Gtr 4wd Torque Split Controller

[MountainRunner]

Hi Guys,

A few of you know I have been working on a 4WD Torque Split Controller for some time now.

I have been working with some QLD members and testing at Qld Raceway. The results have been very good.

The features of the Controller are:

1. Live display of the longitudinal and lateral G forces on the front LCD.

2. Live display of the front toque demand (dash gauge) on the front LCD.

3. 5 possible mapping strategies of the lateral G force signal.

4. In cabin toggle switch to select between two handling setups live.

5. Data logging output of the three signals at rates of up to 20 samples/sec to a laptop, PDA or memory module for post run analysis.

6. Windows software for datalogging, configuration and saving of setups.

The Latergal G Signal Maps:

Map 1: This map is a straight line. When set with a scale factor of zero (0), this map is the same as the factory and does not alter the signal. This map could be thought of as proportional and adjusting the scale factor is the same as adjusting the dial on other split controllers.

Map 2: This map brings on the front torque from the outset getting higher as the cornering G Force increases.

Map 3: This map brings on the front toque slightly slower than factory at low cornering G’s, but as the cornering G’s increase the front torque ends up higher than the factory curve.

Map 4: This map starts off following the factory curve, but slowly increases the front torque split as the cornering forces increase. Using this map, the car will handle as factory until the cornering G’s increase.

Map 5: This map applies less front torque than the factory until very high G cornering where it meets the factory curve again.

There are diagrams of these maps in the operating manual.

The Scale Factor:

The scale factor determines how much the selected map is ‘bent’.

It can be thought of as a volume control. Making the lateral G force signal stronger or weaker.

The scale factor is a percentage change from the maps normal position. The maximums are an 80% increase or 80% decrease of the map.

If the scale factor is greater than zero, then there will be more torque spit applied, if the number is less than zero, there will be less.

Changing the scale factor is a way of fine tuning the selected map to bring in, or out, the front wheel torque more or less depending on the corners being driven.

The Toggle Switch:

The toggle switch is an external On / Off switch that is used to select between two different setup strategies.

The two options are “Toggle On” and “Toggle Off”. By simply flicking the switch the handling can be changed instantly.

A setup strategy comprises of both a selected map and a scale factor.

For example, a possible two strategy setup could be:

Toggle On: Map 2, Scale 40

Toggle Off: Map 4, Scale -15

On a particular track, the driver might flick the switch to the ‘On’ position for the sweeper at turn 1 and 2, and flick the switch to the ‘Off’ position for the off camber hairpin at turn 3.

With the two strategy setup, the driver has less compromise at each corner being able to select between two possible optimized setups.

Data Logging:

The data logging output has been added so that post run analysis can be performed objectively.

Having the longitudinal G, lateral G and the reading on the torque split gauge allows full analysis of a particular setup.

Operating Manual:

I have attached the operating manual of the Controller (the above info is extracts), please download it and feel free to send me any comments or questions.

The box is made from aluminium. It is machined, hard annodised and laser engraved. I can make them in Black, Red, Blue, Gold, Purple.

The Controller is now ready for sale. The first batch has been sold and I am about to start on the second.

The price is only $659.00 (plus delivery).

If you would like one, please PM me.

Thanks.

Paul

4WD_Controller.pdf

Edited July 29, 2006 by MountainRunner

[Gav]

Hi Paul

obviously a LOT of work and thought has gone into this. I take my hat off to you and those involved with the development.

A couple of questions from me that may be of interest to others:

1. For the R32 owners, can one map be set up for RWD only?
   
2. Can the output be sent to a Datalogit unit in order to have a central (and single) logging unit?
   

Cheers

Gav

[MountainRunner]

Thanks Gav for the kind words. Yes a lot of time has gone into this. I wanted to make the "Ultimate" controller for track use.

Your questions:

1. For the R32 owners, can one map be set up for RWD only?

Not really. If you want RWD only you can pull the fuse or use one of DiRTgarage's switches. This controller is for optimising handling.

2. Can the output be sent to a Datalogit unit in order to have a central (and single) logging unit?

Not really. Although you could have both loggers running on the laptop to capture all the data. Each device has its own communications protocols and use point to point RS-232.

If anyone else has any comments etc please post them or PM me, I am very exited to have the Controller finished and am keen to get your feedback.

Paul