[ale] 4 way timer

[William Bagwell]

On Sunday 22 February 2009, brobinso at tfn.net wrote:
> Here's a strange request.  I need a timer, a bit like a chess clock,
> but with 4 settings.  It must keep 4 seperate times, and beginning one
> must stop the other.
>
> So, for example, if I press '1', it will begin the first timer, when I
> press '2', it will stop the first timer, and begin the second.  Same
> for the other 2.
>
> I'd probably be willing to pay for such a thing, and might even be
> willing to buy a piece of hardware, but, of course, would prefer an
> open source computer solution (one reason -- it will let me show off
> open source software to a bunch of scientists who will insist on buying
> something).

For the hardware, Google "pinewood derby finish line". Multiple switches 
each of which can shut down a timer. This is only two thirds of your 
requirements but could probably be easily modified.

These have existed since at least the 1970s and are likely much more 
elaborate these days.
-- 
William