Author Topic: Drive by Wire (Read 199 times)

United · « **on:** March 24, 2004, 08:46:35 PM »

You know how all aircraft of today are flown by fly-by-wire controls, correct? Well, I saw on TV that they are now making drive-by-wire controls for cars. This means no pedals, steering wheel, gearshifts, or signal sticks. Its all on one control column where the accelerator is in the handle and works like a motorcycle throttle.

I thought it was rather interesting and figured id post it here for your thoughts.

Munkii · « **Reply #1 on:** March 24, 2004, 09:03:03 PM »

That's actually a misnomer. They've had drive by wire for a few years in cars. Drive by wire just means that the ECU controls everything. Some Benz have completely electronic brakes, steering, and accelerators. Everything is controlled by the ECU without physical linkage to the controls. That is Drive by Wire as well.

Maverick · « **Reply #2 on:** March 24, 2004, 09:03:19 PM »

What is the backup for electrical failure?

I saw the same program. It looked kinda neat but I'd rather have a mechanical linkage to the controls than rely on something designed by Detroit.

FUNKED1 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 24, 2004, 09:03:54 PM »

They've had that for throttles in production cars for several years. Saab built a completely drive by wire prototype about 10 years ago. I would never drive a car without manual backup for steering and brakes.

MrCoffee · « **Reply #4 on:** March 24, 2004, 09:12:32 PM »

Would be interesting for handicaped drivers moving all the controls to the wheel. I like the way the controls are now in cars. Problem with moving it all to the wheel is that it makes it unpractical while your adjusting the stereo. Also if they do that I wont be able to eat sandwiches or burgers while Im driving anymore. wont be able to drink coffee with right hand while left is steering etc...

My opinion, worst auto inovation was LCD TV monitors. A good step though was the GPS navigators they now have.

Dont trust others with LCD TV/DVD in their SUV but if I had an SUV, I would want LCD TV/DVD in mine.

rpm · « **Reply #5 on:** March 25, 2004, 12:05:28 AM »

I have driven heavy equiptment that was total drive by wire. One of them had an emergency back up (redundant wiring and pump), the rest had none. I never had any problems with failure, or heard of any.