New Sensor idea

 Everyone,

Please feel free to comment or suggest.

Note: We can probably use something like this Guide Flag Sensor for $19.  I think the sensors were 20 for $8.  The lower price (40 cents vs. $19) may allow us to make more sensor areas.  I'm not totally sure what that means other than a pit area but it keeps the future open,

I am thinking of the new Watkins Glen routed track in this.

I had an idea with several Photo Interrupter Slotted Optical Sensor Switches we had lying around from a previous project.  

We start with one of these Photo Interrupter Slotted Optical Sensor Switch.  

The previous issues were: 

• its profile below the track was too thick.  
• getting the sensor close enough to the track surface for the blade to reliably register an event.

Since we are dealing with a routed track, we may be able to embed it into the track better - I'm not sure about the braid.

First take a Photo Interrupter Sensor 

Next cut it in half at the bridge.  

I figured it did not have any electrical connections and I was correct.  It served to keep them aligned.  

Note also that the emitter and receiver are .3mm from the top so we can get it close depending upon the braid.

Now put them in the track.  I'm not sure best how to do this especially given the braid but I'll put it with a piece of routed MDF so you can picture some of what I had in mind.

Enough for now.  Let me know what you think if you have any comments.

In the end, I'll test it.  Initially I'll test the switch and then we'll have to implement it in the track and test.