Using Phidget 1012 with UR3.0

[myscalextric]

I am now using a Phidget board to handle the inputs from my IR detectors for lap timing and refuelling, and via relays to switch the power on and off to each lane.

I've posted some information about how I did this on my blog here.

I also have plans to use the UR functions through the Phidget outputs to control start lights; indicators for which lane is leading, has the fastest lap and is out of fuel; and finally a flag man. I'll follow up this post as and when those future projects are completed.

Hope this helps anyone considering using a Phidget.

James

[2FER SLOTS]

Will definitely be watching this thread.
Is there anything to program on a Phidget?
Does it just plug n play?

[myscalextric]

It's almost Plug and Play but you have to download a package from Phidget.com that installs the necessary drivers and a useful utility to monitor and test the board. Once that's done, then the board just plugs in via USB and is auto-detected. In UR3.0, change the hardware settings to Phidget and type in the serial number (printed on the card but also retrieved by the Phidget tool) and away you go.

I've added a diagram on the blog page (also below) which shows how I've wired it. Not quite a picture and not quite a circuit diagram, but I hope it makes it clear what goes where. For clarity I've drawn separate power supplies for inputs and outputs, but I'm using just one.

James

[myscalextric]

Start Lights project

Next Phidget project completed - LED start lights

See my blog for further details or see the short video below.

[YOUTUBE]ZrFmolL81ic[/YOUTUBE]

James
- my blog detailing the construction of my track and cars I've purchased
- the latest photo of my home track
- details of vintage, custom and limited edition slot cars and accessories that I'm selling

[Pepsikid51]

Excellent adaptation of how to use external lights within UR30. As nice as it is I almost hate to mention the following suggestion but feel YOU can understand it is not in criticism but fuel for thought. Add a Green LED or one on each side of the Red Starting Tree. Corner status lights - maybe back on the spectator wall a 2 LED display of RED or GREEN that give that real life track look, maybe in several corners. I suppose you could expand the idea to just a single flashing yellow. I use the Red and Green because a "yellow" track condition is not really programed into the software. I simply added the Corner LED's and wired them in line with the Start Tree. My 1st design was just using a (Radio Shack 276-068 $3.00 a pair) Led holder, then made my own holder because I no longer use them just for decoration.

[myscalextric]

Thanks - also belatedly found your useful Configuration and Wiring tutorial - wish I'd read that earlier!

[myscalextric]

Race Status Board

Thanks to the Bank Holiday Weekend here in the UK, I've now finished the next project - a Race Status Board.



You can read more about it on my blog here.

Cheers,

James
- my blog detailing the construction of my track and cars I've purchased
- the latest photo of my home track
- details of vintage, custom and limited edition slot cars and accessories that I'm selling

[Pepsikid51]

[youtube]-x8fA8bvf-A[/youtube]

Shown is the logic and steps in using UR30 "External Light" events and a Phidget 1012 board, using pictures of my tracks Leader Board. As for you, myscalextric You could change that 5th Red to a green LED on your external tree and reconfigure as a work around for the mentioned "delay" in another post.

[myscalextric]

Third project now completed - flagman.

Links to all three now correctly in tracks and scenery forum.

http://slotcarillustrated.com/portal/forums/showthread.php?p=763332#post763332

[Pepsikid51]

Timing

Been out a while, Your projects looking very good, however... have you been able to use the Phidget for timing? Last I remember timing was an issue because board not able to handle short pulse of car passing with any speed.

[myscalextric]

Yes, see the diagram in post #3 of this thread. I wired it for Inputs (timing and re-fuelling, plus start/stop and pause/resume), before I did any of the Output projects, and it works perfectly. I still had the same problem as with my USB game controller setup - namely that the refuelling sensors and lap sensors were too close on the layout, so the very fastest cars sometimes didn't register a lap as the signals were too close together.

So I repositioned my start line around the corner of the long straight - which also has the advantage of no racers holding the throttle on all the way on the final lap and crashing after winning, as they have to slow down to get round the corner. See new position here. The Phidget has proved 100% reliable.

James

- my blog detailing the construction of my track and cars I've made or purchased
- the latest photo of my home track
- details of vintage, custom and limited edition slot cars and accessories that I'm selling