Implementing Telemetry

[jbmunky]

I've been thinking about possibly introducing telemetry to our formula car but have no idea on where to begin. I'm just wondering if anyone on this forum has tried it and/or if they have any place where I can start. My apologies if this is already a topic.

[jbmunky]

I've been thinking about possibly introducing telemetry to our formula car but have no idea on where to begin. I'm just wondering if anyone on this forum has tried it and/or if they have any place where I can start. My apologies if this is already a topic.

[Mehul Botadra]

"SEARCH"

[Hector]

This is a great example of showing that it's not Indian teams that are to blame, but rather, new teams. I'm sick of reading all the flak that new Indian teams get when we've always had noobs from all over the world asking questions like this.

Anyways, in response to your question, "SEARCH". Read the top link "If you are new here...". Every question you could ever hope to ask about starting a new program has been answered many, many times. Frame specific questions and we'll be happy to help.

[BillCobb]

I presume you mean to send signals via radio to a base station. This can be expensive because you never estimate the number of channels you might want.

However, I'd recommend starting with a laptop A/D card, some preamps, speed, yawrate, handwheel angle, and a few accelerometers. Maybe even a V-Box equivalent rig. While this is going on, your mind may wander around on what else is important: rpm, tire temps, brake utilization, throttle position , wheel spin, onboard video, etc.

Been there. But if you have several cars working the same tests, 1 receiver can handle multiple cars instead of having duplicate systems.

[wweissin]

If you don't mind me asking why do you want telem? Do you hope to utlize to make on track changes? Or is this more of a "lets see if we can get a home brew kit working" type thing. If its the former. I would suggest against it for this type of competition. I would instead insist on data logging simply because it is way cheaper. If its the latter then by all means go for it and let us know if we can help.

[Mehul Botadra]

Once you have data logging, telemetry could be quite easy to implement but that is of course using ready made modules. I remember this one team got all their sensors from 2D, DAQ from 2D and Telemetry from 2D and they setup the whole thing in just 3 days. Ofcourse, placing the sensors took up most of the time! Yup its expensive! I dont know the cost, but the team said it cost them a bomb! But the modules are pretty solid!

[TMichaels]

I second Alex' opinion. Telemetry is probably the last thing to implement on an FS car and simple datalogging is n-times more useful.

Regards,

Tobias

[murpia]

I think there's a fair chance that the original poster actually means data-logging, not telemetry. This is a classic misunderstanding continually perpetuated by journalists & commentators.

Regards, Ian

[BillCobb]

Well, look at it another way. This is an Engineering oriented forum, not Art Appreciation or Culinary Delights. When someone mentions telemetry, its telemetry NOT data logging, A wheel is made out of metal or plastic, not synthetic or natural rubber. A tire is not a wheel. A steering column is not a steering shaft, etc. This is the language of the global industry. If you have any hopes of getting employment in the industry, you'd better be equipped with the industry's vernacular. Argue all you want. Large values of 2 have a specific meaning. Even a 'data logger' has a meaning other that 'data acquisition' in the industry.

With a comfortable surplus of 'vehicle dynamicists' in the job market place, those who talk the walk get the offers.

Talk to the Hand.

[M. Alzaibaq]

You can implement a strong and reliable telemetry system using two Zigbee modules and development tools, similar to what is shown on this website
Zigbee Modules & Development tools (http://ca.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Digi-International/XBP24-PKI-001-RA/?qs=YPg7lQ8MWScuRYrdMeLImQ==)

Or you could get the Zig modules separately and design a PCB that you can mount them on. Last year we have designed and built a similar system that collects data from the ECU and the data logger and broadcast it over an Xbee modules to a remote station.

Alzaibaq M.
Electrical Section Head
UMSAE Formula

[Nick Renold]

Zigbee are great. Texas Instruments also makes some wireless units that transmit up to a hundred meters and possibly more, called the EZ-430 RF kit.