How about this.
Mondo Technology has a nice little project called the Mondo SuperProbe. The design is dated in that it uses an obsolete 7 segment display. Lets have people build a SuperProbe, when they are finished they will have a useful tool. This is a starting point that may need some refinement.
Three Classes, all units must function.
Class 1, Construction only.
Build the probe as described on the Mondo site. Original schematic and code. Judging will be on construction and packaging/case only.
Class 2, Updated display.
Redesign the probe to use a LCD. Processor change is allowed. Code written in any language.
Class 3. Update measurement ability.
Redesign the probe to improve the accuracy and range. Add new useful functions. Processor change is allowed. Code written in any language. An LCD display will be good for extra ponts.
Judging. We will pick three experts to judge each category. Three people who know there stuff will do a better job of judging then the unwashed hoard.
A single probe can be entered and judged in only 1 class. This allows us to crown winners at three levels of expertise. Probe construction will be judged from photos posted to the contest thread (to started when contest is aproved).
Code needs only to function correctly and as advertized. Circuit design will be judged based on schematics posted to the contest thread. Judges may request additional info from contestants. All design work goes into the public domain. Questions regarding clarification may be posted to the thread prior to judging.
At this point the only prize is bragging rights.
The contest does not start without the approval of ElectroMaster and/or Nigel.
There still is the question of how long to run the contest. I am thinking no less then 45 days and no more then 4 months. Not all classes have to be judged at the same time.
Who died and put me in charge? I stepped up to the plate. If the powers that be do not give the go ahead it stops here.