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Lap Counting and
Timing: Then I had to decide how I
would work out the timing and lap counting.
o
I opted for Laptimer 2000 from Gregory Braun (againJ). Laptimer 2000 is a pretty nifty piece of Software
and it is FREE.
o
In terms of Hardware, I
also opted for Gregory’s hardware solution. It was easier than trying to figure
it out by myself, probably more reliable as well, and since Gregory is offering
the SW for free I felt like I was getting a good deal anyway for the overall
package.
o
To make the photocells
work, I wired a timing gantry using IR LEDS (Digikey
part number LNA2801L-ND) each in series with 150 Ohm resistors and connected to
the 5V supply. I hid these inside a modified bridge from SCW (part
number 3201) where I reduced the span and height of that bridge to match the
1/43 scale (see this link)
o
Here is a link to an
article that will show you how to make your own integrated track sensors: check it out. With these, you do not need
any overhead lighting, but you do need to insert them in your track.
o
You can also check Brent
Carlson (Mr. Bugs) out for really
great track sensors. He also has a complete list of all lap timer and
counter software available out there.
o
For a commercial turn
key solution, you can try
Trackmate. All kinds of timing and counting products for slots.
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Track Power Control: In addition to that, I also wanted to be able to
control the track power from the computer. Gregory’s Software offers that
option. So I wired two power relays (Omron power relays, DigiKey part number Z712-ND). Just in case,
I also wanted to be able to override this manually. I dedicated a switch from
my switch bank (top right of picture) to
be able to select between computer controlled track power and manual track
power (I also added an LED to make sure that the 5V to the relays whether from
the computer or from the power supply through the switch is present). Here is the electrical diagram.
LastUpdate: 8/20/06 Drop me a note
