F3F TIMER PROJECT by Jon Edison
Updated Dec 2015
MK III Additional Components
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In order to complete the F3F timing system, Push Buttons, Sounder, Cables, and Battery are required.
To enjoy the voice commands, a portable Bluetooth Speaker is also required.
Push Buttons
The recommended construction for these is to use good quality micro switches housed in a small plastic box, activated by a cheap push button with its switching mechanism removed! This provides a good 'feel' to the button when pressed ( NB requires a microswith with an operating force of 2-3N ), and provides reliable signaling back to the timer.
Components Required :-
Box - Hammond 1591ATBU - Rapid Electronics ref 30-3850
Microswitch - Rapid electronics 50-2516
Push Button - Ebay
6.35mm Jack Socket - Rapid Electronics 20-1390
Remote Start Push Button
A neat feature of the new timer system, is the ability to use a push button to start the timer as well as to move through the pilot order without the need to touch the Android screen. An additional push button is required for this. Construct the button as above, but replace the 6.35mm socket with a 3.5mm mono jack socket instead. Construct a lightweight 2core cable approx 1.5m long, terminating each end with a 3.5mm mono jack plug.
Components required :-
Box - Hammond 1591ATBU - Rapid Electronics ref 30-3850
Microswitch - Rapid electronics 50-2516
Push Button - Ebay
3.5mm Jack Socket - Rapid Electronics 54-4728
3.5mm Jack Plugs x2 - Rapid Electronics 20-0105
Plug the remote start push button into Skt 9 in the Timer case.
Sounder
Any good quality Peizo Sounder with an operating voltage 9v-12v.
Add 2.5mm power plug to the sounder cable to match Skt 7 in the Timer case, +ve center
Sounder - Lynteck TK403
2.5mm Plug - Maplin ref N81KT
Cables
Two core cable terminated each end with 6.35mm mono jack plugs. Each cable approximately 55meters long. Use lightweight, flexible, low voltage cable. Typical cable is a 4 core telephone cable ( Rapid Electronics ref 01-0700 ). Combine red/yellow and blue/black to form a two core cable.
Battery
The Timer is designed around a 12v input.
The original design used 12v Lead Acid cells, ie Yuasa 12v 1.2Ah leisure battery.
The current 7" Android powered devices need greater capacity, and therefore 3S 2200mAh lipos are recommended. Two batteries are necessary to complete a long day on the slope!
A 10" Android under test consumes a great deal more power. Its use with the IOIO board is not recommended, but is OK with the Bluetooth interface. Using bluetooth, the Android can be charged using a separate power supply, details here
Bluetooth Speaker
Current device is a Kitsound Pocketboom speaker. This tiny device ( 60mm long * 50mm Dia approx ) was used a test unit, but has proved to be remarkably audible even in high winds. Due to initial concerns over its ability to be heard by the pilots, the unit was mounted on the top of a 1.5m high pole. This has proved to be very effective, but what is required however is a seperate battery pack, details here, as the onboard battery has only a 2-3hour life at most.
Our Android is using a graphic equaliser app ( 'AnEq free' ) and Googles own 'Text to Speech' app, with the Bluetooth link run at full volume!
Discalaimer
I have no connection with any of the companies list above, but give any links for information only, and for use at your own risk. All information is given in good faith and without liability.
Jon Edison
Sept 2015