This section of the site details the construction of the prototype RaceBox.
A short video showing basic operation of the prototype race box can be viewed on YouTube
Complete with an LCD display to give the operator prompts and information, including countdown and elapsed race time, the box can be built for a very modest cost, and provides outputs for an external horn and 3 lights, as well as local LED indicators.
The Documentation gives a detailed overview, User Manual and construction information.
The Race Control Box uses an Arduino (Genuino) Uno microcomputer plus a Relay Shield and LCD. The complete programs for the Arduino can be downloaded (as zip files) without charge from the “Program Code” page. There are extensive comments in the code if you wish to modify it for your own situation.
I would be happy to receive your feedback! Please use the form on the documentation page here
Why did I build it?
In 2011 I designed a “big brother” RMS (Race Management System) for use at my own sailing club Budworth Sailing Club, in the Northwest of England). It has been in regular use since 2012!
Visit the site and look at our results!
This is much more comprehensive and includes a “touch-screen” computer for fast SignOn to races, a separate computer in the Race Control Box for the Race officer, and a third computer with the database and web pages to display results.
It stores the complete race programme for the year, handles automatic starting or “manual” races, scoring (low points or “Quen Mary”) and automatic publishng of results to web pages.
Several visitors to our club expressed interest in this “RMS system”, but sometimes liked the quick SignOn, but did not want the “full thing”. Sometimes they were happy using sailwave for result entry and publication.
So based on the RMS experience (which also uses an Arduino micorcomputer to interface to Horn, Bell and Lights ) I decided the Portable RaceBox was an idea which clubs could adopt, was cheap and relatively easy to construct for someone with a little computer knowledge and modest ability with construction.
There are probably members in most clubs who could do this!
The ProtoType RaceBox
Used to prove the concept, and constructed to include the Relay Shield and a small 9V battery, inside the splashproof ABS Box.
How to make your own RaceBox
The other pages in this section give all the information needed to build the “RaceBox” for your club.
A schematic, wiring diagram, parts list and instructions are included in the Documentation pdf.
The computer code for the Arduino can be downloaded and installed onto an Arduino Uno microcomputer without further cost.
Note: To build the project does require some knowledge of basic wiring and electronic components, and requires hand cutting of the ABS project box.
To install the program code onto the Arduino microcomputer also requires an appropriate computer skill level in order to download the Arduino software and install the Race Control files.