Awesome project man, not sure how this hasn't become more popular considering how wildly expensive some of the stuff on the market is. There are a couple questions on the hackster project page that I am also struggling with so thought I'd pop you a notification over here.
Fantastic! My son is a track runner - going to do this project with him. This is the exact Idea I had when I went looking, though seeing your implementation definitely ironed out some of the details for me... Thanks for sharing!!
Hi! To be completely honest, I did not get an exact number for delay, but I did do some eyeballing and it seems to be pretty much instant. If you wanted to fix some delay, I'd have the modules run a test when first powered on to send a packet and see how long it takes to receive the packet. In my opinion, the lack of a RTC module is more inaccurate than the potential delay haha
Thanks! Yes you can use that sensor however be aware that its range only goes up to 80 cm or .8 meters, which is slightly less than three feet. Keep that in mind as it will work for running right next to the sensor but not for the further out lanes
Hi Grayson, Yes, the LIDAR sensor should be accurate enough for that as it has a frame rate of up to 1000Hz (1000x a second). The only semi-inaccurate part of the system is the timing itself, as the Arduino isn't the most accurate for that. I would suggest using a RTC, or real time clock, module for more accurate timing.
This is a great project. It works! However, I have a few questions. After I printed the boxes, nothing fit. I need help shrinking the project. If you could provide the PCB layout, I would greatly appreciate it. Note: Some of the part lists need to be updated I was able to use it with my youth track club in cardboard boxes... :) Could this be configured to time multiple lanes for sprint races?
Awesome! So glad to hear that you were able to get it to work (for the most part!). As for fitting the project into the cases, I have added pictures of the insides of the track timers to GitHub (github.com/CollinWentzien/track-timer ). Also, if you could let me know what needs to be updated on the parts list, that would be great. This definitely can time multiple races, although an issue might occur if two people are side by side. For this, you would just need to know the distance each runner is from the sensor to know what lane they were in, and then match that time with the lane. Let me know if you need any help with that. Thanks!
@@kevinberry5994 I used Onshape, but other programs such as Fusion360 should work fine as well. I didn't use an Arduino Uno on one of the modules since I couldn't get it to fit, but it'll definitely be fine if you expand the case.
@@CollinWentzien Thanks Collins. I could print and update boxes to make room for an RTC. However, I cannot update the code to add the 00:00.00. I could print, but the hundredth would not calculate properly; instead, I was getting 00.00.0000000.......0. I have watched many videos :). I could really use your help. I read your comments to others, but that didn't work.
Hi! I have two questions: 1. Is it possible to create a sensor for adjusting the distance between the two modules and having a live real display for that distance? I'm not going to be able to run at a real track so I don't have markers and can't rely on just measuring with a yardstick 2. For timing flies (with a 10m build up and then measuring time from 10m to 60m for a 50 fly), so basically adding another sensor that detects when you cross both the start and finish modules (and subtracting the time), is that also possible? Do I just buy an extra LIDAR sensor?
Hi Joshua! 1. I think that should be possible, but my only guess as to how you would do that would be using the latency between the two modules to determine distance. Otherwise your best bet will be to measure out distinct sections with known distances 2. Yes this is totally possible with a second lidar sensor. The code then just needs to be changed to start the timer when the first beam is crossed instead of a button pressed. Let me know if you have questions/concerns. Hope this helps!
Hello! I was just searching for a solution to support my daugthers sprint training, and I found this, after I went into the readymade solutions starting at 500 Euro…so I am not sure if I can really assemble this, but is it able to get some assembled one from you? Moreover I could not find the project on the Arduino page any more….So, getting an assembled version would be great! And maybe there are other parts available now? I really likt the idea, that you also have a sound that links to reaction speed…one could also think to place two of them along the track to record e.g. speed between 10 and 30 meters? Thank you! Best! Andreas
hi collin, i have problem with adding one more digit of milisecond. i had done for adding one variable for oneth milisecond and the increase time in the get function. the timer display as 00:00.00. However, the timer for the tenth of milisecond is not run as fast as milisecond as if the stopwatch. may i know how to increase the time.
Hi Collin, Wow. What a nice project is this! I've found the missing fonts, and are about to "FontConvert" them! What size did you convert the "nunitoTiny "and "makoSmall" fonts too? Thank you for this great project!
Hi Kian, it's been a while since I've worked on this but I believe the font sizes were 9 and 14. If not I'd just play around with the font sizes on FontConvert as anything that isn't the right size will look different than what is shown in the video. Let me know if you need more help
The 1.3" OLED Screen we have (and the one liked in your "Things used in this project") only has 4 pins. GND, VCC, SCL and SDA. In your diagram you have MOSI, CLK, DC, RST, CS, VIN and GND. The VIN and GND are obvious, but what about the other pins? Any help on connecting the 4 PIN OLED woud really be appreciated. Thank you
I must have linked the wrong OLED screen :(. Good news though is that it should still work! The screen I used uses an interface called SPI, while your screen uses an interface called I2C. Both operate off of (pretty much) the same driver so you shouldn't have to do much modification to the code. All you need to do is change the way the screen is initialized, that is, the line that reads "Adafruit_SH1106 tft(OLED_MOSI, OLED_CLK, OLED_DC, OLED_RESET, OLED_CS);" Change it to something shown in a video showcasing how to use I2C OLED screens with Arduino like this one ( ruclips.net/video/_KD7skmusTQ/видео.html&ab_channel=MissionCritical ) and it should work
Hello. We are from Latvia. I am very interested in the Track Timer you have created. Can you please send the specification? Can I understand what things you have used. It would be useful for us in training and mini race I hope for your answer
hi Collin, I have a problem with the Lidar module, when I start sprint/automatic the stopwatch is stopped, however if I disconnect the Lidar, the stopwatch works. I have tested the Lidar on the serial monitor and it does the distance readings. What do you think could be the problem? Thank you so much
I think that when testing it in a small place inside the house it did not work well. I have tested the sensor outdoors and calibrated the LiDAR to ambient light and it was perfect. Thank you so much
hi Collin, I decided to add another digit for the timer (milisec) and display really like a stopwatch. At the moment, I only know to create another variable name 😅. may i know which part of function code i shall change as well?😂
Hi, to add another digit for the timer, you would want to add another variable for hundreths of a second and increase it every 10 milliseconds, or 0.01 seconds. When it reaches 10, you could increase tenths of seconds (that part is in the code), etc etc. There is a part in the code where seconds and minutes are increased, add the hundreths function there.
@@CollinWentzien so the part i need to change isit at the get_time function ? and how about the display.print(String(m1) + String(m2) + ":" + String(s1) + String(s2) + "." + String(s)+ String(ms)); in the fdraw app function, do i need to add the hundreth second variable as well?
@@CollinWentzien hi collin, by adding another last digit to the timer, i used micros() instead of millis(). the new added last digit of timer display micro sec as if the stopwatch timer which is what i want. However, the second digit which should be run as a millis time , it run much slower than the millis speed which make the timer delay many second. may i know what shall i change for the coding?
@@kimvuivoon4858 the Arduino clock is not very precise unfortunately, meaning that 1 second is around 950 arduino millisenconds instead of 1000. By using micros() this error is magnified. You can try decreasing the delay period, but if that doens't work, you might need to purchase an RTC module (real time clock) which will provide more accurate time readings.
Hi Colin : I managed to build your track timer. It was working for a while but the the time has stop working The clock will not run when in sprint/ manual mode. Also when in lap the clock will run but the lap time will count without any anything passing the sensor. Hope you can point me in the right direction. Many thanks. Lincoln
Hi Lincoln, usually when this happens it means the two modules are not correctly connected to each other. Make sure the start module is receiving numbers (distance in cm)
Yes! Sadly the Arduino page hasn't been working for a while but the project and parts are still up on Hackster www.hackster.io/collin-w/easy-and-affordable-track-timing-system-dcc6f9
@@Datasciguy99 Hackster always says that for some reason, you can just use the download button in the top right of each file to download them and they should work fine
Hi Joshua, I know Hackster says they're deleted but you should still be able to download them by clicking the download button for each file. Let me know if you have issues though
Hello i would like to buld one if these but with 2 sensors one at the start and one at the finish. Start laser begins the timer and finish laser stops the timer. I can achieve all the hardware soldering and such but what kind of code would i need for that to work? And would multiple 2.4ghz tranmitters interfere with each other if i wanted to run 2 systems next to each other? Thanks!
Hello! 1. Yes you can totally use two LIDAR modules in tandem. Just copy some of the code from the finish module that processes the LIDAR information over to the start module code and it should work. 2. As long as you set the two module pairs at different frequencies, they won't interfere. This is done in the beginning of the code on both modules at the line "const byte addr[6] = "00001";" Simply change "00001" to "00002" or a different number and the modules shouldn't interfere. Hope this helps!
Hi Voon, I have not tested the battery life with a 9v battery, but it's lasted quite a while without needing a battery change. It shouldn't really matter whether you use a rechargeable battery or not.
Hey Colin, I`ve just tried to send a message on facebook (yes sorry, I stalked you out on there lol ). I`ve got a few questions about how you keep the actual time accurately without a real time clock module. I don`t need any more accuracy than you are getting so I don`t need a RTC either, I`m just confused how you are keeping the time despite showing us the code! As you can see from my channel, I`m not totally new to arduino but all my projects were some years ago!
Hi! Thanks for reaching out. Sorry I don't check facebook often (actually never) but I'm a bit more active on here :). In terms of keeping time without an RTC, I just use the Arduino's internal 16MHz clock to keep time. You can't easily keep time with the delay() function, as it pauses all code for that set amount of time. Instead, I use the millis() function, which prints the system time in milliseconds. I also have another variable called prevMillis (or something like that). So, when the current time, or millis(), is 1000 over the previous time, we know a second has passed. We then set prevMillis to whatever millis() is currently and continue that cycle. Hope that makes a bit of sense since its sorta hard to explain haha
Hi Kim, the track timer is designed so that the "Counter" mode can detect multiple people in multiple lanes. The lane selection in settings acts as a "max" (for now). For example, if lane 6 is selected on the module, then all lanes 1-6 will be measured, but any past (7, 8) will be ignored.
Yes, of course! Arduino recently pushed out a new update for their Project Hub and for some reason my account no longer exists... I'll get in touch with them to figure out what happened. All the code, schematics, and files should still be available for download on Hackster (www.hackster.io/collin-w/easy-and-affordable-track-timing-system-dcc6f9 ), but if that doesn't work then let me know and I'll send you the files. Good luck on your build!
Right now it can measure up to eight athletes, although I'm sure you could program it to measure 10. The only limitation is the LIDAR's range, since its maximum reading distance is 12m.
At the moment, the track timer only displays the last time. You could add storing funcitonality either using an array list, or, if you want it to remember data even after a restart, using the built-in EEPROM.
hi collin😊, for timing multiple lane, isit i need to set the distance for let said 6 people first , then start the timer? and after the time stop, how can i view the individual time?
Yes, you must set the distance before you start the timer. And for different modes, the lane detection works slightly different. For both sprint and lap mode, the sensor only looks at a section of track, and when that section is crossed, the time stops. For counter mode, everything from the start of the sensor to the specified lane that is detected is recorded, but only the last time is actually displayed.
@@kimvuivoon4858 while it is possible, one of the benefits of using the LIDAR sensor is that it has a very narrow beam (around 2 degrees). The ultrasonic sensor, on the other hand, has a beam of around 15 degrees, making it better at detecting normal objects, but also makes the beam more spread out as the distance increases. The farther away a person is from the sensor, the quicker they cross it essentially.
Hi, I have question with the start module programming. May I know what is the purpose of listing the address number like 0x00 ,...from line 47 all the way to line 247? And which function of programming shows the beep sound ?
The addresses are for different icons that are used throughout the system (left centered). I just make them in paint.net and convert them to hex files. By the beep sound I assume you mean the speaker, and to play tones on the speaker you use tone(pin, pitch, duration). More details here on how to use tone(): www.arduino.cc/reference/en/language/functions/advanced-io/tone/ Hope that helps!
Hi, I get my oled display only have 4 pin vcc, gnd ,sck and sda. However ur schematic have 7 pin connected to arduino uno , so how shall i connect the 4 pin to?
Hi Kim. Most OLED displays either connect with 7/8 pins or 4 pins. Your screen uses a protocol called I2C, but it isn't very different from the way I set my screen up. I would suggest watching this (ruclips.net/video/_KD7skmusTQ/видео.html&ab_channel=MissionCritical ) tutorial on how to set up the display. Let me know if you have any issues
@@kimvuivoon4858 yes you will need to edit the code slightly. You should only really need to change things above setup() and in setup(), everything else should work fine.
Hi Bob, All parts that I used can be found on my Arduino Create page (create.arduino.cc/projecthub/collin-w/easy-and-affordable-track-timing-system-dcc6f9 is the link). If you're interested in me building one for you, email me at collwentzi@gmail.com and we can figure something out. Thanks!
Thanks! I have included the fonts on my GitHub (github.com/CollinWentzien/track-timer/tree/main/fonts is the link). To add them to the project, drag both files into Arduino > Libraries > Adafruit GFX Library > Fonts. Hope that helps!
Hi collin, i have problem with the sketch too big, it doesnt have this problem before but after reupload the code it shows sketch too big. may i know how to solve this? the error picture is in the link drive.google.com/file/d/1YPreo4bld_-LAyNjRO3T2e9yrp1WTyW8/view?usp=share_link
Hi Kim, This error pops up whenever the sketch size is too large. Unedited, the code takes up about 95% of an Arduino Nano/UNO's flash, meaning you only have around 500 bytes of wiggle room (which isn't much). If you made any large changes to the code, it might just be too big to fit on the Arduino. I would suggest removing things in the code you don't need, such as maybe the muting speaker or some of the icons to free up storage.
Great video Collin this is really cool.
Awesome project man, not sure how this hasn't become more popular considering how wildly expensive some of the stuff on the market is. There are a couple questions on the hackster project page that I am also struggling with so thought I'd pop you a notification over here.
Thanks! Sorry for not noticing, I'll hop over there and respond asap
Awesome project!
Very cool. I want one even more now!
Fantastic! My son is a track runner - going to do this project with him. This is the exact Idea I had when I went looking, though seeing your implementation definitely ironed out some of the details for me...
Thanks for sharing!!
Awesome! Let me know if you need any help along the way :)
Great stuff Colin, good form over the hurdles, as well
Thanks so much!
Excellent project, thanks for sharing.
Very nice system. I want to do something like that for cycling races.
Thank you! Good luck with your project :)
Wow, what a great project, I'll soon do it, greetings from Mexico👌💪
Hey Collin I'm not that savvy yet to build this. How much would you charge to make me one?
Is there any delay between the two modules, and if there is, how much? In case you reply and there is some delay, how could I fix this?
Hi! To be completely honest, I did not get an exact number for delay, but I did do some eyeballing and it seems to be pretty much instant. If you wanted to fix some delay, I'd have the modules run a test when first powered on to send a packet and see how long it takes to receive the packet. In my opinion, the lack of a RTC module is more inaccurate than the potential delay haha
Hi Collin, congratulations, thanks for sharing the project. In your opinion, is it possible to do a similar project using infrared sensor (E18-D80NK)?
Thanks! Yes you can use that sensor however be aware that its range only goes up to 80 cm or .8 meters, which is slightly less than three feet. Keep that in mind as it will work for running right next to the sensor but not for the further out lanes
Is the lidar sensor accurate enough for timing to a hundredth of a second for, say, flying 30m sprints?
Hi Grayson,
Yes, the LIDAR sensor should be accurate enough for that as it has a frame rate of up to 1000Hz (1000x a second). The only semi-inaccurate part of the system is the timing itself, as the Arduino isn't the most accurate for that. I would suggest using a RTC, or real time clock, module for more accurate timing.
This is a great project. It works! However, I have a few questions. After I printed the boxes, nothing fit. I need help shrinking the project. If you could provide the PCB layout, I would greatly appreciate it.
Note: Some of the part lists need to be updated
I was able to use it with my youth track club in cardboard boxes... :)
Could this be configured to time multiple lanes for sprint races?
Awesome! So glad to hear that you were able to get it to work (for the most part!). As for fitting the project into the cases, I have added pictures of the insides of the track timers to GitHub (github.com/CollinWentzien/track-timer ). Also, if you could let me know what needs to be updated on the parts list, that would be great.
This definitely can time multiple races, although an issue might occur if two people are side by side. For this, you would just need to know the distance each runner is from the sensor to know what lane they were in, and then match that time with the lane. Let me know if you need any help with that. Thanks!
@@CollinWentzien
Which CAD application did you use? I need to modfiy to use a UNO in both :)
@@kevinberry5994 I used Onshape, but other programs such as Fusion360 should work fine as well. I didn't use an Arduino Uno on one of the modules since I couldn't get it to fit, but it'll definitely be fine if you expand the case.
@@CollinWentzien Thanks Collins. I could print and update boxes to make room for an RTC. However, I cannot update the code to add the 00:00.00. I could print, but the hundredth would not calculate properly; instead, I was getting 00.00.0000000.......0. I have watched many videos :). I could really use your help. I read your comments to others, but that didn't work.
@@kevinberry5994 so you're trying to round the .00000000 to 2 decimal places?
Hi! I have two questions:
1. Is it possible to create a sensor for adjusting the distance between the two modules and having a live real display for that distance? I'm not going to be able to run at a real track so I don't have markers and can't rely on just measuring with a yardstick
2. For timing flies (with a 10m build up and then measuring time from 10m to 60m for a 50 fly), so basically adding another sensor that detects when you cross both the start and finish modules (and subtracting the time), is that also possible? Do I just buy an extra LIDAR sensor?
Hi Joshua!
1. I think that should be possible, but my only guess as to how you would do that would be using the latency between the two modules to determine distance. Otherwise your best bet will be to measure out distinct sections with known distances
2. Yes this is totally possible with a second lidar sensor. The code then just needs to be changed to start the timer when the first beam is crossed instead of a button pressed.
Let me know if you have questions/concerns. Hope this helps!
Hello! I was just searching for a solution to support my daugthers sprint training, and I found this, after I went into the readymade solutions starting at 500 Euro…so I am not sure if I can really assemble this, but is it able to get some assembled one from you? Moreover I could not find the project on the Arduino page any more….So, getting an assembled version would be great! And maybe there are other parts available now? I really likt the idea, that you also have a sound that links to reaction speed…one could also think to place two of them along the track to record e.g. speed between 10 and 30 meters? Thank you! Best! Andreas
hi collin, i have problem with adding one more digit of milisecond. i had done for adding one variable for oneth milisecond and the increase time in the get function. the timer display as 00:00.00. However, the timer for the tenth of milisecond is not run as fast as milisecond as if the stopwatch. may i know how to increase the time.
Hi Kim, sorry for the late reply. I just responded to your other comment so hopefully that helps :)
Hi Collin,
Wow. What a nice project is this!
I've found the missing fonts, and are about to "FontConvert" them!
What size did you convert the "nunitoTiny "and "makoSmall" fonts too?
Thank you for this great project!
Hi Kian, it's been a while since I've worked on this but I believe the font sizes were 9 and 14. If not I'd just play around with the font sizes on FontConvert as anything that isn't the right size will look different than what is shown in the video. Let me know if you need more help
@@CollinWentzien thank you for the info. I'm going to give it a go when i have the screen working.
what is the best positioning for the sensor? because the detection is not the line but a cone
The 1.3" OLED Screen we have (and the one liked in your "Things used in this project") only has 4 pins. GND, VCC, SCL and SDA.
In your diagram you have MOSI, CLK, DC, RST, CS, VIN and GND.
The VIN and GND are obvious, but what about the other pins?
Any help on connecting the 4 PIN OLED woud really be appreciated.
Thank you
I must have linked the wrong OLED screen :(. Good news though is that it should still work! The screen I used uses an interface called SPI, while your screen uses an interface called I2C. Both operate off of (pretty much) the same driver so you shouldn't have to do much modification to the code. All you need to do is change the way the screen is initialized, that is, the line that reads "Adafruit_SH1106 tft(OLED_MOSI, OLED_CLK, OLED_DC, OLED_RESET, OLED_CS);" Change it to something shown in a video showcasing how to use I2C OLED screens with Arduino like this one ( ruclips.net/video/_KD7skmusTQ/видео.html&ab_channel=MissionCritical ) and it should work
@@CollinWentzien Thank you for the info. I will see if i get it working with this screen. If not I will try to get the one you used.
@@CollinWentzien Once again thank you.
I'm going to give it a try. If now luck I will order a SPI OLED screen!
Hello. We are from Latvia. I am very interested in the Track Timer you have created. Can you please send the specification? Can I understand what things you have used. It would be useful for us in training and mini race
I hope for your answer
Hi! I've responded on instagram :)
hi Collin,
I have a problem with the Lidar module, when I start sprint/automatic the stopwatch is stopped, however if I disconnect the Lidar, the stopwatch works.
I have tested the Lidar on the serial monitor and it does the distance readings.
What do you think could be the problem?
Thank you so much
Hi Paco,
I just replied to your email, but in short, do you know if the LIDAR works across the wireless connection or just the serial monitor?
Hi Collin, all resolved, works perfect. I love you !!! 😅
@@pacodiaz6696 Great to hear! What was the problem?
I think that when testing it in a small place inside the house it did not work well. I have tested the sensor outdoors and calibrated the LiDAR to ambient light and it was perfect. Thank you so much
hi Collin, I decided to add another digit for the timer (milisec) and display really like a stopwatch. At the moment, I only know to create another variable name 😅. may i know which part of function code i shall change as well?😂
Hi, to add another digit for the timer, you would want to add another variable for hundreths of a second and increase it every 10 milliseconds, or 0.01 seconds. When it reaches 10, you could increase tenths of seconds (that part is in the code), etc etc. There is a part in the code where seconds and minutes are increased, add the hundreths function there.
@@CollinWentzien so the part i need to change isit at the get_time function ? and how about the display.print(String(m1) + String(m2) + ":" + String(s1) + String(s2) + "." + String(s)+ String(ms)); in the fdraw app function, do i need to add the hundreth second variable as well?
@@kimvuivoon4858 yes you will need to add the hundreths variable in the print() fuction to view it
@@CollinWentzien hi collin, by adding another last digit to the timer, i used micros() instead of millis(). the new added last digit of timer display micro sec as if the stopwatch timer which is what i want. However, the second digit which should be run as a millis time , it run much slower than the millis speed which make the timer delay many second. may i know what shall i change for the coding?
@@kimvuivoon4858 the Arduino clock is not very precise unfortunately, meaning that 1 second is around 950 arduino millisenconds instead of 1000. By using micros() this error is magnified. You can try decreasing the delay period, but if that doens't work, you might need to purchase an RTC module (real time clock) which will provide more accurate time readings.
Wow that's nice! I wanna know can I measure my reaction time with it?
Yes you definitely could!
Hi Colin : I managed to build your track timer. It was working for a while but the the time has stop working The clock will not run when in sprint/ manual mode. Also when in lap the clock will run but the lap time will count without any anything passing the sensor. Hope you can point me in the right direction. Many thanks. Lincoln
Hi Lincoln, usually when this happens it means the two modules are not correctly connected to each other. Make sure the start module is receiving numbers (distance in cm)
Collin, I wasn't able to find the parts list in the link from a few years ago. Is it still available? I think my boys might enjoy making one of these.
Yes! Sadly the Arduino page hasn't been working for a while but the project and parts are still up on Hackster www.hackster.io/collin-w/easy-and-affordable-track-timing-system-dcc6f9
@@CollinWentzien Except the schematics to print the box have been deleted. Help!!!
@@Datasciguy99 Hackster always says that for some reason, you can just use the download button in the top right of each file to download them and they should work fine
The CAD files aren't available on the Hackster site for some reason. Also would it be possibly then to just share the entire onshape document? Thanks
Hi Joshua, I know Hackster says they're deleted but you should still be able to download them by clicking the download button for each file. Let me know if you have issues though
Hmm, can this be used in motorsports timing?
I don't see why not!
Hello i would like to buld one if these but with 2 sensors one at the start and one at the finish. Start laser begins the timer and finish laser stops the timer. I can achieve all the hardware soldering and such but what kind of code would i need for that to work? And would multiple 2.4ghz tranmitters interfere with each other if i wanted to run 2 systems next to each other? Thanks!
Hello!
1. Yes you can totally use two LIDAR modules in tandem. Just copy some of the code from the finish module that processes the LIDAR information over to the start module code and it should work.
2. As long as you set the two module pairs at different frequencies, they won't interfere. This is done in the beginning of the code on both modules at the line "const byte addr[6] = "00001";" Simply change "00001" to "00002" or a different number and the modules shouldn't interfere.
Hope this helps!
Is me voon again, have you ever test the battery, how long will the start device can last with 9V battery? Isit better to use 9v rechargeable battery?
Hi Voon,
I have not tested the battery life with a 9v battery, but it's lasted quite a while without needing a battery change. It shouldn't really matter whether you use a rechargeable battery or not.
Hey Colin, I`ve just tried to send a message on facebook (yes sorry, I stalked you out on there lol ). I`ve got a few questions about how you keep the actual time accurately without a real time clock module. I don`t need any more accuracy than you are getting so I don`t need a RTC either, I`m just confused how you are keeping the time despite showing us the code! As you can see from my channel, I`m not totally new to arduino but all my projects were some years ago!
Hi!
Thanks for reaching out. Sorry I don't check facebook often (actually never) but I'm a bit more active on here :). In terms of keeping time without an RTC, I just use the Arduino's internal 16MHz clock to keep time. You can't easily keep time with the delay() function, as it pauses all code for that set amount of time. Instead, I use the millis() function, which prints the system time in milliseconds. I also have another variable called prevMillis (or something like that). So, when the current time, or millis(), is 1000 over the previous time, we know a second has passed. We then set prevMillis to whatever millis() is currently and continue that cycle. Hope that makes a bit of sense since its sorta hard to explain haha
Hi Collin, for running in group, is it only one lane or multiples lane will be detected ?
Hi Kim, the track timer is designed so that the "Counter" mode can detect multiple people in multiple lanes. The lane selection in settings acts as a "max" (for now). For example, if lane 6 is selected on the module, then all lanes 1-6 will be measured, but any past (7, 8) will be ignored.
@@CollinWentzien I see, noted, thank you so much for the information.
The code and schematics don't seem to be available all of a sudden....is it possible to get copies of these? I'd like to attempt a build....
Yes, of course! Arduino recently pushed out a new update for their Project Hub and for some reason my account no longer exists... I'll get in touch with them to figure out what happened. All the code, schematics, and files should still be available for download on Hackster (www.hackster.io/collin-w/easy-and-affordable-track-timing-system-dcc6f9 ), but if that doesn't work then let me know and I'll send you the files. Good luck on your build!
@@CollinWentzien thanks! got it now!
Hi Collin - How many athletes can it take at a time. Is it limited to 4 only or can it take 10 in a race?
Right now it can measure up to eight athletes, although I'm sure you could program it to measure 10. The only limitation is the LIDAR's range, since its maximum reading distance is 12m.
Hi Collin, is the track timer hv the feature of storing data. It is like after running the some tracks, athlete want to see back there result.
At the moment, the track timer only displays the last time. You could add storing funcitonality either using an array list, or, if you want it to remember data even after a restart, using the built-in EEPROM.
@@CollinWentzienok thank you very much
Colin, will you sell one?
Hi Richard, feel free to email me or message me on instagram and we can figure something out.
hi collin😊, for timing multiple lane, isit i need to set the distance for let said 6 people first , then start the timer? and after the time stop, how can i view the individual time?
Yes, you must set the distance before you start the timer. And for different modes, the lane detection works slightly different. For both sprint and lap mode, the sensor only looks at a section of track, and when that section is crossed, the time stops. For counter mode, everything from the start of the sensor to the specified lane that is detected is recorded, but only the last time is actually displayed.
@@CollinWentzien thank you very much collin, it works now, the workable pin for nano is A4&A5.
I want this feature. It would be really good to see all the times. Kids are always asking. :)
How do I view the other times crossed@@CollinWentzien
And is it possible to replace the ttf sensor with distance sensor, would I loss multiple time races In this case?
Ultrasonic sensor I mean
@@kimvuivoon4858 while it is possible, one of the benefits of using the LIDAR sensor is that it has a very narrow beam (around 2 degrees). The ultrasonic sensor, on the other hand, has a beam of around 15 degrees, making it better at detecting normal objects, but also makes the beam more spread out as the distance increases. The farther away a person is from the sensor, the quicker they cross it essentially.
Thanks and appreciate your reply
Hi, I have question with the start module programming. May I know what is the purpose of listing the address number like 0x00 ,...from line 47 all the way to line 247? And which function of programming shows the beep sound ?
The addresses are for different icons that are used throughout the system (left centered). I just make them in paint.net and convert them to hex files. By the beep sound I assume you mean the speaker, and to play tones on the speaker you use tone(pin, pitch, duration). More details here on how to use tone(): www.arduino.cc/reference/en/language/functions/advanced-io/tone/
Hope that helps!
@@CollinWentzien the icon do u mean for the oled display?
@@kimvuivoon4858 yes, they're the little 16x16 icons that you see in the menu systems
alright, thank you very much!
Hi, I just planning to replace arduino nano with esp 32 so that it can store data on the cloud, may I know isit possible?
That should work, some libraries might not be too happy but it's definitely possible
I see, thank you very much for the info
Hi, I get my oled display only have 4 pin vcc, gnd ,sck and sda. However ur schematic have 7 pin connected to arduino uno , so how shall i connect the 4 pin to?
Hi Kim. Most OLED displays either connect with 7/8 pins or 4 pins. Your screen uses a protocol called I2C, but it isn't very different from the way I set my screen up. I would suggest watching this (ruclips.net/video/_KD7skmusTQ/видео.html&ab_channel=MissionCritical ) tutorial on how to set up the display. Let me know if you have any issues
I see, so do I need to edit ur code ? Once I uploaded ur code, nothing will display
It work well with the example code trying with library adafruit 1106 12IC
@@kimvuivoon4858 yes you will need to edit the code slightly. You should only really need to change things above setup() and in setup(), everything else should work fine.
where can I get one made for me Bob Glover
Hi Bob,
All parts that I used can be found on my Arduino Create page (create.arduino.cc/projecthub/collin-w/easy-and-affordable-track-timing-system-dcc6f9 is the link). If you're interested in me building one for you, email me at collwentzi@gmail.com and we can figure something out. Thanks!
I need this device how should I contact
Hi! You can reach me at collwentzi@gmail.com or my instagram @collin.wentzien
hi, it is really a cool project ! can i have the library of arduino for #include
#include
Thanks! I have included the fonts on my GitHub (github.com/CollinWentzien/track-timer/tree/main/fonts is the link). To add them to the project, drag both files into Arduino > Libraries > Adafruit GFX Library > Fonts. Hope that helps!
@@CollinWentzien i see, i have added it,. thank you so much!
Hi collin, i have problem with the sketch too big, it doesnt have this problem before but after reupload the code it shows sketch too big. may i know how to solve this? the error picture is in the link drive.google.com/file/d/1YPreo4bld_-LAyNjRO3T2e9yrp1WTyW8/view?usp=share_link
Hi Kim,
This error pops up whenever the sketch size is too large. Unedited, the code takes up about 95% of an Arduino Nano/UNO's flash, meaning you only have around 500 bytes of wiggle room (which isn't much). If you made any large changes to the code, it might just be too big to fit on the Arduino. I would suggest removing things in the code you don't need, such as maybe the muting speaker or some of the icons to free up storage.