Hello everyone,
I'm currently working on a senior Engineering Design and Development project aimed at enhancing the precision of timing for Garmin watch users during races or time trials on the track. My project involves designing an RFID timing device that tracks lap splits and times for up to ten RFID tags. Additionally, I plan to develop a ConnectIQ app that will allow Garmin watch users to select the RFID tag they are using (synced with the machine), and receive precise split times directly on their watch, so that instead of users manually lapping their splits, the ConnectIQ app will instead receive ANT+ information on the exact splits and final time, so when the activity is saved on the watches, the exact time and splits are saved to Garmin Connect.
Here is a detailed explanation of how it should work:
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The machine is set up at the starting line, not on the track, but right next to lane 1. On the machine, the race distance is input, ranging from the 800 meter to the 3200 meter. (Relays will not work with this machine, too complicated as of right now)
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RFIDs are distributed to each runner, probably as a shoe clip or a bracelet.
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On each runner's watch, they open the app and select the RFID number they were given on their watch so the machine knows who to communicate to.
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When all runners are ready, a button is pushed on the machine that starts the timer. I plan on adding a speaker that will have a start sound as well.
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When a runner with an RFID passes a lap, the RFID will trigger a lap on the machine. The machine will record the lap on a built in screen, but additionally, an ANT+ signal will be broadcasted to the runner's Garmin watch. The app will then receive the time signal and record it in the activity data. This will occur for every runner.
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When a runner completes the race, let's say the 1600m, the final time is broadcasted to the runner and the activity stops on the watch, with the exact time and lap splits. This should support up to ten runners, but for now, let's focus on one, as this is already complex enough.
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On the screen on the machine, the results should show up and allow for viewing of all RFIDs with their times and splits.
To achieve this, I plan on using Arduino as the platform for my timing machine. However, I'm unsure about how to integrate ANT+ support into Arduino for communication with Garmin watches. I've researched a bit and found that there are third-party libraries and modules available, but I'm not sure which approach would be the best fit for my project, or if it is even possible to do.
Here are a few specific questions I have:
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Are there any recommended ANT+ modules or shields that are compatible with Arduino and suitable for this project?
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Has anyone successfully implemented ANT+ communication with Arduino before? If so, what were your experiences and any challenges you faced?
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Are there any particular third-party libraries or resources that you would recommend for adding ANT+ support to Arduino?
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Has anyone successfully integrated Garmin watch communication to arduino? I know RFIDs with arduinos have been done many times before, but I'm unsure Garmin watches allow integration with custom ANT+ devices.
A list of Garmin watches I plan on making the watch app for are listed here:
- Garmin Forerunner 245, 645, 745, 945
- Garmin Forerunner 55, 255, 955
- Garmin Forerunner 165, 265, 965
I own a Garmin Forerunner 745 so if at all possible, advice on the 745 would be most beneficial as I can work on it without having to borrow other people's watches to test.
One thing to note: I have almost no experience using arduinos before, but I can code pretty well and can learn pretty much any language needed to program, I just need information on how I should go about doing this. I have the hardware side of things down.
I am in the early stages of this project, so I have nothing actually built yet, I'm just researching and gathering info for how to go about doing this.
I would greatly appreciate any advice, insights, or suggestions from the community on how to proceed with this aspect of my project.
Thank you in advance for your help!