I am about to order a 4 lane 42ft Best Track and I am trying to figure out which timer I should go with. I would like it to show place and time and have display on both sides. As you all know, there are a few options out there. I see where The Champ timer is made just for the Best Track but its the most expensive at $630. SmartLine Pinewood Derby® Timer II (Double Sided Time + Place (P2T2)) is another option and is on sale right now for $479. Lastly, in other post I have seen where Micro Wizard is a popular choice also and the K3 cost is $415. I would like to take in consideration of things like ease of use (putting it together, making it work with Best Track, anything I would need to change out to make any non "The Champ" timers fit and work), so on. I really do appreciate any feedback that may be given. Thank to all!
Timer?
- Thread starter Scott Weaver
- Start date
So I asked this question not that long ago for the same reason as you. Our pack just bought a 42' four lane best track and I bought the micro wizard k3. When ordering the best track just tell them you are going to use a micro wizard timer and they pre drill the holes. We just put our track together yesterday and the K3 went on super easy. Just line up the sensors and you are ready to go. Thanks to the guys on here for recommending the micro wizard to me and I'll recommend it to you.
So I would just like to add a side note... if you are tech savvy and good with your hands... Chuy posted over at NPWDRL a thread about building a one lane timer which can obviously and easily be added on to.
http://npwdrl.boards.net/thread/2552/timer-silent-start-gate-remote
The main components for timers can be purchased for about 20.00 for a one lane. The display units are also dirt cheap. Even MA uses this type of timer on their record long track.
It’s based on an Arduino Micro Controller which is your basic component in a lot of DIY electronics projects.
Here’s the PDT (Pinewood Derby Timer) site where you can purchase the parts and get all the instructions how to build it. Or maybe even contact Chuy and commission him to do it for you.
https://www.dfgtec.com/pdt
But it really is quite simple and can be accomplished by anyone with initiative and attention to detail.
If anything it’s a good read. But you can accomplish what the other timers provide for a fraction of the cost. Not to put down the other timers, they are all great and the others advice is spot on. Just giving you the DIY option too.
Hope that helps.
Jimmy
http://npwdrl.boards.net/thread/2552/timer-silent-start-gate-remote
The main components for timers can be purchased for about 20.00 for a one lane. The display units are also dirt cheap. Even MA uses this type of timer on their record long track.
It’s based on an Arduino Micro Controller which is your basic component in a lot of DIY electronics projects.
Here’s the PDT (Pinewood Derby Timer) site where you can purchase the parts and get all the instructions how to build it. Or maybe even contact Chuy and commission him to do it for you.
https://www.dfgtec.com/pdt
But it really is quite simple and can be accomplished by anyone with initiative and attention to detail.
If anything it’s a good read. But you can accomplish what the other timers provide for a fraction of the cost. Not to put down the other timers, they are all great and the others advice is spot on. Just giving you the DIY option too.
Hope that helps.
Jimmy
Similar threads
