AFX Hobby

[Andymil]

Have come across this at JAYCAR, could be a real possibility?

CAT. NO. ZD1901

Comments, thoughts.

[SnuffyTech]

Andy,

I've had a look at the technical data, as the sensor and emitter are integrated into the same unit, with only a 3mm gap between, the only way i think you could use it would be to mount it in the track and have the guide pin run through it. It could be a mission to mount it, as getting it flush with the track surface and lined up in the slot could be interesting. Other than that it looks quite promising as it would be quite discrete, so you wouldn't need any bulky towers or light grids to hide the IR emitters.

Here's a drawing of how I think it should be mounted to work properly

[Andymil]

Thanks for that. That was how I imagined it could be used, good to see the scale size, gona go and order 4 later this morning.

[Cookie]

It is alot easier to use phototransistors that look like LEDs. Then all you do is drill a 3mm or 5mm hole in the track poke the LED through from underneath so It doesnt protrude above the track then build a "gantry" avove the track with a couple of LEDs in providing light onto the phototransistors. I use this method very successully with the laptimer2000 software. Ill post some pics after the weekend. You might have trouble getting the configuration in the picture above will work because of the small size of the slot pin to break the light and the depth of the pin in the slot....hope this is helpful to you guys.

[kiwidave]

Hey Cookie,
Welcome aboard! Some pics would be great. Guys, Cookie knows what he is talking about. He has electronic timing on his layout. One of my cars may still hold the lap record on his track?

[Cookie]

heres Some pics Im going to load them individually as my connection keeps dropping out.

[Cookie]

Pic of the underside of the track with the phototransistors mounted

[Cookie]

The light above the track. I used the LEDs that cam e with the light but if you dont want to see any light use infra red LEDs

[Cookie]

Start finish line Lap timing monitor 7" LCD driven from the TV out on the PC video card

[Cookie]

Main monitor at the end of the track with keyboard etc