Pinewood Derby Controller

car Let the Racing Begin!!!

This project will allow you to control racing events for a 3 lane track.
This project is a lot of fun to build and when complete to watch the kids faces in amazement as they see their built cars racing down the track!!!

The Race Management Software is user friendly and will allow easy set-up of racer groups and will efficiently manage all racing events.

Software Features:

Easy entry of Racer Name and Car Number on set-up screen.
Race events calculated before racing begins. (4 groups + Open class)
All groups race at the same time, cars race in each lane twice. (6 total races)
Racing control is as simple as clicking 1 button to start races.
All racing events are recorded in a single file.
Automatic calculates 1st – 5th place winners, Rabbit and Turtle.

Hardware Features:

All controls for racing are controlled from a PC.
The Race Control System allows for consistent race car times.
Automatic release of race cars.
Visible LEDs over finish line to indicate winning race car in lane.

Additional Features:

If a projector is available, the Race Control screen can be displayed on a screen behind the track at the start position. The race control screen display’s the race car times during the race, indicate the winner, and display final race and speeds of all racers.
Sound Effects control.

PC Requirements:

Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, W7.
500 MHz Pentium II, 256 MB Ram.Wire wrap tool and wire, solder.
If your PC doesn’t have a serial port, then you’ll need a USB to Serial adapter. something like Jameco Part no. 387954. (Make sure it will work with your operating system)

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