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Bristling With Activity It's only when we get to the WRC itself that the cars themselves start bristling with r.f. activity. Lots of it, from v.h.f. upwards. Some of it is voice, but mostly it's data as that's all that's needed to keep everyone who needs to know fully up-to-date with where the cars are and what they are doing. Although the basic format of a World Championship event is similar to any other rally, it's much much bigger. cars are entered and supported by major manufacturers. The team budgets are huge, and as well as attracting armies of spectators, massive television audiences tune in from around the world. Some of the data is collected for the officials, some for the media and some for the team technicians. Data for the officials, collected via an on-board Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, provide locations and timing information, which is transmitted every ten seconds through a single u.h.f time division multiplexed link, via an airborne repeater to ground based receivers. From there the data is sent over other internet based networks to rally HQ and elsewhere. As part of the data tracking system the vehicles are fitted with sensors to detect and report opening of the vehicle's bonnet or boot, plus a couple of buttons for the crew to press should the car come to a halt on the stage. One button sends a signal indicating that the car's broken, but the crew's ok. The other that both are broken and immediate help would be very much appreciated.
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