The Idea

Decent light gates cost over £100, but the equipment needed to build your own cost less than £15. Using some break beam sensors, a Raspberry Pi, a SSD1306 OLED display and a few other inexpensive pieces, you can build and program your own light gate - with a 3D printed case to go with it. This is more of a documentation of what was done to create the light gates, not so much a detailed guide, although anyone who wants to build their own will definitely find this useful!

The Hardware

Equipment

This is all the equipment you may need to buy to create the light gate and links to get it.

Links

Raspberry Pi

https://thepihut.com/products/raspberry-pi-pico?variant=41925332533443&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11284298573&gbraid=0AAAAADfQ4GF3M2KahyrjjCBh356d_e-80&gclid=Cj0KCQjwovPGBhDxARIsAFhgkwRYcG5UFMlvm3PqoI_kPuY2u4hzlwcoGMj6pF3rRJSbbilxSIAdIjwaArCEEALw_wcB

I2C OLED Screen 128 by 64

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AZDelivery-0-96-inch-Display-Parent/dp/B01L9GC470?th=1

Break Beam Sensors (x2 for velocity, x4 for acceleration)

https://thepihut.com/products/ir-break-beam-sensor-3mm-leds

Small Wires

https://www.amazon.co.uk/sourcing-map-Silicone-Electrical-Appliances/dp/B0CG2RQXMS/ref=asc_df_B0CG2RQXMS?mcid=15548914cba03cc3bbcd09bb70a0bd1a&hvocijid=3187838363221982821-B0CG2RQXMS-&hvexpln=74&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3187838363221982821&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9189625&hvtargid=pla-2281435176618&gad_source=1&th=1

3.5 mm audio 4 pole cable and connectors (x2)

Cable: https://www.amazon.co.uk/pencilupnose-Headphone-Compatible-Microphone-Earphone/dp/B0CYQ5PKXX/ref=pd_bxgy_d_sccl_1/260-1655541-5888158?pd_rd_w=D7KbP&content-id=amzn1.sym.26650545-76bb-4cec-9169-6ae3698dbb86&pf_rd_p=26650545-76bb-4cec-9169-6ae3698dbb86&pf_rd_r=5JKJ6HWYPT25FX50Q6B8&pd_rd_wg=vqfz7&pd_rd_r=c0ce5716-0000-42ec-b22c-3c31e79e00c6&pd_rd_i=B0CYQ5PKXX&psc=1

Connectors: https://www.amazon.co.uk/PNGKNYOCN-Solder-Connector，3-5mm-Stereo-Connector/dp/B0CZ3PSKNV/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I6pqCw96plpPO3jejTCc6NpZL37O4MRn03o5zGr5NBymfvABdzP79OZPAQEvVi6hBF_xalROKeLY7oBa3R5q0Gk3YCuPwj33GjeZwyyzUvumwvoMYGWlHxgMNgpLZVeq03WMpKN0i9RF1MqmRaAcpTtds06ubGxJiqNHKRtECZNfH0gwog5W36gVKxzTOfy1oSUbnRw4TKteypIoDaBQjHUVhCdUS9HPCE_yXGQW0qk.59iI61O2V0QVIDPP0zfUsJNE2_5uuqq_rN4X9z_mjCw&dib_tag=se&keywords=panel+mount+four+way+3.5mm+connector&qid=1753202864&sr=8-1

Batteries and Case

Buttons

On/off switch

Screws

3D Printing

You will need to print two light gate holders, and one of each of the other files, which will be used to assemble to case.

Putting It All Together