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Lane Brain And Race Base


aussieslotter

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Hi Guys,

This is a cut n paste from SF.

Going routed soon and wanted certain features added to existing lane changers and sort of got carried away. Like to thank richG and Drummer for cool advice and encouragement along the way.

Basically the Lane Brain is an upgraded lane change circuit board to use when I construct my new routed track soon. It could be made to fit in existing lane changers too.

Lane Brain standalone functions.

1)Liven flippers, 11 to 18 volts, much needed.

2)Anti-collision, much needed also.

3)Multilane start/finish timing. One Lane Brain will do two lanes, 2 will do 4 lanes, 3 will do 6 lanes. There is no limit, its also accurate to 0.001 seconds unlike the standard one which is accurate to 0.016 seconds.

4)Guaranteed car LED recognition at lane changers. This is done by incorporating an array of 10 I.D. sensors across te circuit board instead of two, simply expose where required by removing small section of track, small slot or drill holes. No longer will the deadstrip be an advantage.

5)Pit Bay detection, send data to Rich's Fuel Tower!

 

Ok add an interface (Nicname: Race Base) and PC +software and get the following:

5a)Auto Pit Mode, automatically guides car goes in correct pit bay, no car can enter where its not wanted. Two or more cars be be assigned to any pit bay.

When car enters pit bay sends data to PC for refuelling or still send To RichG's Fuel Tower.

6)Pit Lane Detection, creates a zone so throttle is reduced to 25% (variable). Can also be used where guys have a single pit lane for pit functions, but not pit bays (XLC arrangement, dual pit lane)

7)Bi-Directional mode. Self explanatory, comes with inputs for optional I.D. sensors that simply plug in, hit the Bi-Directional button and off you go, of course youll need flippers on exit.

8)Remote Positioned I.D. Sensors. I.D sensors can snap off circuit board, add a fly lead and place I.D. sensors further back for where two lanes converge over a longer distance, eg routed tracks.

9)Remote Reconfiguration of I.C's in both Lane Brain and Race Base. (reprogrammable I.C's) Get the latest downloads via net, press a few buttons and you have latest version.

10)Sector timing.

Race Modes

11) Personal Default Raceline. Put the system into "Learn Mode" and each driver does a few laps, when each is happy with his chosen raceline set it to a choice of race modes and start racing. If you wish to vary from your chosen race mode simply hit LC button, the system automatically guides you back to your preffered race line. Each driver can have a different combination from another driver.

12)Learn Mode, used for learning Personal Default Raceline.

13)Pursuit Mode, system detects when a car is advancing on car ahead and freezes cars ability to change lanes until pursuing car passes. Data is updated at each Lane Brain (each LC) however if you are simply keeping up the system runs as per normal, its to simulate good sportsmanship as in 1:1 racing where cars being lapped allow faster drivers through unhibited. Note Pursuit Mode can be made to run with Personal Default Raceline

14)SSD Mode, standard mode self explanatory.

Aux Box (Part of Race Base)

15)Throttle Manipulation. The Race Base being an interface also has 8 throttle inputs and outputs, and it will take analog or digital controllers, the plug type will be standard SSD, so I will need an adaptor made up.

With Throttle Manipulation you can do all the typical RMS functions

16)Pit lane speed reduction

17)Refuelling functions

18)Ghost car functions including set speed or variable speed set by driver doing laps, Race Base remembers data and replicates it. Software will be able to use Lane Brain data from all around the track to constantly analyse and recalibrate.

19)Stop/Go penalty function.

20)Drive through penalty function

21)Simulated tyre wear function

22)Simulated fuel tank weight function

23)Realtime playbacks, this is a hard ask because how do you replay a race in real time if car deslots and is manually placed back on track? Any ideas? Software will be able to use Lane Brain data from all around the track to constantly analyse and recalibrate.

Note functions 18 to 23 havent yet had software written, but Im sure once programmers know hardware is available its only a matter of time till someone writes it.

24)LCD screen on Race Base with various select buttons.

25)6 LCD screen outputs and LCD screens with beeper to notify of key events.

Other notes:

All Lane Brains connect to each other via 2 pair wire connected in series. Each Lane Brain gets allocated a unique address to allow Race Base to differentiate between each other for race mode and other functions. Also to differentiate between a Lane Brain being used for Start/Finish line timing functions, pit bay detection, pit lane detection and various lane changing functions.

Will it be commercially available?, probably but not yet determined, at the moment it is just a personal project. Final specifications and block diagrams are almost finished and printed circuit boards being made next fortnight. Prototypes should be available for Beta testing within say 8 weeks. Im guessing there will be glitches and faults, lots of testing and retesting. Price if ever released? To be totally honest, not cheap as it will be in low production runs and demand for such a specialised product low. Also take into account it is feature rich, and wont be for everyone. It will definetley be dearer than say a Pit Lane LC, so would be much more cost effective say on a freshly consructed routed track. Solenoids and flippers? I plan to make a module that simply screws onto 12mm Plywood. The Race Base will cost more again.

Fitting

The Lane Brain will have a seperate 12 V input, daisy chained to each Lane Brain. If retrofitted to plastic LC will need larger cover to protect circuitry. Attaching power wire to flipper? Im thinking on a non soldering self tapping grub screw that screws into hollow setion in each flipper, wont be plug n play but close as possible. So to wrap it up, the complete system will have a Lane Brain for each LC, one Race Base interface and one LCD scren for each driver plus cables, power pack and software.

Cheers

Aussieslotter

Edited by aussieslotter

Smoke, mirrors and obsolescence. It’s a jungle out there.

www.scorpiuswireless.com

 

 

 

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23)Realtime playbacks, this is a hard ask because how do you replay a race in real time if car deslots and is manually placed back on track? Any ideas? Software will be able to use Lane Brain data from all around the track to constantly analyse and recalibrate.

 

maybe you could use average times between senses, average out the time so the brain can run the cars from the data...????

 

cheers

Edited by FloridaSlot
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@Shed Racer, RichG has been helping me out on my project.

@Brendan, that side of it is happening as we speak.

@Florida, what ever we do it will never be a true replay of race, so some sort of compromise will have to be made sometime somehow, unless we just totally delete laps where deslots occurred, and just keep the good ones?

 

Cheers

Edited by aussieslotter

Smoke, mirrors and obsolescence. It’s a jungle out there.

www.scorpiuswireless.com

 

 

 

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Hi Guys, another post from SF.....

Today was thinking about a bit more regarding finer detail and features.

How to have the driver screen set up?

Will I have buttons on it?

What sort of info to display?

Beeper?

How to differentiate whos beeper is whos?

 

Initial thoughts were to be able to change parameters etc and make it full on.

Then thought the KIS principle, keep it simple.

What are the critical info driver needs and what info isnt crucial.

There would be no buttons, believe not enough time during racing to press buttons etc, and changing throttle curves can be done over at the PC beween races, just trying to simplify it and reduce costs.

As the display is to be a 2 x 20 (2 lines, 20 characters per line) Im trying to decide what info is possible. Dont forget one screen per driver.

This is one possibility:

 

FU82 T42 L7.421 PEN

P3 L21/25 F7,318 SG

 

 

Read as first line Fuel 82% still remaining, Tyres 42% still remaining, Last Lap Time 7.421 Penalty (flashes if a penalty is to be served)

2nd line: position 3rd, Lap21 out of 25, Fastest lap 7.318, Penalty type: In this case Stop/Go, could be a time penalty, eg 30, 30 second penalty)

A beeper notifies penalties, need to refuel, need for tyres, and fastest lap.

Looking into possibility of having different tone beeps for different drivers.

Two beeps could be reminder and 3 beeps last lap before running out of fuel.

Lane Brain could automatically guide penalised car not only to pit lane, but even to stop/go penalty bay, and even cut power once there until penalty served using RB.

 

Another basic function I want on the RMS I forgot to mention is false start function, program automatically sends beep and PEN flash to driver dash.

 

Another function I was dubious about was "Track Call". However on GP weekend at Saxs a while back we used it when numbers were low (3 drivers) and was good when marshalls are short in supply. Sax told me about a way to reduce cars to a crawl rather than stop dead using resistance, this allows good drivers to still gain a little ground yet still maintain sanity whilst cars are being reslotted. After consulting Matt we have both decided to include it in the system using RB and program to manipulate throttle speed, and nicname it "Track Crawl"......Now how to trigger it if dash is to have no buttons?

Thought of using LC and Brake buttons pushed simultaneously, RB will detect and reduce speed of cars considerably, when ok to go any driver can resume race mode by also pressing both buttons simultaneously, so utilising what we already have, and LB automatically detects pitting cars, so that method will be available to me, can make it optional if some people already using that combination for pitting.

 

Pace Car Option,

Just thinking system detects automatically if car deslots and sends Pace car out.

Initially Pace car is parked in Pace Car bay.

Pace car, like a ghost car knows the track and which speed to use to suit purpose, push both buttons on throttle to notify RB (Race Base) of intention to restart race, Pace Car is guided back to pit lane and pit bay by LB's, car parks in pit bay, throttle manipulated to zero. Waits till next incident. Need pit bay specially alocated to store Pace Car, like to use the Merc SLR with the flashing roof and headlights.

 

Cheers

Aussieslotter

Smoke, mirrors and obsolescence. It’s a jungle out there.

www.scorpiuswireless.com

 

 

 

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This all sounds excellent!!

 

I think the car with no tyres left should be forced to pit, with 1 min restart though much like if a tyre blows on a supercar, many times they can limp back to pit but are well down field once back out on track.

 

Now theres a scary though, put a lil randomness into the brain, once in every ten races at random send a car down to zero tyres!!! To simulate a tyre blowout!!

 

Rick - im falling in love with this idea....

 

my opinion regarding the fuel/tyres give a warning beep at 50% and say 10% but dont make the cars pit, if the driver doesnt pit and fuel/tyres run out - Cut the power (ie out of race)

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Rick - im falling in love with this idea....

 

my opinion regarding the fuel/tyres give a warning beep at 50% and say 10% but dont make the cars pit, if the driver doesnt pit and fuel/tyres run out - Cut the power (ie out of race)

Hi Brendan,

Could even have the car in cough and splutter mode, using software, and finally can force the car to its pit bay to retire it rather than jam up track.

Smoke, mirrors and obsolescence. It’s a jungle out there.

www.scorpiuswireless.com

 

 

 

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I think the car with no tyres left should be forced to pit, with 1 min restart though much like if a tyre blows on a supercar, many times they can limp back to pit but are well down field once back out on track.

 

Yeah, I agree with Brad, but depending on track size though, 1 min could put you down a hell of a lotta laps. :huh: :( Pit crews are pretty good at changing wheels so maybe 20-30 secs is the go. Only so long as there's no panel or suspension damage

 

Could even have the car in cough and splutter mode, using software, and finally can force the car to its pit bay to retire it rather than jam up track.

 

Having a random C&S mode - retire scenario could simulate a terminal driveline failure. :rolleyes::blink: Bloody team mechanics B):angry:

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I think the car with no tyres left should be forced to pit, with 1 min restart though much like if a tyre blows on a supercar, many times they can limp back to pit but are well down field once back out on track.

 

 

Or perhaps have the cars speed reduced using Race Base's throttle manipulation abilities, to simulate a car limping back to pits due to tyre blowout and have cough and splutter mode for cars that have ran out of fuel. That should be penalty enough? A random mechanical failure could also be implemented.

Smoke, mirrors and obsolescence. It’s a jungle out there.

www.scorpiuswireless.com

 

 

 

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Or perhaps have the cars speed reduced using Race Base's throttle manipulation abilities, to simulate a car limping back to pits due to tyre blowout and have cough and splutter mode for cars that have ran out of fuel. That should be penalty enough? A random mechanical failure could also be implemented.

That sounds fair, it also brings some baulking into play until the next LC is reached. That is of course if your unlucky enough to be caught behind the stricken car :P:P

 

What am I saying.......that'd likely be me :aussie:

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  • 3 months later...

Hi Guys,

Thought it was about time for an update.

Well the project is taking longer than I first thought, my electronic engineer (John Huberts) went on holidays for a month plus Ive been changing ideas around and even thinking of more ideas. Trouble is once the hardware is set in production theres no turning back, and to make even minor changes requires much effort and expense, so unless you have a deadline its actually better to go a bit slower, plus Im enjoying this very much.

The physical location of the PCB in the XLC compared to the curved LC is totally different. However I've managed to make the printed circuit board universal so it suits both the XLC and the curved LC. You can program it to suit the XLC, the curved LC or Pit Lane LC.

Now with routed tracks and even the SSD pit lane changer you'll need to mount under the table so a plastic casing will be made up eventually.

So now Ive added the digital dash there are 3 stages to the proposed system:

 

a)Lane Brain, you can use just the Lane Brain, this is the printed circuit board that screws into existing SSD XLC's and curved LC's, a bit of soldering, plugging in cables and it gives you a lot of functions already. The Lane Brain is also powered seperately, thus making more power available to track. Once installed each Lane Brain is then programmed to be suitable for:

1)Any normal lane changer

2)Pit Lane entry

3)Pit Bay entry

4)Pit Lane exit

5)Multilane (2 to 8 lanes) Start Line sensor

 

This is to make the Lane Brain universal to all these tasks without making 5 different models.

 

b)Race Base Interface. This makes even more functions available as now all the Lane Brains can now communicate with each other. The race base sends and receives data to and from the Lane Brains, example: switch the track to run in reverse, run different race modes, ability to map throttle data from each car. The Race Base also sends and receives info to each V-Dash. The Race base can also send and receive data to a PC for many existing and future race management functions, and even send data to any 6 car SSD Powerbase or RichG's lap display.. The Race Base firmware can be upgraded via internet and allows each Lane Brain to have its firmware upgraded. It will have a screen and a 5 way navigator button.

 

c)V-Dash with screen and 5 way navigator button. Field upgradeable also via Race Base. Even an earplug socket for future function.

 

Printed circuit board design for each (3), wiring, screen displays, even the casings have been finalised at last.

Im hoping the PCB's prototypes get made in around 2 weeks and then the components can be soldered on by hand by a guy who another guy who specialises in this.

Then the firmware has to be designed and the chips flashed, say another month at least here.

Then initial testing can finally take place, now this will be a challenge to bring any problems to a head as quickly as possible so they can be ironed out.

So just how long is anyones guess. I just dont want to rush it and realise after production when its too late to do anything.

Testing of the multiple sensor array used to detect cars LEDs at each lane changer works great, the car can be very sideways through the sensor area and it still picks up. There are now 7 sensors at 8mm centres instead of just one.

so is where we are up to.

The release this week of the PB Pro by RichG and friends actually enhances my project, not hinder it, and its all fully compatible, so its all good and very exciting.

Cheers

Rick

Smoke, mirrors and obsolescence. It’s a jungle out there.

www.scorpiuswireless.com

 

 

 

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Looking great. And I thought wiring all my LC's took a lot of time (mainly due them being hard to get to).

 

Will catch up soon.

 

OTFS

I can't believe that I wanted to grow up

 

Mount Salt Panorama Track Combined Road and Rally Track built near Salt Pan Creek Padstow - Sydney

 

A quick build rally track

 

2017 WRP Round 11 at Mt Salt Panorama

 

https://i128.photobu...zpss7sqiwfj.jpg

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Rick

You lost me at Hello ??

 

Last time I was at your track it was way cool, is it now even more way cool or are you having some majors, this all sounds very confusing to me who uses Ninco analogue..

 

Can you give some insight in layman terms ( think SSD for Dummies ) for me ??

 

Cheers

Noel

Sim

 

CANYON COUNTY RACEWAY

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Hi Guys,

Ill put together a simpler better explanation of how it works soon, or Ill re edit this one. It must sound complex but the theory is pretty simple, just trying to simulate every activity involved with real race car meets, plus a few more features.

The system is a 3 or 4 tiered one so guys who dont like computers can at least use the Lane Brain. With this way you remove the circuit board from the SSD lane changer and screw this one in, connect up various wires and thats it. It will have quite a few features this way.

The second option is to add an interface I custom designed. An interface is a device that turns all data or power signals info received either in analog or digital form into a purely digital form that is suitable to communicating with pre written software written especially for the system. With this you can basically add a whole heap more functions plus have the massive memory and speed of a PC. A typical example of this is say instead of plugging the hand throttle straight into the Powerbase, it goes via the Race Base (Interface), then to PC for throttle manipulation, then back to the interface, then onto the PC.

Just a note the Race Base offers more features than just the Lane Brain by itself even without PC programs. Why? because the Race Base itself is a small computer and programs that dont require huge memory will be able to be done by the Race Base. More complex software can be put on PC.

The last tier is adding the Dash Board. On the board you can have lots of info sent to you.

Some features of the entire system will be:

Each Lane brain will have starting lights powered outputs 3 wires for 3 colours + earth. Starting signal sequence initiated by person on computer.

Each driver has a digital Dash (optional) board to communicate info, like tyre condition, fuel left, if you have been penalised, race position, fastest lap alert, laps to go.

Each throttle curve can be adjusted digitally, make it like a 25K controller or a 45K controller within seconds, or any other preset curve.

You can call Track Call by pressing 2nd button on controller whens theres a prang, cars revert to half speed until you press button again.

The flippers are now alive not dead to stop cars getting stranded on them, making race meets so much better and easier.

Ability to time 4, 6 or 8 lanes, currently SSD is limited to 2 lane timing.

Timing to a 1/1000th second, The SSD one is accurate to approx 1/100th sec, if that.

Anti Collision so someone doesnt take you out on a lane changer, and ruin your night.

A special mode that learns each drivers race line and remembers it so you dont have to change lanes unless you want to vary your line.

Will add more later.

 

Cheers

Rick

Edited by aussieslotter

Smoke, mirrors and obsolescence. It’s a jungle out there.

www.scorpiuswireless.com

 

 

 

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hi Guys,

 

This is the circuit board for the Lane Brain prior to actual circuitry being placed, with various hardware placed.

Once the hardware is finalised a PC program will design all the circuitry.

The board itself is a universal fit to the XLC trackpiece, the LC trackpiece, as well as the start/finish line track piece. It will not however fit the pit lane LC of course. For this the board can be remotely mounted/hidden.

This version here had some hardware swapped around to allow wires in/out to fit without interfering with anything.

The board runs east west, so imagine the track piece east west also. Note the void areas running east/west where the track slot runs. No components can be mounted here, but circuit board tracks can run here as they have no height dimension. The "wings" top and bottom are the multiple sensor arrays to detect car when the track is running in reverse. They snap off and connect to the board for bi directional racing. The "wings" east and west can also snap off and be placed wherever you desire and also connect to a fly lead.

The "comms" (data signals) is where the Lane Brains interconnect with each other, and the signal also goes to the Race Base to control or synchronise all Lane Brains. The Dash also runs off the same comms circuit.

12VDC is where the power goes in (seperate supply).

The track wires go to the track and pick up power that is transferred to dead flippers via the flipper outputs as shown on board.

as required. A logic system takes care of correct polarity.

The solenoid outputs take power to the solenoids (up to 8 solenoids can be controlled).

Note the spare digital signal in and out for future projects.

The board also has spare analogue in/outs for multilane timing.

Note the powered outputs to drive starting grid lights. For this function you'll need a Lane Brain installed at the starting line.

The entire board will be only 6mm thick to fit into existing SSD trackpieces.

 

Note also this system has a lot of functions that would suit analogue, example pit fuctions, access to PC programs etc. A chip and LED are fitted to an analogue car. Although half the functions dont relate to analog, around half the functions do suit analogue racing, but this will be a later stage/project.

Ive got a multilane analog system in mind, where an analogue car has a choice of racelines, own pit bay etc.

 

 

LB-Layout.jpg

Edited by aussieslotter

Smoke, mirrors and obsolescence. It’s a jungle out there.

www.scorpiuswireless.com

 

 

 

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