<![CDATA[SlotRacer Forum - Race Control]]> https://slotracer.online/community/ Thu, 22 Oct 2026 20:54:53 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[SlotForge Timing - (TrackMate) Slotcar Timing Software]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5453 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:55:48 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5453 SLOTFORGE TIMING

Right down to business: So, not to get in the way of RaceCoordinator or anything, but I just like having what I want ? I don't really like that 90's look and feel of pretty much all Slotcar Timing apps so I set out to make one with a modern UI, which not only looks good but works intuitively as well. I'm not one to gatekeep and I think the app turned out fine so why not share it.. I think RCAI is more powerful simply because it supports more Timing Hardware and its creator can actually write code. I cannot code, only bug Claude with ideas and things I want. Fuel is pretty simple for example, and I have no clue if the Heat or Round Robin settings work as they should because I don't use those features, I just asked what the AI thought it should be. I just like racing slotcars in my little wooden shed with a few mates chasing fastest laps and because I'm a bit of a tidy nerd who loves data, I'd like it if I had all that information in 1 spot. Hence, a central Database which records all Race Results, linked to a driver, car and all lapdata. I've prompted Claude AI to death and told it what I wanted out of a slotcar timing app, while keeping some points you guys raised for RCAI and tried to incorporate those too. Right now, it only works with Trackmate Timing hardware (the latest one with the blue box) because that's the only hardware I have.

If you're interested, you can download it here:
SlotForge Timing App - Direct Download from Google Drive
GitHub - Work in Progress

Key Features of SlotForge Timing:
Fully and extremely customizable Timing Page - Lots of widgets to choose from with lots of customization options on how it it presented on screen.
Powerful Leaderboard Style Editor - linked to a widget but also a live leaderboard page. Saveable as a 'setup', make as many as you want for multiple boards.)
Database for your Tracks, Drivers, Slotcars and Race Results - Extra fields can be added, Race Results can be reviewed and exported to PDF.
The info contained in the PDF can be chosen to your liking.
Race Results and Records Database - Are linked to Driver, Car, Track, and time. Can display more info.
Setting up races of different Session Types with its own rules - Indefinite Free Practice, Qualifying with carry-over results, Race, Round Robin, Heats
Customizable Audio settings - A big list of Audio calls with different {variables}, all Text-to-Speech which whatever you have installed on your computer. Can upload custom audio files. Can add custom Calls and build your own using the {variables}.
Customizable Image Settings - Set standard images for the Race Flags, Start Lights or Fuel States, can be applied per race.
Basic Fuel Settings - Tank size, Fuel consumption, variance of fuel usage linked to laptimes, Pitstop refuel speed. All customizable.
Basic Penalty System - Add Penalty Points, or Special Penalties like a Stop and Go penalty which 'forces' the driver to stop on the sensor for a set amount of time.
Basic Time Token System - Do you sell Track Time on your Racetrack? There's a simple manual system in place for that which all kinds of visual cues.
General App Settings - for a Club Logo or Header Image, custom colours for the whole app look and feel.
Live Race Page / Multiple Screens - Want to connect to the Timing Page, Leaderboard or Driver specific statistics? Connect through localhost or QR-code to land on a landing page with several viewing options. Clicking the Live Race tab opens a second window on your second screen (if present, otherwise on main).
Import and Export of Race Layouts, Widgets, Audio Sets etc 
.. and some more small tidbits

Note: It only works with recent TrackMate Hardware! You can fully test it and use it without running a race though.
Works on Windows, untested on Linux or macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon) - Installers are provided though.

Yes, you can rename the app's name top left to whatever you like.
.png Hometabv2.png Size: 1.04 MB  Downloads: 16


Possibilities of building your own Race Timing Page .. I just stuck a bunch of possible widgets in, still, there is more
.png Custom Timing Page.png Size: 1.7 MB  Downloads: 13


So this is just an example. It doesn't have to have a background image or transparancy, be ordered in this way, and have the widgets where they are or even have those widgets at all.

Everything is easily customizable, scaleable, freely moveable and with a somewhat smart duplication button for the next lane. You can select multiple widgets and hit duplicate which automatically assigns the next lane to them, you can them drag and drop the copied widgets to where you want it.
Horizontally or Vertically, no problem. Magnetically on a grid, to other widgets, or to guidelines both horizontal or vertical, number definabe. Uniform for the whole layout, or per widget override.
Text size, Colour Options for text, widget background (lane color, something you choose, or inherited from the theme), Corner Radius, Transparancy, Screen Background Colour or Image, with Image Effect Sliders.
Widgets taking information from the database, lane, or override per widget, really.. whatever you want.

Sorry for this messy list, there's just so much you can do. This level of customization is also available for Leaderboard Editor and Leaderboard widget, with some nifty sliders to get things displayed exactly on the widget as you want.


Some Screenshots (might be somewhat outdated): (the theme can be changed to presets if you dont like the colors, or make your own.)
.png App Settings.png Size: 169.86 KB  Downloads: 12
.png Customization Tab.png Size: 54.2 KB  Downloads: 11
.png Database Tab.png Size: 190.63 KB  Downloads: 11
.png Finalize Results.png Size: 107.62 KB  Downloads: 14
.png Layout Editor.png Size: 272.34 KB  Downloads: 14
.png Leaderboard Designer.png Size: 158.48 KB  Downloads: 10
.png Live Race Tab.png Size: 40.39 KB  Downloads: 14
.png Race Setup Fuel.png Size: 86.69 KB  Downloads: 11
.png Race Setups Race.png Size: 108.52 KB  Downloads: 11
.png Racing Rules Tab.png Size: 53.66 KB  Downloads: 12



Claude's summary of what this app does:
SlotForge Timing is a Windows (Linux  and macOS soon™, installers included though) app for running slot car races. It counts laps and times, keeps your data, and shows the race on screens.
  • Timing: it connects to a Trackmate interface for lap counting. It handles yellow and red flags and track power, and there are simulated cars for testing.
  • Race types: race, timed race, qualifying and practice, plus heats and round robin with championship points.
  • Database: drivers (with flags), slot cars with pictures, tracks (lanes, length and speed calculators, lap time limits) and race setups. It also keeps personal bests and track records.
  • Timing page: you build it yourself from widgets, such as lap time, leaderboard, gaps, fuel and penalty points. You can also design the leaderboard rows.
  • Rules: penalty points that turn into time, drivethrough and stop-and-go penalties, fuel rules, and a Race Director page. After each race there is a review to correct laps and penalties before anything is saved.
  • Sound: spoken announcements and sound sets that you can edit.
  • Live Race: a second-screen window, plus read-only pages for tablets and phones that follow the race.
  • Paperwork: PDF reports of sessions and of your Racing Rules (formatted text), a full backup and restore, and export and import of single items.
  • Look: your own app name and Home header picture, ready-made colour themes, and your own custom colours.
I got the .ZIP, now what?
Unzip it. There is 'build-windows.bat' file. Run that for a minute or two, (this pulls and builds all the things it need to make this an app. It also does a ton of checks, no clue why, but checks are a good thing though right?), then run the Portable .exe so it doesn't have to install to any folders on your computer. If you do want it installed, go with the other one but portable is easy to just check the app out. It'll ask for local network access because there is an extra, second display which you can connect to through localhost IP (e.g: 192.1.68.85:8080) or QR (the QR code and IP can be printed on A4), if you choose to turn it on. (This is the Live Race tab)

How do I get started?
There are default settings for everything, so you could dive right in by clicking 'Open the Session' on the Home tab. Make sure to setup your TrackMate interface first, under the App Settings tab. Approach the App like you would a physical track. you start out with a track , so add one on Database tab under Tracks.

0. Add Trackmate Timing Interface
1. Add a track under Database, Tracks. You are presented with a bunch of options you can skip for now, only lane number is really necessary. Track length might useful.
2. Then add a Driver and a Slotcar, skip all options.
3. Set up a race under Race Setup. Pick a Session Type. Skip Options, or not.
4. Go back to Home, Pick your race and hit Start Race/Open the Session.

This sets up a basic race. There is a default one in place as well, but this would get you started on customization later on, when you are comfortable with that.


Now, If you like this app great. Missing Hardware interfaces? Tough luck because again, I cannot code, only annoy AI. If you write up a detailed explanation of what's missing or what needs changing I can jam it in the AI and hope it does a good job of what you want. I will only implement things if I think it helps the app's look and feel and usage because I mainly designed this for myself, but it turned out pretty well and I just kept adding features and now it is what it is. Some features might not be fleshed out enough but perhaps one of you has a great idea about how it should work so feel free to let me know. Structural changes to how certain systems within the app work are fairly easy to be honest.


If you're interested, you can download it here:
SlotForge Timing App - Direct Download from Google Drive
GitHub - Work in Progress

Note: It only works with recent TrackMate Hardware!
I think you need to install the TrackMate Driver as well, you do this by installing their own app. People who have used their TrackMate Hardware before and got it working will most likely have this driver installed already.

If you want support for other hardware, I'd suggest dumping the entire folder which contains this app on your own AI agent (I'd suggest Claude, it made this and it's done a great job if you ask me), and see if you can add a page to Timing Hardware tab under 'Other' (I've told Claude to prepare that) and get the software to work with the hardware. I only have the latest TrackMate 2-lane timing system, thus, it's the only one I can add with certainty that it actually works, because I can test it personally. Do you want to help out in getting your hardware to work with this app? Reach out and we'll try to figure it out and get it working!

Feedback? Questions? Yes please! But remember I can only test this with Trackmate Hardware, so if it's about app functionality I can adjust or add things!

It works for me, I hope it works for you :) 

Most Recent App Version: 0.99

This app is FREE - use and abuse it as you like.
.png Live Race Leaderboard Options.png Size: 39.47 KB  Downloads: 7
]]> SLOTFORGE TIMING

Right down to business: So, not to get in the way of RaceCoordinator or anything, but I just like having what I want ? I don't really like that 90's look and feel of pretty much all Slotcar Timing apps so I set out to make one with a modern UI, which not only looks good but works intuitively as well. I'm not one to gatekeep and I think the app turned out fine so why not share it.. I think RCAI is more powerful simply because it supports more Timing Hardware and its creator can actually write code. I cannot code, only bug Claude with ideas and things I want. Fuel is pretty simple for example, and I have no clue if the Heat or Round Robin settings work as they should because I don't use those features, I just asked what the AI thought it should be. I just like racing slotcars in my little wooden shed with a few mates chasing fastest laps and because I'm a bit of a tidy nerd who loves data, I'd like it if I had all that information in 1 spot. Hence, a central Database which records all Race Results, linked to a driver, car and all lapdata. I've prompted Claude AI to death and told it what I wanted out of a slotcar timing app, while keeping some points you guys raised for RCAI and tried to incorporate those too. Right now, it only works with Trackmate Timing hardware (the latest one with the blue box) because that's the only hardware I have.

If you're interested, you can download it here:
SlotForge Timing App - Direct Download from Google Drive
GitHub - Work in Progress

Key Features of SlotForge Timing:
Fully and extremely customizable Timing Page - Lots of widgets to choose from with lots of customization options on how it it presented on screen.
Powerful Leaderboard Style Editor - linked to a widget but also a live leaderboard page. Saveable as a 'setup', make as many as you want for multiple boards.)
Database for your Tracks, Drivers, Slotcars and Race Results - Extra fields can be added, Race Results can be reviewed and exported to PDF.
The info contained in the PDF can be chosen to your liking.
Race Results and Records Database - Are linked to Driver, Car, Track, and time. Can display more info.
Setting up races of different Session Types with its own rules - Indefinite Free Practice, Qualifying with carry-over results, Race, Round Robin, Heats
Customizable Audio settings - A big list of Audio calls with different {variables}, all Text-to-Speech which whatever you have installed on your computer. Can upload custom audio files. Can add custom Calls and build your own using the {variables}.
Customizable Image Settings - Set standard images for the Race Flags, Start Lights or Fuel States, can be applied per race.
Basic Fuel Settings - Tank size, Fuel consumption, variance of fuel usage linked to laptimes, Pitstop refuel speed. All customizable.
Basic Penalty System - Add Penalty Points, or Special Penalties like a Stop and Go penalty which 'forces' the driver to stop on the sensor for a set amount of time.
Basic Time Token System - Do you sell Track Time on your Racetrack? There's a simple manual system in place for that which all kinds of visual cues.
General App Settings - for a Club Logo or Header Image, custom colours for the whole app look and feel.
Live Race Page / Multiple Screens - Want to connect to the Timing Page, Leaderboard or Driver specific statistics? Connect through localhost or QR-code to land on a landing page with several viewing options. Clicking the Live Race tab opens a second window on your second screen (if present, otherwise on main).
Import and Export of Race Layouts, Widgets, Audio Sets etc 
.. and some more small tidbits

Note: It only works with recent TrackMate Hardware! You can fully test it and use it without running a race though.
Works on Windows, untested on Linux or macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon) - Installers are provided though.

Yes, you can rename the app's name top left to whatever you like.
.png Hometabv2.png Size: 1.04 MB  Downloads: 16


Possibilities of building your own Race Timing Page .. I just stuck a bunch of possible widgets in, still, there is more
.png Custom Timing Page.png Size: 1.7 MB  Downloads: 13


So this is just an example. It doesn't have to have a background image or transparancy, be ordered in this way, and have the widgets where they are or even have those widgets at all.

Everything is easily customizable, scaleable, freely moveable and with a somewhat smart duplication button for the next lane. You can select multiple widgets and hit duplicate which automatically assigns the next lane to them, you can them drag and drop the copied widgets to where you want it.
Horizontally or Vertically, no problem. Magnetically on a grid, to other widgets, or to guidelines both horizontal or vertical, number definabe. Uniform for the whole layout, or per widget override.
Text size, Colour Options for text, widget background (lane color, something you choose, or inherited from the theme), Corner Radius, Transparancy, Screen Background Colour or Image, with Image Effect Sliders.
Widgets taking information from the database, lane, or override per widget, really.. whatever you want.

Sorry for this messy list, there's just so much you can do. This level of customization is also available for Leaderboard Editor and Leaderboard widget, with some nifty sliders to get things displayed exactly on the widget as you want.


Some Screenshots (might be somewhat outdated): (the theme can be changed to presets if you dont like the colors, or make your own.)
.png App Settings.png Size: 169.86 KB  Downloads: 12
.png Customization Tab.png Size: 54.2 KB  Downloads: 11
.png Database Tab.png Size: 190.63 KB  Downloads: 11
.png Finalize Results.png Size: 107.62 KB  Downloads: 14
.png Layout Editor.png Size: 272.34 KB  Downloads: 14
.png Leaderboard Designer.png Size: 158.48 KB  Downloads: 10
.png Live Race Tab.png Size: 40.39 KB  Downloads: 14
.png Race Setup Fuel.png Size: 86.69 KB  Downloads: 11
.png Race Setups Race.png Size: 108.52 KB  Downloads: 11
.png Racing Rules Tab.png Size: 53.66 KB  Downloads: 12



Claude's summary of what this app does:
SlotForge Timing is a Windows (Linux  and macOS soon™, installers included though) app for running slot car races. It counts laps and times, keeps your data, and shows the race on screens.
  • Timing: it connects to a Trackmate interface for lap counting. It handles yellow and red flags and track power, and there are simulated cars for testing.
  • Race types: race, timed race, qualifying and practice, plus heats and round robin with championship points.
  • Database: drivers (with flags), slot cars with pictures, tracks (lanes, length and speed calculators, lap time limits) and race setups. It also keeps personal bests and track records.
  • Timing page: you build it yourself from widgets, such as lap time, leaderboard, gaps, fuel and penalty points. You can also design the leaderboard rows.
  • Rules: penalty points that turn into time, drivethrough and stop-and-go penalties, fuel rules, and a Race Director page. After each race there is a review to correct laps and penalties before anything is saved.
  • Sound: spoken announcements and sound sets that you can edit.
  • Live Race: a second-screen window, plus read-only pages for tablets and phones that follow the race.
  • Paperwork: PDF reports of sessions and of your Racing Rules (formatted text), a full backup and restore, and export and import of single items.
  • Look: your own app name and Home header picture, ready-made colour themes, and your own custom colours.
I got the .ZIP, now what?
Unzip it. There is 'build-windows.bat' file. Run that for a minute or two, (this pulls and builds all the things it need to make this an app. It also does a ton of checks, no clue why, but checks are a good thing though right?), then run the Portable .exe so it doesn't have to install to any folders on your computer. If you do want it installed, go with the other one but portable is easy to just check the app out. It'll ask for local network access because there is an extra, second display which you can connect to through localhost IP (e.g: 192.1.68.85:8080) or QR (the QR code and IP can be printed on A4), if you choose to turn it on. (This is the Live Race tab)

How do I get started?
There are default settings for everything, so you could dive right in by clicking 'Open the Session' on the Home tab. Make sure to setup your TrackMate interface first, under the App Settings tab. Approach the App like you would a physical track. you start out with a track , so add one on Database tab under Tracks.

0. Add Trackmate Timing Interface
1. Add a track under Database, Tracks. You are presented with a bunch of options you can skip for now, only lane number is really necessary. Track length might useful.
2. Then add a Driver and a Slotcar, skip all options.
3. Set up a race under Race Setup. Pick a Session Type. Skip Options, or not.
4. Go back to Home, Pick your race and hit Start Race/Open the Session.

This sets up a basic race. There is a default one in place as well, but this would get you started on customization later on, when you are comfortable with that.


Now, If you like this app great. Missing Hardware interfaces? Tough luck because again, I cannot code, only annoy AI. If you write up a detailed explanation of what's missing or what needs changing I can jam it in the AI and hope it does a good job of what you want. I will only implement things if I think it helps the app's look and feel and usage because I mainly designed this for myself, but it turned out pretty well and I just kept adding features and now it is what it is. Some features might not be fleshed out enough but perhaps one of you has a great idea about how it should work so feel free to let me know. Structural changes to how certain systems within the app work are fairly easy to be honest.


If you're interested, you can download it here:
SlotForge Timing App - Direct Download from Google Drive
GitHub - Work in Progress

Note: It only works with recent TrackMate Hardware!
I think you need to install the TrackMate Driver as well, you do this by installing their own app. People who have used their TrackMate Hardware before and got it working will most likely have this driver installed already.

If you want support for other hardware, I'd suggest dumping the entire folder which contains this app on your own AI agent (I'd suggest Claude, it made this and it's done a great job if you ask me), and see if you can add a page to Timing Hardware tab under 'Other' (I've told Claude to prepare that) and get the software to work with the hardware. I only have the latest TrackMate 2-lane timing system, thus, it's the only one I can add with certainty that it actually works, because I can test it personally. Do you want to help out in getting your hardware to work with this app? Reach out and we'll try to figure it out and get it working!

Feedback? Questions? Yes please! But remember I can only test this with Trackmate Hardware, so if it's about app functionality I can adjust or add things!

It works for me, I hope it works for you :) 

Most Recent App Version: 0.99

This app is FREE - use and abuse it as you like.
.png Live Race Leaderboard Options.png Size: 39.47 KB  Downloads: 7
]]> <![CDATA[Questions regarding routed digital track power]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5425 Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:17:25 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5425
That got to be too much of a pain in the butt and I also liked the idea of digital racing where you could have more than one car on a lane, that way more people (read grandkids) could race. So I sold the classic track and was able to buy a bunch of Scalextric digital stuff. I built a 16' x 7' table, with fold up legs that were curved on one end so I could tilt the table up against the wall and get the cars back in the garage. I messed with it a few times just to see if it worked but never got to finish it because 3 more grandkids came along and . . . well you know how it goes.

Lately I decided to get back to the track (less babysitting) but found that my 78 year old body was having some difficulty lifting the track to tilt it onto its side against the wall. It's all 2x4s, OSB and Plywood, plus the track pieces. So I thought building one out of galvanized steel studs would be lighter, which it is. Then someone one on another forum suggested I go to a routed track using MDF. So I figured I'd give it a try. I found a few threads on how to insert the Scalextic lane change and pit lane sections into the MDF track (some were less complicated than others) so I figured I'd give it a try.

I've got the steel stud frame about worked out and I'll be covering it, top and bottom with 1/4" plywood and using 1/2" MDF for the track. I've been thinking about the electrical and was wondering about being able to use the variable voltage AC to DC power supplies I bought for the old analog track. I've been searching for threads on using those with the digital power supplies but can't find anything (probably my lousy search terms). I understand that the digital systems supply full power to the track and the car's power is controlled by chips (or some electronic do dad in the car/controller). So do I even need the aftermarket power supply? The other question I had was about power taps. On my analog track I had a bunch of them. Do I need them on the digital track? If so are they run the same way as the analog track?

Thanks for any assistance anyone can give.

Joe]]>
That got to be too much of a pain in the butt and I also liked the idea of digital racing where you could have more than one car on a lane, that way more people (read grandkids) could race. So I sold the classic track and was able to buy a bunch of Scalextric digital stuff. I built a 16' x 7' table, with fold up legs that were curved on one end so I could tilt the table up against the wall and get the cars back in the garage. I messed with it a few times just to see if it worked but never got to finish it because 3 more grandkids came along and . . . well you know how it goes.

Lately I decided to get back to the track (less babysitting) but found that my 78 year old body was having some difficulty lifting the track to tilt it onto its side against the wall. It's all 2x4s, OSB and Plywood, plus the track pieces. So I thought building one out of galvanized steel studs would be lighter, which it is. Then someone one on another forum suggested I go to a routed track using MDF. So I figured I'd give it a try. I found a few threads on how to insert the Scalextic lane change and pit lane sections into the MDF track (some were less complicated than others) so I figured I'd give it a try.

I've got the steel stud frame about worked out and I'll be covering it, top and bottom with 1/4" plywood and using 1/2" MDF for the track. I've been thinking about the electrical and was wondering about being able to use the variable voltage AC to DC power supplies I bought for the old analog track. I've been searching for threads on using those with the digital power supplies but can't find anything (probably my lousy search terms). I understand that the digital systems supply full power to the track and the car's power is controlled by chips (or some electronic do dad in the car/controller). So do I even need the aftermarket power supply? The other question I had was about power taps. On my analog track I had a bunch of them. Do I need them on the digital track? If so are they run the same way as the analog track?

Thanks for any assistance anyone can give.

Joe]]> <![CDATA[Smart Race lap recording]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5051 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:15:41 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5051  I can't figure if this is available or its an Add On I would have to purchase?]]>  I can't figure if this is available or its an Add On I would have to purchase?]]> <![CDATA[Scorpius MPD 2 Lane Wireless Analogue Lapcounter]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4807 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:46:25 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4807
Optional is a colour LCD Light Gantry. Upload any image for start finish lighting or the default ones.

Use 2 for 4 lanes or 3 or 6 lanes etc.

No data cables. Easy quick install. No soldering required. All LEDs and Photo Sensors are plug and play.


Available late 2025. $99.00AUD each plus tax
Dongle $99.00AUD plus tax.

.jpg MPD V5 analogue Lap Counter.jpg Size: 116.48 KB  Downloads: 142


Latest MPD design incorporates 2 Infrared sensor channels, 2 photo sensor channels, 2 OLED 12C screen drivers.


.jpg Dongle 2.jpg Size: 18.84 KB  Downloads: 137


Scorpius dongle.]]>
Optional is a colour LCD Light Gantry. Upload any image for start finish lighting or the default ones.

Use 2 for 4 lanes or 3 or 6 lanes etc.

No data cables. Easy quick install. No soldering required. All LEDs and Photo Sensors are plug and play.


Available late 2025. $99.00AUD each plus tax
Dongle $99.00AUD plus tax.

.jpg MPD V5 analogue Lap Counter.jpg Size: 116.48 KB  Downloads: 142


Latest MPD design incorporates 2 Infrared sensor channels, 2 photo sensor channels, 2 OLED 12C screen drivers.


.jpg Dongle 2.jpg Size: 18.84 KB  Downloads: 137


Scorpius dongle.]]> <![CDATA[race coordinator fuel led]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4804 Sun, 20 Apr 2025 11:37:20 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4804 I am after the pin numbers for external start lights, lead led, and fuel led 
I have pins 4,5,6,7 for lap count]]> I am after the pin numbers for external start lights, lead led, and fuel led 
I have pins 4,5,6,7 for lap count]]> <![CDATA[How connect(analog) ninco track to laptimer 2000]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4673 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:02:34 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4673 hello, I had the following question, I have a nice analog Ninco track, and now I would like to use laptimer 2000. I have an RS232 port on the back of my PC, the point is what I don't understand is how this cable to connect/solder to my Ninco track.

I also have a Ninco Sprint lap timer, and there is a mini UTP cable?, is this possible to convert?

I would like to hear what my best (and perhaps simplest) options are. Kind regards, Robbin]]> hello, I had the following question, I have a nice analog Ninco track, and now I would like to use laptimer 2000. I have an RS232 port on the back of my PC, the point is what I don't understand is how this cable to connect/solder to my Ninco track.

I also have a Ninco Sprint lap timer, and there is a mini UTP cable?, is this possible to convert?

I would like to hear what my best (and perhaps simplest) options are. Kind regards, Robbin]]> <![CDATA[Overhead timing displays fir slot rally events.]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4164 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 19:50:29 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4164 I have just held out first rally event and as always there was a few teething issues to solve. Which was resolved and a nice event was had and a lot was learnt for the next meeting. 
One of the issues I had thought about is rally event timing. 
Now the DS200 is good as it gets the timing done via laps etc.. but to make the event more exciting and a clear narrative of what is happening would be the option of DISPLAY TIMING ON THE ONGOING STAGE. 
 Like the real timing on the WRC when the stage is being run the competitors time is shown as he drives the stage. So my question is, Is there a way of displaying the overall stage time when it is being run? 

If I can get some way  to display the timing as they are actually happening the whole drama of rallying   Would enhance the event 
. I look forward to reply’s from people who may know a solution.]]> I have just held out first rally event and as always there was a few teething issues to solve. Which was resolved and a nice event was had and a lot was learnt for the next meeting. 
One of the issues I had thought about is rally event timing. 
Now the DS200 is good as it gets the timing done via laps etc.. but to make the event more exciting and a clear narrative of what is happening would be the option of DISPLAY TIMING ON THE ONGOING STAGE. 
 Like the real timing on the WRC when the stage is being run the competitors time is shown as he drives the stage. So my question is, Is there a way of displaying the overall stage time when it is being run? 

If I can get some way  to display the timing as they are actually happening the whole drama of rallying   Would enhance the event 
. I look forward to reply’s from people who may know a solution.]]> <![CDATA[Arduino sketch help needed]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4159 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:24:58 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4159 I have an excellent start light Arduino sketch working on pclapcounter , written for me some years ago. Unfortunately I can’t contact the author  anymore . I have managed with great difficulty ( I’m not really  a sketch writer) to modify the sketch to incorporate  two codes to make an oled ssd1331 display flash a green flag , or VSC on track call. I’ve managed to get  the revised sketch to verify,
but the new part , ie the functioning oled display ,is not working.
Any help would be so much appreciated.
Tim]]> I have an excellent start light Arduino sketch working on pclapcounter , written for me some years ago. Unfortunately I can’t contact the author  anymore . I have managed with great difficulty ( I’m not really  a sketch writer) to modify the sketch to incorporate  two codes to make an oled ssd1331 display flash a green flag , or VSC on track call. I’ve managed to get  the revised sketch to verify,
but the new part , ie the functioning oled display ,is not working.
Any help would be so much appreciated.
Tim]]> <![CDATA[Arduino expertise needed, please]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4041 Wed, 29 Nov 2023 17:18:16 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4041
I have an Arduino R3 Starter Kit that has sat unopened for at least 5 years and I would like to be able to use it to build a timer that would count-up to 20+ minutes with seconds to 2 decimal places.  I would want it to be powered from the track (ie, start when the track becomes live, and stop when the power from the Chrono is cut), but the actual feed for that I can work-out myself, utilising the existing track power taps.

But I've not got the foggiest idea how to assemble it and program it to do what I want.  I know I could trawl the 'net and, most probably, find instructions to do something broadly similar to what I'm after............

But has anyone here any experience with building Arduino timers??

Thanks in advance.]]>
I have an Arduino R3 Starter Kit that has sat unopened for at least 5 years and I would like to be able to use it to build a timer that would count-up to 20+ minutes with seconds to 2 decimal places.  I would want it to be powered from the track (ie, start when the track becomes live, and stop when the power from the Chrono is cut), but the actual feed for that I can work-out myself, utilising the existing track power taps.

But I've not got the foggiest idea how to assemble it and program it to do what I want.  I know I could trawl the 'net and, most probably, find instructions to do something broadly similar to what I'm after............

But has anyone here any experience with building Arduino timers??

Thanks in advance.]]> <![CDATA[Race Coordinator driver audio - SOLVED ELSEWHERE]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4038 Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:48:02 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4038 Can anyone tell me the difference in frequency and purpose for these three fields please?

We'd want to hear, by name, every time a driver posts his best lap in a heat. I'd have thought it would be the second field but tests don't seem to produce a great deal of difference whichever field is used.

We think we're getting the best in-heat info from this set-up but are we? (The second field announces by name the relevant driver's fastest heat lap.)

.jpg RC Best audio.jpg Size: 247 KB  Downloads: 172
]]> Can anyone tell me the difference in frequency and purpose for these three fields please?

We'd want to hear, by name, every time a driver posts his best lap in a heat. I'd have thought it would be the second field but tests don't seem to produce a great deal of difference whichever field is used.

We think we're getting the best in-heat info from this set-up but are we? (The second field announces by name the relevant driver's fastest heat lap.)

.jpg RC Best audio.jpg Size: 247 KB  Downloads: 172
]]> <![CDATA[Arduino Lap timer base for Race Coordinator]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4030 Thu, 23 Nov 2023 08:31:59 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4030
I run a semi temporary 2 lane Scalextric sport track  with an arc one for timing along with a basic base and 2 power supplies. My plan is to build the following 


Single power base 
Single power supply
Photo-sensors for timing 
Blu tooth connection to PC
Plug in booster cables
Start lights
Call button/buttons

The plan is a base plate glued or screwed to the under side of a half straight , with a box on the side for all the electronics . An overhead gantry will house the IR emitter along with 16 addressable RGB LEDS. I'll be going along the well trodden route on an Arduino Uno for the PC connection along with a relay box to turn power on and off to  the circuit. This is largely unnecessary, but i like techy things and the relay boxs aren't expensive.  Ill be sticking with the sport controller 3.5mm jack plugs as there small and readily available. 

The main parts will be 3d printed for now. But i do run a CNC machine shop so may be from aluminium eventually. Picture below is first model files that are currently on the printer. They will no doubt get a complete re-design as i compact the electric down and hopefully make them a bit more visually appealing 



.png lap timer.png Size: 292.3 KB  Downloads: 221
]]>
I run a semi temporary 2 lane Scalextric sport track  with an arc one for timing along with a basic base and 2 power supplies. My plan is to build the following 


Single power base 
Single power supply
Photo-sensors for timing 
Blu tooth connection to PC
Plug in booster cables
Start lights
Call button/buttons

The plan is a base plate glued or screwed to the under side of a half straight , with a box on the side for all the electronics . An overhead gantry will house the IR emitter along with 16 addressable RGB LEDS. I'll be going along the well trodden route on an Arduino Uno for the PC connection along with a relay box to turn power on and off to  the circuit. This is largely unnecessary, but i like techy things and the relay boxs aren't expensive.  Ill be sticking with the sport controller 3.5mm jack plugs as there small and readily available. 

The main parts will be 3d printed for now. But i do run a CNC machine shop so may be from aluminium eventually. Picture below is first model files that are currently on the printer. They will no doubt get a complete re-design as i compact the electric down and hopefully make them a bit more visually appealing 



.png lap timer.png Size: 292.3 KB  Downloads: 221
]]> <![CDATA[Driver Stations]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3872 Sun, 27 Aug 2023 10:26:17 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3872 After having utilised the original drivers stations that came with my MrTrax track, I've wanted to build my own stations. Having two controllers plugging into the one board makes the system cosy to say the least, as the only length of spacing we have is the length of the controller cable itself. 

Here are the final results of individual driver stations for Shenanigans Raceway. 

.jpg 1.jpg Size: 156.06 KB  Downloads: 148
   
.jpg 2.jpg Size: 173.18 KB  Downloads: 162

.jpg 3.jpg Size: 246.98 KB  Downloads: 168
   
.jpg 4.jpg Size: 97.69 KB  Downloads: 183
   
.jpg 5.jpg Size: 121.54 KB  Downloads: 163

.jpg 6.jpg Size: 98.98 KB  Downloads: 144
   
.jpg 7.jpg Size: 86.84 KB  Downloads: 140
   
.jpg 8.jpg Size: 31.77 KB  Downloads: 145

.jpg 9.jpg Size: 36.1 KB  Downloads: 152
   
.jpg 10.jpg Size: 249.29 KB  Downloads: 164
   
.jpg 11.jpg Size: 72.49 KB  Downloads: 116

.jpg 12.jpg Size: 165.78 KB  Downloads: 146
   
.jpg 13.jpg Size: 166.83 KB  Downloads: 146

.jpg 14.jpg Size: 166.4 KB  Downloads: 155
   
.jpg 15.jpg Size: 115.73 KB  Downloads: 152

.jpg 16.jpg Size: 29.52 KB  Downloads: 151
    
.jpg 20.jpg Size: 24.87 KB  Downloads: 144
]]> After having utilised the original drivers stations that came with my MrTrax track, I've wanted to build my own stations. Having two controllers plugging into the one board makes the system cosy to say the least, as the only length of spacing we have is the length of the controller cable itself. 

Here are the final results of individual driver stations for Shenanigans Raceway. 

.jpg 1.jpg Size: 156.06 KB  Downloads: 148
   
.jpg 2.jpg Size: 173.18 KB  Downloads: 162

.jpg 3.jpg Size: 246.98 KB  Downloads: 168
   
.jpg 4.jpg Size: 97.69 KB  Downloads: 183
   
.jpg 5.jpg Size: 121.54 KB  Downloads: 163

.jpg 6.jpg Size: 98.98 KB  Downloads: 144
   
.jpg 7.jpg Size: 86.84 KB  Downloads: 140
   
.jpg 8.jpg Size: 31.77 KB  Downloads: 145

.jpg 9.jpg Size: 36.1 KB  Downloads: 152
   
.jpg 10.jpg Size: 249.29 KB  Downloads: 164
   
.jpg 11.jpg Size: 72.49 KB  Downloads: 116

.jpg 12.jpg Size: 165.78 KB  Downloads: 146
   
.jpg 13.jpg Size: 166.83 KB  Downloads: 146

.jpg 14.jpg Size: 166.4 KB  Downloads: 155
   
.jpg 15.jpg Size: 115.73 KB  Downloads: 152

.jpg 16.jpg Size: 29.52 KB  Downloads: 151
    
.jpg 20.jpg Size: 24.87 KB  Downloads: 144
]]> <![CDATA[DS 106 gantry?]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3774 Tue, 06 Jun 2023 15:59:32 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3774
I really hope somebody can help me. 

I'm only moments away from buying a DS-200 and DS-106 gantry. I'm not interested in any other system yet.

What I want to know is can I remove one set of sensors from the gantry and position them 'across' the track horizontally so the counter only ever counts the one car?

I have a competition / club rally track, so only ever need to count one car. I don't mind if I have to bundle up the second set of sensors and store them in a project box. 

Please help me as I don't want to find the items I'm looking at go out of stock.

Thank you.
Rob.]]>
I really hope somebody can help me. 

I'm only moments away from buying a DS-200 and DS-106 gantry. I'm not interested in any other system yet.

What I want to know is can I remove one set of sensors from the gantry and position them 'across' the track horizontally so the counter only ever counts the one car?

I have a competition / club rally track, so only ever need to count one car. I don't mind if I have to bundle up the second set of sensors and store them in a project box. 

Please help me as I don't want to find the items I'm looking at go out of stock.

Thank you.
Rob.]]> <![CDATA[Unable to delete an erroneous race record (Distance in laps)]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3764 Wed, 31 May 2023 19:11:31 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3764 Hello,

RaceCoordinator query


Last night we had some sort of fault where one car was calculated as having travelled more than the existing race record (Distance travelled in 2 minute heat) This was triple what it should have been - Showed 61 plus laps when it should have been only 20 plus laps)

I tried using Edit/laps to alter it, but I couldn't get the figure set correctly. Tried taking -4000 sections off, but it didn't work as expected.

The Wrong Race Record Score still shows on that race screen.

In the end I went for the nuclear option and deleted all the results from last night by deleting from the Stats, however that didn't work, I still have the wrong Record showing on the race screen.

Is there any way I can delete this record or will I have to delete the class from the race set up and substitute an 'new' class and start again with the records?

Hope that makes sense.

Gerry]]> Hello,

RaceCoordinator query


Last night we had some sort of fault where one car was calculated as having travelled more than the existing race record (Distance travelled in 2 minute heat) This was triple what it should have been - Showed 61 plus laps when it should have been only 20 plus laps)

I tried using Edit/laps to alter it, but I couldn't get the figure set correctly. Tried taking -4000 sections off, but it didn't work as expected.

The Wrong Race Record Score still shows on that race screen.

In the end I went for the nuclear option and deleted all the results from last night by deleting from the Stats, however that didn't work, I still have the wrong Record showing on the race screen.

Is there any way I can delete this record or will I have to delete the class from the race set up and substitute an 'new' class and start again with the records?

Hope that makes sense.

Gerry]]> <![CDATA[Does anyone know this chap?]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3136 Sat, 23 Jul 2022 11:06:03 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3136 In the manual section of the forum we have this video which shows a guy has made his own race timer system.
I've looked up his Youtube channel and this was 7 years ago but he has changed it a little and posted another video in May this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT6fMLpc6YQ&t=43s

2nd video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjtWaz3RGQw&t=63s

On his last video you can't leave a message and he has no information regarding buying the system.
I'm assuming he's not selling them but he's not long posted the last video so I'm hoping it might be possible.

Does anyone know this guy and if so please reach out as I'm sure he's on to something good here.

My track when finished is a analogue sport track and I'm not going to change to digital and something like this is exactly what I'd like to set up.
I'm not great with programming and pc stuff like that hence why I think this is perfect to plug in and go.

Hopefully I've posted this in the right section and someone knows him.

I've asked Jason as he loaded the video originally and he doesn't know him.

Lets find him and support his idea.

Cheers

Tony]]> In the manual section of the forum we have this video which shows a guy has made his own race timer system.
I've looked up his Youtube channel and this was 7 years ago but he has changed it a little and posted another video in May this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT6fMLpc6YQ&t=43s

2nd video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjtWaz3RGQw&t=63s

On his last video you can't leave a message and he has no information regarding buying the system.
I'm assuming he's not selling them but he's not long posted the last video so I'm hoping it might be possible.

Does anyone know this guy and if so please reach out as I'm sure he's on to something good here.

My track when finished is a analogue sport track and I'm not going to change to digital and something like this is exactly what I'd like to set up.
I'm not great with programming and pc stuff like that hence why I think this is perfect to plug in and go.

Hopefully I've posted this in the right section and someone knows him.

I've asked Jason as he loaded the video originally and he doesn't know him.

Lets find him and support his idea.

Cheers

Tony]]> <![CDATA[Ultimate Racer with Arduino]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3134 Fri, 22 Jul 2022 22:28:18 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3134
Thanks]]>
Thanks]]> <![CDATA[Lap counter/timer apps for Android]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3084 Mon, 20 Jun 2022 02:37:25 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3084
Any suggestions? I run HO cars, if that matters.

Thanks.]]>
Any suggestions? I run HO cars, if that matters.

Thanks.]]> <![CDATA[Help whith Lap Timer 2000]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=2985 Wed, 04 May 2022 18:16:45 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=2985 Thanks in advance!]]> Thanks in advance!]]> <![CDATA[SlotNav: A Navigational Slot Rallying Framework]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=2900 Sat, 26 Mar 2022 06:35:26 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=2900
.jpg 1.1.jpg Size: 163.29 KB  Downloads: 267


Do you fancy a true navigational slot rally, one where the driver drives – and a co-driver navigates a complex route through dozens of junctions?

Thanks to a moment of genius from Jason, we have come up with a framework that might just do the job. Okay, it's a bit of a departure from traditional slot rally, but if you want to replicate your own classic Coupe des Alpes or Tulpenrallye, a modern-day 12-Car club event, Targa or a bonkers Welsh all-nighter, then this might be for you. There’s one core navigational element required – and then it’s in the hands of the route-planner and their imagination...

The slot car technology is off-the-shelf – indeed, you might have the kit already. By its nature, navigational slot rallying is most suited to a group of friends, a club or dedicated event – with the focus on navigation, puzzle-solving and a fun social occasion. Having said that, I’m sure a SlotNav event is possible via Zoom – and Autotest-style formats with signs rather than navigation would be a fabulous single-person offshoot. Please remember, this outline is just a start – I'd love to see what people can create with the building blocks described below...

What’s different about a navigational rally?

Until 60 years ago, the majority of rallies were navigational events on public roads, usually with some car-handling ‘tests’ thrown in – and perhaps a timed special stage on private land. For a crew to be successful, the navigator (or co-driver) was as important as the car and the driver. Today, most rallying is based on exciting flat-out special stages with pace notes. The co-driver prepares and reads those notes, but it’s more akin to a driver-aid than navigation. In 1:32 scale, slot rally is all about the special stage, the car and the driver – an exciting replica of modern rallying.

Traditional navigational rallies still happen and are very popular, especially at the grass-roots of motorsport. In the UK, these are usually referred to collectively as ‘road rallies’ – but that label covers a wide variety of events and formats. In a modern navigational road rally, the navigator is the most important member of the crew. Although toned-down in terms of horsepower and speed, road rallying today is a more complex navigational challenge than ever. Think of it as a mix of driving fast down country lanes and solving mind-bending cryptic puzzles on the move... then furiously plotting the course on an Ordinance Survey map with a 2B pencil, all while trying not to annoy the local residents too much.

.jpg 1.2.jpg Size: 113.17 KB  Downloads: 256


Driving home from a 12-Car rally event in Hampshire earlier this month, I wondered how a modern road rally could be simulated on a 1:32 scale slot car track. The big problem is: to navigate, you need junctions... and traditional slot rally stages don’t have those. I happened to mention this to Jason and asked if he’d ever come across navigation used in slot rallying. He said he hadn’t… but a few days later came up with element I’d been missing: digital. And he created a track plan (of course!) which might help…

.jpg 1.3.jpg Size: 55.85 KB  Downloads: 303


This design was a brilliant starting point for the navigational rally framework that I’ll develop below – a framework that means any type of event that uses navigation can be re-created in 1:32 scale.

This is what I’ll be looking at in this thread:


There is quite a lot to get through and explain, although the keystone of SlotNav is really quite simple...]]>
.jpg 1.1.jpg Size: 163.29 KB  Downloads: 267


Do you fancy a true navigational slot rally, one where the driver drives – and a co-driver navigates a complex route through dozens of junctions?

Thanks to a moment of genius from Jason, we have come up with a framework that might just do the job. Okay, it's a bit of a departure from traditional slot rally, but if you want to replicate your own classic Coupe des Alpes or Tulpenrallye, a modern-day 12-Car club event, Targa or a bonkers Welsh all-nighter, then this might be for you. There’s one core navigational element required – and then it’s in the hands of the route-planner and their imagination...

The slot car technology is off-the-shelf – indeed, you might have the kit already. By its nature, navigational slot rallying is most suited to a group of friends, a club or dedicated event – with the focus on navigation, puzzle-solving and a fun social occasion. Having said that, I’m sure a SlotNav event is possible via Zoom – and Autotest-style formats with signs rather than navigation would be a fabulous single-person offshoot. Please remember, this outline is just a start – I'd love to see what people can create with the building blocks described below...

What’s different about a navigational rally?

Until 60 years ago, the majority of rallies were navigational events on public roads, usually with some car-handling ‘tests’ thrown in – and perhaps a timed special stage on private land. For a crew to be successful, the navigator (or co-driver) was as important as the car and the driver. Today, most rallying is based on exciting flat-out special stages with pace notes. The co-driver prepares and reads those notes, but it’s more akin to a driver-aid than navigation. In 1:32 scale, slot rally is all about the special stage, the car and the driver – an exciting replica of modern rallying.

Traditional navigational rallies still happen and are very popular, especially at the grass-roots of motorsport. In the UK, these are usually referred to collectively as ‘road rallies’ – but that label covers a wide variety of events and formats. In a modern navigational road rally, the navigator is the most important member of the crew. Although toned-down in terms of horsepower and speed, road rallying today is a more complex navigational challenge than ever. Think of it as a mix of driving fast down country lanes and solving mind-bending cryptic puzzles on the move... then furiously plotting the course on an Ordinance Survey map with a 2B pencil, all while trying not to annoy the local residents too much.

.jpg 1.2.jpg Size: 113.17 KB  Downloads: 256


Driving home from a 12-Car rally event in Hampshire earlier this month, I wondered how a modern road rally could be simulated on a 1:32 scale slot car track. The big problem is: to navigate, you need junctions... and traditional slot rally stages don’t have those. I happened to mention this to Jason and asked if he’d ever come across navigation used in slot rallying. He said he hadn’t… but a few days later came up with element I’d been missing: digital. And he created a track plan (of course!) which might help…

.jpg 1.3.jpg Size: 55.85 KB  Downloads: 303


This design was a brilliant starting point for the navigational rally framework that I’ll develop below – a framework that means any type of event that uses navigation can be re-created in 1:32 scale.

This is what I’ll be looking at in this thread:


There is quite a lot to get through and explain, although the keystone of SlotNav is really quite simple...]]> <![CDATA[Ultimate Racer - Hot/Cold Start?]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=2875 Thu, 17 Mar 2022 13:42:14 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=2875 Does Ultimate Racer software have a feature to hold the power off until the race starts? Race Co-ordinator has a flag for "Hot Start" whereby the power is on and drivers can jump the start (and be penalised).  If "Hot Start" is not selected the power is off until the race/heat starts thereby eliminating jump start opportunities.

Leo]]> Does Ultimate Racer software have a feature to hold the power off until the race starts? Race Co-ordinator has a flag for "Hot Start" whereby the power is on and drivers can jump the start (and be penalised).  If "Hot Start" is not selected the power is off until the race/heat starts thereby eliminating jump start opportunities.

Leo]]>