Derby Talk

We have a new product just out that is designed to work with DTX000, Turbo Lite, and DerbyStick products.

The LightBridge uses IR light sources centered over each lane to illuminate the IR detector mounted in the track below.

http://www.pinewood-derby-timer.com/cat ... 144436.htm

There are also 3 new DerbyPaks that combine our DerbyStick, LightBridge, and Race Software into complete race packages.

http://www.pinewood-derby-timer.com/der ... talog.html

That looks like a good option for those timers and for a reasonable price. Would that work with other timers that don't have built-in IR illumination or would it really depend on the wavelength for the sensors used in those other timers?

Yes, it would depend on a number of variables. One factor is the particular sensor and its peak wavelength and sensitivity (current produced for a given amount of light). Would also depend on the input circuitry on the timer - for example the resistance used and what voltage it is connected to. We pull-up to 3.3V, others may pull up to 5V. The pullup resistor is likely 1K up to 10K or more, I doubt anyone is below 1K Ohm. The sensor would have to produce enough current to work in the particular circuit topology.

Long answer to say yes, it depends.