Hi gjh1000
Do you just want to produce a lap counter, or do you aim to produce something the run races?
I'm don't know how much time you have to develop a system for a GCSE electronics project - maybe to attempt more than just counting laps is too ambitious?
If you want something to run races you should consider how to start and stop races.
Starting would normally be done by turning the power on (a dead start) OR
By telling the drivers when to start (either by lights or sound) and having some sort of jump start detector (a live start)
Stopping races is normally done by turning the power off when the race distance (normally a fixed number of laps or fixed length of time) is completed.
Looking quickly down the list
I agree with RichG - counting laps accurately is essential.
Type of detector - anything that works (dead section / split tape / light beam across the slot / light bridge over the slot / magnetic etc. are OK, don't care if the light beams are visible light or IR, but avoid mechanical detectors too much risk of interfering with the car)
Best of luck with the project
Mains power is fine.
It's not essential to record lap times. If you do only the fastest needs to be displayed but preferably all should be recorded and retrievable after the race.
Do you just want to produce a lap counter, or do you aim to produce something the run races?
I'm don't know how much time you have to develop a system for a GCSE electronics project - maybe to attempt more than just counting laps is too ambitious?
If you want something to run races you should consider how to start and stop races.
Starting would normally be done by turning the power on (a dead start) OR
By telling the drivers when to start (either by lights or sound) and having some sort of jump start detector (a live start)
Stopping races is normally done by turning the power off when the race distance (normally a fixed number of laps or fixed length of time) is completed.
Looking quickly down the list
I agree with RichG - counting laps accurately is essential.
Type of detector - anything that works (dead section / split tape / light beam across the slot / light bridge over the slot / magnetic etc. are OK, don't care if the light beams are visible light or IR, but avoid mechanical detectors too much risk of interfering with the car)
Best of luck with the project
Mains power is fine.
It's not essential to record lap times. If you do only the fastest needs to be displayed but preferably all should be recorded and retrievable after the race.
