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Thread: Kind of off topic timing electronic type of thing.

  1. #1
    Post count? Get over it. Drew's Avatar
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    Default Kind of off topic timing electronic type of thing.

    I am running a motorsport event, and need timing gear.

    Not a problem, until the cost of hiring said gear is £2000+.

    So we had a plan. Surely it can't cost anything like that to build?

    Soooooooooooo........

    I thought 'Well, I don't really know where to start. Who'd know about this kind of stuff?'

    Easy. TBCS.

    If the collective knowledge isn't here, it isn't anywhere.

    Here we go.

    The timing is for a quarter mile drag and a sprint circuit.

    I'm thinking lasers and recievers at the start and finish, hooked up to a laptop with a funky little program to run it and sort out the times (obviously, doubled up for the drag).

    Oh, and a start light and win lane lights would be nice for the drag too.

    Any ideas?

    What I'm actually asking for is your collective knowledge to come forth and rescue me.

    What I need is....

    Some idea of where to get hold of the components (UK preferred).
    Some idea of the names of the components.
    Some idea of the cost of the components.
    Anyone fancy knocking up a simple time recording program?
    Is this at all practical?
    Am I being a moron?

    Help.......

    Drew

  2. #2
    t3h f3cKiN 33Ji7 calumc's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kind of off topic timing electronic type of thing.

    i dont have a clue about programming but for hardware maybe you could do something with lasers and webcams?
    Quote Originally Posted by Crazy Buddhist View Post
    I'm starting to worry that I may become genuinely funny at some point. Then there will be no hope.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Kind of off topic timing electronic type of thing.

    Quote Originally Posted by calumc View Post
    i dont have a clue about programming but for hardware maybe you could do something with lasers and webcams?
    Sounds like a combo-brothel-disco you're building

  4. #4
    Post count? Get over it. Drew's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kind of off topic timing electronic type of thing.

    I was kinda thinking lasers and some kind of reciever... it might be raining, so it needs to be waterproof-ish...

    And I don't wanna kill webcams willy nilly.

    Thanks for the thought though.

  5. #5
    Paradox Sausage DaveW's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kind of off topic timing electronic type of thing.

    I could probably write the program for that, it's not complicated. But as for hardware, that's not a thing I have time for, same with drivers to interface with the hardware.

    (To other hardcore geeks; I know there's some small problems with the above sentance, but just ignore them, ok?)

    -Dave
    Quote Originally Posted by jdbnsn
    Ideas are just knowledge soaked in alcohol.
    Quote Originally Posted by jdbnsn
    Did I just get in a Volvo? Volvo's don't have guns!

  6. #6

    Default Re: Kind of off topic timing electronic type of thing.

    Drew

    You want IR beam technology my man ... and someone with a little electronics knowledge ... I think you are going to like this:

    PHOTO-ELECTRIC BEAM SENSORS - INFRARED BEAM ALARM


    The FT25B is a two part infrared beam system. The infrared beam receiver is powered by 12V DC and is equipped with an output relay having N/O N/C contacts. The transmitter can be powered by either 12V DC or 2 x AA 3.6V Lithium batteries. Battery life is over two years. Installation is very quick and strait forward with easy beam alignment.

    Some typical kits are detailed below.

    ORDER CODE (BEAM SET ONLY) FT25B PRICE £54.00 + VAT

    WOOT WOOT £54 smackers and you are well on your way to a fulll rig Or if you wanna get busy and mod them:



    BATTERY OPERATED PHOTOELECTRIC BEAM

    Simple entrance monitoring device which creates an invisible beam across a doorway or area. Easy beam alignment with confirmation LED. Two beam distance settings. Low battery warning signal. Choice of alarm tones or single chime when the beam is broken. Both units operate from 1 x PP3 battery (supplied). Ideal for shop doorways, care of the elderly, children (when toddlers get on the move). Dimensions: 95mm x 70mm x 25mm. Beam range up to 10M.

    ORDER CODE EL665 PRICE £25.49 + VAT

    thats £50 + vat for both your start and end sensors ! (and they are in the UK)

    I haven't looked for bargains this is the first stuff I found.

    CrazyB

  7. #7
    LOLWUT?! Scotty's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kind of off topic timing electronic type of thing.

    You wouldn't want to use webcams if it's a racing event, slow things you'd miss them go by.
    What about infared?
    there has to be away of doing it with infared IR lights/LEDs are going to cost £2k

    edit: Damn you CrazyB i knew i was right... you just posted a few minutes before

  8. #8
    Remember Remember, The 5th Of November.
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    Default Re: Kind of off topic timing electronic type of thing.

    Youll save a TON of money, but it will be kinda ghetto rigged.

    basically what youll be doing but the cam can be substitued for a laser
    http://www.lildumpo.com/projects/autowoodchopper/


    Lasers would work, and so would low quality camera's but they may be sightly off.

    As far as programming goes, its pretty simple and straight forward. If you dont know anyone who can do it, you can hire a programmer online.

  9. #9
    Paradox Sausage DaveW's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kind of off topic timing electronic type of thing.

    I don't think InfraRed would be accurate enough...I think you'd need some lazers to get accurate readouts. In a drag race, those 0.01 seconds are gonna count.

    -Dave
    Quote Originally Posted by jdbnsn
    Ideas are just knowledge soaked in alcohol.
    Quote Originally Posted by jdbnsn
    Did I just get in a Volvo? Volvo's don't have guns!

  10. #10

    Default Re: Kind of off topic timing electronic type of thing.

    Quote Originally Posted by DaveW View Post
    I don't think InfraRed would be accurate enough...I think you'd need some lazers to get accurate readouts. In a drag race, those 0.01 seconds are gonna count.

    -Dave
    As IR and lasers are both forms of EM wave and travel at similar speeds that make drag cars look like snails ... I think they are intechangeable in these circumstances? I can't see how it would make a difference.

    CrazyB

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