Simple lap timer
I have nearly completed a prototype of a very simple lap-timer...and I need your help to workout some desirable features.
I don't really want to discuss the merits of automatic lap-timers and more complex solutions...this is purely a box with a display, and a button. All I want to do now is sort out the software/features for it.
I plan to chuck a unit or two at some racers to help them out in the VMCC this year, not looking at making stacks of cash eh?
Design Concept:
A simple box with an internal battery and one external switch. The racer/rider rides around a track, pushes a button on the handlebars (mounted somewhere convenient), the unit will display the elapsed time since you last pushed the button. Presumably you are going to select somewhere on the track that is not considered a busy section (front straight/pit straight). SO ideally its to give immediate feedback to how fast you're going while you're out there on the bike.
So this is the hardware design:
- The unit will be quite small, probably not 100% waterproof, will have a 4 digit display that shows time down to 0.1s. The image below gives you an indication of the type of display (x4).
- The box will mount in under your screen, and there will be a switch that remotely mounts near your 'trigger finger'. I was thinking that I want a fairly universal mount for the switch (see pic) and am considering using the brake/clutch lever and a hose-clip (see pic).
- I think I'll have the unit run off a 9v battery...means we can move it around bikes without having to wire to bike batteries.
- There will be a reset button on the case/unit itself...and an LED that shows you some sort of status about your lap (to be discussed).
Software:
This is how I see the product working at the moment. I'm kinda guessing what would be useful immediate feedback for the rider while trying to appreciate the amount of time you guys have etc.
- When you roll out on the track your display will show [0:00.0] or something. On the start of your first proper lap you will push the lap button [LAP] at a certain point on the track. I think that you would have the display showing the time counting up (reassurance).
- ...as you cross your trigger point you push [LAP] again. The display will show you the time elapsed since you last pushed [LAP]. Maybe [1:18.4]?
- The display will show [1:18.4] for most of the remaining lap. Now I think that as you approach [1:18.4] the display might count down to your fastest lap time so far (obv [1:18.4] at the moment). Depending on the circuit and trigger point, you might have enough time to do this.
- If your new lap was faster than your fastest lap I think I will have a bright LED flashing on the unit under your screen (next to display).
- Optional: I could have the new lap-time shown as a difference in time from your fastest lap ie [0:04.3] (flashing LED would indicate a negative difference).
- Reset button would reset the stored 'fastest lap'.
So, what do you think? I don't want to know how many people are interested in having one (I have enough to make already), I'll have a stab at getting it right, then maybe offer them for sale. I can't add data-logging and laptop integration features etc...but I can do trick things with the existing hardware/design.
Appreciate any help. If I can make them real good, then some racers get some good units to use. Cheers!
Last edited by skelstar; 10th April 2007 at 19:36.
Reason: Reset button!
"If life gives you a shit sandwich..." someone please complete this expression
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Originally Posted by JayRacer37
...if the swap over is SUPER easy, then it shouldn't be too much of an issue eh?
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