Scratch built Drag Racing Tree!

Here are some pictures of the latest project off the workbench.

To view a larger picture Click on the thumbnails and Enjoy!

Here you can see How the timing system works. Just let the animation load and watch as the disk in the center turns and trips each of the switches. Each switch is connected to a light on the tree. (Three amber and one green light per lane. The Red lights are wired in the system as well and will come on if a car jumps the start before the green light comes on.) You can view a larger picture by clicking on them. You might note that the disk in the center is mounted on a servo that has been gutted and modified so it will rotate 360 degrees. The wires will be run inside the tubing when I finish the Tree. The black area on the rotating disk turns on each switch. When the black area passes the switch it is turned off.

Let me walk you thru the system and maybe you will understand how it works.
Here we go...
First I have two foot boxes (one for each lane) that will be used for staging. There is also a bumper box (one for each lane) that is put in place behind the car. Learn more about both using the links below.
To start each car comes to the line. When the drivers are ready two things need to happen.
# 1 Each car is placed on the starting line and a bumper box is placed behind each car. The box has a plunger that trips a switch if the car moves forward. (There is very little pressure on the plunger so it does not push the car.)
# 2 Once the cars are staged the driver of each will press the staging pedal with his foot letting the starter know they are ready. This will also light the staging lights on the Tree. (the top two lights) The starter holds a switch that will start the amber sequence going on the tree. Once the starter presses the button and the first amber light comes on his job is done. The way it works is simple really. I built a timing device that will sequence the amber lights down and then light the Green light. If at anytime a car moves after the first amber light comes on. This will trip the Red light on that lane and the driver will have red lighted the start. Once the green light comes on, the red light is disabled and the race will be on. Once the Green light comes on, it will burn for a moment and all the lights on the tree will go out. The unit will reset and be ready for the next round. I will be adding a drawing that will show how the system is wired. If you are interested in building a Tree. Let me know and I will help you any way I can.

More info coming soon.


Have a GREAT DAY

and Happy DRAG Racing!

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ME HERE!

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