I'd argue for 'modularity': i.e., make it so you can add-in extra functions as your need and budget allowed.
Obviuously, include the basics: GPS, Track Mapping, Sectors, wheel speed, engine temp,m revs, etc..
You could add 'ground reading'.... i.e., something like a 'laser mouse' which can 'read' the ANGULAR direction of travel and speed of travel so that the user has an ABSOLUTE reference for slip-angle and brake 'skid'. That would make traction/braking calculations possible.
Add tyre pressure reading. Those are now easily available on cars.
Add the ability to read the tyre surface temp (like a hand-held temperature monitor) and the internal temperatures so that we can REALLY see what's happening to tyres! Allow the user to set 'parameters' to those temps so that he can be warned when it exceeds the 'optimum' chosen.
Do something simlar for reading the brake pad and disk temperatures. In that way, the driver can discover if he has the ideal 'size' (and thus minimum mass) and weight of disk.
Add various strain guages so that we can monitor (for example) seat-stay flex, coke bottle section twisting.
Add extra monitors (e.g. lasers mounted on the internal wheel bearing mounts) so that we can monitor axle bending.
Add Caster/Camber guages to be recording while running.
Add the ability to show a 'delta' lap time to be displayed on the kart.
Allow for displays which show 'delta' times over specific short sections of the track (e.g.) so that new drivers can monitor how (for example) a different 'line', braking, or time of throttle action, etc., delivers a faster/slower exit.
For endurance racers, add the ability to map the performance degradation with driver tiredness. I.e., show the driver as he is beginning to get slower towards the end of his stint so that his 'turn' can be cut short.
Transimission of data to pits would be great ..... if you can encrypt it because most of us would not like others to monitor our signals.
I suggest you make data transimssion to the pits to be 'blockable' by having that ability within a removable 'usb type' plug in so that the scrutiners can SEE you cannot be transmitting during the race if that 'usb' is unplugged. Karts are INCREDIBLY radio-noisy so accurate and clear transmission to the pits would be tough.
If you manage to transmit such data, allow user to piggy back voice signals via the same 'channel'.
However...... most of the basic functions are available already. Without those additional 'super' functions..... aren't you re-inventing the wheel? The Mychron is MASSIVELY better than the Alfano and yet there are still people buying the ancient Alfano. Extra functions of the Mychron have NOT wiped out the Alfano. You are going to need some SERIOUS 'extras' to take a section of the market away from those two. Just have a look at how good and comprehensive Race Studio is with the Mychron. That's expensive to produce so beating THAT will be a pretty tough task!
Ian
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