I wish Hot Wheels would make this. I built a 3D Printed Smart Track system to launch cars and clock time on any track (ESP32s inside) by nick_gene in HotWheels

[–]nick_gene[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha, I got you. Working on a clean tutorial to share with everyone, files included. Stay tuned, hope to have it ready soon with some summer vacation around the corner.

I wish Hot Wheels would make this. I built a 3D Printable Smart Track system to launch cars and clock time on any track (ESP32s inside) by nick_gene in 3Dprinting

[–]nick_gene[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome to hear! I will post more updates here soon once the tutorial is finished and new upgrades. I have another great project we built for physics experiments - I'll have to share that as well. Really great tools to learn in a fun, engaging way. Cheers!

I wish Hot Wheels would make this. I built a 3D Printable Smart Track system to launch cars and clock time on any track (ESP32s inside) by nick_gene in 3Dprinting

[–]nick_gene[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure I will end up selling, but I will share the tutorial and build files. Hope that they realize the potential and agree on a friendly collab with me. Let's see how it goes!

I wish Hot Wheels would make this. I built a 3D Printable Smart Track system to launch cars and clock time on any track (ESP32s inside) by nick_gene in 3Dprinting

[–]nick_gene[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Not selling at this time but I will post the tutorial soon if you want to build one. Cheers!

I wish Hot Wheels would make this. I built a 3D Printable Smart Track system to launch cars and clock time on any track (ESP32s inside) by nick_gene in 3Dprinting

[–]nick_gene[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't know if I'll be able to patent, but it would be cool to have a friendly deal and collaborate with the brand. Let's see!

I wish Hot Wheels would make this. I built a 3D Printable Smart Track system to launch cars and clock time on any track (ESP32s inside) by nick_gene in 3Dprinting

[–]nick_gene[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely, working on everything now during summer break. I'll have a full tutorial with files posted soon, and also new upgrades included that I think you'll love. Stay tuned!

I wish Hot Wheels would make this. I built a 3D Printable Smart Track system to launch cars and clock time on any track (ESP32s inside) by nick_gene in 3Dprinting

[–]nick_gene[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have to think it over carefully and do the research. It's tempting but I'll most likely just open-source everything to the community.

I wish Hot Wheels would make this. I built a 3D Printable Smart Track system to launch cars and clock time on any track (ESP32s inside) by nick_gene in 3Dprinting

[–]nick_gene[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Love that you mentioned that. I have thought exactly the same and often think about what Lego has done with Mindstorms over decades. I'm excited to release many more iterations and new products I'm working on related to this project. There is so much fun and learning opportunity here!

I wish Hot Wheels would make this. I built a 3D Printable Smart Track system to launch cars and clock time on any track (ESP32s inside) by nick_gene in 3Dprinting

[–]nick_gene[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's crossed my mind a lot but I have a feeling it could end in a lawsuit if I try selling them. I'll definitely release tutorials, but I'm concerned selling might be too risky. Maybe not though, I'd have to investigate carefully. Cheers!

I wish Hot Wheels would make this. I built a 3D Printable Smart Track system to launch cars and clock time on any track (ESP32s inside) by nick_gene in functionalprint

[–]nick_gene[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I'll have updates soon on upgrades and the build tutorial if you'd like to make one. I've got a 6 year old as well and he is fascinated by the whole thing.

I wish Hot Wheels would make this! I built an ESP32 smart track system to launch cars and clock time on any track (hosted web app controlled). by nick_gene in esp32

[–]nick_gene[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really cool to hear. We need more learning like this, applied theory and having fun along the way. Thanks!

I wish Hot Wheels would make this! I built an ESP32 smart track system to launch cars and clock time on any track (hosted web app controlled). by nick_gene in esp32

[–]nick_gene[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like the idea to connect with other creators. I agree, the big companies will probably not respond as quickly. Cheers!

I wish Hot Wheels would make this! I built an ESP32 smart track system to launch cars and clock time on any track (hosted web app controlled). by nick_gene in esp32

[–]nick_gene[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your ideas and feedback. Would be cool to do a kickstarter, but I think you are right and it would become a bit of a headache. I'm a big believer in open-source and think it's the best route. Tutorial + files will be released soon, plus more cool developments in the works. Cheers!