Slotcar lap counter

[bitman_dk]

I'm about to build a lap counter for my Scalextric slotcar track. All slotcars have built in magnets, so I will install reed switches (magnetic switch) in the tracks and connect the switches to a PC. The programming part is no problem, but how do I connect the switches to the PC? Through the parrallel or serial port? So what I need is either a pre-build "switch-connector" or a diagram on how to build a circuit board that can connect to the port - any ideas?

 

[bitman_dk]

Found an easy solution - disassemble an USB mouse and replace the microswitch in left and right mousebutton with reed switched........

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Creative. Sounds like it'll work fine.
Years ago I built a counter with a equals button wired to a switch.
Pressing 1+ and it could even count backwards.

 

[power58]

Hall effect switches might be better than reed switches. The halls would be more sensitive and would have logic outputs. Please post your project when you get it working . Thanks