Track TimerMid-Semester PresentationSenior Design IIOctober 4, 2011

Team Members

Jonathan MoorheadComputer EngineeringEnclosureKeypad Interface

Chad PumphreyComputer EngineeringVDIPLCD Interface

Michael NguyenElectrical EngineeringTiming AccuracyVDIP

John RoseElectrical EngineeringVDIPPower System

Advisor

Dr. FollettAssistant Professor

OverviewBackground Problem Solution Constraints

◦Technical◦Practical

Progress and Refinements Packaging Testing Plan Production Questions/Comments

Background

• Starkville High School has previously had to borrow timing systems for their races.

• Even today, they do not have a timing system for practical and competitive usage.

•Dr. Follett has experience with timing devices.

Problem

• Timing Systems cost over $500.

• The thermal printer and the recurring cost of thermal paper.

• High School’s Physical Education program cannot afford this type of equipment.

Solution• To develop a cost effective timing system for high school and other teams with limited budgets.

• Replace Thermal printer with removable non-volatile media.

Hardware Block Diagram

Plunger Inputs

Keypad

Display

Microcontroller

Storage

Power Supply

External Timer

Technical ConstraintsName Description

Timing Accuracy Timer must have an accuracy of 0.01 seconds after 10 minutes of continuous running.

Battery life Batteries must operate for at least 12 hours.

Display Characteristics Display must be visible in mild outdoor conditions.

Push Button Push Buttons must be a single momentary switch, and their cords must be at least 12 feet in length or more.

Data Storage Memory must store at least 8,000 times.

Practical Constraints

Type Name Description

Economic Cost Total prototyping price must be under $400.00.

Environmental Operating Conditions The Track Timer must be weather resistant.

The Competition, Sprint8 price $969.00 [1].

The Track Timer has taken less than $400.00 to prototype.

Economic

Environmental Intended for outdoor usage.

Must be Weather Resistant.

Progress and RefinementsPCB Refinements

Enclosure

Software

Conducting field test with Starkville

High School

PCB RefinementsIncorporated via restriction box.Added 2 PMOS for USB Storage

Hosts.Added Voltage Regulators

Enclosure

Modified a Pre-Made Enclosure

Laser Printer ◦Model A◦Model B

3-D Printer

Software

Refined the de-bounce, and

delays.

Added ADC for Battery Voltage Sensor.

Incorporated reading from the status bit.

Incorporated writing the entire list from the buffer.

Packaging All Inclusive

◦ TrackTimer Device◦ 8 RJ11 Plungers◦ 2 Mini-USB drives (4GB/each)◦ 4 AA Batteries◦ User Manual

Software w/ Barcode Scanner◦ Meet Manager

Testing Plan Track & Cross-Country

USB drive malfunction check

Accuracy Test

Time-Position Matchup on Computer Report

Battery Life

Durability Test

LCD Visibility

Testing Data

Synchronous, Start

1 32

- Accuracy Test

Battery Life

0.0 0.8 1.7 2.5 3.3 4.2 5.0 5.8 6.7 7.5 8.3 9.2 10.0 10.8 11.7 12.5 13.33.80

4.00

4.20

4.40

4.60

4.80

5.00

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

Battery Test

Without PMOS

With PMOS

Hours into test (hours)

Batt

ery

Volt

age (

V)

Field Testing - Events

September 29, 2011 – Initial Field Testing

October 22, 2011 - Starkville High School Hosts a Cross-Country Meet.

October 29, 2011 - Run for Education

Production

Track Timer is a one unit device

◦ Sell Plungers separately

◦ Replacement USB Drives available for purchase

◦ Batch-order 50 units initially

Parts List[2]

Reference

[1] Stopwatch Central.”Sprint Timing Systems” Sprint 8 Track Package. 2011. http://www.stopwatchcentral.com/sprint/sprint.htm

[2] www.Digi-key.com

Questions