Race Timer and Speedometer
New Version 1.2
The Cook’s Projects Race Timer and Speedometer is intended to reveal the winning car and speed in a 2 lane race or measure every car’s speed travelling on the track in Speedometer mode. It is designed for 1:64 scale diecast model cars such as Hot Wheels or Matchbox models. The Race Timer is a self-contained unit and is available in a number of colours. No Track modification is needed. To use, simply place on top of track which is less than 42mm wide (Hot Wheels track is compatible). It comes with a USB cable that is connected to a USB (A) power supply (USB mains plug or battery pack - not provided) or computer. There are 2 versions of the Race Timer available. A complete self-contained unit and a datalink version which is functionally the same as the original Race Timer but adds the ability to output additional and more detailed data to a computer running freely available compatible software (software not provided but instructions on how to download and use our suggestion are).
Unlike other timers, there is no need to modify any track, route long cables between points or calculate track lengths etc. Simply place the Race Timer on the top of the track, provide power via the USB cable and play.
The Race Timer and Speedometer has two operating modes selected at power up. As a Race Timer, it will provide a Start Sequence with sound and lights and then reveal the winning car in a 2-car race. The race time, winning margin and the speed of each car is displayed on the onboard LCD display. Alternatively, select the Speedometer mode to continuously and immediately display the speed of any car that passes through the unit. The mode is selected after power up by swiping a hand between the rear LED sensors at the back of the unit.
NOTE: The Race Timer’s front is the LCD screen. Cars run through the detector from the front to back - LCD screen side facing the cars release point.
We are now producing Version 1.2 of the Race Timer and Speedometer. There have been improvements in the hardware to optimise the accuracy of car detection. The processor has been updated to now measure time in microseconds (1 x 10^-6 seconds). It now monitors the sensors so quickly that the Race Timer and Speedometer can now detect real speeds of over 440Km/h! (theoretically, as we haven’t found a car fast enough to prove it!) When in speedometer mode, even the 13 milliseconds that it takes for the processor to send a measurement to the LCD display, or attached computer, can reduce the accuracy! If this ever occurs, a # will now be displayed next to the data to indicate the unreliability of that measurement.
Race Timer Mode
The Race Timer mode starts with a grand prix style audible start sound and flashing light sequence. The LCD indicates the elapsed time from lights out. The winning car lane LED is turned on immediately the first car passes the sensors giving an instant indication of the winning lane. The race continues until the second car passes both sensors, or 10 seconds elapse from the first car completing the course. The winning race time and time difference between the winning and losing car is displayed on the onboard LCD in thousandths of a second. After a short delay, each car’s actual speed through the Race Timer is shown (Km/h). The Race Timer then counts down for another race with a flashing light sequence before starting the race start sound and lights sequence again. If the second car does not pass the sensors within 10 seconds of the first car finishing, a crash is assumed and the winning lane’s times and speeds are displayed before resetting for another race.
Speedometer Mode
In Speedometer mode, the Race Timer will continuously monitor every car travelling past the sensors. The lane’s LED will light whilst the car is traveling through the Race Timer over the measured distance. Once the front and rear sensors have been passed, the measured speed (Km/h) is instantly displayed on the LCD. That lane’s speed remains displayed until the next car passes that lane’s sensors.
Once selected, the Race Timer will remain in the selected mode until power is removed from the unit. To change the mode, first remove the power from the USB connector. When power is reapplied, the mode can be reselected.
Send more detailed data to a connected computer
This is an OPTIONAL EXTRA. Data can be transmitted to a computer via the USB cable to reveal more detailed information for both lanes, including actual times in milliseconds, speeds in metres per second (m/s), Kilometres per Hour (Km/h) and Miles per Hour (mph). This data output could be used as a record of all race or speedometer data in a multicar multi-race style event or for comparing different car or track characteristics. This data allows varied analysis. The speed is reported to an accuracy of 4 decimal places.
Using the Speedometer function, the LANE and the speed is output to a computer as well as the time taken in microseconds to travel the measured distance. This data transmission causes a small delay immediately after a car has passed the rear sensor whilst the data is sent via the datalink. This may affect the accuracy of the readings if a car is in the unit within approximately 15 milliseconds (0.015s) of the first car. If speed accuracy is required, we recommend separating cars by at least 1/5th of a second. A record of all cars speeds is provided to the computer.
NOTE: There are 2 versions of the Race Timer and Speedometer. They look the same but the datalink facility cannot be added to Race Timer’s purchased in the non-datalink format.
Standalone Version
Max recommended car size: <34mm wide <44mm high
Dimensions (mm): 135 (w) x 107 (h) x 112 (d) mm
Weight: 260g
Power Supply: USB (A) 5v >1A (not provided)
Internal Accuracy Version 1.2 :
Race Timer: Normally within 6.5 ms
Speedometer: Normally within 0.3 ms
(Maximum error 13 ms during periods of LCD output)
Display Accuracy - LCD:
0.001s (1ms) for winning difference
0.01s for Race Time
Speed: 0.01 Km/h
Advanced Datalink Version
Max recommended car size: <34mm wide <44mm high
Dimensions (mm): 135 (w) x 107 (h) x 112 (d) mm
Weight: 260g
Power Supply: USB (A) 5v >1A (not provided)
Internal Accuracy Version 1.2:
Race Timer: Normally within 6.5 ms
Speedometer: Normally within 0.3 ms
(Maximum error 18 ms during periods of LCD/serial link output)
Displayed Accuracy - LCD:
0.001s (1ms) for winning difference
0.01s for Race Time
Speed: 0.01 Km/h
Output Accuracy - Serial Datalink
Race Timer
0.001 (1ms) for Race Time AND Winning Difference
Speeds in metres per second, Km/h and mph:
0.0001 metres / second
0.0001 Km/h
0.0001 mph
Scale speeds provided in Km/h and mph to 2 decimal places
Speedometer
0.0001 Km/h
measured distance time in microseconds (µs, 0.000001 second)
Note: This product is designed as a toy. No guarantee is offered that the accuracy stated above will be achieved in every Race Timer. The stated accuracy has not been scientifically measured and is has not been temperature compensated. It is not a scientific instrument. The stated accuracy is based on measured observation of pre-production Race Timers in use using data from internal microprocessor clock cycles. The actual accuracy of each Race Timer may differ due to production variations and improvements. Whilst all Race Timers should meet the specifications stated, no guarantee is implied or provided that every unit will meet these.
Race Timer and Speedometer
New Version 1.2
The Cook’s Projects Race Timer and Speedometer is intended to reveal the winning car and speed in a 2 lane race or measure every car’s speed travelling on the track in Speedometer mode. It is designed for 1:64 scale diecast model cars such as Hot Wheels or Matchbox models. The Race Timer is a self-contained unit and is available in a number of colours. No Track modification is needed. To use, simply place on top of track which is less than 42mm wide (Hot Wheels track is compatible). It comes with a USB cable that is connected to a USB (A) power supply (USB mains plug or battery pack - not provided) or computer. There are 2 versions of the Race Timer available. A complete self-contained unit and a datalink version which is functionally the same as the original Race Timer but adds the ability to output additional and more detailed data to a computer running freely available compatible software (software not provided but instructions on how to download and use our suggestion are).
Unlike other timers, there is no need to modify any track, route long cables between points or calculate track lengths etc. Simply place the Race Timer on the top of the track, provide power via the USB cable and play.
The Race Timer and Speedometer has two operating modes selected at power up. As a Race Timer, it will provide a Start Sequence with sound and lights and then reveal the winning car in a 2-car race. The race time, winning margin and the speed of each car is displayed on the onboard LCD display. Alternatively, select the Speedometer mode to continuously and immediately display the speed of any car that passes through the unit. The mode is selected after power up by swiping a hand between the rear LED sensors at the back of the unit.
NOTE: The Race Timer’s front is the LCD screen. Cars run through the detector from the front to back - LCD screen side facing the cars release point.
We are now producing Version 1.2 of the Race Timer and Speedometer. There have been improvements in the hardware to optimise the accuracy of car detection. The processor has been updated to now measure time in microseconds (1 x 10^-6 seconds). It now monitors the sensors so quickly that the Race Timer and Speedometer can now detect real speeds of over 440Km/h! (theoretically, as we haven’t found a car fast enough to prove it!) When in speedometer mode, even the 13 milliseconds that it takes for the processor to send a measurement to the LCD display, or attached computer, can reduce the accuracy! If this ever occurs, a # will now be displayed next to the data to indicate the unreliability of that measurement.
Race Timer Mode
The Race Timer mode starts with a grand prix style audible start sound and flashing light sequence. The LCD indicates the elapsed time from lights out. The winning car lane LED is turned on immediately the first car passes the sensors giving an instant indication of the winning lane. The race continues until the second car passes both sensors, or 10 seconds elapse from the first car completing the course. The winning race time and time difference between the winning and losing car is displayed on the onboard LCD in thousandths of a second. After a short delay, each car’s actual speed through the Race Timer is shown (Km/h). The Race Timer then counts down for another race with a flashing light sequence before starting the race start sound and lights sequence again. If the second car does not pass the sensors within 10 seconds of the first car finishing, a crash is assumed and the winning lane’s times and speeds are displayed before resetting for another race.
Speedometer Mode
In Speedometer mode, the Race Timer will continuously monitor every car travelling past the sensors. The lane’s LED will light whilst the car is traveling through the Race Timer over the measured distance. Once the front and rear sensors have been passed, the measured speed (Km/h) is instantly displayed on the LCD. That lane’s speed remains displayed until the next car passes that lane’s sensors.
Once selected, the Race Timer will remain in the selected mode until power is removed from the unit. To change the mode, first remove the power from the USB connector. When power is reapplied, the mode can be reselected.
Send more detailed data to a connected computer
This is an OPTIONAL EXTRA. Data can be transmitted to a computer via the USB cable to reveal more detailed information for both lanes, including actual times in milliseconds, speeds in metres per second (m/s), Kilometres per Hour (Km/h) and Miles per Hour (mph). This data output could be used as a record of all race or speedometer data in a multicar multi-race style event or for comparing different car or track characteristics. This data allows varied analysis. The speed is reported to an accuracy of 4 decimal places.
Using the Speedometer function, the LANE and the speed is output to a computer as well as the time taken in microseconds to travel the measured distance. This data transmission causes a small delay immediately after a car has passed the rear sensor whilst the data is sent via the datalink. This may affect the accuracy of the readings if a car is in the unit within approximately 15 milliseconds (0.015s) of the first car. If speed accuracy is required, we recommend separating cars by at least 1/5th of a second. A record of all cars speeds is provided to the computer.
NOTE: There are 2 versions of the Race Timer and Speedometer. They look the same but the datalink facility cannot be added to Race Timer’s purchased in the non-datalink format.
Standalone Version
Max recommended car size: <34mm wide <44mm high
Dimensions (mm): 135 (w) x 107 (h) x 112 (d) mm
Weight: 260g
Power Supply: USB (A) 5v >1A (not provided)
Internal Accuracy Version 1.2 :
Race Timer: Normally within 6.5 ms
Speedometer: Normally within 0.3 ms
(Maximum error 13 ms during periods of LCD output)
Display Accuracy - LCD:
0.001s (1ms) for winning difference
0.01s for Race Time
Speed: 0.01 Km/h
Advanced Datalink Version
Max recommended car size: <34mm wide <44mm high
Dimensions (mm): 135 (w) x 107 (h) x 112 (d) mm
Weight: 260g
Power Supply: USB (A) 5v >1A (not provided)
Internal Accuracy Version 1.2:
Race Timer: Normally within 6.5 ms
Speedometer: Normally within 0.3 ms
(Maximum error 18 ms during periods of LCD/serial link output)
Displayed Accuracy - LCD:
0.001s (1ms) for winning difference
0.01s for Race Time
Speed: 0.01 Km/h
Output Accuracy - Serial Datalink
Race Timer
0.001 (1ms) for Race Time AND Winning Difference
Speeds in metres per second, Km/h and mph:
0.0001 metres / second
0.0001 Km/h
0.0001 mph
Scale speeds provided in Km/h and mph to 2 decimal places
Speedometer
0.0001 Km/h
measured distance time in microseconds (µs, 0.000001 second)
Note: This product is designed as a toy. No guarantee is offered that the accuracy stated above will be achieved in every Race Timer. The stated accuracy has not been scientifically measured and is has not been temperature compensated. It is not a scientific instrument. The stated accuracy is based on measured observation of pre-production Race Timers in use using data from internal microprocessor clock cycles. The actual accuracy of each Race Timer may differ due to production variations and improvements. Whilst all Race Timers should meet the specifications stated, no guarantee is implied or provided that every unit will meet these.