Low cost lapcounting
Low cost lapcounting
Whilst tidying my workshop this morning I found the coil winder which I made for the steering coils. This had a decent looking timer, batteries, switches etc. so I dug out the reed switches I bought recently for the speed controller and fitted them into the track and it worked first time. My previous attempts worked but this time it seems better. Perhaps because the switches are flush with the track surface and not below it.
I am pretty confident that up to four cars could be counted, with the switches 12mm (1/2") apart. The car magnets could easily be made adjustable to suit.
This system could not of course time laps but, for racing, the most important thing is to get reliable winning results and so far I have been unable to beat the counter, even with overfast passes resulting in disaster at the end of the straight!
Started today also on a new larger track and this will prove if 4 cars can be counted..
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Re: Low cost lapcounting
Hi Wes.
Is there a secret I don't get? How would you distinguish the different cars ?
Is there a secret I don't get? How would you distinguish the different cars ?
Racing Regards
Kim K.
Kim K.
Re: Low cost lapcounting
And an other q.
Is the steereing magnet too week to trigger the Reed switch?
If not why not put the Reed at a cutout in the magwire ?
Is the steereing magnet too week to trigger the Reed switch?
If not why not put the Reed at a cutout in the magwire ?
Racing Regards
Kim K.
Kim K.
Re: Low cost lapcounting
Hi Kim, The magnet would be removable and attached in 4 different positions across the car, say 10mm apart which would be enough to separate the magnetic force. The guide magnet, being 10mm off line from the switch, does not trigger it.
There would be 2 magnets each side of the guide wire. And you need to do this for both wires of course.
The key is small magnets close to the switches so the mag force does not spread far.
There would be 2 magnets each side of the guide wire. And you need to do this for both wires of course.
The key is small magnets close to the switches so the mag force does not spread far.
Re: Low cost lapcounting
So you plan on having one reedswitch-position for each car for each wire.
As long as the car passes straight over the it could work and probably for a max of 4 cars giving 8 reed switches for 2 lanes.
When you get it to perform steady we could possible to get RaceCommander to work on the setup as well.
As long as the car passes straight over the it could work and probably for a max of 4 cars giving 8 reed switches for 2 lanes.
When you get it to perform steady we could possible to get RaceCommander to work on the setup as well.
Racing Regards
Kim K.
Kim K.
Re: Low cost lapcounting
I now have some from RS which are looking good and counting both cars on one side of the wire ok. (I only have 2 counters at present. I don't have the part number to hand but I would be pleased to provide this if needed.
This system will only count laps, which is the most important for racing, but I suspect that timing could be added.
Re: Low cost lapcounting
You should be able to use the http://racecoordinator.net/index.html
it handles 'read' switches.
You will have all bells and whistles.
and it is free.
it handles 'read' switches.
You will have all bells and whistles.
and it is free.
Racing Regards
Kim K.
Kim K.
Re: Low cost lapcounting
Pic shows the magnet locator I am testing. You can see one 4mm x 1mm magnet in position.. The plastic locator strip is on top of a thin steel plate so easy to change.