AN EXPANDED COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID TELEMETRY

Abstract

The drivers of the University of Arizona Baja racing team must be intensely focused on tackling the jumps, boulders, mud bogs, and other challenges in the four-hour endurance race. These obstacles are just as demanding on the vehicle as the driver, so the pit crew needs effective ways of detecting problems within the vehicle before serious damage occurs. Our solution is a wide range, AES encrypted, Wi-Fi communications system that supports full IP protocol and live video feed, allowing our telemetry data to be accessed through a smartphone via a web interface. To provide a wide range of communication options, our system supports VOX and push-to-talk audio compatible with third-party radios, and has an on-board HDMI screen for text-based communications. Finally, our system is backwards compatible with prior generations to make repairs and replacements easy.