Gear shift sensor for demanding motorsports applications

Variohm EuroSensor has launched a new tension/compression gear shift sensor for clutch-free, flat shift, ignition cut and other gearshift applications in professional motorsports.

The VGS-T-1000-M8 (1UAB04) combines strain gauge and integrated digital amplifier technologies to provide an analogue voltage output corresponding to typical motorsports ECU threshold values set between 2.5V DC for zero force and 0-5V DC for ±1000N force. Facilitating high speed gear engagement during maximum acceleration with no lost traction, the gear shift sensor also offers advantages over other shifting systems by removing the need for a torque converter and reducing fuel consumption.

Aimed at professional motorsports series such as WRC, S2000, Moto GP, etc, the IP65 rated sensor’s robust and durable design includes a stainless-steel housing with two M8 mounting threads and a 15 mm diameter anodised aluminium sleeve protecting the sensor electronics. Resistant to shock and vibration, the unit has an accuracy to within ±5 N over a temperature range of -20 to +85 °C. Overload protection is rated at ±5000 N whilst zero force offset at 2.5 V output is specified to within ±0.025 V, and gain drift with temperature is 0.2%. The sensor’s supply voltage and current rating is 6 to 16V DC at 18 mA and electrical connection is via a 1-metre-long braided cable assembly.