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Hi there
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Digital slot racing system:
Here's a short description of a digital slot racing system, that I hope will help overcome some of the problems with the commercially available systems.
A very basic block diagram could look like this:
System block diagram
There are many ways to enhance the functionality and performance of a digital slot racing system, by using a PC program with real time interface to the slot racing system.
The following ideas are among others inspired from Scalextric RMS and Sport World PC programs.
Each function is listed separately ... the idea was to start with a very basic program, that will support the most basic timing functions, and then enhance the functionality as the project evolves?.
RS232 base station real time interface:
The RS232 interface with a simple command based protocol and standard UART hardware interface without flow control, will provide the PC with car position and timing data, as well as throttle control data.
<add detailed description of protocol>
Race management:
The program should be able to handle both single races and multiple race championchips, including qualifying for grid positions (much like RMS).
Race timing display:
The real time display should be able to display both laptiming, sectortiming, fastest lap and position.
Race modes:
The program should handle both lap based Grand Prix type racing, as well as time based endurance racing.
Save and restore:
It would be nice to have the ability to save and resore different race setups and results.
Fuel consumption and pit stop control:
By monitoring the continuous stream of car throttle data, it should be possible to implement a realistic fuel consumption based pit stop strategy. It might also be possible to support special pit lane sensors?.
Base station software upgrades:
The base station has the ability to program itself at runtime. It would be nice to be able to upgrade the software, by downloading a patch from the internet.
Track lighting control:
The slot system can be fitted with start lights, pit entry and exit lights, flag signals lights and normal track lighting for night racing. A simple interface for manual light control and automatic starting lights would be nice. A more sophisticated interactive control of blue signal lights for lapping drivers, yellow lights for deslotted cars in a section of the track would be cool.
![]()
Sound:
A realistic realtime racetrack sound emulation for various car types like engines, brakes the crowd etc. would really add to the atmosphere of slot racing. It could be done by replaying prerecorded soundbites. A live speaker commentary on lap times, fastest lap, positions and pitstops would be even more cool.
![]()
Safety car and ghost driver control:
The PC program has the ability to take control of one or more cars on the track, by providing the base station with throttle commands. One way to make this function work, could be to record a lap by driving the car manually, and then let the base station replay this sequence of throttle commands. Lap timing messages could be used to syncronize the control squence.
Having several computer driven opponents, would be a nice feature when you're a little short on playmates.
![]()
The safety car function could be automated, if there was a predefined place for parking the safetycar when not in use. The safety car should automatically catch the leading car, when full course yellow is active. Perhaps the rear lights in the car controller could be used for the flashing roof top lights.
Telemetry:
By monitoring the continuous stream of car throttle data, it should be possible to implement a telemetry display and race statistics for interactive practice sessions. By logging the realtime throttle data lap by lap, and superimposing them graphically on top of each other, it would be possible to pick out the places on the track where you are consistent and where you are more sloppy.
Car setup:
The car setup management should include editing curves for throttle response, traction control and ABS.
Power management:
The power management could include voltage setup, maximum speed limit, maximum acceleration/braking limits etc..
These functions could be used to equalise performance between different cars, or to reduce the speed when the kids want to play with your "toys".
![]()
Track design editor:
Much like the RMS software, we could include a track editor, and provide a way to share the designs via internet. The design could also tell the telemetry and safety car sections, where sensors are placed. Naming corners could be used for the commentary.
Virtual racing:
Like sport world, it would be cool to enable virtual remote racing via internet link.
These are just some preliminary ideas ... please comment, add or modify as you see fit.
![]()
Søren
Digital slot racing system:
Here's a short description of a digital slot racing system, that I hope will help overcome some of the problems with the commercially available systems.
A very basic block diagram could look like this:
System block diagram
There are many ways to enhance the functionality and performance of a digital slot racing system, by using a PC program with real time interface to the slot racing system.
The following ideas are among others inspired from Scalextric RMS and Sport World PC programs.
Each function is listed separately ... the idea was to start with a very basic program, that will support the most basic timing functions, and then enhance the functionality as the project evolves?.
RS232 base station real time interface:
The RS232 interface with a simple command based protocol and standard UART hardware interface without flow control, will provide the PC with car position and timing data, as well as throttle control data.
<add detailed description of protocol>
Race management:
The program should be able to handle both single races and multiple race championchips, including qualifying for grid positions (much like RMS).
Race timing display:
The real time display should be able to display both laptiming, sectortiming, fastest lap and position.
Race modes:
The program should handle both lap based Grand Prix type racing, as well as time based endurance racing.
Save and restore:
It would be nice to have the ability to save and resore different race setups and results.
Fuel consumption and pit stop control:
By monitoring the continuous stream of car throttle data, it should be possible to implement a realistic fuel consumption based pit stop strategy. It might also be possible to support special pit lane sensors?.
Base station software upgrades:
The base station has the ability to program itself at runtime. It would be nice to be able to upgrade the software, by downloading a patch from the internet.
Track lighting control:
The slot system can be fitted with start lights, pit entry and exit lights, flag signals lights and normal track lighting for night racing. A simple interface for manual light control and automatic starting lights would be nice. A more sophisticated interactive control of blue signal lights for lapping drivers, yellow lights for deslotted cars in a section of the track would be cool.
Sound:
A realistic realtime racetrack sound emulation for various car types like engines, brakes the crowd etc. would really add to the atmosphere of slot racing. It could be done by replaying prerecorded soundbites. A live speaker commentary on lap times, fastest lap, positions and pitstops would be even more cool.
Safety car and ghost driver control:
The PC program has the ability to take control of one or more cars on the track, by providing the base station with throttle commands. One way to make this function work, could be to record a lap by driving the car manually, and then let the base station replay this sequence of throttle commands. Lap timing messages could be used to syncronize the control squence.
Having several computer driven opponents, would be a nice feature when you're a little short on playmates.
The safety car function could be automated, if there was a predefined place for parking the safetycar when not in use. The safety car should automatically catch the leading car, when full course yellow is active. Perhaps the rear lights in the car controller could be used for the flashing roof top lights.
Telemetry:
By monitoring the continuous stream of car throttle data, it should be possible to implement a telemetry display and race statistics for interactive practice sessions. By logging the realtime throttle data lap by lap, and superimposing them graphically on top of each other, it would be possible to pick out the places on the track where you are consistent and where you are more sloppy.
Car setup:
The car setup management should include editing curves for throttle response, traction control and ABS.
Power management:
The power management could include voltage setup, maximum speed limit, maximum acceleration/braking limits etc..
These functions could be used to equalise performance between different cars, or to reduce the speed when the kids want to play with your "toys".
Track design editor:
Much like the RMS software, we could include a track editor, and provide a way to share the designs via internet. The design could also tell the telemetry and safety car sections, where sensors are placed. Naming corners could be used for the commentary.
Virtual racing:
Like sport world, it would be cool to enable virtual remote racing via internet link.
These are just some preliminary ideas ... please comment, add or modify as you see fit.
Søren
