SmartLine Space Derby® Finish Line

The Space Derby® vehicles travel very quickly along the wire and are just as difficult to judge as the Pinewood Derby®. Our timer takes the pressure off the judges and provides the same race management capability. The SmartLine Timer features link explains in detail all the options available for our timer.

The price list details the parts included with each system.

Space Derby® Sensors

The Space Derby® sensors are a horizontal version of the sensors we use for the Pinewood Derby®. The sensors come pre-assembled and wired together in sets of 4 sensors with plugs to connect it to the SmartLine computer unit. There is one IR source/sensor pair unit for each lane as shown at left. You must use the displays and the computer unit in conjunction with the Space Derby® Sensors for a complete system. Check our price list for details about system requirements.

We have compiled some helpful Space Derby® Details for your information.

Mounting

In addition to the SmartLine Space Derby® Finish Line sensors you will need an add-on finish line section that attaches to a track frame that you must build. Plans for the basic Space Derby® track and the add-on finish line section are provided for your convenience on the Space Derby® Track page. The basic track is described in the Cub Scout leader HOW-TO book.

The Space Derby® Finish Line supports are designed to be adjustable in height and each sensor can be adjusted to be centered on the fishing line used for the space ship track. The sensor wiring and the support design detailed here are made to fit the Space Derby® track described in the Cub Scout leader HOW-TO book. If your Space Derby® track is based on a different design you will have to check that it is compatible. The specific areas to check are that the spacing between the lanes does not exceed ten inches.

Retrofitting Displays

If you would like to or have already purchased a SmartLine Finish Line for a track with more or less than 4 lanes, we can retrofit your displays with a connector so that you can change the number of lanes. If you need additional lanes we will insert a plug on the last display of your SmartLine Finish line display and supply the displays for $30.00 each. To reduce the number of lanes from anything greater than 4, we will insert a connector between the 4th and 5th displays for $10.00.

Carriers

Our sensors require you to add a small vertical tab to the Space Derby® car carrier. This tab passes through the sensor as the Space Car passes through the finish line. You may purchase the standard Boy Scout of America carriers and assemble them with a tab yourself or we can assemble them and include a handy winding/storage device we designed to make setup and cleanup a little easier.

We offer the line, 4 carriers with tabs installed and a winding/storage device to make set up and pack up easy.

Check our price list.

Start Gate Switch

If you desire the race times (as opposed to just places 1st, 2nd etc) to be reported to your race management software, you will need to install a starting gate switch. This can be accomplished in the same manner as the pinewood starting gate switch.The starting gate switch comes standard with the computer unit of either finish line. If you choose not to use the starting gate switch, the times will still be reported relative to the first vehicle over the finish line.

The basic frame and display backing are not supplied but can easily be built from plans included on Space Derby® Track page.

If you are interested or have specific questions about the Space Derby®, we would appreciate your feedback.