Interesting thread , my local club is now struggling with AMB20 transponder batteries , and insufficient funds to replace the system.
So , I started looking around , and found this thread.
I think a webcam system might be viable.
Consider a DIY transponder equivilent(?) made from LED's.
With 7 LED's...
+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
! Y | R0| R1| R2 |R3 |R4 | G |
+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
i.e. One Yellow LED , 5 Red LED's followed by a Green LED.
(The actual colours don't matter , but the outer 2 (Y+G) in example need to be different.
Now each of the R LEDS could be enabled via a PC like jumper switch.
5 LEDS gives 32 combinations.
Each car carries the bug on its roof (bit ugly )..
Webcam(s) focused over start line.
Process the images from the webcam.
Find Yellow + Green pairs within the image , between them should be the Red LEDS. Scan for bright or even red parts of the image , we should be able to deduce a binary code for each bug.
Now if the caputure rate is quick enough we should be good to go ?
Could you make a bug for £2 ?
WebCams £20 ?
RaspberryPi to count £30
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