Cool and Useful Cockpit Gadgets for the Track

[skinnerd]

thanks Lou

[VaSteve]

Looks like a good winter project. Do you have directions, scematics for how you wired all that up?

[ZOA NOM]

I'm not sure if you're asking about my lights VaSteve, but they are a pretty simple setup: four incandescent bulbs, 1 red, 3 green, that are activated by the brake master cylinder switch (red) and three magnetic proximity switches mounted strategically around my gas pedal. I ran a 12v bus to all the lights, and switched the grounds at the mag switches. The "On throttle" switch is a normally open (when magnet is near) magnetic switch that closes when the magnet moves away. The "Mid throttle" and WOT switches are normally open until the magnet nears.

[VaSteve]

Originally posted by ZOANAS
I'm not sure if you're asking about my lights VaSteve, but they are a pretty simple setup: four incandescent bulbs, 1 red, 3 green, that are activated by the brake master cylinder switch (red) and three magnetic proximity switches mounted strategically around my gas pedal. I ran a 12v bus to all the lights, and switched the grounds at the mag switches. The "On throttle" switch is a normally open (when magnet is near) magnetic switch that closes when the magnet moves away. The "Mid throttle" and WOT switches are normally open until the magnet nears.

Yeah, your lights. The brake light I could figure out, do you have photos of how you wired up the throttle switches? Do you have a parts list of any sort?

[ted]

Originally posted by ZOANAS
I'm heading for wheel-to-wheel next season with PRC in the Toyo Spec.

For data logging and after race analyzing there are several great choices, DL1, G2X.

I keep it simple when racing, you really won't have the time to scan a space shuttle style dash.
At the track so I know when it's safe to rev it up I use my oil pressure and temp gauges during warm up laps.
During the race if I'm not in traffic I'll try to check them on the long straights too.
I'd also like a big (2 inch diameter) oil pressure idiot light that will get my attention immediately.
Side and windshield mirror upgrades are important too.
A windshield banner or some tape on your helmet visor can help when the sun is low.
Maybe some rain X or wipers for a rainy day?

[Brant]

I'm actually in the camp that "less is more" and try to keep gadgets down to a minimum. I know people that don't have an oil pressure guage due to weight... although I'm not that bad yet.

Here is a recent gadget I added for the 06 season.
The XD-16 from innovate.
The warning lamps are 80Watt for the oil pressure and alternator (I want to know IMMEDIATELY if I loose a fan belt)

if these lights come on they are impossible to miss even in mid-daylight.

[ZOA NOM]

VaSteve: I used the little white magnetic switches you can find at Radio Shack with double sided tape to mount them near the gas pedal, and then used small magnets attached to the gas pedal.


Ted: I agree, les is more, and I don't really focus much on the dash when it get's busy. I really like the ability to review the video, however, and the dash lights really give me some valuable feedback. Eventually, I'll probably hook up a datalogger and pay the money for the sexy software that you can overlay onto the video. For now, I'm trying to keep the budget focused on safety and performance.

[ZOA NOM]

Here's a pic with info:

[Brant]

Hmmmm.....I think you could lighten those pedals up a bit:

[ted]

A dollar's worth of 3M adhesive backed non skid helps keep my feet from sliding off of the brake and clutch pedals.

[ZOA NOM]

Brant, that's just not fair.

Ted, I like the grip of the factory pedal, but I'll probably upgrade to some sexy setup like Brant shows.