Basic99 - Pinewood Derby Timer System - Complete with hardware and software

Description

BASIC99
- 9
PINEWOOD DERBY TIMER SYSTEM
Even though our 4-lane Pinewood Derby Timer System is economical, it still has a lot of features.
Please excuse our plain looking test cars.  lol
The system is complete and includes everything (hardware and software) for tracks with 2 to 4 lanes.
It is completely adjustable in both the hardware and software.
The hardware includes a working start gate and a finish line with four finish line sensors.  The sensors respond to visible light and are easy to install under each track lane.  The race clock is in the computer software and is automatically started when you open the start gate.  A Pinewood Derby race usually takes less than three seconds.
CAR PICTURES
In the first picture you can see the racer's name and his time.  There is also a picture of his car.  You can take pictures of the cars and have them displayed during the race.  You can use your Smartphone as a camera.  Using the USB cable (that came with your phone) you can transfer the pictures to your Windows computer.  They can also be sent as an email attachment.  Instructions are included in the Installation and Operating manual.  Who says you can't have fun?
HARDWARE – ELECTRONICS CONTROL BOARD MODULE
The hardware is very simple.  It is a small circuit board with a 9-pin computer connection on one side and a screw terminal strip on the other side.
There are 9-screw terminal connections.  The start gate switch attaches using two wires.  The unit gets its power from the USB port.   An installation and operations manual is included.
An installed start gate is shown in the pictures.  This particular track has three lanes.  The levers protruding from the track drop down when the gate opens and race starts.
The start gate is held closed with a wooden dowel.  Pull the dowel out and the gate opens.  There is a switch that tells the computer that the gate has opened and this action will start the race timer clock.
Wooden pieces are included to construct a bridge at the finish line.  The sensors mount below the track in the picture above.
The finish line has an overhead bridge and two end supports.  All the pieces are made from pinewood.
TIMER RESOLUTION
Most Pinewood Derby timers are accurate to 1 millisecond (3 decimal places).  Our timer is far more accurate and gives time measurements with 6 decimal places.
The picture shows the software program.  The large digits are only an indicator to show the clock running. The actual time measurements will have 6 to 7 decimal places.
You could argue the accuracy of the 6 to 7 decimal digits.  After all the time measurements are actually millions of a second.  But the times are measured relative to each other.
The software can be configured so on a 4-lane track each cub would race his car in every lane.  It can also be configured to have one heat where each cub would race once on the track.  In large groups this could save time.  You can also decide if his four times would be averaged together or just his fastest time would be used for his best time.
The software is written for
Microsoft Windows computers
running Windows XP, 7, 8 and 10.  Our timer system connects to the computer with a USB connection.
NOTE - The timer will not work with Windows 11.
SYSTEM PACKAGE
Electronics Control Board Module
4 Finish Line Sensors
USB Adapter
Working Start Gate with Wooden Pieces for 4 Lanes
Wooden Pieces for Finish Line
All Cables and Wiring
All Screws and Necessary Metal Hardware
Installation and Operation Manual
Software Installation Program on CD
SOUNDS
Our main program window shows two sound buttons that you can click on and use during your race event.  The sounds are configurable and you can use any sound files you may have or use our default ones.
PROJECTION SCREEN
If you are using a laptop, a projection screen (or large TV monitor) can be connected and the ranking and winners of each race can be displayed there.  The projection screen will show different information than the laptop screen.
COSTS
This system includes all the hardware and software necessary for you to run a Pinewood Derby race with your cub scouts.  The system will work on tracks with 2 to 4 lanes.  The software runs on Windows XP, 7, 8 and 10.  A USB port is needed on your computer.  An installation and operation manual is included.
This system costs
9
and includes everything just mentioned.  The shipping costs are

.
Please allow two weeks for delivery.
We ship using USPS Priority Mail.
Your questions are always welcome.