How about I just get something together for you. I'll keep it cheap and simple as possible. So, you have 5 count down lights instead of 3? Was that changed at some point? Here's a thought: If I do it with a microcontroller, I could include 2 switches and you could also use it as a practice tree that you could "race" friends with. Sorry, I wasn't trying to talk over your head. Just trying to give you options. ________ MONTANA MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY
You need pre-stage, stage, 3 sets of yellows (programmable between .500 and .400, std and a pro tree), green and red.
I guess that's where I'm confused. The picture on page 3 has 5 sets of yellow lights and 2 extra lights on top. Either the top 2 smaller lights are for something else, and the top 2 yellows are stage lights, or???? ________ Bmw r80rt
What I made was an "old school" tree. Originally, they had 5 yellows and just "staged" lights. The "pre-Staged" lights were an add on to the existing trees that were out there. Sometime in the very early 70's the trees changed to only three yellows. So my tree has 5 yellows with the add on pre staged lights....60's style!:bglasses: :TU:
Sounds like a plan! I didnt take it like that. I thought it was kinda funny. :laugh: You seem really into electronics
Jason be careful about the 5 lights , someone will figure you are getting old to remember those . hell I remember before lights and just a flagman and set the spot up like on Pinks . The gymnastic antics of the flagmen was a real show at times .
Yeah, I'm a true geek. I can't help myself. :laugh: So, if I'm understanding right... prestage- lights and stays lit, just like a car is rolling into both beams then stage lights then the count down- 5 yellows at .5S each (or all for .4S) then green (or red for a red light) and the stage lights go out at the same time I'll start working on it. ________ Easy vape ceramic
Took me long enough, :laugh: I find it's better to ask the same thing 10 times in a couple different ways. It's almost funny how many times you start a project that involves software and have someone tell you "that's not how it was supposed to work!" either because you assumed something, or because there was a misunderstanding. It happens all the time on machines that we are developing at work (I design packaging equipment for a living). ________ Lovely Wendie99
Yes, communication is always the key. with that in mind, I was just re-reading what you wrote. Just to clarify, The pre staged and staged bulbs will be "ON" throught the cycle until the green comes on. Right? Once the green comes on (or one green and one red)the 4 pre staged and staged lights should go out.
Yes. Just like in a real race, they will stay lit until either: 1. slightly before the green comes on, in which case the red light will get lit or 2. slightly after or the same time as the green comes on- a "good" launch. I'm thinking of using a random number generator scheme to control what kind of "launch" is shown. The microcontroller will pick a mode randomly for each lane, as well as for who stages first. I can also make it so they are synchronized between lanes, and always a "good" launch, if you want it that way. I'm planning to use a rotary selector switch to choose which mode you want to operate it in... the first described being a "real" type mode, and the second more of a "matched" mode. I was also thinking about making a practice tree mode and including a couple displays on the box to show reaction times and including a couple wired remote buttons for racing. So, the modes would be something like this: 1. random (simulates 2 "real" cars) 2. synchronized (two cars completely and impossibly synchronized; makes for a nice light show) 3. practice tree- left lane 4. practice tree- right lane 5. practice tree- competition another switch will select between .5 second standard countdown and .4 second pro tree for all modes above. I'm planning to use terminal strips for the wiring to hook up the lights. Is that OK with you? They are cheap, but easier for someone to get shocked. I will likely include a guard of some sort that can be installed over the connections after its wired in. Let me know what you think. This is your project, so you tell me what you want. ________ Shaved Pussy Webcams
Geez...sounds awesome. I wasnt expecting so many features!:shock: All the wiring is going to be concealed in the pole. So no chance of someone getting shocked....except meou: :grin:
Well, that's the thing about using a microcontroller... the expense is the same whether you make the program simple or add more features because the difference is only a program change and maybe a few small hardware additions. Good deal about the wiring. I'll have each output fused, but it only takes .002 Amps to stop someone's heart, so its always dangerous using 115V. ________ DODGE 50 SERIES
Thought I'd bring this back to the top. I never did get the lights working on this after I built it. I had it up last year in the dining room for Christmas. I figured since its the off season again, I would start up on the funtionality side of things. I just found an 8 channel AC light chaser/ controller for 63 bucks. For 63 bucks, I figured I would give it a shot. Its small enough to fit in the pole and has 20 different programs. Im really fired up on getting this thing working. I have to keep myself busy with all this cold weather or I'll go insane.
Thanks John. I think it would look awesome in your garage next to the funny car. You ought to build one!
I just got done reading your thread,and was wondering about the possibility of an update.I was really interested in jadebirds idea on a micro controller but if the 8 channel AC light chaser worked then that would be so cool as well...
I want to build one scaled down to an R/C level,Thats kinda where my interest lies.Heads up drag racing R/C style...
Hello and welcome to V8! :beer I never did get the tree wired up. Too many other projects waiting in the wings. I'll get back to it eventually though. With so many lights, it would be quite a bundle of wiring. I need to work out the game plan on that. Im waiting on one of my epiphanys to happen. I'm satistifed enough at the moment having a non working replica to display. As far as a small R/C one, I think it would be much easier (and cheaper!) to do. You can use LED's. And since its going to be so small, you can use a much thinner gauge of metal. Sounds like a cool project! Im glad you liked the thread. I had a fun time buiding it. Now that the emotional and financial scarring has worn off, Im thinking about building a couple of more and sell them on Ebay. It would be alot easier now that there is a finished protoype to work off of. The hard part is done. They would be a little pricey, so Im not sure if there are enough nuts out there that would want to pay the price.
