I'm looking at developing some kind of race counter for a friend who is into racing drones.
writing the code shouldn't be a problem, the problem I'm currently facing is what would be the best solution for catching the drone pass?
i was thinking either RFID or IR
from my understanding RDIF would be my best option as each card/chip has its own ID which would be readable, i would then be able to identify.
IR, each device would need to pulse differently so the arduino can work out what is what.
my only worry with RFID is that it is the drones would need to be pretty close to the RFID reader
can someone advise me what the best solution would be or if there is another solution I've missed ?
First question: is it a 2D problem (cars) or 3D problem (copters)?
What speed should be coverd? RFID reading takes some time.
Are there individual slots where the drones pass, or only a line?
As long as only one drone passes the line, you can make the drone detect the line and send its IR identification. Then the start of the transmission is the time when the line was passed. Multiple drones at almost the same time make things much more complicated.
well the platform is going to be for drone's so it will be 3D, as for speeds, this can be anything unto 50-80MPH but the drones will be forced to fly threw a gap which is where the RFID / IR will be placed. the gap we plan on having about 8-10ft wide.
the programming sire should not be an issue, I'm just not sure on what solution is best, if I'm honest I'm leaning towards RDIF as i can just attach a keychain fob to the drone.
knowing a drone has passed should not be that difficult as there are bullet detectors that work on generally the same principal of an object passing withing an area.
knowing which drone passed the concern.
it would seem to be that if you had a unique ID on each, then you would know if the drone was being lapped.
there are papers on high speed trains and RFID, so the speed is not the issue. however, I am of no help in your quest. not sure of distances nor what would happen if two passed at nearly the same time. a tie breaker might need to be visual such as a camera.