Build your own inexpensive timing system

[hillbilly]

Shotgundrg please keep this going, I would really like to try this. Looking forward to seeing the end result. Hillbilly

[racer6583]

thanks for sharing shotgundrg i hope that you succeed cause I think this might be just the timing set up for my future layout, will be checking to see how things are going with your timing system.

[hillbilly]

Alright been looking forward to this. Hillbilly

[waaytoomuchintothis]

This is the way we all used to do it. Two of our tracks upgraded and have dead strips now, but all the rest are just like this, right down to where the photocels came from.

[ourwayband]

Great job on the system and showing how you did it!
I know for a fact that this works well as I have done the same for a 2 lane set up.
Thanks for sharing.

Rusty

[HomeRacingWorld]

Well, I am confused. You guys will have to come over and build it for me.

Free Slotburger for every lane you wire :)

Just kidding...Very nice work. Great thread.

[noddaz]

Looking GOOD! Looks like you need to make another harness with some superbright white LEDs to string under your bridge instead of those Christmas lights......

Scott

[hillbilly]

David Thanks for all the info on this topic, went to Radio Shack yesterday and picked up the photosensors and the 25 pin connector and some wire. Started digging out the old computer and got lucky it had a 25 pin connector for the printer. Got to get a few more tools together and hopefully get this up and running this weekend, When I was at Radio Shack I noticed they had a lot of LED lights would any of these work. Thanks Hillbilly

[2FER SLOTS]

Are you guys using Radio Shack IR photo sensors?
That's what I have on 2 different tracks.
What has been working very well is the IR emitters they also sell.
It is concentrated light of the correct wavelength to make the sensors reliable.
No melting :D and you can't see the light so its good for night racing.

[noddaz]

What you may have to do is drill different holes in the track and bring the sensors up until the sensors are just under the surface of the track. It just may be to difficult for the light to still be bright enough after make it down to the bottom of the slot and then into the holes the receivers are in...

Scott

[RichD]

One of the Shoreline Model Raceways tracks uses this setup. As you have said the photoresistors need a lot of light to work correctly. That track has a light bridge with three slide projector lamps, they are hot and you can smell burning MDF most of the time. It would not be a good idea to leave a car parked under them!

[RichD]

Let us know how the LEDs work out, I have tried them with other applications and they may not be bright enough. You may end up having to cluster several of them for each lane.

[SpeedyNH]

i bought some led light strips (they come in groups of three) from all electronics that are used in kitchen under-counter lights. they get really, really bright white on 12V. but i haven't tried 'em yet.
speedy

[noddaz]

I have read on other boards that sometimes the RS LEDs can be problematic...

[ourwayband]

Well it ain't pretty,but here is what I started out using for a temporary set up,and yes I'm still using it. ;)
Just an Office desk lamp.Works perfect..yep,I need to camo it,but just been busy.. :dance:
Rusty