Synopsis: We’re into the 20% of the project that takes 80% of the time. In this case, after the regional championship and another day’s session at the Boulder Rock Club, I decided I needed to make further improvements to the detection at the hand-sensors. In this article I have two videos - one showing a typical detection failure of the first generation hand-sensor and the second video showing some standalone tests of the 2nd generation sensor after an ATMega8 micro was installed in the end-cap of the hand-sensor in order to do the voltage comparison. The second video also shows the 2nd generation sensor which includes a bright LED on the end cap to help show the climber that the detection occurred.

The first video below shows an analysis in slow motion of a typical 1st generation sensor detection failure.

Videos below the break..... Read More...

Synopsis: The speed climbing timing system was installed at the Boulder Rock Club (BRC) May 12-13. There were three objectives in doing this. One, Sparkfun wanted to do a photo shoot of the system with my daughter climbing and me belaying. The results of this shoot will end up in an ad for Sparkfun in four geek magazines this fall and some banners on their website. Second objective, the BRC ABC and youth climbing teams would have a chance to practice with it and get in a good speed workout. Third, I would get a lot more testing done on the system, in a different gym installation, and in a setting where we could more easily replicate issues if they came up.

Prior to this install at the BRC, I made several of the improvements I listed in the trip report from the beta test at Albuquerque. Namely, I added the second T bracket to the hand sensors so that the sensor was completely symmetrical and could be installed with the jacks on the right or left side. Secondly, I made a power cable extension that took power from the base display station out about 15 feet to the two wall warts (9VDC and 18VAC). This made a cleaner power install on the wall by not having to run an extension cord and multiple outlets up the wall to the base station.

Videos and photos below the break.... Read More...

Synopsis: This article is a redux of the lessons learned from the first trial of the speed climbing timing system at the regional championships in Albquerque last Saturday, May 10.

Overall, we were very pleased with the performance.  I didn't do a final count, but out of 10 categories each category probably averaged 5 kids - some older categories had just a couple but the younger ones were busting at the seams.

Given that estimate, there were approximately 100 climbs (10 X 5 X 2 climbs each) we did with the timing system.  Once the results are posted, we'll know exactly, I could be off 10 or 20....it's always chaotic. Read More...

Synopsis: In part 9 I demonstrate the speed climbing timing system in a “Compact” form. In this configuration, all the sensors are within an arm’s reach so it’s possible to demonstrate the operation of the system from both the climber’s and the starting official’s point of view. The video below demonstrates a typical starting sequence, race finish, clock reset, and false start detection. Finally, the video has a very brief overview of how the system is wired up when it’s installed.

The speed climbing timing system is going to receive its first real-world test this weekend at the USAC Youth Regional Championship in Albuquerque. Once that event is completed, we’ll assess the performance, make any adjustments or fixes, then build a second system. These first two systems will then be sent to the USAC Southwest Divisionals and the NE Divisional championships. Assuming all goes well, both systems will ultimately perform the timing duties at the USAC Nationals 2009.

Video below the break.... Read More...