timer

[Nimrod]

Hi all,
I am looking for a reasonable timer, single lane is fine, if it can expanded better. I do not mind a used timer, so if anyone has an extra timer sitting in a box, let me know what you want for it. The timer does not have to be computer integrated, I just want to test cars with it.

Steve

[Pinewood Daddy]

I bought a timer module from Swan-Tech. $35.

http://www.swan-tech.com/PinewoodTimer.htm

It's just a board, you'd have to build a support structure, supply a light source (I used an infrared LED), 6VDC and a switch to start it. The only thing I don't like about it is it doesn't have a decimal point. But for about $75 I built a one lane timer (wired for three). The other two lanes only need the timer and IR LED, less than $80.

Here's a pic of what I built.

http://home.att.net/~d.fengler/Pics/P1010004.jpg

Here's my starting mechanism. There's a microswitch on the other side of the wood block (you can see the wires going to it).

http://home.att.net/~d.fengler/Pics/P1010011.jpg
http://home.att.net/~d.fengler/Pics/P1010012.jpg

[aeroknut]

I just got done building the K1SCK from Micro Wizard for around $110.

An excellent product!

Rob

[mrvoltz]

Those sound expensive for what you get.
If your going to pay that much you might as well go all the way and end up with a good timer.
If you have a computer and race software you can build an inexpensive sensor system for about $60-70. The software is worth $60.
Links to that info and more can be found on my site.
Otherwise, just for testing, use a stopwatch.
I'll look into a cheap one lane timer for testing purposes though, more people might want that, I think I can design something.

[aeroknut]

"Those sound expensive for what you get."
The next available option for what I got was around $265. That is a considerable difference.

"If your going to pay that much you might as well go all the way and end up with a good timer. "

The timer I ended up with for $100 is everybit as capable as the $265 timer. In fact, it IS the exact same timer in a case that I built at no cost.

It is a complete 4 lane IR/photosensor system with all the software capabilities possible:
Reverse Lanes
Mask Lanes
Force Print
Start Sw reset etc....

and, it is plug & play with GPRM.

"Otherwise, just for testing, use a stopwatch. "

I'm not sure what type of testing you have in mind, but when comparing performance differences of hundreths of a second, the human error factor in stopwatches renders that process less than consistent.

In addition, while I am not an engineer, I would think the cost of "desiging" a one lane system would be very similar to the cost to design a multi lane system.

As I stated in another thread on this subject, this solution (K1SCK)was perfect for me since for just another 20$ than what you propose, all the design work, and most of the soldering was done. Not to mention no trips in traffic or time spent shopping for little parts. My time is worth way more to me than that. The extra $20 (to bring it up to $100) were things I purchased to make my life easier.

Besides, at least for me, the nearest electronics store is 2,200 miles away. For anyone following this, let me state that I was completely commited to going the route you suggest (except the parts cost for the plans that I had was $80).

I cannot emphasize strongly enough to anyone else that may be in a similar position. What I got for that measly $20 difference was way more than parts. It was simplicity, reliability, customer service, proven design and a GREAT timer!

All that being said, with a tag like mrvoltz, it sounds like you are in a much better position than I when dealing with circuit boards, resistors and all that soldering fun. For anyone having skill and experience, it would probably make sense to go the pieces/parts route and save the extra $20. I almost did it just for the learning experience....just didn't have the time.

Good Luck with your project.

[mrvoltz]

Acually I was responding to the message above yours, Not to you aeroknut.
Sorry for the missunderstanding.
Micro Wizard has a good product for those who don't want to or don't know how to build there own.
Also, no it is not the same for one lane vs four, a single timer circuit is very simple. I've just never considered it before.
And just for testing you can use the demo of GPRM if you don't have a registered copy.
And your closest electronics store is only as far as your computer, but given your location I don't blame you for your response. Some companies kill you on shipping.
Have a great time with your PWD, and don't forget to have fun.