Month: June 2012

Fuel Funny Car Drag Racing is one of the world's most extreme motorsports.Datron supplied an ISAAC Instruments data recorder and sensors to the Shockwave Funny Car Racing Team to measure engine and drivetrain parameters during their quarter-mile races.Sensors were easily installed by the team mechanics to measure Engine RPM,Driveline RPM,Clutch movement,Fuel Pressure,Oil Pressure,Supercharger absolute pressure and all eight exhaust gas temperatures.The ISAAC V-7 PRO data recorder which incorporates 4MB of memory and a dual-axis accelerometer was fitted into a purpose made aluminium box together with a very small 12 volt acid-gel battery to power the system.The Isaac Set-up & Analysis software enables simple recorder configuration and download of race data.This provides valuable information to the team about engine performance and condition allowing changes in tune to be made with confidence and possible problems to be identified.It is possible to extend the Isaac system to add even more sensors as the team requires so throttle position,fuel flow,etc,etc can also be recorded.

During engine warm-ups in the pits the team are able to use the ISAAC Real-Time PC Display.The ISAAC recorder in the car is connected to the PC via USB allowing all sensor data to be viewed numberically or graphically.Important engine parameters such as idle speed and fuel pressure can be adjusted and other parameters such as oil pressure monitored.

 

A unique ISAAC feature is an optional Bluetooth comms module giving the ability to use a Palm PC (PDA) to view data in real time and also to start/stop recording and download data.In Drag racing this means that in the start line area during fire-up,warm up,burnout and staging the Crew Chief can monitor all sensor parameters on the PDA and make last-minute decisions about the race before the driver releases that enormous power,rocketing the car down the strip.Recording can be started just before the race to avoid unwanted data being logged.Recorded data also gives valuable feedback to the driver about acceleration,throttle position,etc.

Shockwave Crew Chief and joint team owner Dave Bryant commented " The Isaac system was simple to install on the car and immediately gave reliable data every time.The support we received from Datron was second-to-none,being available throughout race weekends.I would recommend Datron Technology and their ISAAC systems to any European Drag Racing team who want a reliable data recording system at a reasonable price."

The Shockwave team of owner/driver Gordon Smith, owner/crew chief Dave Bryant and all of their pit crew and support team display a highly professional and enthusiastic dedication to racing their Funny Car. To find out more about Funny Cars and Fuel see our FAQ section.

Datron's ISAAC recording system is ideal for all teams in Pro-class Drag racing.Whether it's a Dragster or Funny car,a Pro-Mod or Pro-Stock,a Funny Bike or Super Twin there's a Datron- Isaac system to fit the bill at a very attractive price.Datron also have other products suitable for Sportsman and Bracket racing classes.Find out more! Just give us a call ! 01908 261655

All Formula 1 Teams, some LMP Teams, Tyre Manufacturers and anyone who needs accurate body velocity and slip angle choose to use the CORREVIT Optical Sensor. Although there have been advances in GPS technology it still has not come close to replacing the optical sensor in terms of accuracy or response.

The advantages of CORREVIT Optical Sensors are:

  • 250Hz output rate (4ms updates)
  • The slip angle is measured lower down in the vehicle
  • Has low latency

Disadvantages of GPS:

  • Only 20Hz output rate
  • The antennas have to be mounted on the car roof, which is no good for transient testing
  • Noise is high (Averaging can help the GPS but there are long term errors, lasting 10 minutes normally, which is about 0.3 degrees peak-to-peak that the averaging process cannot remove.
  • To get the maximum accuracy you need a 2m separation of the antennas. Try that on a European car!