Airsoft - paintball chrono - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2013, 05:45:33 pm
content: I would like to share an airsoft - paintball chrono that I made."Underspeed Chrono Light"Version: 1.0Last modification: 08.01.2016Some tecnical info:Set AVR clock to external crystal.LED:Any IR (infra red) LED.Best under 60 degrees7 segment LED display:common cathode, common sticks.For example:KINGBRIGHT ELECTRONIC BC56-12SRWAhttp://www.tme.eu/hu/details/bc56-12srwa/harmas-led-kijelzok/kingbright-electronic/#Phototransistor:Many type working well.I tested BPW17 and SFH309FA phototransistors.PCB size:81mm x 85mm!!! LED1, LED2 polarity is WRONG on the schematic !!!

author: TorqueRanger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2013, 11:54:58 am
content: I like it ....I wish I still used my paintball guns again but might build your setup for my brother though..

author: Noobiq
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2013, 04:09:46 pm
content: helloso i build it, but its not working, and i would like to know why.when i turn it on, the display start blink (at frequency like 25hz), and show just three zeroes.i used 1n4007 instead of 1n4004, and ATMEGA8A-PU instead of ATMEGA8-PU (i couldnt find this, and "google say" they are the almost same,)could anything of that make problem?

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2013, 04:39:08 pm
content: I think the problem could be the avr clock setup.You have to set clock source to external crystal (high fequency) and disable CKOPT.Check the first post, I attached display of clock setup.

author: Noobiq
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2013, 04:28:01 pm
content: i am finally reprogrammed processor, display works fine now, but dont measure.. only show 3 zeroes.i used R1-R7 = 150 ohm (but this shouldnt matter, it can be 150-220)btw, R11 = 91 ohm? (just to be sure)i don´t know exactly what IR LED i used, it looks like this onehttp://www.sos.sk/?str=371&artnum=11936&name=kingbright-l-53sf4bti mean, can dark color of the LED be a problem?everything else (except what i alredy wrote in previous post) is same as youredit: i tried IR led from old mouse, but still no output on display..

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2013, 03:42:04 pm
content: Hi!Quote from: Noobiq on February 07, 2013, 04:28:01 pmYes, R11 is 91 Ohm, but best if you measure IR LED current, and you choose correct resistor value.Quote from: Noobiq on February 07, 2013, 04:28:01 pmIR LED with filter is good. You can check the lighting, with a camera or phone.And check the PD2 and PD3 leg with multimeter. Measure voltage there, after cross the light and measure again. Share the values.

author: Noobiq
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2013, 03:21:37 pm
content: i changed R11 to 47 ohm (added 100 ohm parallel).i measured PD2/3 before and it was 5V/3V, now it is 5V/2V and the chrono works correctly.i thought cameras have IR filter therefore little ir light is see. Becouse of that i didnt realized LEDs shine too weakThanks for your help!

author: Sh4DoVV
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 21, 2013, 09:33:36 am
content: Hiso i build it, but its not working , the 7segement not show any thing !please help me

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2013, 12:41:53 pm
content: How are you timing the delay?Are both light sensors on hardware interrupts where you start the timer on one and read the value on the other?

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2013, 10:44:41 pm
content: Quote from: Sh4DoVV on February 21, 2013, 09:33:36 amI think program isn't run. Please search an AVR topic or tutorial to find the problem.Quote from: Psi on February 21, 2013, 12:41:53 pmYou think well, just a little different. Timer is always run. I reset at 1st interrupt, and read at 2nd interrupt.

author: Sh4DoVV
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 24, 2013, 11:29:42 am
content: Hi dear vzoolemay you tell me how to program your ATMega8 ?I have STK500 Programmer , but i don`t know how to program my ATMega8thanks

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2013, 11:35:49 am
content: Quote from: Sh4DoVV on February 24, 2013, 11:29:42 amI use AVR Studio 4.

author: Sh4DoVV
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 06, 2013, 08:52:03 am
content: hi friendI built it again butdn't workI program atmega with stk500 by avr studio 4 ,but 7segement don't show anythingPlease help me

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2013, 11:30:22 pm
content: Check clock and display outputs on AVR with scope.

author: andreiu21
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 05:34:06 pm
content: nice little project.Thanks for sharing! D

author: tim1986
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 12, 2013, 03:12:42 am
content: Nice project! What is is actually displaying? MPH, km/h, inches per second, just the time between?Thanks!-Tim

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2013, 06:11:55 pm
content: Thanks!Actually show FPS in video.

author: adam164
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 03, 2013, 02:17:01 pm
content: Hi,I made your chrono but it not work correctly. Slow speed show (under 20 fps) but higher speed no....I use phototransistor SFH309 and I programmed in Pony prog becouse I have only LPT programer and in AVR studio not work. Do you tested it with airgun cal. .177?

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2014, 10:59:33 pm
content: Hi!Maybe you doesn't switch off CKOPT option that is dividing the clock by 8.So if you measure 20FPS that could be around 160FPS in real ( 20*8 ).So please check the FUSE bits.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2014, 07:30:21 am
content: Install the software on a chip (Chrono_light_01_mPs.hex), but does not work. What should be the current work? What could be the reason?How much should be volts?

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2014, 10:00:10 pm
content: Minimum input voltage is 7.5VCurrent without controller (only IR LEDs): ~30mAWith MCU and working 7 segment display: ~110mAIf you have no current flow you have supply problem.

author: s3k0
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 27, 2014, 07:29:59 am
content: very nice projecti want to make one but im complety dummy for projectcan you tell me what exactly i need parts for this porject;example;2x diode1xatmelxxxxxi readed first post but missing somethings like ressitors2xphototransistors2x ir led1x atmega8pu1xusbbasp for programming....others ?i can see in picture but i dont know names

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2014, 07:59:25 am
content: there is no voltage on the LED (red circle on the picture)

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2014, 08:21:22 am
content: Quote from: s3k0 on March 27, 2014, 07:29:59 amYou can find parts in schematic in zip file at first post.Quote from: UA on March 27, 2014, 07:59:25 amCheck the input voltage on regulator input.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2014, 02:26:25 pm
content: Hi friend. Which firmware to measure in meters? Chrono_light_01_FPS.hex or Chrono_light_01_mPs.hex

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2014, 03:40:57 pm
content: FPS: Foot Per SecondmPs: Meter Per Second

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2014, 02:07:48 pm
content: Please help. I suffer for a month. Brazed chronograph programmed chip. When connected to electricity is off 7 segment LED display. Watching through a mobile phone camera, LED work.But when I turn the 7 segment LED display, light some segments.Help razobratsya what could be the problem. Thank you.

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2014, 02:48:05 pm
content: First please take a picture about type of your 7 segment display.

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2014, 06:57:25 pm
content: The DP line is not connected so DP should never be on.Either your leds are misaligned (wrong orientation) / polarity is wrong, or the wiring is wrong.You can correct them, or find out the real wiring and write your own firmware to it.

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2014, 07:02:43 pm
content: I checked this display and fit well in this circuit (but not upside down).So the problem is something else.Hard to do anything without an oscilloscope.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2014, 11:02:46 pm
content: Does a problem mean not in 7 segment display? Do I understand correctly? A problem means or in details or I not correctly zaprogramiroval chip.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2014, 01:06:03 pm
content: Connect power chronograph 7.5 volts. Multimeter measured current: LED - 1,18 volts, phototransistors - 0.05 volts.Again, instead of chip ATMEGA8-PU I have is ATMEGA8A-PU.

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2014, 10:10:10 pm
content: Can you measure voltage on resistors leg (at mcu side) which are between display and mcu?

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2014, 12:00:46 am
content: If I were to desing something like this, I would do it different: I would build it around a barrel (like a piece of pvc pipe) that can be mounted easily onto the gun. The sensors can be fixated to the side of the pipe and the display bounded on a pcb along the pipe.It would be more rugged that way.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 09:50:32 pm
content: 9 volt power supply. I measured the voltage across the resistors between the display and the MCU. Resistors R1-R7 (180) is zero. No stress! Resistors R8-R10 (2.2K) is 1.4 volts.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 09:53:20 pm
content: Quote from: dannyf on May 14, 2014, 12:00:46 amHere's a link to a chronographhttp://chronolite2.narod.ru/But I believe that Airsoft - paintball chrono much more practical and convenient.

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 10:06:02 pm
content: Please measure it again, but now between ground and resistors mcu side leg.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 10:24:08 pm
content: Measured. Resistors R1, 3,4,5,6 - 5 volts. R7 is no voltage - zero. Resistors R8, 9,10 - 0,25 volts.I measured at these points

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 10:38:51 pm
content: Quote from: UA on May 16, 2014, 10:24:08 pmThats bad, because I asked you measure on resistor leg but which is next to the controller.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 10:45:57 pm
content: Measured at these pointsResistors R1, 3,4,5,6 - 5,05 Volts. R7 is no voltage - zero. Resistors R8, 9,10 -. 1.65 volts

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 10:51:24 pm
content: It's looks good. Can you take a picture about your transistors type?Or make a short contact between the transistor two side leg for short time. What does it show then?

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 11:10:36 pm
content: Transistors -How to check the transistor (if this is needed).

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 11:48:48 pm
content: And maybe the transistor. Need BC546, and I used BC546B. Maybe that is what affects the inefficiency?

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 11:49:58 pm
content: Not...Try this: make a short contact between the transistor two side leg for short time. What does it show then?

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2014, 12:03:03 am
content: I do not understand. You need to short-circuit the two legs of the transistors?

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2014, 12:17:24 am
content: Almost... make short between two side leg (E - C)

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2014, 12:21:38 am
content: Short circuit all three transistors?

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2014, 12:22:15 am
content: just one, any.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2014, 12:26:15 am
content: Sorry, but nothing happened. The indicator has not responded.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2014, 12:38:52 am
content: Maybe the whole thing in the wrong processor programming ATMEGA8A-PU?

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2014, 12:44:21 am
content: Remowe the controller and make a short between PIN 7 and PIN 15.Same time make a short on one transistor side legs (E -C).Does the display show something?

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2014, 01:18:11 am
content: All done. But nothing. The indicator has not responded (photo). And yet, when I took ATMEGA8-PU, still lit LEDs.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2014, 10:51:36 pm
content: Try again perepronramirovat ATMEGA8A-PU, can help. If not, I will look for where it can be a mistake. If there are hints that it may be, I will be grateful.

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2014, 12:37:57 am
content: At this point, I would retrace the board and make sure that it is consistent with the schematic.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2014, 07:03:04 pm
content: Dear may already tired of my questions, but I still do not understand, will not rest. Publish photos chronograph from all sides. Checking the installation, all in accordance with the scheme. Details respectively indicated. Closures and without defects. I think that may be the problem of the correctness of programming ATMEGA8A-PU. I do not know how and what to check.

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2014, 07:26:02 pm
content: Next time remove the controller (as I asked) before you make short on their connections or you may damage it.What's the value of R1? Can you measure it?

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2014, 08:05:36 pm
content: Value R1 - 180 ohms. At a voltage value of 180 ohms.Value R11 - 91 Ohms. When feeding is 0 ohms. When I connect the voltage value of R11 - 91 Ohm disappears. Multimeter shows nothing.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2014, 08:07:19 pm
content: Learned controller. Made a short circuit between PIN 7 and PIN 15. Same time made ??a short one transistor lateral branches (EC). But the indicator did not show (photo).

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2014, 08:14:14 pm
content: Apply voltage: R11 - 2,6 volts. But in this case, R1-7 - 0 volts, R8-10 and - 1.4 volts.

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2014, 08:42:00 pm
content: Something wrong around 7 segment display. It get direct voltage in this test so must be light.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2014, 09:08:07 pm
content: Question. What is it and whether these contacts zamykatsya?

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2014, 09:10:14 pm
content: AVR ISP

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2014, 09:22:30 pm
content: What voltage should be on these contacts (on the legs of the display)?

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2014, 10:24:55 am
content: Hello everyone. Hooray, I reached performance chronograph. The problem was in the indicator. He had a common anode and common cathode required:-DMM. Bought new, replaced and succeeded. Works. I am very glad."Vzoole" Thank you for the product.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2014, 02:41:55 pm
content: Hey. Tell me, what maximum speed chronograph can measure (meter per second). Want to experience a firearm.

author: littlej
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 07, 2014, 07:48:32 pm
content: Hy, could you please share the source code, i'm trying to build one almost like your's but i'm beginner intro codding and i would like to take a peak at the code. thanks pls feel free to email me.

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2014, 09:38:38 pm
content: For a newbie, writing your own would be a much better learning experience.

author: littlej
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 08, 2014, 12:45:37 pm
content: Hi, well i have an idea how to write my own code, but i have no idea how to get it more accurate, i mean i know i have to use timer1 (since it's 16bit) to count the time between the trigger on the first sensor and the second but i don't know how to do it exactly and i would like to see an example doing just that. Thanks

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2014, 02:09:02 pm
content: The only way to solve that is by doing it.You sound like to have a foundation but without opportunities to practice. This would be a good opportunity to do so.

author: hodza
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 08:16:24 pm
content: IR LEDs have their polarity reversed. The cathode should be connected towards the ground or negative side of the driving voltage source, and the anode toward the positive side.

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 08:23:33 pm
content: You are right! I have made mistake. I'll correct it as soon as I can.Thanks for report.

author: hodza
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 07, 2015, 08:01:57 am
content: Nice project. Thanks!

author: Di11on
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 14, 2015, 08:37:48 am
content: What a nice project - thank you so much for sharing.I wonder if you could help me with a problem.At the moment, I just have two blinking zeroes (voltage at pin 27 is 0).I have programmed the chip fine, but when I set the fuses as per your image, I lose contact with the chip. Is it something to do with the external crystal clock not working for some reason? I have used a 10MHz crystal with 22p capacitors as per the information you uploaded. The crystal I am using has a capacitance of 30p.Have you any idea what the problem may be?Many thanks in advance

author: hodza
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 14, 2015, 12:05:31 pm
content: Quote from: Di11on on June 14, 2015, 08:37:48 amhttp://mdiy.pl/atmega-fusebit-doctor-hvpp/?lang=en

author: Di11on
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 16, 2015, 05:22:01 pm
content: Quote from: hodza on June 14, 2015, 12:05:31 pmThanks for this.I am absolute 100% certain that I set the fuse bits correctly - I set them exactly as in the screenshot uploaded with the project. However, after I set the fuse bits, I lose contact with the chip and the circuit ceases to function.So what could be wrong? Could my crystal/resonator not be suitable somehow? I have made a simple circuit with just the resonator and capacitors and avr programmer connections, and still it does not work. I would be grateful for any assistance you could provide.I'm using an ATMEGA8A-PU. Could it be possible that the fuse bits are different on this compared to the ATMEGA8?Thanks in advance,Jody

author: Di11on
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 17, 2015, 02:58:26 pm
content: Also, what are the error codes, ERR1 and ERR2? Perhaps I have the polarity of the phototransistors backwards?

author: Di11on
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 17, 2015, 07:40:44 pm
content: Hi all,Finally got this working - thanks again for posting the project.The default value for CKOPT is 1 and I believe it needs to be set to 0 to get the external oscillator working. At least this is what got it working for me. These were my fuse settings:Low: 0xFFHigh: 0xC9This isn't the same as what is shown in the fuses image - but the fuse settings above work for me and give me accurate FPS readings.I also had to set a low value for R11 to increase the led irradiance and get the PD2/3 voltages down towards 2V. R11 for me is around 37 Ohms which means there's around 68mA going through the LEDs which is probably a little much? Perhaps my LED's and Phototransistor aren't matched very well.I've posted by board below... not as pretty as some of the others, but this is a first for me! After destroying an LED with a BB, I decided to install a tube, which itself has taken a few hits!Thanks again

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2016, 05:22:44 pm
content: Hello everybody. Prompt optical distance between pairs should be 3 cm (30 mm)?

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2016, 10:09:00 pm
content: It must be 30mm.

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2016, 01:44:36 pm
content: Made chronograph. Everything is working . But he did not respond to bullets for air rifle . Why is that? Can the sensors do not react to metal or firmware need another ? Someone can tell me the answer?

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2016, 05:05:10 am
content: AwesomeMade something similar a while back, only difference is that my one was used to detect how many BB's have shot through the barrel to give an estimate on the BB's in the mag.What do you use to program the micro?

author: UA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2016, 11:45:19 am
content: To program the chip , I used a homemade programmer .What is the maximum speed calculating your chronograph ? On what he is capable of a maximum?

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2016, 02:26:25 pm
content: UA:The program can calculate more than it can display.In your case the main issues are the sensors.Your air gun bullets are smaller than airsoft BB so not too easy to align with both sensor when you shoot.And can be faster too so maybe the used phototransistors isn't fast enough.ANTALIFENice job!(I used AVRstudio with homemade programmer)

author: emilemir
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 18, 2016, 08:27:03 am
content: Helloi build this crono but its not working, and i would like to know why?Movie with my problem:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRzEnN-0_5I&feature=youtu.beThank you!

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2016, 08:54:14 am
content: Set your video to public.

author: emilemir
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 18, 2016, 12:14:48 pm
content: my video is puplichttps://youtu.be/DRzEnN-0_5I

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2016, 03:10:44 pm
content: I guess your pencil is slower than 1FPS.Er1 mean error 1: You have action at front sensor but not at rear sensor.It is happening at all normal measure, but rear sensor clear the error and calculate value.Er2 mean error 2: You have action at rear sensor but not after the front sensor.

author: emilemir
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 18, 2016, 05:41:12 pm
content: thank you,I will try tomorrow airsoft replica

author: tahirmaqsood
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 08:12:16 pm
content: sir i want measuring cricket ball speed km/hi set first sensor and second sensor distance 10 meterhow the change in codeplz help meThanks

author: Tarien
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2016, 12:42:38 pm
content: This phototransistors are difficult to get in Poland. Can anyone recommend me different?

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2016, 06:22:13 pm
content: You can buy both in TME which is a poland webstore.

author: Tarien
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2016, 03:23:47 pm
content: Anyone synchronize this with normal chrono? This showing similar results?

author: SecurityCze
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 11, 2016, 02:38:33 pm
content: Really nice project. Do you work on rev. 2 of it? I saw on your youtube channel version with enclosure, button to change FPS to MPS and also ROF counter...

author: btloggg
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 05:14:36 pm
content: Hi VzooleI built your paintball chrono and it works pretty good.I made a small circuit to inject 2 pules in (50 us wide) with a delay between the two pules to check how fast the board could read.I could simulate a paintball traveling between the sensors.The readings look good until the pulses are about 350 micro seconds apart, then the readings on the leds suddenly go to "3".Up to then, the readings were in the hundreds range.Is the minimum time for sensing the two pulses for the interrupts 350 us?I would have thought it should be in the 10 us or less range.Do you know?Thank for any information you might have.Steve