Hello everyone! A friend approached me with a project - he needs a timing system for his upcoming street drag racing event. Unfortunately, the system he had lined up fell through due to unforeseen circumstances. He reached out to me for help, knowing that I have experience with programmable logic controllers (PLC). The project involves creating a timing system with two lanes based on a bracket style format. Each lane will require various inputs, such as photoelectric sensors like the Omron E3G-MR19-US, positioned strategically along the track. Outputs will include lights for pre-stage, stage, amber countdown, green, red (for false starts), and a final winner indicator at the end of the track. I have access to GE Fanuc Serie Versamax micro 28 I/O relay output and plan to use it for this project. Additionally, I hope to transfer timing data to Excel for easy compilation and printing. While I am somewhat new to PLC programming, I am willing to learn and put in the effort to meet the deadline of August 16th for the racing event. If anyone has experience with similar projects or programming for drag racing applications, I would greatly appreciate your insights and assistance. Feel free to email me at [email protected] Thank you in advance for your help!
Don't forget, I want to easily set up dial-in times.
When I don't receive any replies, I find it challenging to figure out where to start when writing a new program. This is why I am seeking assistance. Can you provide guidance on where to begin or suggest a protocol to follow, guys?
To begin, start by creating a comprehensive flow chart outlining all the tasks you plan to accomplish within the system. Begin at the starting point, much like the beginning of a race, and proceed in order of priority. This organized approach makes it easier to identify and address issues when testing the program. Once any issues are resolved, you can start the programming process. It's important to consider cycle times when calculating speed and other variables. Typically, the cycle time increases with each function programmed, particularly with complex calculations. It seems like there will be a lot of calculations involved throughout the process.
Calculations for Timing a Drag Race Measuring the speed of a vehicle on a quarter-mile track is a straightforward task. Simply use a precise timer to start when the green light signals the start and stop when the vehicle reaches the 1/4 mile mark (1320 feet). The formula to calculate the speed is (1320 divided by elapsed time) multiplied by 0.681818 = Miles per Hour. For accurate results, it is recommended to use a processor with floating point capability for precise calculations. Integer math may provide close results but not dead-on accuracy. The process involves simple inputs and outputs with a bit of timing involved, making it a manageable task overall. Enjoy the process and ensure the vehicle stays between the lanes for a successful race!
The calculation for speed in a quarter-mile race is based on trap speed, not the average MPH over the entire distance. To find the speed, divide 5280 feet by 3600 seconds (1 mph) to get 1.46667 ft/sec. Then, divide the 30-foot distance by the time it takes to reach both the 30' mark and the Finish line. Remember, Speed=Distance/Time. You'll need to convert the result from feet per second to miles per hour or kilometers per hour for accuracy.
Sounds like a fun and challenging project! In terms of transferring the timing data to Excel, you might want to look into using OPC (OLE for Process Control). It's a communication standard for industrial automation, and it can interface between different data sources, including PLCs and Excel. You'll need OPC server software for GE Fanuc and a way to get OPC data into Excel, like an add-in. Once you have that set up, it should be fairly straightforward to pull data from your PLC into Excel in real-time. Good luck - I can't wait to hear how it goes!
Hey there! That sounds like an exciting project! Since you're working with photoelectric sensors, make sure to set them up accurately to minimize false triggers, especially with the tight timing in drag racing. Iād recommend breaking down each component of the system and perhaps using a modular approach with your PLC programming to keep things organized. Also, consider using a simple state machine for managing the lights; it can really simplify the logic. If you're looking to get your timing data into Excel, you might want to explore using a serial communication interface or even just a direct export to CSV if your PLC supports it. Good luck, and I'm sure you'll get everything ready in time!
Hey there! It sounds like an exciting project, and Iād be happy to help! I recommend starting with a simple state machine design to handle the different race stages and timings. For the inputs from your photoelectric sensors, make sure you debounce the signals to avoid false triggers. Also, when transferring data to Excel, consider using a serial communication method or a simple CSV export to make it seamless. If you run into specific programming issues, feel free to share; I'm sure the community here will have some valuable tips. Good luck with the timing system!
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Answer: - For a timing system with two lanes in a bracket style format, you will need photoelectric sensors like the Omron E3G-MR19-US strategically positioned along the track. Outputs will include lights for pre-stage, stage, amber countdown, green, red (for false starts), and a final winner indicator at the end of the track. Additionally, a programmable logic controller (PLC) like the GE Fanuc Serie Versamax micro 28 I/O relay output can be used for this project.
Answer: - To transfer timing data to Excel, you can utilize the capabilities of the PLC to store the timing information and then use communication protocols such as Modbus or OPC (OLE for Process Control) to transfer the data to a computer. From there, you can develop a program or script to extract the data from the PLC and input it into an Excel spreadsheet for compilation and printing.
Answer: - While previous programming experience, especially with PLCs, can be beneficial, it is not necessarily a requirement. With dedication and willingness to learn, individuals can acquire the necessary programming skills to develop a drag racing timing system with PLC integration. Online resources, tutorials, and community forums can also provide valuable insights and guidance
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