Lap Timer - Page 3

wild03 · #31 11-07-2002, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Steve
I tried using an infra-red emitter first, but the range to the receiver was pretty bad, only about 5 inches max. I still used the infra-red transistor receiver so apparently lasers put out some infra-red light.

After numerous phone calls and trips to different RS I found one with the 2 Phototransistor, I also picked up an emitter and got your same results 5 inches or so, I manage to make the Lap timer work with a 2AA MAG lite flashlight the light beam is adjustable so I tested it up to two feet with no problem. I wonder if one can focus the light of the IR emitter into a bean like you do on the MAG. All I need is about a foot

Other than that it couldn't have been any easier, installed the software and I popped the phototransistor in a scanner parallel port cable between 10 and 25 and was up and running. I've seen cheap lasers pointers for $3 wharehouseforall or something like that. these look like a bullet and come with different heads..I'm sure they'll do!

thanks for the scoop!!!

Steve · #32 11-08-2002, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wild03
...I wonder if one can focus the light of the IR emitter into a bean like you do on the MAG. All I need is about a foot ...
thanks for the scoop!!!

Glad you tried it and had success, I couldn't believe how simple it was when I did it...kept thinking...sheeesh, what was so hard about that?

The focusing of the infrared emitter is a GREAT idea, but I don't know how you would see it to focus it...I've also seen infrared filters that you can put on regular lights that are supposed to block everything but infrared...find one of those for your mag and you're all set.

The laser isn't all that intrusive once it's installed, and inbetween races laser light shows are a hit!

wild03 · #33 11-08-2002, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Steve
Glad you tried it and had success, I couldn't believe how simple it was when I did it...kept thinking...sheeesh, what was so hard about that?

The focusing of the infrared emitter is a GREAT idea, but I don't know how you would see it to focus it...I've also seen infrared filters that you can put on regular lights that are supposed to block everything but infrared...find one of those for your mag and you're all set.

The laser isn't all that intrusive once it's installed, and inbetween races laser light shows are a hit!

Simple it was...The software makes it really easy! with the I/O testing feature.

As far as the Emitter it would've been nice to have it take power from the parallel port and have it all in one cable, but I'm with you, with the cheap lasers at $3 you can't go wrong and your Drag racing setup with the mirrors would be fairly easy with a laser....Hmm I was thinking of trying a fiveroptic cable instead of the mirrors, I'll have to see how good they do.

Legion · #34 11-08-2002, 11:46 AM

Not sure if I've missed something on previous threads but you can get the TOMY TOMICA BIT CHAR-G DIGITAL LAP COUNTER from Toyeast for $9.90. If your just looking for a good cheap lap counter/timer these work great.

wild03 · #35 11-08-2002, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Legion
Not sure if I've missed something on previous threads but you can get the TOMY TOMICA BIT CHAR-G DIGITAL LAP COUNTER from Toyeast for $9.90. If your just looking for a good cheap lap counter/timer these work great.

Hmm this would end up costing $20 with shipping and all, not a bad price, IT count laps but does it time them as well?? Also the beam seems to be 2" the most, so it'll require some mods...

I still think Steves' idea is cheaper and more customisable. so far I only invested $1.50 and I can setup the lap counter/timer.

PC- $0
Software- $0
cable- $0
MAGlite -$0
Phototransistor-$1.50
Being able to time your ZZ on your homemade track- PRICELESS

Steve · #36 11-08-2002, 12:38 PM

Yeah, the software that I've been using keeps track of custom cars, driver names, hot laps, average speed, lap times, number of laps, has a starting tree, racing sounds...can print out race results, practice sessions, qualifying times...and probably more I just havn't seen.

Legion · #37 11-08-2002, 12:38 PM

If you've already got the stuff to do that then Steve's is more customisable. The Tomy one has a longer range beam than you'd think, I've had it to about 8" without any trouble.
I'm all for coming up with new ways to do things, that's what makes this such a fun hobby.

wild03 · #38 11-08-2002, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Legion
If you've already got the stuff to do that then Steve's is more customisable. The Tomy one has a longer range beam than you'd think, I've had it to about 8" without any trouble.
I'm all for coming up with new ways to do things, that's what makes this such a fun hobby.

Sure I Agree 100%

Can you list the features that the Tomy counter has? IT could be a good alternative (small and portable) when you don't wanna carry a PC around!

Steve · #39 11-08-2002, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wild03
Sure I Agree 100%
Can you list the features that the Tomy counter has? IT could be a good alternative (small and portable) when you don't wanna carry a PC around!

The only reason I built the one I did is because there wasn't an alternative that I knew of. Is there a link or something to the Tomy one?

GTR · #40 11-08-2002, 09:43 PM

maybe u can have something to track your speed?

if u have a lil sensor thing set up

when u run the car through it, it takes a certain amount of time for it to go back right?

like...the car will block it for a certain amount of time...then u measure the length of the car....then you divide the length of the car by the time the laser is blocked...and boom! radar gun!...call the cops! ur speeding!

hehe

dunno if u can get the software to do that though

Steve · #41 11-08-2002, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GTR
maybe u can have something to track your speed?

if u have a lil sensor thing set up

when u run the car through it, it takes a certain amount of time for it to go back right?

like...the car will block it for a certain amount of time...then u measure the length of the car....then you divide the length of the car by the time the laser is blocked...and boom! radar gun!...call the cops! ur speeding!

hehe

dunno if u can get the software to do that though

It already does.

wild03 · #42 11-09-2002, 01:03 AM

Quote:

The only reason I built the one I did is because there wasn't an alternative that I knew of. Is there a link or something to the Tomy one?

You can find it pretty easy if you type "tomy lap counter" on google or something. I believe the price would be around $20 in the US, you can fing the same timer for $10 at toyeast under the bits accesories. I don't know what features it has I know is a counter but don't know if it times the laps as well...

BTW I tried the fiber optic cable idea to setup your drag racing timer, NO GOOD! the cable has a tiny little hole for light transmission, so right there you loose a good 99% of the beam!whatever light that travels scaters within a short distance of leaving the other side of the cable. the laser light leaving the other end wouldn't trigger the transistor even If i held it against it. SO back to mirrors it is!
I ordered a $4 laser pointer from wholesaleforeveryone, after shipping it comes out to $5.29 They also have $3 lasers but for an extra dollar they give you some more heads to put on the laser....just wanted to see if those heads really work!

laters

Legion · #43 11-09-2002, 03:19 AM

The tomy lap counter will time laps, show best lap time, has 5 tone race starting signal, end of race signal and variable number of laps from 1 to 500(1 to 10 for lap time and 1,10,25,50,75,100,150,200,300,500 for lap race). The button for the start signal can be removed from the lap counter and is connected by a cable so that it can be positioned else where.

Hope that was understandable.

wild03 · #44 11-13-2002, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Steve

...and probably more I just havn't seen.

Steve, looking around the software I noticed that it has a "Track Power" feature, (F10) It allows you to toggle pin2 +5V on and off
This will allow for a relay to toggle power to the track on and off...
I'm thinking I can power the laser with this pin, Then I can control the laser with the PC and everything ends up in one neat package...save you another $15 on the power supply.

It also has support for a "Track Call Switch" but I have no idea of what this is used on slot car racing.

wild03 · #45 11-14-2002, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wild03
Steve, looking around the software I noticed that it has a "Track Power" feature, (F10) It allows you to toggle pin2 +5V on and off
This will allow for a relay to toggle power to the track on and off...
I'm thinking I can power the laser with this pin, Then I can control the laser with the PC and everything ends up in one neat package...save you another $15 on the power supply.

It also has support for a "Track Call Switch" but I have no idea of what this is used on slot car racing.

Damn! after some research it seems like the 5v on the signal line doesn't have enough amps to power the Laser diode....I'm gonna have to get power from somewhere else

The engineer I talked to also mentioned that there's not even enough juice to power a relay! Now I wonder if any of the SLot car people is using this, I'm gonna have to jump to that site to check it out!

I'll be BACK!