Folks: This a new project that I am working on with a chip engineer who works for IBM. I will have the final prototype in hand in about a week and will be testing it on the car in mid-April. I figure I would throw the description out to you for comments and questions, recommendations, suggestions, criticisms (or orders if you like). I will have the information on my website shortly

Thanks
Tom Blaney


SBMS Racing’s Total Timing System

This newly developed timing system is a compact 4 display lap timing system that is intended both for endurance and sprint racing environments. The system uses a custom 7 segment led display system with an encoded infrared beacon that can be uniquely programmed for that particular display unit. Thus eliminating false triggers from other beacons and guaranteeing accurate lap and race times thought the session. The display unit contains 3 individual HH:MM:SS:TT displays and a #### lap counter. Each display has a reset button next to the display and a remotely mounted button pad for each of the 4 displays that can be attached to the steering wheel or any convenient location. The 3 time displays work perfectly for an endurance race where total time, driver segment time and lap time are constantly shown. The driver can restart each of the displays by pressing the local or remote reset button when there is a change of driver for example or if one of the displays is being used for a segment timer for a part of the track. In a sprint race the three displays can be used to monitor prior laps or used as a segment timer. While the lap counter will show laps raced.

All of the data will be stored in the display unit and can be downloaded into a laptop in standard text or spreadsheet format. The serial port interface allows access to the units configuration and data storage.

The unit will be capable of storing up to 1000 laps of data, not the 60 or so laps of the other units. The timing beacon is a self contained waterproof unit that has the batteries fitted into the unit, or if desired a remote power source can be used. The beacon encoding will be accessible on the unit. The units will be available for deliver beginning May 2004. Final price of the unit is still being determined, but we anticipate it being in the $300 to $400 range



Modified by Tom Blaney at 8:14 AM 3/8/2004

 

How well do you think it will work in a multi-car environment? I am specifically thinking of multiple racers using the sytem off a single beacon. If you would like to have a guineau pig to test it on, we (NASA NE) are having an Enduro at Pocono in August and would be interested in trying the sytem.

 

That will work fine since we will set the all of the receiver units to match the single beacon. I plan on getting all of the bugs worked out ahead of time, but thanks for the offer. I plan on having about 20 units manufactured initially so let me know if your interested since we expect them to sell well.

 

Tom - I appreciate that you will be setting the receivers to all read the same beam. The problem - with mayn of the beam systems - is that if multiple cars go by the beam side by side they don't all always get HIT by the beam ...

 

Yup, that's an issue we just won't be able to fix, I'm hoping in that case the remote button is the only option.

 

What approximate distance will the signal travel with this unit?

 

I will get that answer for you, but the initial assumption was this wasn't going to be an issue.

It looks like the beacon will cover 150-200' easily, and if necessary there is one that can go quite a bit further, but that shouldn't really be necessary should it?



Modified by Tom Blaney at 9:20 AM 3/9/2004

 

Wow! this didn't generate much interest. Bad idea????

 

It sounds like a great concept but one that probably is best demonstrated in person.

Would I buy one now? No, it is a luxury item. I could spend that same money on parts to make me faster or on 2-3 test days (also to make me faster). I would not rule out buying one in the future, but only when I felt that it was the best way to spend a hard earned $300.00.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tom Blaney &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I will get that answer for you, but the initial assumption was this wasn't going to be an issue.

It looks like the beacon will cover 150-200' easily, and if necessary there is one that can go quite a bit further, but that shouldn't really be necessary should it?
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Awesome, If this product lives up to it's claims it seems to eclipse every other timer out there Have to agree that it is hard to just drop $300 on the spot for something like this, but it is a target for me come time to upgrade, which will hopefully be soon

 

It's funny but I look at it a little differently.... I've found the hot lap timer and the data acq system the best tools I have to make the car faster.

I find the feedback in the car right after the lap has finished is the best learning tool while I am at the track. I come across the line and it shows a good lap.... I start thinking what did I do on that lap and damm lets do it again! I learn more in a 20 min practice that looking at a time sheet after I get out of the car. My memory is short, just ask my wife! I find I don't remember as well what I did on what lap and then relate that to a lap chart.

I use the Data acq system more when I get home. I allows me to review the laps in a lot more detail and I can measure section times on each corner and see what is working and what isn't. It just takes more time then I have between sessions.

For what it's worth....

Dave
#72 ITS GSR

 

I definately agree that an in-car lap timer is very helpful. Like Dave said, the times don't lie. There have been laps when I've said boy that was fast (and it was actually pretty slow time wise) and vice versa. Immediate feedback is key - not remember that lap you did, that was quick. Oh yeah, which one was that?

I also like having it for qualifying. It gives me an idea where I stand in with my times and lets me know if I haven't gotten a good time yet and better start pushing it.