Setting Up

Setting up Easy Lap Counter is fairly straightforward. Just download and install the latest version from our Files area.

Start by setting up your track in a well lit area. We use RCP tracks, but you can use any track provided you can setup the camera to see the entire width of the track.

Plug in your external web cam, and mount it so the camera can see a section of your race track. We normally have our setup to view the area just beyond the starting line. Make sure the camera can see the entire width of the track so you don't miss cars hugging the edge. Try to have a nice evenly lit area, no bright spots or dark shadows.

The web camera we use is a Hercules Deluxe Optical Glass, but others should work fine.

Be sure the area viewed by the camera is an uncluttered, solid background color. RCP solid black rubber works great.

Easy Lap Counter will work fine for single car practice races with just about any color car body. For races with multiple cars, each car will need to have a distinct color - as seen by the camera. You may need to adjust your camera's settings (contrast, brightness, saturation) so that it clearly registers different colors. Black or other dark color bodies will be problematic and should be avoided. Here you can see the XMods cars and bodies we use.

Race Setup

Select the maximum race duration and maximum number of laps. If either of these limits are hit, the race will end. Select the number of drivers (and enter their names if you like).

Calibration

Next you need to teach the program what color each driver's car is. Press the calibrate button to start the process. Drive each car smoothly through the area seen by the camera when prompted. The average color the camera sees will be shown next to each driver name. If any two colors appear quite similar or very dark, the program may not be able to distinguish between them. You can redo the calibration at any time.

Run a Race

To run a race, just line up all the cars outside of the area viewed by the camera. As you can see, our start line is to the right of the area viewed by the camera. Press the button to start the race count down. When the maximum lap count or race time is reached, the race ends and a winner is declared.