[Ninco2000]

Leo, thanks again for the help, laptimer 2000 works (as I now see) without any problems on my PC, I now understand what kind of cable I need and how to solder to the cable. The only thing that is not completely clear yet (and I find it difficult to see in the photo) is exactly which diode I need.

I have a scalextric footbridge, is it possible, for example, to mount an LED strip underneath and use it as light instead of a desk lamp?

Thank you very much for all the answers and sorry for the questions, but it is becoming a lot clearer to me now, so thank you :)

I have a soldering iron and can do a fair amount of soldering

Robbin :)

[Ninco2000]

I have added 2 photos, 1 of the diode that I think I need (Light sensor / Phototransistor HW5P), and 1 of the cable that I think I need.

is this all or is more needed?

[Scuderia_Turini]

Hello Robbin,
I prefer Photo-Diodes as they are slightly quicker to respond,  but those Photo-Transistors should work.   
The cores in that cable will be very fine and so difficult to work with. Here is an example of the kind of audio cable I use. Various lengths are available but I suggest that a 5metre length would be good. That would allow you cut it into a decent short length and long length sections and having the actual cables separate will make them easier to work with and be more robust than the pre-wired 9-pin cable.

Photo is my suggestion to fix the cable to the Ninco track. Inevitably the track will sit a bit higher than normal.  If nothing else make sure to cable-tie at the edge.

Leo

   

[Ninco2000]

Hello Leo, thanks again for the answer, I will look for photo diodes,

the photo below the track is very clear, thanks for this.

What I don't quite understand yet is how I would go from the audio cable to my PC, what is useful for this?

Robbin

[Scuderia_Turini]

Hello Robbin,
I have been wondering how to explain that - LOL!
I tried doing a drawing, will have another go.

Leo

[Ninco2000]

hello leo,

I already ordered the photo diodes, I still have a piece of audio cable lying around so that's good ;)

the only thing left is the last piece of audio cable to PC.

If you can send a drawing or explanation that would be great,

I'd like to hear it,
Robbin

[Frankiegoes]

Hi Robbin, you contacted me about my rail for Ninco digital, with direct usb connection. Impossible to answer because of your filter on private messages. If you are still interested, my WhatsApp is +39 3922941797. have a good time, Francesco of SCR

[Scuderia_Turini]

Hello Robbin,
OK, this hopefully explains what I have done, if nothing else it may suggest alternative arrangements. I use the audio cables for two reasons - 1: The cables are shielded so less likely to suffer with false triggers from car motor noise (electrical noise), 2: if necessary I can easily patch in a long extension cable to extend the reach between the track and the computer (this is handy for a portable track).

So the arrangement is to solder a short bit of cable (with plugs at the end) to the sensors and a longer piece of cable (with sockets at the end) to the 9-Pin connector for the computer.
Obviously the plugs and sockets get connected to make it work...  If you want to switch the lane identities its easy to cross-over the connectors.

Hope fully the pictures tell a thousand words...
I only have 25-pin connectors so am showing that, but the comments are using the 9-Pin pin numbers.

Leo
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[Ninco2000]

hello leo,

Thank you again for this clear explanation, I know what I have to do, I am going to order what I need today, and once everything has been delivered I will start working on it straight away.

I'll let you know if it was successful and working.

thanks for all the explanation :)

Robbin

[Scuderia_Turini]

Cheers Robbin,
I'll keep an eye open in case you have queries.

Leo