precise location in space

[Forrest]

How about a simpler solution - wireless video camera mounted on the kart, and wireless receiver and a pair of walkie talkies.

[CeaSaR]

Update!

A buddy of mine is a heavy-equipment operator and uses a GPS-based system
that directs him as to how he needs to set his dozer's blade (angle,
depth, etc.) such that he can move earth without the need for surveyor's
markers and such. Apparently, it's accurate to the fraction of an inch in 3-dimensions.

I'll do some research and see if I can figure out what extra mojo they're
using to divine that sort of precision into GPS. More to come...

Wondering what you found out. I bet the GPS he uses is RTK and requires
a minimum of 1 base station along with the rover unit. These usually sell
in the Surveyor catalogs as a package for around $30,000. Oh, and let's
not forget about the software required to use them.

Should you opt for something like this, you'll need a spot at the track
where you can semi-permanently mount a pole to place the base station.
I say semi because you only need to have it there prior to the race
(say, the day before) through to the end of race night. This will allow you
to get your base map of the track and then use that to track your cart. If
you want to avoid the hassle of re-mapping the track every weekend,
you'll want the pole to remain there through the race season.

When you map the track, all you'll need is the inside and outside edges.
Get the beginning and ends of the straights and at least 1 more point on
the curves. Be sure to use a pole that is the same height as the rover
would be mounted on the cart, otherwise the cart will be either above or
below the track when you race. Gotta love 3D points.

It'll be interesting to know what you've come up with.

CeaSaR

BTW, we work with contractors who use GPS on their machines. We had
them check one of our stakes with the blade of a D-9. The damn thing
was perfect for n/e location and within 1/4" for elevation!

[kheston]

CeaSaR,

So far, the construction-oriented GPS units are out of financial reach. However, the technology used there seems like a really good fit. I just need to dedicate some time to figuring out how it can be done for less than $30k.

--Kurt