Škoda Motorsport is an icon of innovation and cutting-edge technology in rally racing. The development of racing cars has been part of Škoda’ s DNA for more than 120 years. Success in competitions is an important element in promoting the brand and the cars themselves. Sporting competition pushes the technology and capabilities of cars forward and brings new innovations. Škoda Motorsport is currently the most successful seller of Rally2 competition cars. Testing is important to validate innovation and fine-tune the vehicle as a whole. Škoda Motorsport tests its competition specials intensively in demanding conditions in various countries across Europe. Independent communication with the vehicle on the track is crucial for the safety of the crew.
Choosing the new Hytera E-pack200 communication technology
Our company DCom, spol. s r.o. proposed to the Škoda Motorsport team to test the possibilities of the E-Pack200 technology . E-Pack200 uses the DMR standard, which is currently the most widely used standard for professional radio communication in the world. The technology is completely independent of other communication networks. Voice and data communication works even in places without GSM signal coverage, which is quite common in the test sites. Conventional DMR digital radios are used for communication within the E-pack radio coverage infrastructure.
Benefits of E-Pack200 technology
A great advantage of the E-pack system is the use of MESH technology. The individual E-Packs automatically connect to each other to form a radio network with coverage over a wide area. The connection uses common simplex frequencies in the VHF or UHF band, i.e. in the same band used by the radio stations for their own communication. After switching on, the E-pack base stations automatically connect to each other within a short time. The connection does not need to be configured in any way. In the event of a loss of connection to one base station, for example when it is moved, the remaining units automatically search for alternative interconnection options. The E-pack units use a battery that ensures their operation for up to 9 hours. The battery can be easily replaced and fully recharged within 3 hours. An additional external battery can be connected to ensure longer operating times. The device is ready for operation even in harsh climatic conditions and this has also been duly tested in real operation even at temperatures below -25°C. The weight of the entire device is only 3 kg and can therefore be easily transported to a suitable location. The ease of deployment in the field and the provision of reliable coverage over a wide area was crucial when selecting the technology.
Reliable voice communication and real-time vehicle positioning
The new E-pack200 units are dual channel. Voice communication can take place on one channel and data transmission, such as location information, can take place on the other channel at the same time. The E-pack technology enables the transmission of location information 30 times per minute. The user can thus have the vehicle’s position information virtually in real time. In the event of an accident or a technical fault, the team can immediately send help to a pre-located location even without communicating with the vehicle crew. Real-time localization of the car on the track has a great safety benefit, which Škoda Motorsport representatives appreciate.
Technology field testing and training
Škoda Motorsport invited us to a testing session where Hytera technology was tested in practice. The vehicle is equipped with a Hytera HM655 in-vehicle radio, which is connected to the on-board intercom. Our technicians introduced the Hytera technology, configured the monitoring application to track the location of the radios, configured the radios, installed the base stations and provided support during the field testing. Škoda Motorsport representatives were satisfied with the performance of the technology, the signal coverage of the test area and the features offered by the technology. Based on the positive test results, Škoda Motorsport technicians were trained and are now able to independently configure and deploy the technology.
