Linear sensors specified for steering system

Skidmaster is a hydraulically activated and computer controlled 4-wheel steering system for driver training system which has Penny and Giles SLS190 linear sensors fitted to the hydraulic rams

"The majority of motoring accidents result from drivers losing control of their vehicles, so a system that prepares them for sudden loss of control and teaches them how to react, has to be good for road safety." Skidmaster, designed and built by DTM Consultants as the manufacturer for Skidmaster International (UK) Ltd, is a user-friendly driver training system that can simulate all the driving hazards of a skidpan, without the skidpan! The system is designed to benefit people that have not been formally trained in vehicle control, and for training professional and emergency services drivers.

Skidmaster is a hydraulically activated and computer controlled 4-wheel steering system that can be fitted to any type of vehicle to control the front and rear wheel steering of the vehicles own wheels.

Trained instructors are then able to set up the vehicle - car or commercial - for eleven different lessons and exercises and, using the system's sophisticated electronic controls, simulate driving hazards such as braking and power understeer and oversteer, front or rear wheel skids and four wheel skids in complete safety.

The system parameters can be adjusted by the instructor to suit any size of training site and any competence level of trainee.

It also removes many of the environmental and running cost problems associated with skidpan chemicals and skidframe tyre wear and noise.

Penny and Giles SLS190 linear sensors are fitted to the hydraulic rams to provide continuous position feedback to the system's computer - effectively telling the computer where the wheels are and enabling it to move Skidmaster 's wheels in the right direction (or the wrong direction!).

The SLS190s are mounted onto the hydraulic ram bodies using machined nylon blocks with small pinch bolts to hold the sensor body and small pins on the end of the piston rod, which actuate the moving parts of the sensor.

There are three SLS190s on each vehicle, one on each front track rod ram and one on the rear wheel steering central ram.

Commenting on the choice of the SLS190's David Wedge of DTM Consultants says component reliability and performance are essential for Skidmaster which, as well as providing training services, is also used for hospitality and corporate activity events.

"We wanted the best available and Penny and Giles sensors have a reputation for quality and reliability.

And the SLS190 offers excellent 'in-service' life." He says.

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