START GATE OPERATION AND INSTALLATION

This start gate assembly is mounted underneath the track. The information provided here is intended to be a brief explanation of our start gate installation and operation.

A more detailed description is included with the kit. The following tools are needed to perform the installation:

3/8 inch electric drill

5/8 inch flat wood boring bit

electric saber saw

ruler

small handsaw

circular wood file or Dremel tool

hot glue gun and glue sticks

screwdrivers – regular and Phillips

lead pencil

safety glasses

The installation of our start gate begins with the cutting of the three oval shaped holes. Determine the location for the three oval shaped holes. Use the 5/8 inch wood boring drill bit to drill two holes, 3 inches apart from center to center. Then use the saber saw to remove the wood between. Do this for all three oval shaped holes. When finished a Dremel tool (or circular wood file) can be used to sand the rough edges around the holes. In the picture a wooden stop has been installed on one side of the three holes to limit the lever arms travel. See below.

A view of the three holes from underneath the track.

WOODEN STOP

As can be seen below the three lever arms are attached to the wooden cross beam. These three lever arms protrude through the holes in the track and hold the cars on the top side of the track at the start of the race. Please take note that the center lever arm is longer than the other two.

Switch mounted on L bracket

In all pictures it is assumed that there are three lanes in the track

The solenoid assembly is mounted on top of two 1X2 wooden blocks. The solenoid is continuously energized and controls an L-shaped lever arm. This arm prevents the car-levers from moving. When the race begins the solenoid is de-energized and the L-shaped arm is pulled out of the way and the cars are released. This arrangement works very well!

A switch is mounted on an L bracket to switch the solenoid on and off. You will want to do this when you set the track up for a race. You will want to place the three levers in their vertical positions.

NOTE: All of the above materials are included in the kit of parts. The track is not part of the kit. You must also provide all of the tools mentioned above.

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Computer Products for Education, PO Box 1694

Kingston, PA 18704 570-283-3627