TimeCatcher


The TimeCatcher is a 4-channel timing device with 100 second range and 0.1 millisecond resolution. I built it at the request of my brother-in-law for use in his high school science class. A typical use would be to have a series of optical interrupter switches (commonly called "photogates" in this context) along the path of a falling or rolling object, to demonstrate and measure accelleration due to gravity.

Here is the spec/instruction sheet that was supplied with the prototype unit, in Acrobat .PDF format. Get Acrobat Reader if you don't have it already.


I am considering commercial production of this device, as I'm pretty sure it could be built for less than the $245-$1200 price of existing photogate timers (which are generally much less capable than mine). I would appreciate hearing from educators (or anyone else who could use a timing device like this) concerning the features it should have. Here are some of the main design decisions:

Contact

Any questions or comments about the TimeCatcher can be directed to me at JasonHarper@pobox.com.