GavinSV

Hi All,
I've been watching a bit of Nascar on channel ONE lately. One thing that intrigued me was the vehicle positions that scolled across the the top of the screen. I notice that it's updated in realtime as cars overtake each other. This got me thinking how the hell do they do that?

I understand that the cars have a transponder, but you need some means of reading the transponder. This would typically occur at the start/finish line of each lap, which means car positions can only be updated at the completion of each lap.

I doubt they're using GPS, because Nascars are usually packed close together and gps isn't that accurate. So does anyone have any clues or thoughts as to how they update car postions in real time?

beer4life

G'Day Cobber,
You can be assured that they must use GPS with Ground Based Augmentation.
Here is but one World Wide Variation.

As well as that, there is a self contained system with Ground Augmentation used by Surveyors with millimeter accuracy.


Plenty of references with a google search.


Kindest Regards, " The Druid ".......

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Godzilla

In its simplest form...gps for position, data collection (throttle position, braking, g force, transmission one way (collection only) via wireless connection.

Its all collected and logged via specialized software.

In other forms of motor sport data transmission may be 2 way depending upon the rules, such as controlling the mixture or ignition timing.

In some classes, 2 way control is banned so the loop hole around it is to install one way data collection, when they see a fault radio the driver who manually makes the desired adjustments on board.

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tagg

Yep we use something similar in gokart racing, it uses GPS and a special software and track overlays, good fun when its working right lol

Tagg

Redwight

Some of the early surveying gear used the high precision signals and didn't require Ground Augmentation either, the alternative is to use the lower accuracy signals that common GPS's use and Ground Augmentation which is often heaps faster; and isn't at as great a risk of having the US military throw the co-ordinates out during an exercise or fight. The last time I came across Ground Augmentation it being used for steering a tractor during planting to get efficient and accurate use of the paddock, it seems the human elements involved were a little more prone to loosing concentration. I couldn't quite see how the added accuracy was justified by returns from the farm but the guy running that empire sure knew his money.

GavinSV

Hhmmm, Thanks guys. I didn't know GPS could be nailed down to such accuracy. -Cheers

Redwight

From satellite a maximum resolution of +- 5mm is possible, from the Augmentation systems +- 3mm's is normal and better is possible if you set it up right. The technical explanations are an engineering marvel and well beyond my complete comprehension.
It's one of the technical marvels of the modern world.