I have put my own comments at the bottom of this post.
My email to Trak Mate:
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I just read this post from Slalomskateboarder dot com:
http://www.slalomskateboarder.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=3179
I am wondering about the serial connection. What is it's purpose other than
a com port for a PC? I am interested in helping with code for this timer to interface
with a PC/Handheld, etc. What is the chip being used in the timer? Is this an Open
Source project?
Also, I am interested in looking into the possibility of incorporating wireless
into these systems.
Thanks for any info.
-Carl
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Hello,
Thank you for your interest in TrakMate products.
TrakMate has been really busy lately.
About the sports timer…. We will be transmitting data out the serial port. The interface protocol will be documented so anyone wishing to interface it to a PC program is welcome, and I will support them in their efforts. IT will also be possible to interface external lights to it. We are already deep into its design stage, we will be using DB9 connectors and dropping the RJ6 jacks you guys love. TrakMate infrared beams will be compatible with the timer. Our new 110volt ac Drag Tree will also plug right into it. You want win lights no problem.
Is this an Open Source project? The code in the chip won’t be open source but because it will have built in commands a PC connected to it will be able to do anything.
Wireless possibilities? Did you have any off the shelf solutions in mind? I can look into it if there enough interest.
Feel free to quote my comments on the forum,
Regards
Daniel
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I've been looking at these timers recently, and finally got up close and personal with one
at a recent Hobby Park session.
Anyway, I wanted to open the topic here [again] about the possibility of direct PC/Laptop connections. I'd like to know:
> Who has made an attempt? Successful or not?
> Is there anyone here that can give me the chip type/model that the TrakMate uses? I can order one for myself and start breadboarding it. I want to see the code it uses.
My ideas: I think that a wireless system is possible with the Trak Mate, with the use of 802.11bg type of signals. Or 900mhz signals for better coverage.
One of many issues, is that you need a seperate box at the finish line, that is powered, collects the data, and sends the correct data back. Meaning that the collected data is to at least the 3rd or 4th decimal. This, in turn, would be collected by the wireless unit first, then to the timer, and a database running on the PC/Laptop. Then into the race spreadsheet.
SO: Tape switch / wireless box sends signal / receiver collect-sends signal to timer / timer connection to PC updates Database.
Remember, the box at the bottom of the hill only needs to send a signal that the tape has been pressed, same as always. It doesnt have to send "15.987 seconds", the timer will convert that itself.
The messy part here [to me anyway] is the hardware hack itself. I can build most things when it comes to wireless systems, PC's, and phone boxes. But I'd like some input from other geeks out there that would be into coming up with a solution. The data into the PC
doesnt seem to be a problem, depending on the code for the chip of course. A local DB, and possibly a local Web Server would do the trick after that, which can all be done with Open Source tools.
Also, I do not wish to create a new timer, meaning that I am not trying to replace a TrakMate unit. After seeing this timer up close, it was apparent that there were viable "hacks" to make it better, and create data collection tools on the cheap.
Thanks fo reading my brain-dump.
