Development of Integrated Data Acquisition System with LAN Interface for Racing Motorcycles

This paper describes the design and features of a new-type data acquisition system for racing motorcycles. With the technological advances of developments and measurements of the racing motorcycles, the functions of the system needed to be enhanced to incorporate the following: to extend number and type of input signals, to efficiently compare the large amount of data which were acquired in different test conditions, to annotate measured data with test conditions and rider comments, to operate simply and easily from the measurement to the analysis, and to have compact and light on-board hardware to ensure competitive riding. The integrated data acquisition system was newly developed with consideration of these requirements. The new system is composed of an onboard system, a remote data-analyzer which is a personal computer with customized software, and a remote data-buffer. The on-board system is composed of a core-module and function-modules. Each module is fitted to open spaces within a motorcycle and connected by Local Area Network. The software of the data-analyzer has easy operation with Graphical User Interface. Hence, the utility of this system was greatly improved. This system has contributed to MFJ All Japan Road Race Championships since 1995.