Honda introduce new steering Wii-ll
Wii-leay fast
By Shirley Knot
April 1 2008
Honda Racing F1’s Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello will soon be spending more time in the pitlane, thanks to a development of the standard ECU fitted to each car in 2008. The ECU, developed jointly by Microsoft and McLaren and referred to as the Cross Bionic Operator Extender (X-BOx), allows a simple wireless controller to be attached.
RealHondaF1.com have found that it’s that development that could see Honda gain a significant advantage over the rest of the field.
Honda’s development team in New Zealand have been working hard on the ‘X-BOx’ ECU, integrating such a wireless controller. The Auckland based squad have come up with the Key-Wii, a combined system allowing multiple uses. Once the Key-Wii is inserted in to the pit mounted control panel, the driver can choose to use traditional controls as they do now, or move to a wireless system that measures movement as you move the controller through the air.
With such a system, assuming a powerful and clear signal is achieved, a driver could control the car from a distance of up to three miles, more than enough to keep control of a car on any current circuit.
The system is expected to be tested as early as next week, with the team using the Friday practice sessions of the Bahrain Grand Prix as a live test. A special recording device, the X-BOx Live, will allow the FIA to have instant access to the data, despite the team presenting the system for approval some months ago.
"This is really development for 2009," explained Ross Brawn to RealHondaF1.com. "In its current state it’s not ready to race, but that’s why we’re performing these live tests. If it works as intended, it will be of huge benefit to the team, and maybe the sport as a whole."
Aside from offering drivers a choice of control, the system will also allow them to avoid sitting in the car at all. With wireless controls, the driver could remain seated in the motorhome throughout the Grand Prix weekend. This will see clear benefits, with the car balance being greatly improved thanks to the removal of 70kg of weight. Unless Juan Pablo Montoya’s driving.
When asked if it will make the difference between points and wins, Brawn would only comment "Wii’ll see."
Still, much appreciated Phil. Thanks for running by far the best forum I've ever read.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:04:01:08:54:51 by Phil Huff.
I'd actually forgotten all about it until this morning, so it's probably not too bad for five minutes work!
Especially enjoyed the Juan Pablo Montaya's part! hehe
BTW, you should correct that a with an o
Is this the new KERS requested by FIA? hehe
PS. Phil I have sent you a PM relating this April Fools, please check it as soon as possible. Thanks!
Racing against the machine!
That was a nice one, Phil!
I've just noticed: autoracing1.com have your story in their news section... Sorry, I have no link (I don't pay for news).