Transponders and Cameras
Throughout the Grand Prix weekend all cars must be fitted with two cameras or camera housings. The cameras are used to provide on-board TV footage.
The cars have a total of six camera mounting points. One camera housing is always mounted on top of the air box immediately behind the driver’s head. The position of the second housing is chosen by the FIA in consultation with the relevant team and driver.
Each car has a transponder unit fitted to it, the transponder has a ID unique to each car and it will transmit this ID when the unit is energized by passing over a timing loop buried in the track surface. These transponders allow the timekeepers to record every lap time of every car throughout the weekend. The timing loop is effectively two bits of wire that run across the track and back, something like antenna (actually, it is an antenna). Transponders transmit their code constantly when energized. The signal is relatively weak and requires that the transponder be not higher than a fixed height above the surface, usually not more than appr. 60 cm. Every antenna loop goes to a receiver with a decoder which decodes the unique ID of the transponder and sends it to the timing software on a main computer. As soon as the start is given, the software is activated and when each car passes over the start/finish line loop for the first time starts counting the time till it crosses the sector loops and the start/finish one, the latter giving the total lap time.
There are auxiliary loops on the pit lane to determine when a car enters and leaves pit area and there is a loop now at the first safety car line to track eventual rule transgression for overtaking when safety car leaves the track and race is restarted. Also, safety car has its own transponder and is identified by the system. There are several antenna loops placed around the track which is why you see timing splits comparisons.
What most don't know is that AMB (who makes the timing system and equipment) has a "special" transponder unique to F1 (as far as I know) that can receive info from the timing loop antenna. Mostly, that data is used for commands for the onboard camera (like scrolling the protective film when blotches appear), it also has the capability to receive info, for instance regarding the flags on that section of track, and that could trigger marshaling lights/indications on the steering wheel.
ARTICLE 20 : TELEVISION CAMERAS AND TIMING TRANSPONDERS
20.1 Presence of cameras and camera housings :
All cars must be fitted with at least five cameras or camera housings at all times throughout the Event.
20.2 Location of camera housings :
Camera housings, when used, must be fitted in the same location as cameras. Details concerning the size and weight of all camera housings may be found in the Appendix to these regulations.Article 20.2
The weight of the cameras in the relevant positions is as follows :
Position 1 0.140kg
Position 2 – Forward facing 0.605kg
Position 2 – Rear facing 0.476kg
Position 3 – Forward facing 0.605kg
Position 3 – Rear facing 0.476kg
Position 4 – Forward and rear facing 1.860kg
Position 5 – Face shot 0.120kg
Power conditioner 0.900kg
20.3 Location and fitting of camera equipment :
20.3.1 All cars must be equipped with five positions in which cameras or camera housings can be fitted. Referring to Drawing 6, all cars must carry (i) a camera in position 4 and (ii) a camera or camera housing in positions 2 (both sides), 3 and either 1 or 5.
Any decision as to whether a camera or camera housing is fitted in those positions will be by agreement between the relevant Competitor and the Commercial Rights Holder.
20.3.2 Any part provided by the Competitor for the purpose of aligning a camera or camera housing in positions 2 or 3 correctly will be considered part of the camera or housing provided it is being fitted for that sole purpose.
20.3.3 Any camera or camera housing fitted in positions 2, 3 or 4 shown in Drawing 6 must be mounted in order that its major axis does not subtend an angle greater than 1° to the reference plane.
20.3.4 Any camera or camera housing fitted in the left hand position 2 shown in Drawing 6 must be mounted in order that its major axis where passing through the centre of the camera lens (or corresponding position for a camera housing) does not intersect any part of the car lying forward of the camera or camera housing.
20.5 Installation :
Competitors must be notified of any changes to the camera or transponder installation instructions before 30 June of the previous season.
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