DriftBox
Encyclopedia
A DriftBox is a device used in the sport of drifting
to allow event judges to gain an empirical measure of the qualities desired in the event.
A driftbox is based on a GPS unit which can measure the drift angle of a car, while also measuring the speed, g-force
and circuit position. The DriftBox works by using the Course Over Ground (COG) measurement from the GPS at ten times per second (which is in degrees from due North) and comparing this with the angle the car is pointing. The car's angle is calculated using a high accuracy yaw rate sensor
, which is integrated over time to give angle. Sophisticated algorithms ensure the integrated angle remains true to the actual angle the car is pointing.
In competition use, a score out of ten is awarded to the competitor by measuring the peak lateral g-force and the peak angle during a maneuver. All of this information is saved to a data logger (in the form of an SD/MMC card) at 10 times a second so that the run can be analysed afterwards. The DriftBox can also be used as a performance meter, measuring 0-60, 0-100, 0-100-0, braking distances, quarter mile times and speeds, as well as lap times using a virtual start/finish line generated from the latitude
/longitude
measurements from the GPS.
Drifting (motorsport)
Drifting refers to a driving technique and to a motorsport where the driver intentionally over steers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels through turns, while maintaining vehicle control and a high exit speed...
to allow event judges to gain an empirical measure of the qualities desired in the event.
A driftbox is based on a GPS unit which can measure the drift angle of a car, while also measuring the speed, g-force
G-force
The g-force associated with an object is its acceleration relative to free-fall. This acceleration experienced by an object is due to the vector sum of non-gravitational forces acting on an object free to move. The accelerations that are not produced by gravity are termed proper accelerations, and...
and circuit position. The DriftBox works by using the Course Over Ground (COG) measurement from the GPS at ten times per second (which is in degrees from due North) and comparing this with the angle the car is pointing. The car's angle is calculated using a high accuracy yaw rate sensor
Yaw rate sensor
A yaw rate sensor is a gyroscopic device that measures a vehicle’s angular velocity around its vertical axis. The output is usually in degrees per second or radians per second. The angle between the vehicle's heading and vehicle actual movement direction is called slip angle, which is related to...
, which is integrated over time to give angle. Sophisticated algorithms ensure the integrated angle remains true to the actual angle the car is pointing.
In competition use, a score out of ten is awarded to the competitor by measuring the peak lateral g-force and the peak angle during a maneuver. All of this information is saved to a data logger (in the form of an SD/MMC card) at 10 times a second so that the run can be analysed afterwards. The DriftBox can also be used as a performance meter, measuring 0-60, 0-100, 0-100-0, braking distances, quarter mile times and speeds, as well as lap times using a virtual start/finish line generated from the latitude
Latitude
In geography, the latitude of a location on the Earth is the angular distance of that location south or north of the Equator. The latitude is an angle, and is usually measured in degrees . The equator has a latitude of 0°, the North pole has a latitude of 90° north , and the South pole has a...
/longitude
Longitude
Longitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is an angular measurement, usually expressed in degrees, minutes and seconds, and denoted by the Greek letter lambda ....
measurements from the GPS.