I'm new to Arduino, but I purchased a budget pack Arduino One, with a 4 segment LCD display, one PIR motion sensor, and One set of the IR break-beam sensor. My goal is to have a race about 15 to 20 ft long, where the motion sensor starts the stopwatch upon moving and starting the race, then at the end of the race the IR break-beam sensor gets crossed and the stopwatch stops. Then I'd like to be able to read the display and write down the time it took. Would I be able to have the Arduino Uno, and Motion sensor at the start, then have a wire 15 - 20 ft long connect to the IR break-beam sensor at the end in order for this to work? Thanks!
PaulRB:
Can you post a picture/link to that? Your description does not sound right. See the forum guidelines to find out how to post pictures and links.
Not sure how well the PIR sensor will work for starting the race. Another ir beam break sensor may be better.
I think I'll order another of the IR break beam sensors instead of using the motion sensor... I actually found a link for a hot wheels track set up that will work identical to my idea, but instead of a track that fits a hot wheel car, it will fit a human! The concept is simple, sensor at start, it starts the stopwatch, then sensor at the end, and it stops the stopwatch.
I thought so. That's an LED display, not an LCD display.
How are you going to drive that display? Do you have a schematic that you plan to follow? There are some bad ones around, I can check it for you, before you damage any of your components.
Ohhhh, I'm not sure why I keep putting LCD, yes you're correct its an LED display. Well the schematic is to use an RC car / hot wheels stopwatch timer code I found online. I'll set up the arduino uno and breadboard with first IR BB sensor there at the start, then simply run the wires to the second IRBB, the finish line. The sensor 1 and sensor 2 will be about 15 feet apart. Though, the emitter and transmitters will be about 12 - 16 inches apart. I will have my laptop connected to the Arduino Uno, breadboard, and the wires through the usb port on my Mac for power. I'll set it up inside under controlled circumstances and environment but when i'm outside, I'll need to design that shroud you're talking about... All-in-all I want my lil nephews to race, but only one at a time to about 15 feet indoors. I have 5 nephews and a niece so, I want each of them to be able to run the 20 foot dash, then see their times on the display unit. Simple stuff to expand their little brains as well as mine too. Thanks for your help.
You're welcome... Be sure to thank the other person who is helping you for the advice I have given you. If I knew who they were, I would certainly pass on your thanks about the shrouds idea to them...