Stack News

Stack Launches Second Generation Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) For Motorsport

6 Dec 2008 15:11:39 GMT

Stack will be launching their second generation video recorders at the PRI Show 2008 in Orlando, USA.

The new range of motorsport DVRs have the same quality, reliability and compact design of the original Stack DVR, but at a price and with specifications especially with motorsport in mind. Stack’s new range of Digital Video Recorders for Motorsport is available in three variants:

PRO-4 DVR
For high quality, multiple camera input video recordings on the move, the miniature solid-state PRO-4 Digital Video Recorder (DVR) provides the optimum solution and is specifically designed for the motorsport environment. The DVR employs broadcast standard MPEG2 video compression to record very high quality video and audio direct to a Compact Flash (CF) card. This card can be removed with ease and played on a PC or laptop using a standard media player application. Recordings can be archived direct to DVD for playback on a standard DVD player.

The PRO-4 DVR has 4 camera inputs and a 4-input multiplexer, allowing virtually any combination of 1 to 4 camera images (composite PAL or NTSC) on one screen, with configurable scaling, cropping, positioning and picture-in-picture.

The PRO-4 DVR is housed inside a rugged, fully waterproof enclosure, specifically designed and manufactured to protect the unit from the motorsport environment. The unit is compact and durable with no moving parts (other than the sealed flash card access door), and is capable of operating where normal VCRs or DV recorders are not.

The PRO-4 DVR can be used as a stand-alone multiple camera DVR, or as part of a fully Synchronized Video-Logger system, complete with modular data acquisition from 8 to 128 channels.

Being a fully waterproof unit, and operating from 0-70C, the PRO-4 DVR is ideally suited for all types of motorsport, from Formula 1 to karts, bikes to boats, and many more applications.

PRO DVR
The PRO DVR has all of the features of the PRO-4 DVR above, but with only 1 camera input.

Clubman DVR
The Clubman DVR is perfect for all forms of club and semi-professional motorsport. It has all of the features of the PRO DVR, but utilising commercial connectors to provide exceptional value for money. The Clubman DVR is not waterproof and operates from 0-50C.

KEY FEATURES - STACK MOTORSPORT DVR RANGE

Solid-state, no moving parts, ensuring reliable operation year after year.
1 to 4 camera inputs (Pro-4 only).
Up to 720x576 resolution @ 25 fps (PAL) or 720x480 @ 30 fps (NTSC).
Records to removable Compact Flash (CF) card, playable on PC or burn to DVD.
Up to 8 hours of highest quality, full resolution recording.
2 channel audio recording.
9 - 20V DC powered, 4 Watts, suitable for all motorsport applications.
Fully waterproof unit (DVR Pro-4 and DVR PRO only)

PDF Brochure

The new gauges will be on show for the first time at PRI 2008, 11-13 December 2008, Orlando, USA. Stack will be on Booth No. 601, North Hall.

Contact Stack for futher details: sales@stackltd.com

Stack Launches Batteryless TPMS System at PRI Show 2008

6 Dec 2008 15:11:39 GMT

Stack’s Batteryless Tyre Pressure and Temperature Monitoring System (TPMS) completely re-defines tyre pressure monitoring in motorsport.

Based on patented SAW sensor technology, the problems associated with mounting batteries and complicated electronics in sensors on wheels have at last been completely eliminated.

Key features:

Highest temperature available - up to 170°C/340°F.
Lightest sensor available - less than 10g.
Smallest sensor available - 14mm x 8mm.
From 1Hz to 40Hz sampling rate.
Based on patented SAW sensor technology.
Measures both air pressure & temperature.
1 to 4 channels from a single interrogator module.
0-45psi with 0.1psi resolution (other ranges available).
CAN bus output.
Various mounting options (wheel rim, valve mount, etc).

Stack will be at PRI 2008, 11-13 December 2008, Orlando, USA. Booth No. 601, North Hall.

Contact Stack for futher details: sales@stackltd.com

Professional Analogue Gauges: Stack Expands Successful Range

26 Nov 2008 15:17:01 GMT

Stack’s successful Auxiliary Gauges range is expanding! 2009 sees the introduction of two new ranges: Pro-Control Stepper Motor Analogue Gauges and Pro-CAN Stepper Motor Analogue Gauges.

The Pro-Control series has all the features of the Professional Analogue plus functionality that gives total control and driver awareness of critical engine features:

Peak “tell-tale” memory - maximum temperatures, minimum pressures, volts.
Programmable maximum and minimum full dial alarm warnings.
Configurable full-dial alarm warning colour.
Configurable Pro-Control output for activating accessories eg. fans, pumps, etc (requires relay).
Temperature gauges with built-in “fan controller”.
Pressure gauges with built-in “pump controller”.
0-5 Volt analogue output for data logger or ECU.
Configurable backlight colour.
Black dialface when powered off.

The Pro-CAN series utilises CAN technology to connect and control gauges Using the CAN network means it is irrelevant where components are physically located - reducing wiring and simplifying installation!!

Features include:

Single 4-wire cable runs from engine bay through firewall to dash panel.
Sensor interface module supports up to 10 inputs and gauges - with further expansion available.
Programmable maximum and minimum full-dial alarm warnings.
Peak “tell-tale” memory - maximum temperatures,minimum pressures, volts.
Daisy-chain up to 10 gauges in one dash panel.
Supports multiple sets of gauges on remote relay panel(s).
Up to 25m/90' between sensors and gauges.
Optional digital LCD display for other parameters eg. lap times.
Optional Sequential Shift Light module
Ideal for motorsport, marine, automotive & industrial applications.

For 2009, Stack will also be introducing white dial face options to a number of the existing Professional Stepper Motor Gauges, Electric and Mechanical Gauges. The selected white dial face gauges will have white LED backlighting and orange illuminated needle.

The new gauges will be on show for the first time at PRI 2008, 11-13 December 2008, Orlando, USA. Stack will be on Booth No. 601, North Hall.

Contact Stack for futher details: sales@stackltd.com

ST700 Dash Display Tachometer

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 18:10:12 -0000

STACK is proud to introduce their ST700 Dash Display Tachometers, the ultimate combination instrument for competition and street applications with limited dash space and desiring a clean, all-business, look for their interior. ST700’s are available in both black and white dial variations with low glare satin black bezels to suit your visual preference. This signature STACK Analog and Digital display technology is action packed with features, and housed in a compact 80mm casing. STACK ST700 Dash Display Tachometers feature the legendary, extremely rugged, STACK stepper-motor movement, with Digital Quartz accuracy for unparalleled precision and is configurable for most engine types utilizing standard and magneto style ignitions. ST700’s come standard with the following features:

Peak ‘Tell-Tale’ memory for all monitored engine parameters
Integrated Voltmeter * User programmable, 4 way configurable, LED sequential shift light * Intelligent Alarm warning system and integrated light, with user programmable warning points for all monitored engine parameters
2 User configurable analog sensor input channels for use with optional sensors and harness (sold separately) to monitor any two of the following parameters such as fuel pressure, oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, differential temperature, boost pressure, or air temperature to name a few!

STACK ST700’s utilize adjustable brightness, LED backlighting to reduce current draw, provide excellent nighttime visibility as well as exceptional vibration resistance. Off-road and open top vehicle aficionados will appreciate the ST700’s extremely durable billet aluminum casing, which is fully sealed against dust and moisture, to exacting IP67 standards. Intuitive, rotary-pushbutton menu programming, and twist-lock mil-spec professional motorsports wiring harness make installation a breeze. The show crowd will also appreciate demo mode functionality, which gives life to all the functions of the display and gives the look of speed to your car’s interior even while it’s sitting still. STACK ST700 Dash Display Tachometers are available in a variety of RPM ranges to suit your application including 8k linear, 10.5k dual scale, and 15k dual scale.

Looking for even more functionality out of your ST700 display? Select from these additional performance options and build the system to your exact specifications and requirements:

Wheel Speed, Odometer, and Tripmeter (Standard on ST700SR, Wheel Speed ST670 Standard on ST700M) - Does your application see double duty as street vehicle and track day terror? Add options ST670 for wheel speed (Km/H or MPH) and ST7094 for Odometer and tripmeter.
Lap Timing System (Standard on ST700M)- Track Day, Time Attack, and Club Racers will appreciate the ST700’s optional ability to connect to Infrared Lap Timing Receivers for Lap Time information displays with accuracy up to 1/100th of a second.
Lap and Split Time Memory (Standard on ST700M) - With memory space for up to 75 laps and split times (if split timing is activated), the lap and split time memory is an extremely useful tool for drivers looking to hone their performance and increase their consistency on the track.
Acceleration Timer (Standard on ST700SR) – This feature will record standing quarter mile times as well as acceleration and deceleration times between any user defined speeds (i.e. 0-60, 60-0, 60-100, etc.), making this an ideal feature for evaluating performance upgrades to your vehicle.
Performance Upgrade (Standard on ST700M)– Add Split Time system, and Straight and Corner Speed readout options to your ST700 package, when you’re ready to view real time information out on the track useful for evaluating driver performance.
Neutral Gear Indicator – With the use of the ST918050 harness, the ST700 can be connected to the Neutral position switch of any sequential gearbox.

ST400 and ST430 Action Replay Recording Tachometers

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 18:08:34 -0000

STACK is proud to introduce their ST400 and ST430 Action replay Tachometers, an ideal tuning aid for oval, sprint, drift, hillclimb, and track day applications. Available in both 80mm (ST400) and 125mm (ST430) sizes STACK Action Replay Tachometers feature the legendary, extremely rugged, STACK stepper-motor movement, with Digital Quartz accuracy for unparalleled precision.

Configurable for most engine types utilizing standard and magneto style ignitions, Action Replay tachometers come standard with Peak RPM ‘Tell-Tale’ memory, and a built in shift-light activation circuit (STACK panel and dash mount shift lights available separately. “Re-live” your last run with one touch Action Replay RPM playback capability, capable of 25 minutes of record time logged in solid state memory. Action Replay tachs are incredibly helpful tuning aids allowing you to review shift points, evaluate gear selection, locate traction problems, and realize peak RPM achieved at key points on the track in order to maximize your set up. 3 playback speeds allow you to view recorded data with the resolution you want to get the answers you need. Push-button programming and snap fit professional motorsports wiring harness make installation a breeze.

STACK Action Replay Tachometers provide the ultimate in readability, and feature traditional black dials with white needles and no glare black bezels for the ultimate in readability and performance. LED backlighting reduces current draw, provides excellent nighttime visibility, and is exceptionally vibration resistant. ST400 (80mm) and ST430 (125mm) available in a wide range of RPM scales to suit your application:

ST400 available in 8k linear, 8.5k dual scale, 10.5k dual scale, 12k dual scale, 13k dual scale, 16k dual scale, and 20k dual scale.
ST430 (125mm) RPM scales available in 8k linear, 10k linear, and 13k dual scale.

ST200 Classic and Chronotronic Tachometer

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 18:05:19 -0000

STACK is proud to introduce their ST200 Classic Tachometers, ideal for the discerning performance enthusiast with a traditional styling preference. Available in both 80mm and 125mm sizes the ST200 Classic Tachometers feature the legendary, extremely rugged, STACK stepper-motor movement, with Digital Quartz accuracy for unparalleled precision. Configurable for most engine types utilizing standard and magneto style ignitions, STACK Classic tachometers come standard with Peak RPM ‘Tell-Tale’ memory, and a built in shift-light activation circuit (STACK panel and dash mount shift lights available separately. Off-road and open top vehicle aficionados will appreciate the Classic’s billet aluminum casing, which is fully sealed against dust and moisture, to exacting IP67 standards. Pushbutton programming and simple 4 wire harness make installation a snap.

STACK ST200 Classic Tachometers provide the ultimate in readability, and feature traditional black dials with white needles and chrome bezels for the ultimate in styling and performance. For the purposes of period correct authenticity, these tachometers are assembled without a provision for backlighting. RPM scales available in 8k linear, 10k linear, and 12k linear for 80mm sizes and 6k and 8k linear RPM scales for the 125mm sizes.

Unique to the ST200 Classic line is the 80mm sized Chronotronic tachometer designed to accurately replicate the “chronometric” needle movement of vintage motorsport tachometers from 0-4000 RPM to provide your restoration with the appropriate level of authenticity. From 4000 RPM to redline this tachometer is all business with the rock solid no waver movement you’d expect from a STACK performance instrument.

ST200 Chronotronic tachometers feature soft white flood lighting for nighttime illumination that provides the look of an incandescent with the vibration resistance and longevity benefits of modern LEDs.

ST3000 Auxiliary Gauges

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 17:17:35 -0000

STACK is proud to introduce their proven technology in a 52mm gauge!

New for 2008 STACK has introduced a line of minor instruments to complement the famous STACK tachometers and Integrated Dash Displays.

Available in three movement types, professional stepper motor analogue, electric analogue, and mechanical analogue to suit your performance needs and budget. All instruments feature no glare black dials and bezels with high contrast, easy to read white markings and needles. Vivid white LED backlighting and illuminated needles reduce current draw, provide excellent vibration resistance and exceptional night-time visibility.

32 instruments are available in the initial release with scales available in both Imperial and Metric. Series highlights include 270º sweep user programmable Fuel Level gauge and Wideband Lambda Gauge with 0-4v output for data acquisition unit or ECU.

Stack Multi-Function Data Acquisition Systems Success

Stack Ltd — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:51:17 -0000

Stack today announced the market has responded very positively to the introduction of its Multi-Function Data Acquisition systems. Technical agents that have taken delivery of them have reported that the new product is extremely competitive with other offerings in the marketplace. It’s quite simply the highest specification and the best value display system on the market today.

The products - launched at the beginning of the year - continue Stack’s commitment to bring the company’s proven technology to all Racers at all levels. The new system makes available fully upgradable Data Logging to all racers with prices from £799/$1600!

Each system consists of a single multi-function module containing hardware already installed to provide a wide variety of data acquisition functions. The module has the basic functions available out of the box. The single box system incorporates the hardware capabilities for powerful upgrade already built-in awaiting simple, fast activation by PIN code activation - making upgrading problem-free and convenient. This gives users enormous flexibility by allowing racers to choose (and pay for) only those features that they need now – as their needs grow, so does the system! Of course, we hope that Club Racers get the Stack habit early and stay with us.

It is the impressive performance specifications and features that make the Multi-Function systems such great value.

The fully upgradable systems with CLUBMAN, SEMI-PRO and PRO option levels allow racers to choose their own entry point into the system, and then grow the system over the years.

The Clubman level systems is aimed squarely at the budget-priced competitors in the market, the Semi Pro level of systems for more advanced requirements whilst at the top end, the PRO system MFD’s and MFR’s are more than capable of taking on the most extensive measuring tasks.

Highlights include:

14 inputs as standard, expandable up to 45 inputs
Built-in 3 axis accelerometer
CAN ECU interface option
20, 30 or 45 channel recording options
Driver Display option (standard on MFD)
GPS interface option
Telemetry interface option
WiFi transfer of recorded data to PC, plus wireless configuration of the system

Early feedback from our technical agents and distributors show that as well as the sheer muscle of the systems (faster recording, bigger memory, higher resolution), buyers are impressed by the convenience of wireless data acquisition (via WiFi / WLan) – some have compared it to having gained pit team member.

No other display or data logging systems can match the MFD or MFR for user configurability and features either as standard or a pin-code away from instant activation. We mean it when we say: “You’ll never outgrow a Stack System!”

Stack DVR flies on one of Europe's most potent combat aircraft

Stack Marketing — Wed, 2 Apr 2008 20:12:50 -0000

Stack today announced that it has supplied its (DVR) Digital Video Recorder to Saab for use in its Gripen multi-role fighter aircraft. The harsh-enviornment recorder performed successfully in its trials with the Swedish aviation, defense and car manufacturing company.

Stack's DVR technology enables recording of high quality real-time video and audio direct to a PC flash card. This card can be removed with ease and played on a PC or laptop using a standard media player. The Stack DVR is housed inside a ruggedized and sealed enclosure, specifically designed and manufactured to protect the unit in harsh and extreme environments. The unit is compact and durable with no moving parts (other than the sealed flash card access door), and is capable of operating where normal VCRs or DV recorders are not.

Stack's DVR was developed to meet the extreme conditions of Motorsport: conditions matched when flying supersonic in all kinds of global climatic conditions. The Gripen multi-role fighter aircraft, developed by Saab, was first flown in December 1988 and entered operational service with the Swedish Air Force in 1997. It now flies in the South African, Hungarian, Thai, and Czech air forces. Using the latest available technology it is capable of performing an extensive range of air-to-air and air-to-surface operational missions and employs the latest weapons.

Stack DVR on top of the world with Bear Grylls

Stack Marketing — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:28:32 -0000

Stack's DVR was used on a daring mission to fly over Mount Everest. Mission Everest, a feature-length documentary, follows Bear and his friend Gilo Cardozo as they prepare to fly over the summit of Mount Everest strapped to flimsy paraglide chutes powered by backpack motors called paramotors to raise money for a children's charity. Stack's harsh-enviornment recorder was used in action shots both in testing in the UK and in the extreme climate of the Himalayas, operating at temperatures of -60C at 29,500 feet.

The Stack DVR is housed inside a ruggedized and sealed enclosure, specifically designed and manufactured to protect the unit in harsh and extreme environments. The unit is compact and durable with no moving parts (other than the sealed flash card access door), and is capable of operating where normal VCRs or DV recorders are not. Stack's DVR was developed to meet the extreme conditions of Motorsport: conditions matched by the highest peaks on Earth. Stack's DVR technology enables recording of high quality (broadcast standard) real-time video and audio direct to a PC flash card. This card can be removed with ease and played on a PC or laptop using a standard media player.

Stack's DVR's robustness is increasingly recognised by programme makers as the answer to location "filming" in hazardous environments where normal broadcast equipment often fails.

Bear Grylls is a seasoned adventurer who served with the Special Air Service, a special forces unit of the British army, where he was trained as a survival expert. In 1998 at age 23, Bear became the youngest British climber to ever complete a summit and descent of Mount Everest. The mission raised $1 million for the Global Angels Foundation, a charity that supports children in Africa.

Bear’s Mission Everest was produced for Channel 4 in the UK and Discovery Channel in the US by Diverse Productions and was broadcast on Channel 4 between 21:00–22:35 on Monday, 24 March 2008.

Mission Everest

Andy Milk TV

Stack To Launch New Range Of “Best Specifications, Best Value” Products At PRI 2007

Stack Marketing — Fri, 7 Dec 2007 13:10:25 -0000

Stack are unveiling “BEST SPECIFICATIONS, BEST VALUE” new products that offer racers at all levels the very best in technology at new low price levels.

The new range of data acquisition systems and instruments continues Stack’s commitment to bring the company’s proven technology to all sectors of Motorsport - offering exceptional performance at an accessible price but without compromising on Stack’s reputation for quality.

Chief among new product offerings will be Stack’s MULTI-FUNCTION DATA ACQUISTION SYSTEMS.

The feature-rich systems offer unrivalled specifications:

Faster data recorder - up to 200Hz per channel
Bigger recording memory - 32MB as standard
Better resolution - 10 bit analogue/16 bit digital inputs
More sensor inputs - Up to 45, 14 built-in
Built-in 3-axis +/-6g g-sensor

The single box system incorporates the hardware capabilities for powerful upgrade already built-in awaiting simple, fast activation by PIN code:

Built-in CAN ECU link and GPS interface options
Built-in real-time telemetry option
Synchronized video-logging and video-data overlay option

Also launching at PRI this year, Stack are presenting a range of POWERFUL AUXILARY GAUGES at a price to suit every pocket .

The full range of 52mm (2 1/16 inch) gauges is available in three types: Stepper Motor Analogue, Electric Analogue and Mechanical Analogue. A Wide-band Air-Fuel (Lambda) Gauge is also available.

Key features:

52mm diameter
Fast, smooth stepper motor needle drive
270° full sweep movement for excellent readability
Remotely mounted solid-state sensors, keeping hazardous fluids in the engine compartment
Better than 2% accuracy
All-electronic design for maximum reliability
White LED through-the-dial backlighting
White LED illuminated needle

The comprehensive range include Oil Pressure, Fuel Pressure, Water Temperature, Oil Temperature, Boost Pressure, Exhaust Gas Temperature, Fuel Level and Battery Voltage. Gauges are available in PSI or BAR scales across the three types.

Stack’s full product range includes tachometers, integrated display systems for performance road cars and a choice of stand-alone and integrated data acquisition systems. Stack Inc. is the number one supplier from trackday enthusiasts to professional teams.

Stack is exhibiting at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Orlando, USA, 6 - 8 December 2007, Peninsula No. 601

Stack Limited Acquired by Auto Meter Products, Inc.

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 13:22:27 -0000

Stack Limited was acquired by Auto Meter Products, Inc., a Harbour Group company, announced Alan Rock, Managing Director of Stack. T

he terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Stack Limited, based in Bicester, England, is a leading global developer and supplier of professional-quality instrumentation and data acquisition systems for automotive racing and other rugged applications.

Stack’s products include integrated driver displays, tachometers, and other gauges as well as sophisticated, modular data and video-logging solutions.

Mr. Rock and Trevor Tapping, Technical Director, lead Stack Limited and will continue in their respective roles after the transaction. Mr. Rock commented, “Trevor and I have a strong team, of which we’re very proud. Stack designs and produces arguably the best products on the market, and now, with the support of the larger Auto Meter organisation, we’ll be able to accelerate that development and improve our behind-the-scenes operations to better serve our customers across the globe. We’ve had several opportunities to partner with different companies over the years, but the opportunities this relationship with Auto Meter and Harbour Group provides to accelerate new product development and better serve our customers was too great to ignore. We’re very excited.”

Jeff Fox, Harbour Group’s Chief Executive Officer commented: “We work hard to help our companies grow, whether it’s encouraging new product development in Illinois or identifying and acquiring industry-leading, complementary businesses in England, we’ll do what it takes to help Auto Meter achieve its goals... Expanding and improving our data-acquisition offering was a high priority for Auto Meter. Stack’s products and engineering capabilities are among the best in the world, and we’re very pleased to have them on board. We look forward to not only aggressively growing the current Stack business, but also to the many exciting new product development opportunities this relationship creates.”

Jeff King, President of Auto Meter, added, “The product development capabilities of the Stack team are renown in the racing industry and their brand is incredibly well regarded. The combination of their products and ours creates a powerful force in the critical function of information management for race teams. Alan and Trevor built a great business and we look forward to providing them the resources they need so they can focus on what they most enjoy — building great products and servicing their customers beyond expectations.”

Auto Meter designs and manufactures a broad range of automotive gauges, test equipment, data acquisition systems and accessories for auto, truck, motorcycle, and marine enthusiasts. From professional race teams in the top tier of their industry to individuals rebuilding cars in their garages, enthusiasts everywhere trust Auto Meter products to enhance the performance and appearance of their vehicles.

Based in Sycamore, Illinois, Auto Meter delivers products to customers around with world through a variety of performance-oriented catalogues, retailers, and professional resellers.

Harbour Group, a privately owned company based in St. Louis, and its operating companies are engaged in the manufacture and distribution of a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. In addition to abrasives, diamond cutting products and related tools, current offerings include automotive enthusiast products, lubricating systems and equipment, specialty LED lighting products, linear actuators and switches, entertainment products, auxiliary plastic processing equipment, and heat exchange equipment. Since its founding in 1976, Harbour Group has completed 150 acquisitions in 32 industries.