PAVAS Run Modes Summary

PAVAS has four basic modes of operations.

The simplest mode is the Alarm Speed monitor. PAVAS monitors the vehicle speed and distance. It sounds an alarm when a low speed set point is exceeded. The alarm tone increases in frequency, duration and repetition rate until an Alert set point is reached. The tone then changes to a warble which is an alternating low and high frequency. At the Alarm set point, the tone changes to a constant high frequency tone. The distance traveled is also measured from the start of the stage and can be accessed with the Left or Right button.

The next mode is the Time Speed Distance (TSD) Mode. This is a more complex mode where the stage parameters are preset. There are more tone modes used. First there is a low frequency constant tone if the vehicle is below a preset speed. At higher speeds a Null Guidance ((c) JCI 2018) tone is used to guide the driver to the desired average speed. The tone occurs as pulses whose duration decreases as the driver approaches the designated speed. If the speed exceeds the Alert level, a warble as described above, sounds. Once the Alarm speed is exceeded, a constant high frequency tone sounds. For the navigator, PAVAS displays, current speed, average speed, distance remaining and time remaining. In addition, PAVAS displays cues for the navigator to advise the driver to increase or decrease speed in the form of an arrow display.

The third mode is the Regularity mode. This is provided for events where a consistent lap time is the goal. It uses the same techniques as the TSD mode to provide alarms and speed guidance. Another feature is a button which the driver uses to log the end of the lap. This automatically adjusts the lap distance to compensate for driver error. If the speed exceeds the Alert level, a warble as described above, sounds. Once the Alarm speed is exceeded, a constant high frequency tone sounds. For the navigator, PAVAS displays, current speed, average speed, distance remaining and time remaining. In addition, PAVAS displays cues for the navigator to advise the driver to increase or decrease speed in the form of an arrow display.

The fourth mode is Targa Florio. This encompasses a series of special stages that are designed for Classic cars where driver and navigator performance is tested rather that the outright speed or vehicle handling. Targa Florio events are limited to a specific car types determined by age and marque.