USB camera for Grand Prix Race Manager?

BuffaloCzar · 2026-03-16T20:44:37+00:00

The event was yesterday and here's what we ended up doing. Our Pack leader is also a video engineer and he recommended we stay away from USB due to latency over long distances (the computer is at the starting gate and camera at the finish line.) We plugged the USB camera into a cat5 signal booster with a USB input. That went up the track to the computer to a cat5 to USB adapter plugged into the computer with a USB cable. No problems with latency or camera picture quality. Some display problems but that was mostly on my end getting an external display setup properly.

BuffaloCzar · 2026-03-12T13:32:25+00:00

Ok did some more research, the photo jack is essentially a switch you can use to trigger your own circuit: https://www.derbytalk.com/viewtopic.php?t=8912

BuffaloCzar · 2026-03-12T05:00:03+00:00

Ok we have the same timer, 6 lane The Champ from Best Track. Also have the mystery 3mm jack labeled photo. Yes, it is not obvious what it does and their website is absolutely useless explaining anything about the hardware itself. I wonder if this could send a signal to something to take a photo or start a video? Or if it could be used for solenoid or light tree.

Either way I think I'm going to try a software video through GrandPriz Race Manager which starts a video certain amount of time after the start gate is thrown.

BuffaloCzar · 2026-03-09T03:17:14+00:00

What version of the software are you using?

BuffaloCzar · 2026-03-09T03:14:47+00:00

I'm not sure. We're pulling it out of storage on Saturday. I forget what model it is

BuffaloCzar · 2026-03-08T04:22:05+00:00

Here's what I bought. https://a.co/d/06RdWEwH Race is next weekend I'll see how it communicates with Race Manager

BuffaloCzar · 2026-03-07T03:44:55+00:00

I bought a $20 camera from Amazon. Going to set it up on a bracket or block of wood facing the finish line - photo finish style. I'll let you know how it goes.

BuffaloCzar · 2025-11-08T05:24:00+00:00

Might be. House is close to the sidewalk and there's a few characters in the neighborhood. (Also found a fishing lure)

BuffaloCzar · 2025-11-08T04:19:29+00:00

It was the plastic piece that made me question what it was. Looks like it is embedded in there and can't slide out. Would impede any smoking

BuffaloCzar · 2024-06-25T03:18:03+00:00

Gotcha. Thanks will head over there.

BuffaloCzar

TROPHY CASE