When Cub Scout Pack 3338’s Pinewood Derby Timing system failed, they turned to Jeff Richardson, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering technology, for help.
The 386 computer that ran the DOS-based Pinewood Derby timing system failed, which put the annual event in jeopardy for 2013. Richardson volunteered to build a new timing system. He came up with new drag-strip style starting lights, a new IR timing system and a scoring tower.
The new timing system was a huge hit with the boys and the parents as the Pinewood Derby went on without problems.
“Our Pinewood track is very old and hard to find a replacement timing system for,” said Joel Moser, Pack Master. “Without the assistance of Jeff and the ECET program, we were faced with an expensive decision to replace the track or discontinue the Pinewood.”
One Cub Scout was overheard telling his parents that he wants to be in the ECET program at Purdue so he can make Pinewood Timing systems.
The 2013 event took place in January.