Introduction
Your ChronoTrack equipment represents a significant investment, so it makes sense to take care of it. Damaged equipment often under-performs which can cost you reads on race day which can in turn affect your reputation and business opportunities. The steps in this guide offer simple guidelines to increase the longevity of your cables and antennas and identify under-performing equipment.
Every dollar you spend to protect your equipment may save you tens or hundreds more over time.
Testing
We recommend that you send your Cables and Antennas to ChronoTrack for testing two years after purchase, then once a year after that. We will test the antennas and cables for loss and recommend replacements on antennas and cables that are under-performing. If you get your cables and antennas tested, we give you 10% off any replacements you purchase. If replacements are purchased at a discount, ChronoTrack must keep the faulty units.
Antenna/FlashPoint Care Tips
- Store Gator Antennas and FlashPoints in padded bags or cases
- If possible, place foam or some other form of spacer between the body of the Gator Antennas and the case in which they are stored on the pigtail side of the antenna. This will help reduce stress on pigtails during transportation. The case pictured below is a Pelican 1555 case which is a great size for threshold antennas and FlashPoints. The padding for the pigtails is a great example of proper storage.
- Never lift or carry threshold antennas by the pigtail cable
- If a pigtail cable comes loose and will not fully tighten, do not keep trying to tighten it, but contact ChronoTrack support
- Avoid exposing Gator Antennas and FlashPoints to or immersing them in water
- Avoid dropping antennas and FlashPoints or exposing them to shock
- If you hear rattling inside a Gator Antenna or FlashPoint, do not use it in an event, but contact ChronoTrack support
Cable Care Tips
- Avoid exposing cable connectors to or immersing them in water
- Do not allow cables to be crushed or crimped
- If cables or connectors are damaged or corroded, do not use them, but contact ChronoTrack support
- Never pull antennas by the cables
- Never wrap or knot cables around trusses or tripods
- Do not flatten cables or wrap them around your elbow or in a "figure-eight". Instead, wrap them in a loose circle. Think "O" not "0".
- Cables should not be forced to conform to the shape of their storage cases. Instead, purchase cases that allow room for the proper "O" shape.