The Champ vs. Fast Track GPK3

Commercial timing systems
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Mr. Frank
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The Champ vs. Fast Track GPK3

Post by Mr. Frank »

Help! Must order timer today and trying to make best choice. Our cubmaster wants the Champ because he thinks it looks better and because of the larger dual display(which I agree with). I was leaning towards the GPK3 because of cost, features, and more recommendations seen on the board when compared to other timers. Haven't seen a comparison to the Champ however.

Also, our event is in Florida, outdoors, 10-2, under a shaded pavilion. Do you think either timer will have issue with IR?

Thanks
Frank
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gpraceman
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Re: The Champ vs. Fast Track GPK3

Post by gpraceman »

You may run into a problem with both timers running outside. You might be able to remediate that issue with enough shading and a flat black stripe painted along the track to cut glare.

Both are good timers and have good support, so it really comes down to features and price considerations.
Randy Lisano
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Awana Grand Prix and Pinewood Derby racing - Where a child, an adult and a small block of wood combine for a lot of fun and memories.
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Duane
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Re: The Champ vs. Fast Track GPK3

Post by Duane »

gpraceman wrote:You may run into a problem with both timers running outside. You might be able to remediate that issue with enough shading and a flat black stripe painted along the track to cut glare.
Do you happen to know if that sensitivity outside is due to using unmodulated IR signals? Or is it simply the mechanical and optical path?

The simplest circuit for sensing an interrupted light beam, involves a LED transmitter that is constantly on, and a light sensor that raises a signal whenever the light has diminished a lot. But the IR sensors for TV remotes etc use a more sophisticated scheme. The LED blinks at a certain rate (much higher than the rate of the pulse codes being sent). The IR sensor ignores all changes to ambient light levels, and listens only for a 'carrier wave' of blink trains at the expected rate. The sensor raises its signal when the blink train begins or ends. I'm building a track timer using an Arduino microcomputer, and plan to go with the blinking method. This may help if my planned test track is expelled out from the house ...
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gpraceman
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Re: The Champ vs. Fast Track GPK3

Post by gpraceman »

Duane wrote:Do you happen to know if that sensitivity outside is due to using unmodulated IR signals? Or is it simply the mechanical and optical path?
You'd have to contact the manufacturers on their specific implementation of IR sensors. Neither of those timers claim to work in sunlight. Only one manufacturer offers timer that says it can work in sunlight, that is New Directions, with their Sunlight Max option. You can use either of those other IR timers outdoors, but would need to keep the sensors from getting flooded with too much ambient light (the Sun is a great source of IR).
Randy Lisano
Romans 5:8

Awana Grand Prix and Pinewood Derby racing - Where a child, an adult and a small block of wood combine for a lot of fun and memories.
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