2 replies to this topic

[mjsv]

I tried to search the forum for information on the communication between the car and the paddocks but couldn't find anything useful. Might be so that I used all the wrong keywords...?

Long story short, Im really interested about how the telemetry information from the car is sent to the engineers in the paddocks. Does every team has their own customised systems with some bandwith allocated to them or does the FIA set up some basestations along the track and all the teams can use this network? My main interest would be in the wireless part of the communication (not so interested on the boring wired stuff).

I would appreciate it very much if somebody could shed some light on the issue. (I'm actually working in the telecom. industry myself so don't be shy on the more technical details if possible)

Thanks in advance...

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mjsv

[j_hampton2000]

In the early days of telemetry, the teams relied on storing data on the car, and downloading the data via a hardwire link when the car came back to the pits. Then narrowband, low data rate (<9.6kbps), radio systems were introduced, and these were complimented by wideband high data rate (>500kbps) burst systems that downloaded a complete laps worth of data as the car passed the pits.

All teams now use a wideband radio telemetry system that broadcasts in the microwave band (1.5GHz to 3.5GHz). Most use a Magneti Marelli system (Ferrari/Renault/BAR/Sauber/Jordan/Toyota/Minardi) while McLaren use a McLaren Electronics (ex-TAG) system and Williams/RBR use Pi Electronics. I think a few teams might also use a narrowband system as well.

I think all these systems are real-time or 'near' real-time in that they instantaneously transmit the signal back to the pits (or more precisely an aerial mounted on a mast which extends from the team truck). When the signal can't be sent, it can be stored for a short time period and then the system 'catchs up' with a bigger 'burst' of data when the communications path is restored.

I'd suggest you try joining the F1Scanner site (http://sports.groups...group/f1scanner)....there's lots of information there about the radio telemetry systems that the teams use.

HTH,

Jim.

[mjsv]

Thanks Jim. Joined the yahoo group, already found some nice info from the files section.

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mjsv