Nano_Jump

thingiverse

As a coach specializing in speed strength sports, I required a tool to measure the development and variation of speed strength for my athletes due to two key reasons. Firstly, I needed to assess improvement over extended periods, such as at the beginning and end of a training cycle before competition. Secondly, I aimed to gauge daily fatigue levels to adjust the training program accordingly – high fatigue necessitated short and light sessions, while low fatigue allowed for challenging workouts. To achieve this, measuring jumping performance proved to be the most straightforward approach. It is easy, quick, and scientifically validated as an indicator of speed strength and fatigue. However, I encountered a challenge: such tools are often expensive, with options like jump mats and laser-based modules being out of my budget. In response, I decided to design and build my own low-cost solution using the Arduino Nano, an OLED display, a light sensor, and a laser diode. By integrating these components, I created a compact tool capable of measuring jump height or, more precisely, jumping time – no conversion was necessary as I could simply compare times. The Arduino measures the duration the laser diode is pointed at the light sensor (the time an athlete spends airborne) and displays the result on the OLED display. Since there's only one laser diode, athletes must land directly where they took off to interrupt the beam once more; fortunately, this hasn't proven to be a concern thus far. Although I haven't yet evaluated the accuracy of my measurements (despite times appearing reproducible), I plan to verify this with individuals using certified systems as soon as possible and provide an update. As someone new to 3D printing, microcontrollers, and tinkering, I'm thoroughly impressed by the possibilities these technologies offer. If you spot any errors in code, electronics, or areas that could be improved, please don't hesitate to share your expertise with me.