LaneMinder 2

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

These questions and their answers are designed to help you decide which LaneMinder configuration and which optional components will best suit your needs.

Question.

I have a 36 lane centre where all the lanes are all in one block and I want to have a device that will detect when a person walks down the lane and set off an alarm to alert staff. What do I need?

Answer.

In this case, all you need is a LaneMinder Standard kit.

Question.

My centre also has 36 lanes but they are arranged in two front-to-front blocks. What LaneMinder do I need if I just want to have an warning alarm like the first centre?

Answer.

You can buy a LaneMinder Standard plus the Beam 2 kit and ask for the double centre option chip to be installed. This chip replaces the standard chip and allows the LaneMinder to recognise Beam 2 as a separate zone instead of its usual role as the second beam on the same block of lanes.

Both beams plug into the same control module. One block of lanes responds to Beam 1 and the other block to Beam 2. The warning buzzers will sound a different tone for each block so they can be easily identified.

Question.

I operate an 8 lane centre and I'd like to have a LaneMinder that will shut down my pinsetters if someone runs all the way down to the mask units. How can I do that?

Answer.

You need what we call a LaneMinder Plus. This consists of LaneMinder Standard kit, Beam 2 kit, Cutout modules for 8 lanes and in most cases a Cutout Control module. When a person walks through Beam 1, about 5 to 10 feet down the lane, the LaneMinder alarm will sound. If the person continues down the lane and walks through Beam 2, about 50 to 55 feet down the lane, the intensity of the alarm increases and all the pinsetters will be shut down.

Question.

Cutout-2 or Cutout-8?

Answer.

We have developed two options for shutting off the machines. A Cutout-2, as its name suggests, is a module that can shut down a pair of machines. It uses a relay contact to open the managers control or mask switch circuit when the LaneMinder Beam 2 is broken in sequence after Beam 1. Cutout-2 is the option most commonly chosen.

The Cutout-8 module has been designed to be used instead of the Cutout-2 in cases where there are 8 way managers control junction boxes on the curtain wall. It is often more convenient to replace this junction box with a Cutout-8 module.

As many Cutout-2 and Cutout-8 modules can be linked together in daisy-chain style by the supplied Cat-5 cables as are required to cover the entire centre. The only rule to follow is that if the two types of module are used together, the Cutout-2 modules must be connected in line AFTER the Cutout-8s.

Question.

And what about the Cutout Control module? Where does that fit in?

Answer.

The Cutout Control module is required when only Cutout-2 modules are being used. This is because the Cutout-2 module is essentially "dumb". It needs something else to tell it what to do.

The Cutout Control module is optional where Cutout-8s are being used. This is because the Cutout-8 modules are not "dumb" - they have the control functions built in. They also have a RESET and LANE button on each module.

If you want to add the Remote Control module, you must use a Cutout Control module no matter whether you are using Cutout-2s or Cutout-8s.

Question.

I run a 32 lane centre (all in a single block), I don't have those 8 way managers control junction boxes and I want to install a LaneMinder Plus that will shut down my machines when a person walks right down my lanes to the end. Can you tell me what I need?

Answer.

Sure. You need a LaneMinder Plus. That is, you need a LaneMinder Standard, a second Transmitter, a second Receiver, a Cutout Control module, 16 Cutout-2 modules (one per pair of lanes). All the necessary cables and power supplies are supplied in the kits.

Question.

How do I add the Remote Control module?

Answer.

The Remote Control module simply plugs into the bottom of the Cutout Control module. Two keyring type transmitters are supplied. They have two functions - RESET and LANE.

Question.

What sort of wiring is required to install a LaneMinder?

Answer.

All the modules are connected together by simply clicking in the supplied pre-made Cat-5 cables. Cutout-8 modules also need 12 volt connection by figure 8 cable (also supplied). A simple figure 8 cable connection is also required to connect the Cutout modules with managers control or mask switch circuits. The installation guides have detailed instructions.

Question.

I installed a LaneMinder Standard about a year and now I want to add the machine shut down function. Can I do this?

Answer.

Yes, if you have a LaneMinder 2 you can add these functions at any time. You need to buy the components, such as Transmitter, Receiver and the appropriate Cutout modules for your situation (see the answers to previous questions). When you plug in the new components, the software in the Control module immediately recognises the new configuration.

If you have a question that has not been addressed above, please feel free to email us at rayj@cybernetic.com.au