System Hardware Description

The basic system comes with everything you need. This consists either of a PC interface module that fits into any spare ISA or PCI slot, or an external USB interface box. Also included are the infer red sensors (that mount under the track) with interface cable, and the windows software. For HO sensors you will either have to provide an overhead light yourself or purchase my light bridge. Although the HO sensors will work on natural light, someone leaning over the track could cause an invalid trigger.

PCI Interface

 

 

This consists of a printed circuit board (PCB) that fits within a desktop computer. It is fitted with a 37way D type connector on the rear which is used to interface with all the external track sensors and relays etc. The PCB is custom designed for the application including hardware to measure the voltage applied to each lane of the track.

USB Interface 

 

This consists of an external plastic box measuring 150mm * 90mm * 25mm. It is connected to the PC (laptop or desktop) by a standard USB 2.0 interface.  It is fitted with a 50way D type connector at one end which is used to interface with all the external track sensors and relays etc. The PCB is again custom designed for the application and contains the same facilities as the PCI module.

Power Control Relays


These are normally mounted in a separate plastic box.  The relays fitted depend on the type of cars being raced.  In most cases 40 amp power relays are fitted.  The break contacts are used (instead of the more normal make contacts) to allow the cars to be powered even when the PC is switched off.

Infrared Sensors 

The normal sensors fitted are the optical slotted type shown above. They are fitted discretely under the track (wooden or plastic) and are triggered by the cars card guide.

Dead Strip Interface

Dead Strip

As an alternative to the standard optical sensors a dead strip interface can be fitted. This consists of having a completely dead section of track about 150mm long. The electronic interface is then fitted to this section of track. A dead strip interface is usually more reliable than the optical type as there is nothing to get jammed between the sensor gap. However if young children use the track then they can have a tendency  to stop in the dead section and then cannot restart again. This custom PCB can be purchased for any race timing system as well as the Slotmaster in kit form or ready built and tested. It will interface between a dead strip and most systems that are designed to take inputs from optical sensors. It contains no adjustable components and is ready to go for any track voltage. The circuit contains optical couplers to completely isolate the the PC from the track power.

 

Leader Lights and Start Lights


These consist of external high power coloured LED's that can be mounted in a bridge or left for the customer to fit into any structure he desires.

 

Turn Key Solution
   

As far as possible I can offer a turn key solution with the sensors already mounted within a plastic track. The only connections that the customer would make is between the raceway power supply (supplies) and the track to add the power relays, plus connections from the hand controller to measure the output voltage if these options were supplied.