29th-Nov-23, 09:54 PM
Hello Stu,
Working with an Arduino can be tiresome but once it is working it should last a long time. The challenge is to get the code (aka Sketch) loaded in to the Arduino. Soldering up the sensors, switches and screen are straightforward. I used the code created by SlingshotX (Kevin) on the old forum. His package only does Lap limited timing so that may not suit you but its as simple as switching on the unit then pressing a button to set the number of laps then pressing the Start button.
For my purposes (Rally) I only wanted one lane so I crudely hacked Kevin's code to operate appropriately.
Links to Kevin's and my post are below - you might remember them.
First move is to load up the Arduino software to your PC then plug in the Arduino to a USB socket. The Arduino package needs to be set to match your Arduino and the relevant USB Port. This is where the fun starts because o lot of Arduinos are "compatibles" and finding the appropriate Windows Driver package might be difficult. With luck Windows will detect the relevant driver software and install it but it may not appear in the list.
The test is to see if you can load up the "Blink" example code <File> >> <Examples>> >> <Basics> >> <Blink> again with luck you will get a blinking led on the Arduino.
Once you have the upload working you can try uploading Kevin's Sketch although it will probably fail due to the related "library" of code that matches the display screen (Kevin's recommendation) . Other screens can be used but then you are on your own!
I like the SCX Chrono units but the reed-switch car detection can be unreliable if cars do not have a traction magnet so whilst it would be possible to use that I use Infra-Red Diode sensors and LED Light-bridge type arrangement or a proximity sensor (in the van).
Leo
Kevin's Topic - https://www.slotforum.com/threads/single...9D20.78638
Scuderia_Turini Topic - https://www.slotforum.com/threads/slot-r...ost-892715
A stand-alone unit built as a shed (the pair of black dots are the proximity sensor):
Working with an Arduino can be tiresome but once it is working it should last a long time. The challenge is to get the code (aka Sketch) loaded in to the Arduino. Soldering up the sensors, switches and screen are straightforward. I used the code created by SlingshotX (Kevin) on the old forum. His package only does Lap limited timing so that may not suit you but its as simple as switching on the unit then pressing a button to set the number of laps then pressing the Start button.
For my purposes (Rally) I only wanted one lane so I crudely hacked Kevin's code to operate appropriately.
Links to Kevin's and my post are below - you might remember them.
First move is to load up the Arduino software to your PC then plug in the Arduino to a USB socket. The Arduino package needs to be set to match your Arduino and the relevant USB Port. This is where the fun starts because o lot of Arduinos are "compatibles" and finding the appropriate Windows Driver package might be difficult. With luck Windows will detect the relevant driver software and install it but it may not appear in the list.
The test is to see if you can load up the "Blink" example code <File> >> <Examples>> >> <Basics> >> <Blink> again with luck you will get a blinking led on the Arduino.
Once you have the upload working you can try uploading Kevin's Sketch although it will probably fail due to the related "library" of code that matches the display screen (Kevin's recommendation) . Other screens can be used but then you are on your own!
I like the SCX Chrono units but the reed-switch car detection can be unreliable if cars do not have a traction magnet so whilst it would be possible to use that I use Infra-Red Diode sensors and LED Light-bridge type arrangement or a proximity sensor (in the van).
Leo
Kevin's Topic - https://www.slotforum.com/threads/single...9D20.78638
Scuderia_Turini Topic - https://www.slotforum.com/threads/slot-r...ost-892715
A stand-alone unit built as a shed (the pair of black dots are the proximity sensor):
Forum Precepts: Don't hijack or divert topics - create a new one. Don't feed the Troll. http://www.scuderiaturini.com
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