Scratch built Drag Racing Tree!
Here are some details of a working Drag Tree I designed.
To view larger pictures just Click on the thumbnails and
Enjoy!
Here you can see how the lighting system works. Click on each
picture above and let the animation load. In the picture on the left, watch as
the disk in the center turns and trips each of the switches. Each switch is
connected to a light on the tree. (Three amber and one green light per lane. The
Red lights are wired in the system as well and will come on if a car jumps the
start before the green light comes on.) You might note that the disk in the
center is mounted on a servo that has been gutted and modified so it will rotate
360 degrees. The wires were run inside the tubing when I finish the Tree. (see
image below of the finished tree.) The black area on the rotating disk
turns on each switch. When the black area passes a switch it is turned off.
Click on the tree image on the right and when it loads you can see the tree in
action.
Let me walk you thru the system and maybe you will understand how it
works.
Here we go...
First I have two foot boxes (one for each lane) that
will be used for staging. There is also a bumper box (one for each lane) that is
put in place behind the car. Learn more about both using the links below.
To start each car comes to the line. When the drivers are ready two
things need to happen.
# 1 Each car is placed on the starting line and a
bumper box is placed behind each car. The box has a plunger that trips a switch
if the car moves forward. (There is very little pressure on the plunger so it
does not push the car.)
# 2 Once the cars are staged the driver of each will
press the staging pedal with his foot letting the starter know they are ready.
This will also light the staging lights on the Tree. (the top two lights) The
starter holds a switch that will start the amber sequence going on the tree.
Once the starter presses the button and the first amber light comes on his job
is done. The way it works is simple really. I built a timing device that will
sequence the amber lights down and then light the Green light. If at anytime a
car moves after the first amber light comes on. This will trip the Red light on
that lane and the driver will have red lighted the start. Once the green light
comes on, the red light is disabled and the race will be on. Once the Green
light comes on, it stays on until the starter presses the start button
again for a moment to reset the tree for the next round.
Does your Club need a Starting
Tree?
Would you like to build your own
Tree?
If you would like to build a tree. I will be happy to help you
out.
Here are 2 simple light triggering systems I have made for other
people.
Your cost will depend on how simple a system you are wanting.
A basic triggering system that will allow a lighted tree
start will run $50.00 plus shipping. You provide the tree with
lights and I can build the light triggering system for you and show
you how to wire it to your tree. It is really simple to hook up and it works.
The best part is you won't break the bank to own a Tree. How it looks
depends on what you build. How it works... Leave that part up to me. If you want
it to work other than I describe below. Just ask. I may be able to
help you out.
The Basic Light Triggering System
The basic system will work as follows. The starter holds the starter
button and presses it until the first Yellow light comes ON. Then the triggering
system takes over and lights the second set of Yellow lights on the tree. Then
the third set of Yellow lights are turned ON. Then all the yellow lights
go OFF and the Green lights come ON. At this point the lighting system
stops with the Green lights still ON. The starter then can re-set the tree for
the next race by holding the start button for about a half a second and then
letting go of it. When all the lights are OFF on the tree it is ready for
the next race. To start the next race the starter presses the starter button
again until the first set of Yellow lights come ON. Then the triggering
system takes over lighting the Yellow lights (one row at a
time) and then the Green lights. The $50.00 system does not have
the Red light option on it. But, If you want a system that has the
working Red lights (Show Foul Starts) it can be had for $200.00
more.
You can build your tree with the Red lights in place and have the
Red Lights option added to your triggering system at a later time. No one has to
know they don't work. Right?
If you are part of a Drag Racing Club that is just starting out and
you don't have a Starting Tree.
You really have no excuse now. I am willing to help you and your
Club out.
It takes me about 10 hrs to cut the parts, put them together and tweak
the system so it works as designed to.
So at $50.00 for a basic triggering system I am defiantly not doing this
for the money.
The pictures of the above basic systems were taken as the systems were
boxed. What you see is all included.
Just add the tree, lights, power source and 3 AA batteries and your
ready to start a race.
Happy DRAG Racing!
Email your questions or comments to:
ME HERE!
This Banner will take you to Troy's Main page!
If you Enjoyed this Website PASS IT ON!
