Wayne EngineeringDevelopers of Visual and Motor Skills
Wayne EngineeringThe Wayne Infra-Red Sensor Beam is a compact and portable sensor for detecting motion at a distance. The sensor transmits a narrow beam of pulsating infra-red light. When a target reflects this beam. the sensor will beep and provide a contact closure which can be sensed by equipment such as the Wayne Computerized Saccadic Fixator (WCSF). It can respond to an object moving either into or out of the target area.
The Sensor Beam is ideal for reaction time measurements that require the subject to perform a motion in three-dimensional space (swinging a bat, etc.). The unit can be calibrated to respond only to motion at a desired distance. It can be used by itself or as part of a complete reaction time measurement system including the WCSF and the Wayne Speed Trac.
The sensor has two controls: A SENSITIVITY control (which is also the on/off switch) and a TIME DELAY control. The sensitivity control determines how much reflection is needed to trigger the sensor. This lets you control the distance at which the sensor will respond. The time delay control sets the length of the beep and contact closure. Normally it should be set at maximum (fully clockwise); lower settings are needed only in special cases where rapid repeated interruptions of the beam need to be counted.
The Wayne Infra-Red Sensor Beam can be used under most lighting conditions. You should avoid placing it directly under bright incandescent lights or sunlight. When using the sensor outdoors, place it in a shaded area. High levels of direct light will not damage the sensor, but may interfere with the proper reception of the reflected beam. If lighting conditions seen to be interfering with the sensor's operation, rotate the sensor or move it to a different location.
Position the sensor so that the lenses are pointing at the desired target area (either up or sideways) and make sure that there are no objects in the path of the beam at the desired target distance. Turn the sensor on by turning the sensitivity control clockwise. Make sure that your head and body are not blocking the beam and that you are not casting a shadow on the lenses. Turn the sensitivity control clockwise until the unit begins beeping continuously. At this point, slowly reduce the sensitivity (turn the control counterclockwise) until the beeping just stops. If you hear occasional beeps, lower the sensitivity slightly more. This setting allows the sensor to detect a fast-moving object at the maximum possible distance.
If adjusting the sensitivity control does not stop the unit from beeping, the sensor may be receiving too much direct light or there may be an object in the beam's path. Make sure that the path is clear of obstructions. Rotate the sensor or move it to a slightly different location.
You can adjust the sensitivity control to shorten the range of detection. For example, you can set it so that the sensor won't respond to a bat being swung too high. To do this, set the control for maximum sensitivity as described above and then lower the setting until the unit just stops responding to motion outside the desired range.
The Wayne Infra-Red Sensor Beam is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery which will provide three hours of continuous operation when fully charged. This battery must be kept charged by using the charging adaptor supplied with the unit. At least 20 hours is needed to obtain a full charge. The sensor can still be used while the battery is charging.
To avoid unnecessary drain on the battery, be sure to turn the sensor off when not in use (turn the sensitivity control fully counterclockwise). Do not leave the sensor connected to other equipment (Speed Trac, WCSF) unless the other equipment is also turned off.
When the sensor is turned on, a small red light next to the sensitivity control should cone on. This light serves three purposes: it indicates that the unit is turned on, it serves as a dial pointer for accurately setting the sensitivity control, and it indicates that the battery is adequately charged. If this light falls to come on when you turn the sensor on or goes out while you are using the sensor, the battery is low and needs recharging.
The sensor may operate erratically If the battery is weak. Typical symptoms are loss of sensitivity and continuous beeping.
A cable with a 9-pin connector allows the sensor to be connected to the Wayne Speed-trac. Also included is an interface cable which brings the sensor output to a phono plug that can be plugged into the Interface Control Box, allowing the sensor to substitute for either the start/stop switch or one of the quad position lights on the Saccadic Fixator.
Here are a few ways to use the Wayne Infra-Red Sensor Beam by itself in sports training and testing.
Position the sensor with the lenses pointing up. Adjust the sensitivity so the sensor responds when a player swings a baseball bat or tennis racquet at the proper height.
Position a second sensor slightly away from the player so that the player will get two beeps if he is completely following through on his swing.
Using a Velcro strip,or a pin nail, mount the sensor on the wall at the desired height with the lenses pointing horizontally. Attach a string or other visible target to the ceiling. The player jumps up and tries to touch the target. If he jumps high enough to reflect the beam, he will get a beep.
Further applications are limited only by your imagination.
The Infra-Red Sensor Beam can be used as a remote sensor for other Wayne Engineering products, including:
The instructions supplied with these systems list a number of sports applications which use the Infra-Red Sensor Beam.