Novice question about building a race timer
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Posts: 46,084
I want to build a race timer that will let me capture split times for
each lap. I read the Scott Edwards articles and it seems that the
stamp will be more than capable of letting me do this. I would like
to use a sensor ("fancier light-beam electronic switch" as Scott
refers to them) to detect when a lap has been completed. The track
is about 4-6 feet wide. It should be able to work in a variety of
light conditions, mostly in an indoor gym, but outside as well. When
an object crosses the beam, I want to send a signal to the stamp.
The problem is, I don't know where to look, or even what to look for
with regard to the sensor. Also, I would like it to be relatively
inexpensive because I will need at least 10 of them when the project
is complete.
FYI - I never done any work with a stamp before. Actually, all my
electronics background has been with building tube amplifiers for
stereo and guitar. So, unless it makes noise and has really high
voltages, I'm in the dark. I hope this isn't too simple of a
question.
each lap. I read the Scott Edwards articles and it seems that the
stamp will be more than capable of letting me do this. I would like
to use a sensor ("fancier light-beam electronic switch" as Scott
refers to them) to detect when a lap has been completed. The track
is about 4-6 feet wide. It should be able to work in a variety of
light conditions, mostly in an indoor gym, but outside as well. When
an object crosses the beam, I want to send a signal to the stamp.
The problem is, I don't know where to look, or even what to look for
with regard to the sensor. Also, I would like it to be relatively
inexpensive because I will need at least 10 of them when the project
is complete.
FYI - I never done any work with a stamp before. Actually, all my
electronics background has been with building tube amplifiers for
stereo and guitar. So, unless it makes noise and has really high
voltages, I'm in the dark. I hope this isn't too simple of a
question.
Comments
I think your best bet would be an IR system. Stamp handles these very well,
they are fast and relatively inexpensive. Programming IR detection is pretty
simple.
Sid
Opto Sensors, Infrared Detectors, Infrared Emitters, etc. Then I
don't know what type of output to look for. And do I need special
power supply. And it looks like some of these things need have 2
parts to them, I would prefer one part.
Sorry for all the questions, I really don't know what I'm looking for
and don't really understand the information that I am reading. Can
you be more specific with part numbers and sources for an IR system?
--- In basicstamps@y..., Newzed@a... wrote:
> For dbishop
>
> I think your best bet would be an IR system. Stamp handles these
very well,
> they are fast and relatively inexpensive. Programming IR detection
is pretty
> simple.
>
> Sid
that are set-up and ready to use. I have interfaced them to Stamps
before with no problems, not cheap though.
Hope this helps,
Rich
Original Message
From: dbishopbliss [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=1S3EQPCGC7dAyKwAw4loiQj687H145IFpOLsnkPlnYueK_rfFMwvzRDWnVIPK-bop8Y-wMzP__wPdTiY_FqM]dbishopbliss@y...[/url
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2002 9:19 AM
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Novice question about building a race timer
I did a search at digikey got several categories back. Infrared and
Opto Sensors, Infrared Detectors, Infrared Emitters, etc. Then I
don't know what type of output to look for. And do I need special
power supply. And it looks like some of these things need have 2
parts to them, I would prefer one part.
Sorry for all the questions, I really don't know what I'm looking for
and don't really understand the information that I am reading. Can
you be more specific with part numbers and sources for an IR system?
--- In basicstamps@y..., Newzed@a... wrote:
> For dbishop
>
> I think your best bet would be an IR system. Stamp handles these
very well,
> they are fast and relatively inexpensive. Programming IR detection
is pretty
> simple.
>
> Sid
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If your response was directed to me, go to www.rentron.com and look at his IR
stuff. Everything you need to know about IR. He even has a kit.
Sid
>I want to build a race timer that will let me capture split times for
>each lap. I read the Scott Edwards articles and it seems that the
>stamp will be more than capable of letting me do this. I would like
>to use a sensor ("fancier light-beam electronic switch" as Scott
>refers to them) to detect when a lap has been completed.
If I recall correctly, Wireless World (Electronics World) did a project
last year that does exactly this - the sensors are quite easy to make with
readily available components. Theirs was intended to work with runners
instead of race cars but the range should be similar.
Check your local library.
dwayne
Dwayne Reid <dwayner@p...>
Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd Edmonton, AB, CANADA
(780) 489-3199 voice (780) 487-6397 fax
Celebrating 18 years of Engineering Innovation (1984 - 2002)
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