Description
The On-Board Marshalling System is intended as a simplified system for driver training schools, track clubs and privateer racing series. The system is designed to give the core functions of a high end marshalling system but at a reduced investment.
The system uses a miniature one-way radio module to communicate in real time from race control to the display in the cars thereby giving race control the ability to send warnings to drivers on circuit. The on-board equipment can be quickly fitted to any car without modification.
The system can also be combined with the EM Motorsport Circuit Marshalling System that can use the Flag Panel to repeat the radio signal via the same server.
Operation
The car on-board system is composed by two devices: a small interconnection module and a display. The display can be either a Navigation System that runs Windows CE or an iPhone/iPad running the EM Motorsport OBMS application.
The track map is shown on the device screen, when an incident is observed by race control, for example a stranded car, the track status is updated by the race director in the EM-EFS ‘Race Director’ software interface. The status change is then immediately transmitted to all cars on circuit and the display in each car high lights the part of the circuit affected.
Because the on-board system also has a GPS receiver it ‘knows’ where the car is on track and so is able to further enhance the warning given to the driver, for example, in the case of a hazard the screen will flash when the car enters that sector of the track. The GPS capability also allows the ‘mapping’ of temporary circuits such as at airfield driving days.
The display unit software (OBMS app) can also be upgraded to allow the logging of car position and performance parameters (e.g. racing lines and pseudo lap times) for analysis. If the car has an OBD port (as found on virtually all road cars) it is possible to further enhance the logged data by reading parameters such as RPM, gear number and car speed directly from the car’s ECU. Other customisations are possible upon request.
Main features
- Increased safety through more effective hazard warnings
- ‘Race Director’ software designed for easy operation
- Configurable display visualization
- Radio transmission uses frequencies not subject to licensing fees.
- Data logging capabilities (GPS derived and ECU parameters via OBDII)
- Possibility to connect to the car OBDII to acquire vehicle or engine parameters