Race timer case by BMLfpv

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

Some background info
The Delta 5 Race Timer is an innovative, cost effective solution for keeping track of race laps when racing FPV (First Person View). The designer of the Delta 5 Race Timer is Scott Chin. The system is open source, and utilizes the video transmitter frequencies instead of traditional transponders. For more information about Delta 5 Race Timer, visit the following web site:https://github.com/scottgchin/delta5_race_timer
The Delta 5 Race Timer system can also work with a native lap timing software:https://www.livetimescoring.com/
Before you get started
It is a fantastic system and you can keep up to 8 racers with it, and you can build it for about €150,- euros. Especially the integration with livetime makes this timer a great DIY race timer project.
If you live in the Netherlands and need help with building the delta5 race timer or want to have this race timer case printed for your own build. Then you can also contact Dutch Drone Squad:https://www.facebook.com/dutchdronesquad/ or info@dutchdronesquad.nl
They have experience in building and printing this delta5 race timer (case) and are happy to help you.
What to be aware of...
If you have never used a linux based / command line system before, you may have some challenges with the Raspberry Pi setup. Fortunately, the setup process for getting a raspberry pi up and running is pretty easy.
Basic soldering skills, and soldering equipment are going to be needed. I assume that you're probably already in the RC hobby if you're reading this, so this shouldn't be a problem for most people.
Hardware
First, decide how many nodes you want to set up. One node can monitor one video frequency (in the 5.8 ghz range). The hardware currently supports up to 8 nodes. Please note: the software currently doesn't allow switching, and only monitors one channel per node. This means that the hardware is a bit more costly, but the lap times are going to be very accurate with the highest resolution possible.
All hardware required is listed on the Github link above, but I'll summarize it here and also add a few additional parts that I used. I purchased almost all of mine from Banggood. Prices listed are from there as of the time of writing this.
Each node requires an Arduino Nano. At banggood (Geekcreit® ATmega328P Nano V3) they sell clone versions for €2,50 and they work fine.
Each node also requires an RX5808. This is the video receiver. €8,- each on Banggood.
A Raspberry Pi 3 Model B. €38,-
1K resistors: Quantity 3.
100K resistor: Quantity 1. This is per each node. (Total of 24 1K resistors, 8 100K resistors if building 8 nodes). I bought them from Conrad in sets of 100 for €3,- per set.
You will need one 5v 2.5A voltage regulator. This will be sufficient for powering all 8 nodes, which should draw around 2A of current (including the Rasp Pi). I recommend this one: https://www.pololu.com/product/2850 Cost: €12,-
You will need one 3.3v 2.5A voltage regulator. This will be sufficient for powering all 8 receivers, these also work at 5v but give less heat at 3.3v. I recommend this one: https://www.pololu.com/product/2849 Cost: €11,-
a set of 40pin female header connector sockets (40 pieces: € 4,20) and 40 pins male header strip (30 pieces: € 3,50). I used this so that I can switch both the arduinos and receivers if necessary.
Other stuff:
You will need an SD card for the Rasp Pi. I recommend minimal 8GB.
As power connector I used an xt60 plug so you can connect a lipo, but also have a DC jack plug to xt60 so that a regular transformer also fits. Pay attention when using a transformer that it gives enough output power, but also not too much! 12V - 1A works fine. You can also check if it is enough by connecting the PI to a screen and watching during startup if you do not see a yellow thunder symbol.
You will need to decide how you want to connect to it. Many people just use a really long ethernet cable (eg. 40-50m). Wifi is also an option, but not really recommended because of the latency in a wifi connection.
About the case
The case allows for up to 8 nodes. 4 are mounted on the bottom, and 4 on the top in slots.
The 30mm fan cut out allows for cooling.
It is designed so that all inputs of the pi are easily accessible and you can easily change a PCB if necessary.
It has 4 holes so you can fix the raspberry pi with screws.
Credits
On behalf of Dutch Drone Squad we thank Boudewijn for the intensive cooperation to design this race timer case, you did a great job! And finally, I would like to give a credit to Techy G, I have used his text as a basis and also recommend to take a look at his version of the delta5 race timer.