Derby Talk

I've been envious for a while of the "Christmas tree light" systems I've seen, that flash lights in sequence on a pole just before triggering a race. This summer I decided to build my own light tree. Here's the result: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TunL0nyWpiI Physically, the tree starts...

Here's a representative sample. I find it's necessary to adjust the white balance for good results, and I should probably experiment more with the placement of the lights. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/UNB9SS3n_XbKdsEZh778OzDdrY4IvWuybb3Ob59N9_H36X-Sz4e9Z1jHZ6vDg9KbvvyKt0c6OKmO4OeFuVwkdbCSfhqXwk...

As I'm sure many of you do, we like to try to capture a photo of each car as it's checked in. This year we made it a self-service affair by adding a bar code scanner and a Raspberry Pi to control the camera, upload the captured photo, and match the photo to the appropriate racer. As they arrive, rac...

I've used Pledge floor wax a few times, and it's great stuff. A benefit you didn't mention is that it looks good even when applied by a kid using a paint brush. The material apparently "levels" itself as it dries, leaving no brush strokes visible. (I'll admit I've never had the chance to c...

For my Web Race Manager system (see http://www.derbytalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=7771 ), the timer connects to a host that runs a simple Java program to translate between the timer and HTTP requests back to the server. I've successfully used a Raspberry Pi as the host, but over ethernet rather ...

If you've run more than a few derbies, you've almost certainly had the experience of having to deal with a late arrival (or, worse, an on-time racer whose presence wasn't immediately recorded) for a group (den) that's already started, but not completed, racing. There are cases where such a racer may...

A full 3D model isn't necessary, just a collection of views on the car. Apple used to offer QuickTime VR, which let you integrate multiple images into a navigable 3D view. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QuickTime_VR#Objects . I understand HTML5 and CSS3 have some 3D/VR-oriented features, but I don't k...

I recently bought an "Android Mini-TV" device and used it to set up an information "kiosk" at our most recent derby event. The "mini TV" is a small device running Android that plugs into a (newer) TV via the HDMI interface. Android, of course, is Google's operating syst...

Recently I've been working on adding an electric release to the start gate of our pack's Piantedosi Freedom track. I have two motives in this: (1) more consistent race results, and (2) an opportunity to have a scout start each race. Plus, of course, the usual fun factor. The existing mechanical rele...

Please post with results and if you don't care pictures of actual wiring and parts list. Well, OK, since you asked -- the schematic really pretty much tells the story. Somewhere along the way I realized that this could be a separate device or cable, placed in series with the existing track switch, ...

A couple of years ago, we converted our track from using a laser start gate to a mechanical switch with our Fast Track timer. (The reasons why are described here , here , and here , at least.) The downside of this conversion, at least in my view, is that closing the start gate prematurely can screw ...

OS beat YS, and after the race we ran them on test track multiple times trying to figure out why one was superior to the other. If you don't mind my asking: by roughly how great a margin did Older Son beat Younger Son? Are we talking about 1/8" difference, or half a car length? Was victory det...

I asked Terry if he could think of a clever easy way to hold the screws while the threads were machined off. No response yet. I'll ask the same here. This is a job for a "clamp nut": take an ordinary hex nut that mates to the screw, and cut a slot through one side (by dremel or hacksaw). ...

Speedy Metals has 1/2" rounds of 1045 steel for what appears a better price.
http://www.speedymetals.com/pc-1650-823 ... -1045.aspx

/JEP

I'm currently storing our pack's 40' MicroWizard track in my garage, which strikes me as not ideal. At the very least, it's subject to more dirt there than I'd like. The timer and other, smaller pieces get stored in the house, but finding another resting place for the five 8' track sections is prett...