Laptop as timer.....????
Okay I have an idea on how to make a solo race timer using an online stop watch...at this site...
http://www.online-stopwatch.com/
and a modified mouse. Not exactly sure how to do it. I want to make 2 external switches that activate the left mouse button.
Using the stopwatch site you place your cursor over the start button, which is also the stop button.
You start your car rolling it triggers the external switch that activates the left mouse button. The timer starts. There is no need to move the mouse. At the end of it's run the car triggers the other switch which also activates the left mouse button and stops the stopwatch. The reading is with in 1000th of a second.
I know this will work just unsure of the type of switches I need and my soldering skills are nil...
Help me Obi Wan Kenobi you are my only hope.
Discussion
If you need a better looking stopwatch web page, let me know - I can make you one that is nice and big, clean and without all the extra links :)
Do you have the "micro wizard" style switches... if so I can fab some "trap door spyder" style plates where the car's weight triggers both start and stop switches... let me know... GO STROLLER GO...