Circuit explaniation --- pic I wish I knew more about
The cars are placed on the track being held by a start pin
The timer (4017) is started
First the blue light comes on (this is before the 555 starts counting at 1 second intervals (circuit is designed to pluse at 1 second intervals)
when count starts the yellow light comes on, one second later a second yellow comes on, one more second the green comes on.
IF a "driver" pushes his start button to soon (before the green light) then a red light comes on in his lane.
Pushing the DPDT monentary pushbuttons causes that lanes SCR to fire as well as activates a 24v DC solenoid.
As to programming a PIC ???????????
Yes the circuit I posted is a culimanation of 3 different circuits with the DPDT monentary push buttons added as well as higher voltage lights. Circuit shows LEDs but perhaps use some triacs and larger bulbs (mosfets would probaly work as well?
If I use the Triacs I can use some of the SSR circuit boards I have for my Olson 595 Xmas display lights (uses MOC1023 opto couplers connected to Triacs. 4 triacs per board.)
If someone who is savy in PIC programming etc. I am willing to go that route.
Need to have built and tested before June 30
As for timers, I have 2 timers (one for each lane) ordered at $35 per timer.
times to .001 (few if any ties)