1/32 Scalexric Classic 4 Lane DIY Simple Lap Counter

[Danno]

I would like to make a simple lap counter, for my 4 lane 1/32 Scalextric Classic, set-up. Has anyone done it? Or suggestions, like to keep in under $100. Thanks

[WB2]

Oh, boy, is this a bad question to ask on a slot car forum. I asked the same thing on another forum but for an HO track. I was bombarded with replies that I just had to go to a computer and race program, something I wanted to stay away from.
Ed Bianchi mentioned proximity counters and did some experimentation. I used his knowledge and built my own.
I used four counters similar to this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-5-D...QAAOSwxX9dZQ~G . I originally tried reed switches in the track to trigger the counter but had problems getting all HO cars to trigger it. I ended up using small switches tripped by the guide pins; switches came from Radio Shack.
For 1/32 I’d recommend an optical sensor cut into the track slot. Somewhere on the ‘net there was a thread where this was done on Carrera track.
These counters have a reset connection on them, the circuit being powered by the counter. In my case, I put a reed switch in circuit and use a magnet to reset all lanes at once. This keeps accidental resets from happening.
I have no circuit written down. I essentially used the one that came with the counter. My counters did require a 5VDC power supply. I built one myself using a YouTube video for guidance.
Here’s a photo of my tower that contains the counters. Power and switch circuits are fed through the support conduit.

[Rastas]

I have this I won on eBay for well under $50au will trade for 1/8 axles bushes crown gears!
all classic track can go ,trade for radius 4 curves.

[Rastas]

Radius 4 sports track.

[Danno]

Thanks some good ideas.

[chappyman66]

Yes, it can be done for under $100. I did it.

Adjustable step-down power supply board ($12 for a 6 pack)
IR sensors ($6 for 5 emitter/sensor pairs)
Resistors ($10 for a full kit, I used 2)
Printer cable: $8
Win 98 machine ($15 from a thrift shop for me, free if you have a spare)
SlotTrak software (free)

You are under $100 (under $50 if you have a working computer than can run the software).

Drill the holes in the track for the sensors, hot glue them in place.
Solder the resistors to the emitters (I found a diagram online) and mount them in the gantry over the track.
Run power from the track supply to the step-down board.
Run power out of the step down board to the emitters (should run on 5V or less)
Connect the sensors to the printer cable (again, had an online diagram)
Plug cable into printer port of computer.
Load SlotTrak on the PC, configure to your liking, and away you go.

You can even go simpler, if you want....you can wire $1 calculators into a dead strip and they will count laps too.

[arroldn]

A few years ago someone took the battery powered Carrera over head lap counter and wired it for DC power. Anyone know where that article is or how to do it? Would like to stop having to buy batteries every 2-3 months. I have some old phone charger power supplies at the right voltage. Guess I could just connect some wires here and there and see what happens but I don't want to fry the circuits.

[Slotspeed]

If the phone charger power supplies are correct voltage then go ahead. Not sure if the lap counter is polarity protected so just make sure you get the polarity right. Also, check if the voltage output of the charger is what it says it is using a multimeter. If it is old, it is possible that it is unregulated.