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: Two Hall Effect sensors were installed on the car, one before the CVT

and one after the CVT. The sensor before the CVT gives us engine

speed data (Tachometer) and the one after the CVT gives us wheel

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.

The electronics box installed on the car. We don’t foresee

using the measurement equipment under extreme load

cases, so the use of a tie-down strap was deemed

adequate.

Testing the Speedometer, Tachometer, and

wireless range behind the LPB.

(Above) Speedometer, Tachometer, and CVT

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.