PMW Expo Cologne 2023
Back at the motorsport show PMW Expo in Cologne.
Temperature Sensors for the Motorsport: Long Line - Fast Service
Especially in motorsports our customers appreciate our quick and hands-on service. But sometimes we do have a very long leash - at our temperature sensors.
Aamgard Engineering builds and distributes temperature sensors for motorsports, aerospace and demanding industrial applications. The ATRF sensors are small, lightweight, ruggedised and chemical robust. They are available with PT1000 or PT100 sensor chips. The measuring range of all types is 250°C. The Viton PTFE electric cables are permanent temperature resistant up to min. 220°C.
The standard cable length is 270mm. On customer request wire lengths up to ca. 2m can be build. Usually the sensors are finished with open cable ends, but especially for motorsport applications we frequently equip them with Autosport or Lemo sensor connectors.
Programmed Chaos: System Setup for Motec PDM and Dashlogger
Since 10 years we work with Motec products: Consulting, system planning, building of belonging electric looms and the configuration of all components are the usual tasks. In the recent project the Motec PDM32, the Dashlogger C1812 and a Motec GPS module have been used. Additional we made the vehicle looms, the dashboard, a con-box and miscellaneous small electric and electronic parts and assemblies.
To get it altogether working we used the Motec software packages Dash-Manager and PDM-Manager to make a basic system configuration. Prior to final installation in the customers car everything has been thorougly tested in our electronics workshop.
The high quality of Motec hardware and the sophisticated setup software does make base configuration nearly a piece of cake. In particular the PDM setup is very straight forward. Which always leads to a problem: How to deal with so much electrics and electronics on a far to small lab table without causing a big chaos? We are still working on it...
Shielded Wires from Raychem
Very thin, very lightweight, easy to process and temperature resistant to more than 200°C: shielded wires with Teflon-Polyimid insulation from TE / Raychem. Single wire, two-core twisted pair and three-core. Unfortunately, they not only shine like gold - they are also almost outweighed by gold...
More Light - Less Weight: FIA LED Rear Lamps AX02 and AX03
Since spring the next development stage of our motorsport rear lamps is at the start: Unchanged from the outside view, with next generation LEDs the power consumption of the FIA rainlight has become significantly reduced. The recent AX02 and AX03 lamps take approx. 20% less electric power than their predecessors - at ca. 25% higher light intensity as demanded by the FIA regulation. By the way, with improved assembly technology the weight also could been reduced somewhat.
Our LED lamps are currently mainly used in the Japanese Super GT Championship and at the Rally Dakar. Also they are first choice for many racing teams in Le Mans or at the endurance series VLN/NLS at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, as well as in Rally Cross and historic motorsports.
Wiring and Racecar Electrics: Planing, Development, Fabrication to Measure
Custom-spec and bespoken vehicle electrics, wiring looms and instrument cabling for racecars, sport boats and test beds from Aamgard Engineering.
See-Again: Toyota TF102 Formula 1 Racing Car
Memories at the Hockenheim Historic Jim Clark race. It's been a long time: Toyota TF102. While it maybe not has been the fastest car on track - with its elegant livery the most beautiful it was for sure.
The Cologne based Toyota Team Europe resp. the Toyota Motorsport GmbH took part at the Formula 1 World Championship from 2002 to 2009. 2008 team founder Ove Andersson died at a tragic accident competing in a historic rally in South Africa. The motorsport community had to cope with the loss of one of his most respected and sympathetic rally drivers and team principals.
Drag Chain Cable for a Manufacturing Machine
Some less motorsport, some more industry: Drag chain cable for a manufacturing machine. Machine failure at a home technology manufacturer. Estimated production downtime with costs beyound five-digit loss each single day. The American OEM had twelve weeks of lead time. Thanks to the very good support of cable manufacturer Igus we could assemble, test and deliver spare cables within less than one week.
- grey: Igus Chainflex 9-pole screened control cable with SubD connector
- green: Igus Chainflex 7-pole screened control cable with CPC connector
Connector Flange for a Porsche Head Light Module made with 3D Printing
For an elderly Porsche 993 the genuine mating connector of the head light module was no longer available. Since we had to build a new wiring loom, on the spot we decided to build a new adapter flange for a standard 8-pin DTM replacement connector.
First all relevant dimensions of the connector and the lamp has been taken to draw a 3D CAD model. Than a PLA test sample has been printed. After some minor modifications of the air vent nipple, the final part could been printed with thermo-resistant GTP material. To gain the temperature stability of GTP parts, they have to be post-processed at a well defined procedure. After that the component is suitable up to min. 105°C. At last the connector has been glued into the flange, wired up and finally assembled to the head light housing.
We will gladly manufacture custom-spec mechanical support and prototype parts in 3D printing also for you. Simply send an e-mail.
Wiring Looms for Ford Cosworth DFV and DFL Race Engines
Aamgard Engineering frequently builds new wiring looms for Cosworth race engines as used e.g. in the BOSS series, Formula 3000, many classic Le Mans prototypes and in hill climb cars.
- top: wiring loom with Cannon connectors for classic Cosworth and Lucas control units
- left: Cosworth DM 3464 injection control box and Lucas HKZ spark box
- right: Ford Cosworth DFL with Aamgard electric wiring inside a classic Le Mans sportscar
New electric harness for your racecar? We would be pleased about your phone call or e-mail.
Good Tools - Good Work - Reliable Electric Harnesses
For doing good work, a needs good tools - don't mind if you work on a classic Ford Escort or a high sophisticated Formula 1 car. This especially applies when building electric harnesses. Not always only the most expensive is the best - but for the most cheapest looming pliers one often pays three times: Once on the first purchase. Next time, when buying a new tool with better quality, after recognising, that the previous one does not operate satisfactory. And probably in-between once more, after that improper engineered cheap crimper has screwed up the friggin' expensive connector, that also needs to be purchased again.
As time went by, at our workshop several wiring tools and crimp pliers piled up. A small selection, from left to right:
- Knipex electronic wire cutter - even after 15 years of duty, that one works immaculate
- DMC pliers for Autosport connectors and circular contacts - the genuine set the standard
- RS engineers pliers - universal, medium priced, perfect for all days work
- Cembre hex crimper for shielded RF wires - teamed-up only recently, but so far performs well
- MQS crimper from Wezag - specialist tool, which can make engineers life quite simpler
- Knipex crimper for bigger cable shoes - rarely used, but if needed, indispensable
- TE Tyco Ergocrimp with variable inserts - the standard for roll-crimp contacts
- CK ferrule crimper - there is no room for experiments at professional splicing
- Cembre crimper for insulated cable shoes - nearly since 15 years in enduring operation
Maybe worth considering: Instead agonising with bad tools at unpractised usage, a better way could be asking the professional about costs of some adequate connector assembly. Or drop by at your local loom builder and spending some bugs for the kitty. And if this does not work for you: Get in contact to us, to get your contacts sorted...