Obsolescent, applies to Rev 3.xx and 4.xx only
Installing the Start and Finish Sensors on the Track
Installing the Hinge Switches and Finish Cable
Note: If you haven't constructed a track yet, you may wish to make a side-guided instead of center-guided track to eliminate the clearance problem posed by cars with weights on the bottom.Using scrap lumber, make two lane supports and mount them under the finish line just inside each edge of the track. Make the supports about 1 inch high to provide clearance for the lane interface card. You may need additional support at the far end of the track.
For each lane, remove enough of the center guide rail at the finish line to accept the hinge. Place the hinge centered in the guide rail opening, pin up, with the hole toward the starting line and mark the hole for drilling.
For each lane drill a 1/8" hole through the mark in the track and all the way through the track.
For each lane drill a 1/8" hole completely through the track under the side of the hinge without the hole as shown in the drawing. Make this hole close to the far edge of the hinge to minimize the closed height of the hinge.
Note the lane number written on each ring terminal connector. You may place either connector on either screw. However, be sure the lane numbers are in the proper order. Also check that the lane numbering at the finish line agrees with the lane numbering at the start.
Using the hole nearest the start line, mount the first screw and hardware through the hinge and track in the following order. Screw, hinge (hinge pin down), small washer, nut (very tight), large washer, track, large washer, cable ring terminal, small washer, nut. Repeat this for every lane.
Using the hole nearest the finish end of the track, mount the second screw and hardware through the track in the following order. Screw, large washer, track, large washer, cable ring terminal, small washer, nut. Repeat this for every lane.
Open the hinge fully against the stop, this should be a slightly less than a 90 degree included angle and is the proper position for the hinge when the cars are racing. Don't attempt to balance the hinge at the 90 degree position since track vibration or the wind from cars in nearby lanes can trip it prematurely.
Connect the Lane cable to the connector on the Lane interface card.
Installing the SuperTimer Start Sensor
Drill a 1/4 inch hole, about 1 inch deep in the forward facing edge of the starting bar (toward the finish line). Glue the magnet in place using white wood glue. Note: the magnet will project about 1/4" out of the starting bar.Mount the sensor assembly under the track with the sensor pointing at the magnet using the supplied cable clamp and 4x1/2 wood screw. Note: the start sensor may be removed from the cable clamp to facilitate storage after the race.
Be sure the magnet and sensor do not interfere with the starting bar or rubber band. Prior to starting the race, the magnet and sensor should form a straight line with the two faces about 1/8" apart. Starting the race should move the magnet away from the top of the sensor.
When you are done, connect the Start cable to the small phone jack on
the SuperTimer lane interface card.
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