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Pinewood derby Timer

Former Member

Please help

 

I was asked to put together a Pinewood derby Timer sense I was the only one with some electronics background. I haven't picked up a soldering Iron in 20 years. The one thing going for me is time. I have a year to put it all together. I can solder the circuit no problem. Designing it, not a chance. We only have a two lane track, but any help would be appreciated.

 

Requirements:

  •     Measure time in 100th of a secant.
  •     All timers start when the race starts (depress lever opens the gate and the derby racers roll).
  •     Each timer stops as derby car rolls across finish line.
  •     Reset button
  •     Order indicator (who crossed finish line first)
  •     The ability to log the races electronically i.e. USB thumb drive, SD card, etc. (this requirement really gets my goat)

 

Thank you

  • It's probably a bit overkill, but maybe you can use a simplified version. The Power Racing Series uses a timing and scoring system where each car(up to 30 cars so far) has a transponder that starts a timer when it crosses the starting line and marks a lap(could stop) when it crosses it again. There is probably a way to use the code from that system and modify it to work for your scenario, maybe by using some different sensors instead. I don't know who created the original system, but I know some teams in other regions of the country have been working on making their own so they can host their own races. You could try getting ahold of them through this email group: power-racing-series@googlegroups.com.


    Sorry I couldn't be of direct help, but I hope you can find the help you need!


    ~Karen