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Steering Wheel – Electronics Prototyping

The steering wheel electronics were the first part of the steering wheel and electronic dash design to be researched and prototyped. The selected electronic components were assembled on a breadboard to allow for alterations to be made easily during the research and development stage of this project. As we didn’t have access to a running engine, the electronic dash was tested using car telemetry provided by the racing game rFactor.

Arduino

The Arduino Uno is an open-source microcontroller and simple I/O board. Due to its simplicity and low-cost it is a popular development environment for stand-alone and computer connected projects. Arduino is programmed using a Wiring-based language which is similar to C++.

RPM indicator

Located on either the top of the steering wheel or on the dash, a row of LEDs will represent the RPM range. The range will consist of a number of green, yellow and red LEDs and will light up from the outside inwards. Optional is the addition of a shift light.

Selected Gear Indicator

A 7 segment led display will be located in the middle of the steering wheel and be used to indicate the current gear. When no gear is selected (neutral) then “n.” will be displayed.

LCD Display

A small LCD display may be used to display important temperatures and current car states. This would be useful to the driver and car mechanics to monitor conditions without having to plug in a laptop. It will display a number of screen or menus that can be changed by directional buttons.

List of Steering Wheel Components

  • RPM indication LED array (6 x Green, 6 x Yellow, 3 x Red)
  • Selected gear indicator (0.8” Character size)
  • LCD display (20 x 2)
  • Warning LED (High Power Blue)
  • Push Button

Engineering, Formula Student, Steering Wheel Leave a comment

Shelsley Walsh – Thrill on the Hill

Last Saturday saw Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb hosting the first Thrill on the Hill event organised by Morgan Motor Company. This event was the largest gathering of Morgan’s in the UK with all models displayed from the company’s prestigious history.

Residents of the Teme valley were invited for a tour of the Morgan factory in Malvern to coincide with the Shelsley Walsh event. The factory is still located where the company began and still produces the majority of it’s car’s using traditional coach building skills and hand crafted bodywork. It was incredible to see how they integrated new and old skills to produce highly exceptional unique cars while still attempting to meet production demands.

There was plenty of entertainment on offer at the event ranging from a huge number of cars attempting the hillclimb (including a steam engine) to an impressive aerial display from a Spitfire. As it attracted a large number of visitors to the hillclimb and generated considerable interest, it will hopefully become a regular event in the future.

Photography, Shelsley Walsh Leave a comment

Formula Ford Body Restoration Completion

Over the past year, Dreamtec Racing have spent a considerable amount of time working on the Formula Ford restoration in the garage.

From  previous posts, it was clearly in need of some care and attention in order to bring it back up to scratch. Initially what was thought would be a relatively simple restoration turned out to be a ‘one step forward, two steps back’ project.

The completed restoration work was as follows:

  • Full front end stripped back (Front end and electrics all removed).
  • Full clean and inspection of all parts (new conical washer and bolts where needed)
  • Replacement of banjo bolts.
  • Re-grease and tightening of steering rack
  • Full bleed of brakes.
  • Re-conditioned suspension re-fitment.
  • All new wiring loom constructed and routed.
  • Rain light mounted and wired in.
  • Complete re-refurbishment of driver controls/interface. Re-finished dashboard and switches.
  • Complete overhaul of the bodywork. This included repairs, painting and finishing.
  • Re-molded and altered engine cover and nose cone.

Due to University demands and other projects the whole process was not documented and uploaded in the detail desired. The photos below are from the day it was collected  ready for the new engine fitment.

In the near future I would like to shared more  up-to-date news on the Formula Ford following some testing of the new engine and fine tuning. Including pictures of the final bodywork all in the same colour!

Engineering, Formula Ford Leave a comment

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