TeamD Adventures

Here’s the punch list that came out of Thunderbird 2008 for our WRX Team (Jeff and Marvin). It was compiled during the long drive back from Merritt Sunday afternoon/evening. Long because Highway 5 was closed so we needed to reroute around the closure via 8 and 1. We were a bit bored and a bit jazzed from the fun weekend and still bubbling with ideas about how to make things run smoothly on Alcan. We came up with this list… Add driver’s display switch

The driver’s display on the Timewise is great. It shows the error ( difference between calculated time and actual time) and one other value, selectable on the main computer. If you order the Timewise with option 7, you get an extra 1/8″ jack on the back of the unit that allows for remote switching between two different parameters. I like running TSD sections in “diff” which shows me the difference between CAST and my speed. It helps me to stay on time. It doesn’t however, help me in transits when I need to know when to turn and Marvin is busy with other things. The old version had a mono 1/8″ socket on the back but the new versions use a stereo 1/8″ socket and the mono jack/switch I have doesn’t work. I need to get a stereo cable and then short out lines to determine which ones switch the driver’s display. It’s a convenience but it sure is handy.

Buy and install new map light

I purchased a Terralight map light and installed it for Thunderbird but there are a number of things I don’t like about it. Primarily, the articulated stalk doesn’t stay where you put it so the light doesn’t shine where you want. Without this, the map light is less than useful. I have ordered one of the Hella maplights. Hopefully it works better. Even if it doesn’t at least it comes with a red lens.

Wire and mount high brake lights

Following behind cars with high brake lights at Thunderbird showed me why this will be a good idea. Even in non-whiteout conditions, mud and dirt kicked up by a day of driving can easily obscure brake lights. Having them mounted high will really help with visibility to other cars. This had dropped off my list but it’s back on.

Find a better mounting system for the EdgeCamera head unit

EdgeCameras gave us a Rallycam 3000 system to record in-car video. I found a great place to mount it but the dual-lock is not holding it in place. I need a better way to fix the unit to the car so it doesn’t land on Marvin’s feet while we are bouncing around.

Buy multiple fuses for the EdgeCamera unit or work on hard-wiring the power

We lost a fuse on day one. The fuse is in the cigarette lighter power adapter. Without it, we have no camera feed. With any luck, around 80% will be complete by tech inspection Saturday at noon.