Scioly.org

reckingball62 wrote:We just need it to take longer, so that we can use something to slow it in case the run time needs to be really long.

Okay so you probably won't be able to slow down gaps but for your timing mechanism try to maximize as much space as you can and if you can, repeatedly position your timing mechanism until it is consistently getting at least 60 seconds. I don't know how your timing mechanism works so if it isn't working or getting to 60 then maybe try something else.

Add more track or go to a very shallow angle of the track near the end.

I would strongly advise against increasing friction; if your ball by chance stops rolling, you won't hit the finish line. More track (think switchbacks) or a track portion the marble can cross repeatedly (like a half-pipe or funnel) will add seconds while getting the ball to the finish more consistently. Calibration is the tricky part here.

retired1 wrote:Add more track or go to a very shallow angle of the track near the end.

You should use up all the energy to increase the height of the ball, not just make it hit a wall or something. retired1 is 100% correct.

reckingball62 wrote:We just need it to take longer, so that we can use something to slow it in case the run time needs to be really long.

Last year, my team used 2 curved surfaces near the end of the track so the ball would roll back and forth along the surface. It added about 3 seconds onto our entire track. Curved, as in curving upwards so the slope of the track was changing.

variations on funnels (allowed this year) can make consistent timing devices.

Jeff Anderson
Livonia, MI

Using a board with tracks along the length and laid in at a relatively small angle to the ground can be easily adjusted.