1. System Overview:
A National Instruments CompactRio runs data
collection on the car. The cRio has four modules we
use for data collection– an analog input module,
(Speedo, Tach, Battery level), a strain gauge module, a
serial input module, and a SD card module. A wireless
access point installed on the car connects the cRio to a
PC running LabVIEW on which we can monitor the
car’s sensors.
Speedometer/Tachometer:
The electronics box installed on the car. We don’t foresee
Two Hall Effect sensors were installed on the car, one before the CVT using the measurement equipment under extreme load
and one after the CVT. The sensor before the CVT gives us engine cases, so the use of a tie-down strap was deemed
speed data (Tachometer) and the one after the CVT gives us wheel adequate.
speed data. (Speedometer) By looking at the ratio of the two speeds,
we can determine the CVT ratio. This will let the drivetrain subteam
tune the CVT for optimal performance.
Testing the Speedometer, Tachometer, and (Above) Speedometer, Tachometer, and CVT
wireless range behind the LPB. data being displayed on the PC, (Right)
Tachometer data being displayed on an iPhone.
Future Work: The instrumentation system we have developed will
help us tune certain features of the new car, but ultimately the system is too expensive
to include on the competition vehicle. Starting next semester, we will begin development
of a low-cost car monitoring system based around a Raspberry Pi computer. This will
allow us to send Speed, Engine, and other data to the pit so they can monitor the car
during the race. We also plan to put a data display on the steering wheel to give the
driver information during the race, and to provide control over the communication
system with the pit.