Athletics Chronometer Project

Being passionate about athletics and with the desire to contribute something to the college, I decided to work on this project. I made this Athletics Chronometer so that the time taken by the athletes to run the race can easily be determined with greater accuracy. Instead of clicking stopwatch buttons, it automatically determines the time taken using an algorithm based on Laser, Light Dependent Resistors (LDR), and a timer.

This chronometer is not only applicable in athletics grounds but also in physics labs. It can be used to determine the time taken by an object to fall a particular distance, making experiments easier.

Supplies

Arduino UNO x1
OLED Display x1
Push Button x1
LDR Modules x1
Tripod Stands x2
Laser x1
Jumper Wires
Balsa Wood

Step 1: Circuit Schematics

Push Button:
Pin # 1 >>>>>>>>>>>>> D8
Pin # 2 >>>>>>>>>>>>> GND

OLED Display:
SDA >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> A4
SCL >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> A5
GND >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> GND
VCC >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 5V

LDR Module:
AO  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> A3
GND >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> GND
VCC >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 5V

Step 2: Understanding Algorithm

When the laser is aligned so that it strikes the LDR, press the push button to start the timer. When an obstacle comes in the way of the laser, the timer stops and the time taken is displayed on the OLED display.

Step 3: Additional Tip

Before uploading the code for the timer, upload a code to find the address of the OLED display connected to the Arduino board.

Moreover, you can attach more LDRs onto the LDR Module so that the surface area available to the laser is larger, making laser alignment easier.

Step 4: Uploading Code

Upload the code to your Arduino board.

Download all the code files (code and other pictures)

Step 5: Testing

The chronometer will not function until the laser is completely aligned with the LDRs.