If you need to judge some Pinwood Derby races this Pinewood Derby Finish Line Detector project will give you some unbiased results. Schematics and details are provided on the site.
“A few years ago the finish line detector at my church’s AWANA Grand Prix track bit the dust. AWANA Grand Prix is the same thing as the Pinewood Derby to scouting folks. We did without for a couple years until I finally got all the pieces together for a new one. First I’ll explain the end product; then comment on my wish list for a future version. Special thanks to my coworkers Gerry Powell and David Fowler for their electrical engineering design help on this project.”
Thanks David.
Pinewood Derby Finish Line Detector
Permalink
If only i still had my hotwheels
Permalink
Oh this brings back memories of the Scouts. They didn’t use grip tape to stop the cars though, they let them run into a box filled with foam rubber. Oh the good times.
Permalink
I can’t wait to have a son in scouts…lol…he’ll be the only kid with a CNC machined pinewood derby car.