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