$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start

chuy
Poll Group

Posts: 241

$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start Apr 25, 2019 7:36:07 GMT -7 Skippy Kicky, Skywalker Racing, and 3 more like this

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Post by chuy on Apr 25, 2019 7:36:07 GMT -7

So I built this 1-lane timer for a member of the forum but wanted to see if there was any interest in my making a build video for this thing. I have learned a lot in building the three timers I have built up to now. If I do a build video, it will be different from this one and more compact. I think I can build it for $20 (not including things like bolts, wire, and angle brackets) but it will include:

1-lane timer (easily expandable to 6 timers)
Silent start gate system (if you notice in the video, the loudest sound is the button on the remote when starting)
Remote start system

Let me know if there is any interest in the video.

Last Edit: Apr 25, 2019 7:37:24 GMT -7 by chuy

True North Racing Poll Group Posts: 166	$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start Apr 25, 2019 7:44:43 GMT -7 chuy likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by True North Racing on Apr 25, 2019 7:44:43 GMT -7 I am impressed! I would love to see the video on how this is made. Please make it.

jimmy1973
Poll Group

Posts: 226

$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start Apr 25, 2019 7:58:26 GMT -7 via mobile chuy likes this

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Post by jimmy1973 on Apr 25, 2019 7:58:26 GMT -7

Yes , yes and yes. I saw “PDT” on there. Is this the one based on the Arduino Uno microcontroller? It looked like it. I was just sent their web page by another racer because I am gearing up to do the same thing. I don’t have a track, nor can I afford a Best Track but am putting a simple 2 lane together from vinyl covered Masonite to get by for now and the PDT is what I was going to build for it.
I saw on their page that even over at MA the PDT is in use on their record long track. A lot of folks use it over the timers that cost over $400 and up.

Thank you for sharing and by all means please do a build video!

Blessings!
Jimmy

Last Edit: Apr 25, 2019 7:59:42 GMT -7 by jimmy1973

chuy
Poll Group

Posts: 241

$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start Apr 25, 2019 8:49:02 GMT -7 jimmy1973 likes this

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Post by chuy on Apr 25, 2019 8:49:02 GMT -7

Apr 25, 2019 7:58:26 GMT -7 jimmy1973 said:

Yes , yes and yes. I saw “PDT” on there. Is this the one based on the Arduino Uno microcontroller? It looked like it. I was just sent their web page by another racer because I am gearing up to do the same thing. I don’t have a track, nor can I afford a Best Track but am putting a simple 2 lane together from vinyl covered Masonite to get by for now and the PDT is what I was going to build for it.
I saw on their page that even over at MA the PDT is in use on their record long track. A lot of folks use it over the timers that cost over $400 and up.

Thank you for sharing and by all means please do a build video!

Blessings!
Jimmy

Yes, this one is based on the PDT Timer but I have some modifications that make it more affordable. Their shield is very nice and makes things a lot easier but you can also use some of the smaller micro-controllers like a micro which is 1/4 the size. You can actually make this whole thing timer/remote about the size of a Tic-Tac box.

PDT Timer's website is excellent and his prices are better than what you can find out on the internet (I tried to get cheaper).

jimmy1973
Poll Group

Posts: 226

$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start Apr 25, 2019 9:21:00 GMT -7 via mobile

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Post by jimmy1973 on Apr 25, 2019 9:21:00 GMT -7

Apr 25, 2019 8:49:02 GMT -7 chuy said:

Apr 25, 2019 7:58:26 GMT -7 jimmy1973 said:

Yes , yes and yes. I saw “PDT” on there. Is this the one based on the Arduino Uno microcontroller? It looked like it. I was just sent their web page by another racer because I am gearing up to do the same thing. I don’t have a track, nor can I afford a Best Track but am putting a simple 2 lane together from vinyl covered Masonite to get by for now and the PDT is what I was going to build for it.
I saw on their page that even over at MA the PDT is in use on their record long track. A lot of folks use it over the timers that cost over $400 and up.

Thank you for sharing and by all means please do a build video!

Blessings!
Jimmy

Yes, this one is based on the PDT Timer but I have some modifications that make it more affordable. Their shield is very nice and makes things a lot easier but you can also use some of the smaller micro-controllers like a micro which is 1/4 the size. You can actually make this whole thing timer/remote about the size of a Tic-Tac box.

PDT Timer's website is excellent and his prices are better than what you can find out on the internet (I tried to get cheaper).

Oh that’s great to hear! I was looking just yesterday and his store was down for maintenance and hoping it’s back up soon.
I am seriously interested in knowing more about your mods... especially if it makes it even cheaper. I am building on a teeny tiny budget! Lol

chuy
Poll Group

Posts: 241

$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start Apr 25, 2019 10:28:28 GMT -7

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Post by chuy on Apr 25, 2019 10:28:28 GMT -7

Currently, the limiting factor is the # of displays. At $10 each, they are the most expensive part of the equation. I have scoured the internet looking for a less expensive I2C 7-segment display but the PWD Timer website is the cheapest.

If I were to rewrite the sketch for TM1637 displays, it would lower the price to about $2.

The rest of the timer circuit can be about $5 ($2 Arduino Nano, $1 microswitch, $2 Phototransistor). This means that you won't have things like headers or connectors with a lot of directly soldered connections and inline components like the current limiting resistors for the LEDs.

Last Edit: Apr 25, 2019 10:30:48 GMT -7 by chuy

jimmy1973
Poll Group

Posts: 226

$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start Apr 25, 2019 11:37:01 GMT -7

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Post by jimmy1973 on Apr 25, 2019 11:37:01 GMT -7

Apr 25, 2019 10:28:28 GMT -7 chuy said:

Currently, the limiting factor is the # of displays. At $10 each, they are the most expensive part of the equation. I have scoured the internet looking for a less expensive I2C 7-segment display but the PWD Timer website is the cheapest.

If I were to rewrite the sketch for TM1637 displays, it would lower the price to about $2.

The rest of the timer circuit can be about $5 ($2 Arduino Nano, $1 microswitch, $2 Phototransistor). This means that you won't have things like headers or connectors with a lot of directly soldered connections and inline components like the current limiting resistors for the LEDs.

Whoa... You are making this so simple and inexpensive I should just beg you to charge me to make one and buy it from YOU. lol
But honestly i'm a DIY'er at heart and ya learn by doing. I totally want to do this myself. I certainly can't re-write a sketch though.

I didn't even plan on using the displays and just use the PC. I wasn't kidding when I said I have to go on the cheap. I figured eventually I'd upgrade to the 7 segment displays. Though it really doesn't add much $. Its just adding the functionality that I figured I would do without for now. But going without the headers and connectors and less soldering... count me in!

I am dying to see what you come up with!

jimmy1973 Poll Group Posts: 226	$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start Apr 25, 2019 11:40:37 GMT -7 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by jimmy1973 on Apr 25, 2019 11:40:37 GMT -7 Now ya got me going. Found 6 digit TM1637 display's at Bangood for less than $4.00. Having the ten-thou digit is tempting.

chuy
Poll Group

Posts: 241

$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start Apr 25, 2019 11:59:01 GMT -7 via mobile jimmy1973 likes this

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Post by chuy on Apr 25, 2019 11:59:01 GMT -7

Try Aliexpress. It's a modern day WalMart

Look at this bad boy, 6 digit in green for $1.19. I really need to mod that sketch.

www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20190425123037&SearchText=6+digit+tm1637

Last Edit: Apr 25, 2019 13:32:07 GMT -7 by chuy

jimmy1973
Poll Group

Posts: 226

$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start Apr 25, 2019 14:34:55 GMT -7 via mobile

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Post by jimmy1973 on Apr 25, 2019 14:34:55 GMT -7

Oh my gosh that’s cheap!!! And perfect!!! I love how inexpensive individual parts for electronics are! That’s a DIYers dream! Lol
Re-writing the sketch goes way over my head but something tells me it’s not a big deal for you though. Ya gonna go for it?

chuy
Poll Group

Posts: 241

$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start Apr 25, 2019 14:40:20 GMT -7

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Post by chuy on Apr 25, 2019 14:40:20 GMT -7

Apr 25, 2019 14:34:55 GMT -7 jimmy1973 said:

Oh my gosh that’s cheap!!! And perfect!!! I love how inexpensive individual parts for electronics are! That’s a DIYers dream! Lol
Re-writing the sketch goes way over my head but something tells me it’s not a big deal for you though. Ya gonna go for it?

It's been a while since I took that class but I am brushing up on my C++. I am going to try it since it would allow me to donate timers to some local packs that have none.

This is the one I have been eyeballing to make a "Big Mac" timer

www.aliexpress.com/item/New-3-5-inch-TFT-LCD-Display-Module-Board-320x480-Screen-For-Arduino-Mega-2560/32905012313.html?spm=2114.search0604.3.15.49cc1e78o3JVlH&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_4_10065_10130_10068_10890_10547_319_10546_317_10548_10545_10696_453_10084_454_10083_10618_10307_537_536_10059_10884_10887_321_322_10103,searchweb201603_35,ppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=1e63e16e-c4a9-490d-8ea1-19da15ed0c7c-2&algo_pvid=1e63e16e-c4a9-490d-8ea1-19da15ed0c7c&transAbTest=ae803_3

chuy
Poll Group

Posts: 241

$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start Apr 25, 2019 14:51:04 GMT -7 Skippy Kicky likes this

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Post by chuy on Apr 25, 2019 14:51:04 GMT -7

Here is a pic of the old components (mounted on a piece of track) vs. the new smaller components on bottom. This has the timer, remote start gate, and electromagnetic solenoid. The actual gate itself would stay the same.

Last Edit: Apr 25, 2019 14:52:37 GMT -7 by chuy

jimmy1973
Poll Group

Posts: 226

$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start Apr 25, 2019 17:14:26 GMT -7 via mobile

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Post by jimmy1973 on Apr 25, 2019 17:14:26 GMT -7

Dang that’s small! The track I’m building will be vinyl coated Masonite and 2 lanes for drag racing if I can get others to want to build and race. But of course mainly for testing and tuning. The start gate will be really light weight and I might try the remote start as well. Really looking forward to your build with these smaller components.

BRACKETRACER
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Posts: 420

$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start Apr 27, 2019 13:39:56 GMT -7 jimmy1973 likes this

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Post by BRACKETRACER on Apr 27, 2019 13:39:56 GMT -7

Apr 25, 2019 11:37:01 GMT -7 jimmy1973 said:

Apr 25, 2019 10:28:28 GMT -7 chuy said:

Currently, the limiting factor is the # of displays. At $10 each, they are the most expensive part of the equation. I have scoured the internet looking for a less expensive I2C 7-segment display but the PWD Timer website is the cheapest.

If I were to rewrite the sketch for TM1637 displays, it would lower the price to about $2.

The rest of the timer circuit can be about $5 ($2 Arduino Nano, $1 microswitch, $2 Phototransistor). This means that you won't have things like headers or connectors with a lot of directly soldered connections and inline components like the current limiting resistors for the LEDs.

Whoa... You are making this so simple and inexpensive I should just beg you to charge me to make one and buy it from YOU. lol
But honestly i'm a DIY'er at heart and ya learn by doing. I totally want to do this myself. I certainly can't re-write a sketch though.

I didn't even plan on using the displays and just use the PC. I wasn't kidding when I said I have to go on the cheap. I figured eventually I'd upgrade to the 7 segment displays. Though it really doesn't add much $. Its just adding the functionality that I figured I would do without for now. But going without the headers and connectors and less soldering... count me in!

I am dying to see what you come up with!

jimmy, if you're using it for testing the pc display on the PDT3 software should be great for you, it has plenty of room for notes and the file structure is simple. I really like it. There's an option to show the times in a larger format on the pc that you can use in lieu of track mounted time displays to stay cheap, I never felt the need to add them to mine. I do connect my laptop to an overhead tv sometimes but mostly I just use the laptop by itself.

Reece Racing 1x World, 3x NPWDRL Champion Posts: 980	$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start Apr 27, 2019 14:32:21 GMT -7 via mobile B_Regal Racing, Veteran's Freedom Center, and 2 more like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Reece Racing on Apr 27, 2019 14:32:21 GMT -7 So after watching the video I've determined I'm not smart enough to build one of these things lol.

$20 timer/silent start gate/remote start

Post by chuy on Apr 25, 2019 7:36:07 GMT -7

Post by True North Racing on Apr 25, 2019 7:44:43 GMT -7

Post by jimmy1973 on Apr 25, 2019 7:58:26 GMT -7

Post by chuy on Apr 25, 2019 8:49:02 GMT -7

Post by jimmy1973 on Apr 25, 2019 9:21:00 GMT -7

Post by chuy on Apr 25, 2019 10:28:28 GMT -7

Post by jimmy1973 on Apr 25, 2019 11:37:01 GMT -7

Post by jimmy1973 on Apr 25, 2019 11:40:37 GMT -7

Post by chuy on Apr 25, 2019 11:59:01 GMT -7

Post by jimmy1973 on Apr 25, 2019 14:34:55 GMT -7

Post by chuy on Apr 25, 2019 14:40:20 GMT -7

Post by chuy on Apr 25, 2019 14:51:04 GMT -7

Post by jimmy1973 on Apr 25, 2019 17:14:26 GMT -7

Post by BRACKETRACER on Apr 27, 2019 13:39:56 GMT -7

Post by Reece Racing on Apr 27, 2019 14:32:21 GMT -7

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