Installation - mbradley612/HHSCStartLine GitHub Wiki

There are six components to our hardware solution:

  • PC - we use a Fit-PC, purchased from (http://www.tinygreenpc.com/). The PC was supplied with an SSD. Another time, we would choose a different hardware platform due to the challenge of running under Linux. Note that these devices are now end of life and "not recommended for new projects".
  • Lights relay. We use an EasyDaq USB8PR2 8 channel relay card. Each of the five lights used for the start sequence is wired to a relay switch on the EasyDaq card. As recommended by EasyDaq, we have suppressors wired in parallel with each light circuit to minimise surges as the lights go on and off.
  • Touch screen. We use a ProLite T1931SR which includes a Advanced Silicon S.A CoolTouch(TM) System touch screen connected to the PC by USB. This works out of the box with Ubuntu 14.04 LTE. For video, we use the HDMI output from the PC into the HDMI input of the screen. The screen also includes a USB hub into which we plug the Delcom USB button, see below.
  • Button for gun and finish. We use a Delcom USB HID button switch that we configure to simulate F1. Delcom provide a utility on their website for configuring the button, see screenshot of config here. Note that on linux kernel versions 4.8 onwards, there's a bug that requires a workaround hack, see (http://www.delcomproducts.com/webnote.asp?id=3). We do not normally plug a standard keyboard into the PC (or USB hub built into the screen); if required, a standard USB keyboard works fine.
  • Amplifier and outdoor speakers. We use a high power amplifier, with outdoor speakers connected using Neutrik Speakon NLT4FX connectors. The connector box is a splashproof connector box all from Canford. The amplifier (and hence the outdoor speakers) are wired to the left audio output channel of the PC.
  • Indoor speaker. We also use a small desktop speaker for the warning beeps to warn the race team that a flag needs to come up or down. The indoor speaker is wired to the right audio output channel of the PC.