[dangermouse]

I often duck downstairs to the track and run a few laps - sometimes I have wanted a way to get a quick indication of the times I am doing with out the need to fire up the computer - start the software - turn on the sensor lights etc and then hope it all works

eg when trying out a new car for the first time (when I am supposed to be doing something else).

I have been hunting for a solution and had thought about buying an AFX timer and adapting it to my track. I was talking with a mate and said how it would be cool to have a timer on the iPod/iPhone - I have seen webcam detectors for Ultimate Racer etc and wonder if you could do the same for the iPhone - well I found this app sprintTimer

I just bought it installed it and tested it out - it works a treat.
It does photo finish and lap timing - I haven't worked with the photo finish part only the timer part.

With this you simply start the program and point the camera on your iPod/iPhone at the track - the first time the car drives past it starts the timer and then each time the car goes past it counts the laps and shows the lap time(to 1/100th of a second) - it also does an average time at the end when you stop the timer. The data can be copied and pasted into other apps if needed as well. It works fine and it cost only $1.19 (99c in US) (oh and the cost of an iPod)

website here or search for sprintTimer in iTunes
http://appmaker.se/sprintTimer

cheers
DM

 

[tifosi]

Well spotted DG!

I just downloaded it onto my iPAD2 and it worked no problem.

Just gotta love this technology eh?

Thanks for pointing this one out.

Tif

 

[Screwneck]

Can't you just train your cat to use a stopwatch?

 

[speedyroadster]

Just bought an Android phone do you know if there is a similar app for that platform?

 

[Wraith]

Does this work with multiple cars, does it do some form of car recognition?

 

[dangermouse]

I don't think it works with multiple cars - I might email the developer and see if he can put multiple detection zones in it - basically it has a zone either a small square or a larger rectangle - any motion past that zone triggers the count. This will not replace computer timing systems - for starters it is only to 1/100 of a second and with the camera running at 30fps there is a +/- of 0.03 for accuracy but for $1 it is a neat solution to monitor lap times I like the fact I can use it to measure a couple of quick laps - you could also use it to record times on a test track without needing to set up a timing circuit on it.

cheers
David

 

[MrFlippant]

For Android there's an app called "Mini4WD Lap Timer." It was made for those little cars that run in a plastic walled track, but works much the same way as the above app. Using the camera, it detects motion and counts a lap and the time of the lap. It's not as advanced as the iOS app above, but I've sent several suggestions to the developer for improvement. If someone else downloaded and asked for improvements, he might have more incentive? I haven't used it in anger yet. I still need to rig up something to hold my phone above the track or something. I was thinking Legos.

 

[boshank]

MINT!!

 

[356speedster]

QUOTE (dangermouse @ 7 Jun 2011, 23:40) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I don't think it works with multiple cars - I might email the developer and see if he can put multiple detection zones in it - basically it has a zone either a small square or a larger rectangle - any motion past that zone triggers the count. This will not replace computer timing systems - for starters it is only to 1/100 of a second and with the camera running at 30fps there is a +/- of 0.03 for accuracy but for $1 it is a neat solution to monitor lap times I like the fact I can use it to measure a couple of quick laps - you could also use it to record times on a test track without needing to set up a timing circuit on it.

cheers
David

Installed the SprintTimer on the iPad tonight, and it now does two lanes, just go to the setup menu and choose X2 instead of 2X for the sensor zone. Then place the ipad so each zone cover each rail.

There is also two "modes": "Last lap" or "Total".

In "Last lap" mode you get the last lap in huge digits, a list of the 10 last laps and total time. After the race is over you also get fast lap and average lap time. Works well for lap based races and it's great for practicing and car testing.

In "Total" mode the large digit is a clock, and the list shows completed laps with lap tme. After the race it also shows fast and average lap. Useful for time based "endurance racing".

In the setup menu there is also a sensor sensitivity adjustment, option for manual or automatic timer start and a high frequency mode if you need to time laps that are faster than 2 seconds (useful for skid pads).

This is a great little app that combines the ease of use of the the Ninco and Carrera timing bridges with the advantage of a large display.

 

[Steve A]

Also downloaded onto IPad, what a brilliant app! I now have instant timing on small routed track without any fiddly wiring.
My only issue is that the timer records 0.00 seconds for lap 0 then lap times are spot on for each lap, when stopped this then records the "fastest lap " as 0.00 seconds, it really needs to ignore the 0 lap. Average lap times are however spot on.
Otherwise highly recommended, thanks for bringing this to our attention. Would be ideal for slot rally use.
Steve A

 

[MrFlippant]

Have you tried different starting positions? Sometimes it's best to have the car beyond the sensing area, or in it, or behind it.

 

[not alone after all]

Just downloaded the android Mini4wd Lap Timer. Have to wait till Thursday at GBSC to test it or drag my track out of wherever it is and build it and then un-build it all before the wife gets home, in an hour. I think I'll wait. Let you know what occurs. Oh, it was free too!

 

[dabeon]

Hello.

For Android, you can use "Slot Car Trainer" too.

In this thread you can see more information: "Slot Car Trainer, Lap Counter and chronometer with smartphone".

In this video you can see how it works:

• Slot Car Trainer Demo

Regards

 

[dangermouse]

The chap who developed Sprint Timer has released an updated version of it.

It is now called Lap Tracker. You can now set four timing zones and it speaks the times for you.

What I have always wanted I will probably get sick of it but right now it is pretty cool to hear your times

costs $1

https://itunes.apple.com/app/laptracker-aut...d691114189?mt=8

DM