How to Make a Track Segment Timer?

[Changing-Gearz]

This is a Phidget Board.... I run a couple on my track... This one handles just Pit in and Pit our for 4 lanes...




Sensors.... I forget what they are - and I don't have it written down.... :think:
works just like a light bridge - but under the track... The flag sets it off...


This board does the laps - track calls and some secret thing (I forget actually)...... The big board does lane power....


The problem I'm finding is - it's been too long since I got it going - I can't remember everything about it! I expanded it over a couple years - I know that... Probably 3 years since I ran it..... Busy with other "projects"....

[slothead]

Very helpful info about Reed switches and under the track optical sensor. I should have installed some optical sensors while I still had access to the underside of my tracks - but didn't. Sensor triggered by guide flags seem like the ideal solution for lap and segment time (if your cars have guide flags rather than pins).

Regarding Reed switches orientation and motor alignment, do you think a diagonal mounted switch would register inline and transverse motors? Or 2 switches wired in parallel with one in line with the slot and the other perpendicular to the slot.

Walmart has small (1/16" thick and 1/8" diameter) rare earth button magnets that could be mounted in the larger Parma/Champion commercial track guide flags I used for 1/32 dirt modified cars. At $5 for 50 magnets they might be worth a try if I had a circuit diagram for wiring up Reed switches.

Slothead