Friday 26 July 2013

Waving the chequered flag

I bought a rather shabby looking vintage Scalextric starter some time ago.  I'd given him a quick lick of paint and a simple flag, and he stood, checking his watch, next to the start/finish banner.


Under the rostrum is a piece of string that you can pull to make his arm wave the flag.  This needs automation!

First job was to repaint the starter and his rostrum, and replace his flag.



Next step was to make a jig for a motor to pull the string, and fix it under the layout table.


I fitted a disc on a 12V 60rpm motor that is operated by the Phidget output linked to the Ultimate Racer race management software.  This provides power for a few seconds at the end of the race.

It works a treat.  You can see it in operation in the video below (or follow this link).


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