Best Track upgrade ever!!!!

[Quicktimederby]

Well I got the electric start gate done tonight, and all I can say this is a must have!!! If you are into league racing you gotta make one. (thanks 5j's) I was getting so frustrated this weekend with tuning the cars because of inconsistent times. After I installed the start gate I ran Paulie down the track 10 times and the times only varied .004

When I was tuning this weekend times were varying .018. I cant what to do some tuning for next month!!

 

[mgh Racing]

Sounds great Quicktime! I'd love to see some pics of your work. I'm in the process of building mine as well.
What did you use to link the solenoid to the start gate? I'm thinking of 3/32" brass rod, like the "Judge"...but I also have some 1/2"x1/16" aluminum...

 

[Quicktimederby]

Here you go. I have two start buttons one at the top, one at the bottom. The brackets were all just made from stuff I had laying around the house.

 

[mgh Racing]

Nice work! Thanks for the pics! The cotter pin is a good idea for the solenoid-handle linkage. I think I have a few of those laying around. Hopefully mine turns out as good as yours...

 

[Quicktimederby]

Thanks. I haven't been this excited about the results of one of my projects well since the last one.

with the new dividers, stops, and start gate there are no more excuses.

 

[Quicktimederby]

Well after two crazy pack race's the start gate worked like a charm!!! I did change one thing from the pictures. The solenoid is now riveted to the mount instead of screws, much more secure.

 

[5js]

nice job

yea, I found the start gate to improve my ability to tune by keeping the times more consistent.

 

[mgh Racing]

I'm just about ready to install the completed start gate...but I'm a little concerned that the solenoid is under powered. It seems like it takes quite a bit of force to pull the start lever from the bottom side. Is this the solenoid you're using Quicktime?
http://www.westfloridacomponents.com/HW061PD/12V+Solenoid+Model+D-28+Deltrol+56576-20.html
Did you have to modify the slot on the handle with that rubber tubing to get it to release...or was that for a different reason?

 

[Quicktimederby]

Yep that is the same solenoid. And yes the rubber shim is in the slot to keep the pin further in the solenoid. With the limited throw of the solenoid it is what has to be done, for the magnetic field to have enough pull.

 

[mgh Racing]

Thanks Quicktime. I guess I'll make a new starting lever before I install the electronic start...I've got some aluminum laying around thats the same size as the lever, so I'll just cut a smaller notch into it.

Oh, and would anyone with an ESS or Judge starting system care to share which solenoid is in it? The markings or part numbers on it may help identify who makes it. I'm not looking to sell these things...just want to make sure the thing works /images/boards/smilies/wink.gif

 

[5js]

mgh - if you concerned about the pull - get to car door actuator. It has PLENTY of power and a long throw. I have used both the solenoid pictured above and the door actuator. Both work for me - but the door actuator is stronger and has the bigger throw.

 

[mgh Racing]

mgh - if you concerned about the pull - get to car door actuator. It has PLENTY of power and a long throw. I have used both the solenoid pictured above and the door actuator. Both work for me - but the door actuator is stronger and has the bigger throw.

Thanks for the suggestion 5J's...I'll test my setup with the solenoid first, but keep the door lock actuator as my backup plan. I'd just hate to go through all the trouble of installing the electric start and not have it work properly...I always have to have a backup plan...