The
Setting:
The Yankees organization would
like to add
the pitcher's speed to their outfield scoreboard,
but none of their ballparks have the wiring to
take the information out from home plate to
center field. The scoreboard manufacturer
contacts BIT 7 to help solve the problem. BIT 7
has only 45 days to play. It's the bottom
of the 9th...
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The Outcome:
BIT 7 completed the entire design and shipped the first unit 37 days from the
start of the project. All of the first production shipped before the
deadline. We really scored with the client.
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Product
Development Objective:
To
develop an interface transmitter that takes a
signal sent by a standard radar gun and, after a slight
delay, sends the speed information to center field
scoreboards via an RF signal. The new signal
cannot interfere with the signal already being sent
to the dugout. An RF receiver for the outfield
scoreboard is also required. Upon completion of the
design, several working units must be built to
satisfy existing demand.
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What's
Next?
The Yankees were so pleased with
the performance and availability of the information, they asked for
additional units that added simultaneous RF data transmission to their press
box and RS232 output to the club computer.
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Design
strategy:
Begin by evaluating
the existing circuitry to define interface and protocol requirements.
Complete the detail design of the assembly, including PCB and RF circuits,
housing and display. Assemble circuit boards and test RF signal. Assemble and
test first production units.
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And
what does our client have to say?
"We never could have gotten this project done so quickly. After reviewing
this in our manager's meeting last week, I have some more projects for your
group...."
- VP
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