outside of the carton the following: EMG COMPANIES, INC., 7655 WASHINGTON AVENUE SOUTH, EDINA, MN 55439-2417 U.S.A.
3. Put your complete return address on the outside of the package. Inside the package, YOU MUST include the following: (1) your name (2) address (3) daytime telephone number (4) a copy of your original receipt and (5) a detailed description as to why the unit is being returned. NOTE: We must have a street address to return your unit back to. UPS will not deliver to a post office box. It is also STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that the address you provide for us to ship back to you is a residence or business address where someone can physically receive the unit. Any claim for deliveries not signed for will have to be between UPS and yourself.
4. Send UPS, FEDEX, insured mail or any mode that guarantees proof-of-delivery for you.
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).
CONTROL PANEL FUNCTIONS & OTHER PRODUCT FEATURES
3-DIGIT LED DISPLAY:
Speeds are displayed for approximately 2-3 seconds before automatically clearing. Note that while the SpeedTrac X sports radar is displaying a speed, you must wait until the display clears to obtain the next speed reading. The bright LED display allows daytime outdoor visibility; however for the best viewing, try to position your unit in shade or partial shade, when using it outdoors in very bright light.
ON/OFF INDICATOR:
By pressing ON, an indicator light beside the MPH button will flash. The flashing light indicated that your SpeedTrac X sports radar is ready to detect and display an object’s speed in MPH. Press the ON/OFF button again to turn the unit OFF.
AUTO SHUT-OFF DISABLE:
To disable the Auto Shut-Off and leave your unit continually ON for longer periods, at the same time, press both of the MPH and Km/H buttons. This mode of operation is indicated by a double flash of either the MPH or Km/H unit’s indicator light (Auto Shut-Off mode is a single flash.). To change back to Auto Shut-Off mode, either turn the unit OFF, or press both the MPH and Km/H again. The next time you turn the unit back ON, the Auto Shut-Off function is once again activated. It is recommended that you use the optional Power Supply and not batteries, if using the Auto Shut-Off Disable function.
PRO-MODE (or “low speed cutoff”):
Targets traveling slower than 35MPH (56 Km/H) are ignored. This is useful for activities where you do not want to accidentally measure slower speed movements when the target is moving quickly, as in measuring baseball bat speeds. To activate PRO-MODE operation press both MPH and Recall at the same time, the lower half of the “1” digit (left most digit) flashes along with either the MPH or the Km/H indicator light.
RECALL:
By pushing the “RECALL” button, the sports radar recalls the most recent speed displayed. You can recall the “last” reading any number of times. However, a particular reading will be “lost” once the next speed is registered.
MPH and Km/H:
SpeedTrac X can show speeds in either miles-per-hour (MPH) or kilometers-per-hour (Km/H). To change from the power on default MPH to Km/H, simply press the Km/H button. The unit’s indicator lamps show the current unit of measurement. You can also switch back and forth using “RECALL” to auto convert speeds captured in MPH and display them in Km/H (press “Km/H” then “RECALL” to auto convert from MPH) and visa versa.
INDICATOR LIGHTS (Speed Indicator Lights):
These indicator lights show the current mode of operation of your SpeedTrac X sports radar. Whether the speed is displayed in MPH, Km/H or if the Auto Shut-Off has been disabled.
INTERNAL ANTENNA:
The unit’s internal antenna is located in the top, front center of your SpeedTrac X, between the two sets of switches. Do not block or cover this area when attempting to measure the speed of targets.
CARRYING HANDLE/SUPPORT STAND:
The SpeedTrac X sports radar’s handle is designed for three operation positions: Closed for easy storage, locked at set angle to function as a stand and straight up for carrying and hanging the unit.
TRIPOD MOUNT:
Tripod mount is located on the bottom of the SpeedTrac X unit. Optional Tripod is Part Number 52006.
BATTERY COMPARTMENT:
You can power your SpeedTrac X sports radar with four (4) “C” cell batteries (not included). For longer life, higher quality alkaline batteries are strongly recommended. To install batteries, remove battery compartment cover at the back of the unit. Insert the batteries making sure the plus/minus (+/-) sides match the indicators in the battery compartment. Replace batteries when the unit displays “LO”. If you do not plan to use your SpeedTrac X sports radar for extended periods of time, remove batteries to prevent potential damage caused by leakage and/or corrosion. CAUTION: Use of rechargeable batteries can harm your SpeedTrac X and will void your warranty.
DC POWER JACK:
You can also power your SpeedTrac X sports radar from an AC power source (household-type, wall source electricity) by connecting an optional, custom SpeedTrac X AC wall adapter (available from EMG Companies, Inc. – see enclosed order form) to the connector jack located on the side of the SpeedTrac X unit. CAUTION: Use of any other AC adapter (including a “SpeedChek” AC adapter) may result in erratic performance or will DAMAGE your SpeedTrac X sports radar and VOID your warranty. Use extreme care to use the correct AC adapter.
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 the 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).
TROUBLE SHOOTING
The SpeedTrac X sports radar is intended to be an enjoyable, skill enhancing tool, and designed to provide accurate (see specifications) speed readings if used in accordance with these instructions. Your SpeedTrac X sports radar has been factory tested and built to provide years of reliable and maintenance-free use. In the event that any of the problems listed below occur, refer to this table for possible solutions.
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Problems |
Possible Causes/Solutions |
|
No speeds displayed |
•Is the unit turned ON (indicated by a flashing unit’s indicator lamp)? •If using batteries (“C”), is each one of the four batteries inserted correctly? •If you are using the custom SpeedTrac X AC wall adapter, is it properly connected? •Is the unit correctly aimed? The SpeedTrac X sports radar will display inaccurate or possibly no readings if attempting to clock objects moving at an angle to the unit. •Is the target object passing directly at, over, or directly away from the unit; and is the object traveling at least within 6 ft. (2m) from the front face of the unit? •Are there any external interference sources nearby (see below)? •Is the internally located antenna (near the top, front face of the unit between the ON/OFF and Recall buttons) blocked and/or covered? For example, if the unit is positioned behind a hockey or soccer net, a person playing goalie will block the signal. |
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Erratic or “ghost” readings (digits flash on their own) |
•Activation of the PRO-MODE will usually eliminate annoying ghost reading. ▪The following are possible sources of interference that, if in proximity your unit, may affect readings: Electric fans, large power lines, fluorescent lights, other transmitting devices, 2-way radios, or other RF transmitting devices. •Rain, snow or heavy moisture in the air may cause interference. •Inconsistent readings can also result from altering the positioning (angle and distance from target) of the unit—see earlier section on “Angle Error.”
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Picks up slow, unwanted speeds—too sensitive |
•Use PRO-MODE of operation (cuts out the unwanted slower speeds) by pressing MPH and RECALL both together, at the same time. |
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Batteries run down too quickly |
•Use higher quality Alkaline batteries, or use the custom SpeedTrac X AC power supply. CAUTION: Use of a non-specific SpeedTrac X Power supply will damage your unit and void your warranty. Use only part number 52001. |
|
Unit displays “LO” |
•Your batteries are low on power—replace them immediately. |
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