Q. Why do Geartronics favour air actuation over electric solenoids?
A. For several very good reasons, as detailed below:
1. Temperature stability. The force produced by a pneumatic actuator is simply a function of the piston area and operating pressure, it is not affected by temperature, unlike an electric solenoid.
The force produced by electric solenoids reduces significantly with increased temperature.
2. Transient power demand. Although only operated for a short period of time, a solenoid of sufficient size to operate a gear shift places higher transient demands on the vehicle electrical system than does a pneumatic system.
3. Packaging & weight issues. For a given force output, pneumatic actuators are considerably smaller & lighter than 12v electric solenoids.
4. Air actuators are not electrical devices and therefore cannot emit electro-magnetic interference.
5. Mechanical compliance. Air actuators provide a cushion of compressed air that offers high levels of mechanical compliance with the shift mechanism - much like the airbag in your road car.
6. Shift force adjustment. The force output from an air actuator is very easily adjusted. If you need more force, you simply increase the air pressure, rather than having to fit a bigger and heavier solenoid.
Q. Why should I choose a Geartronics paddleshift system over other kits on the market?
A. Our system has been developed over many years of top level motorsport. It was selected as the control system used in the F3000 series from 2008 - with 100% finishing reliability!
With Geartronics you get the best quality, functionality, reliability & service. We believe our control strategy is one of the most sophisticated on the market. Additionally, we design & manufacture all our own parts, including the GCU. So if you need support, we can give you the answer you need immediately, rather than having to wait for a 3rd party supplier. We also write all our own software, and can respond to feature requests usually within days rather than months.
Q. Why do Geartronics make such an effort to publish detailed technical information?
A. We see part of our mission to educate our customers, not bullshit them into parting with their money! Many of our rival's websites contain little or no technical information about how their product works or indeed any evidence to substantiate their performance claims. We think that you deserve better!
Q. Does the air compressor sap engine power?
A. Absolutely not! This is a patently ridiculous untruth, perpetrated by some of our rivals. Examine the facts: Our compressor draws approximately 13 Amps (at a typical duty cycle of just 20%) from the electrical system, this is less than 180 Watts - about the same as a pair of headlights. In other words, less than one quarter of one horsepower. To claim that this is power sapping is either a deliberate attempt to mislead, a complete lack of understanding, or both.
Q. Surely it can't be that difficult to design a paddleshift to push and pull a gear lever?
A. If only it were that simple! Semi-auto gear shift is far more complicated than simply operating the lever.
To make an upshift we must reduce the engine torque at precisely the right moment and for exactly the correct duration for every shift.
Downshifts are even more complex. It's not, as some of our competitors seem to think, just a matter of pushing the lever and blipping the throttle.
For smooth, reliable downshifts it's necessary to very carefully control the engine speed during the shift.
This can only be achieved by constant monitoring of the GCU inputs then controlling the engine speed by the application of throttle blipping and carefully applied torque reductions.
Q. Is it possible to operate a closed-loop system by measuring the linear position of the shift lever?
A. Although the position of the lever gives some indication, it does not always accurately represent the position of the selector forks and dog rings because there is no uninterrupted direct link between the lever and the shift barrel. We believe the best way to measure the selector barrel position accurately is to use a directly driven rotary position sensor which always gives an absolute position reading.
Q. Can the Geartronics paddleshift system be fitted to any sequential gearbox?
A. Our paddleshift system will work with most, but not all, sequential gearboxes that have provision for a barrel position sensor. Our experience allows us to evaluate any potential gearbox installation and decide if paddleshift is suitable for your application. In some cases your gearbox may simply be incapable of operating reliably with a semi-auto shift system.
Q. Can the Geartronics paddleshift system be fitted to motorcycle gearboxes?
A. Some, but not all. We have developed systems to work with the Suzuki GSXR1000, Hayabusa and Honda Fireblade gearboxes, but only after making the appropriate modification to the gearbox in order to fit a barrel position sensor. Unless we can fit a rotary barrel position sensor and use our closed-loop technology, then we are not prepared to take the risk of damaging your gearbox.
Q. Why does the Geartronics paddleshift system require a gear position sensor?
A. There are basically two approaches to paddleshift operation: closed-loop & open-loop. Open loop is a method that does not use feedback sensors to monitor the shift.
Open-loop simply relies on fixed duration timers for the various shift events. Closed-loop operation (using gear position sensor feedback) monitors every gear shift in real-time, and dynamically adjusts the shift operation to suit the prevailing conditions. Decide for yourself which system is best.
See our full explanation of closed-loop operation for more information.
Q. Is the Geartronics paddleshift system supplied as a universal kit?
A. No, for best results, every installation is unique. Geartronics will evaluate all installations and decide on the best course of action to achieve a satisfactory result. If we deem your gearbox or other aspects of your car to be unsuitable for semi-auto shifting then we will be honest with you. We would prefer not to sell you a system rather than have to explain later why it didn't work as expected!
Q. Does the paddleshift system reliably select neutral?
A. Yes. Regardless of gear ordering on the barrel, we have a strategy to find neutral. Our system uses sophisticated PWM techniques to select neutral, rather than relying on fixed duration timers that do not give 100% reliability. Half shifts to neutral are found in Sadev, some Hewland and Ricardo gearboxes and all motorcycle gearboxes.
Q. Can the Geartronics paddleshift system damage my gearbox?
A. When correctly installed & set up, a closed-loop semi-auto shift system will actually reduce gearbox wear. The Geartronics GCU features highly sophisticated control strategies that considerably reduce the chances of gearbox damage. By taking away the possibility of human error, every gearshift is executed with precision and the chances of 'missing a gear' are virtually eliminated. Please read our disclaimer for more information.
Q. How much does the Geartronics paddleshift system cost?
A. Because every system tends to be unique, it's generally not possible to quote an exact price. However, as a very rough guide; a basic system will cost approximately £2900, this will allow 'flat' up-shifting and (in most cases) clutchless down-shifts. A full specification system including a Raychem/Deutsch motorsport wiring harness & Goodridge hoses will cost £4000 upwards.
If you have any further questions about our products, please feel free to Contact us via email or phone.