Stack Limited

Stack to showcase expanded range of harsh environment products at DVD 2010

2010-06-08T04:34:00.000-07:00

Stack will be exhibiting at DVD 2010, showcasing innovative new additions to its range of harsh environment products designed with military applications in mind.

Last year at DVD, Stack enjoyed a lot of interest in its digital video recording, tyre pressure monitoring and event data recording solutions for military applications. 2010 sees an expanded product range incorporating requirements highlighted by visitors to the stand last year.

Stack's ruggedized products are perfect for consideration as commercial off-the- shelf (COTS) equipment with the company's 25 years' experience of ensuring the latest technologies operate under the most demanding conditions.

Among products on show by Stack at DVD 2010:

Tyre Pressure & Temperature Monitoring Systems
Digital Video Recorders
Event-loggers / Data Acquisition Systems

DVD 2010, 23-24 June 2009, Milbrook, Beds. UK. Stack will be on Stand C5-49

Contact Stack for further details: sales@stackltd.com

Stack show groundbreaking TPMS at 2010 Autosport Engineering show

2010-02-02T07:12:00.000-08:00

Stack’s Battery-less TPMS systems completely redefines 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.

Stack, celebrating its 25th anniversary and a regular exhibitor at Autosport International, will be showcasing its new ground-breaking TPMS products at the NEC show. Developed in-house at its Bicester, UK HQ, the system is already proving popular with teams looking to use fast, accurate analysis of tyre pressure and temperature data to improve both performance and safety.

Dynamic tyre pressure monitoring while out on the track allows the team to optimise tyre performance over a whole lap and the whole race.

"A Tyre Pressure (and Temperature) Monitoring System is a proven performance enhancer! The right tyre pressures deliver consistent performance advantages in all levels of motorsport.“ said Stack’s Managing Director, Alan Rock.

Stack’s battery and wire–less system means unrivalled reliability and significantly reduced running costs with no user maintenance required during full service life. The Stack system is the smallest TPMS sensor on the market - 18mm diameter x 14mm depth (excl. valve stem); 10g weight.

Proven in the harshest environments, the flexible system supports a virtually unlimited number of wheel sets with just one module interrogating 1, 2 or 4 wheels – making it suitable for cars, trucks and bikes. CAN-bus output of pressures and temperatures allows easy integration with existing data-logging systems.

TPMS continues Stack's tradition of leading the way in the innovative use of new technologies and provide our customers with advanced, quality engineered products across Motorsport.

Stack TPMS Key features include:

No battery or sensor electronics - providing unrivalled reliability.
No user maintenance required during full service life - significantly lowers running costs.
52mm display gauge provides comprehensive pressure and temperature information and alarm warnings.
User configurable minimum/maximum alarm levels for pressures and temperatures.
Visual warning of cold tyres, and when they’re up to temperature.
Module can interrogate 2 or 4 wheels - suitable for cars and bikes.
Smallest TPMS sensor on the market - 18mm diameter x 14mm depth (excl. valve stem); 10g weight.
Compact, lightweight interrogator module - 100mm x 72mm x 24mm; 140g.
1Hz update rate; 0.25 PSI / 1°C resolution; +/- 0.5 PSI / 2°C accuracy.
CAN datalogging output of pressures and temperatures.

Stack launch new range of DVRs at Autosport International

2010-02-02T07:08:00.000-08:00

New for 2010, Stack’s range of DVRs all include the option to record in both 16:9 (widescreen) and 4:3 aspect ratios. The PRO-4 DVR now has a recording quality of up to 12Mbps; the Clubman-3 DVR up to 10 Mbps. Stack DVRs include a 3-axis accelerometer, to enable automatic recording start/stop based on movement or acceleration of the vehicle.

Stack DVRs for Motorsport incorporate built-in multi-camera processors that allow any format of multiple PAL or NTSC cameras (up to 3 or 4 inputs, depending on model) to be recorded simultaneously with configurable scaling, crop, mirror, flip and positioning of each picture. Unlike other systems, picture-in-picture can be recorded at full resolution, or larger if desired.

Stack’s digital video recorders employ broadcast standard MPEG-2 video compression to record high quality real-time video and audio direct to a Compact Flash (CF) card. The 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 either a PC or a DVD player.

Stack DVRs are housed inside rugged, machined aluminium, specifically designed and manufactured to protect the unit from motorsport environments. Its anti-vibration and shock-resistant abilities make Stack DVR’s uniquely resistant to the extreme conditions encountered in all forms of Motorsport.

Stack DVRs for Motorsport Key Features:

Solid-state, no moving parts, ensuring reliable operation year after year.
Fully waterproof unit (PRO-4 model).
Records MPEG2 video to removable CF card, playable on PC or burn directly to DVD.
Up to 4 fully configurable camera inputs available.
Up to 720x576 resolution @ 25 fps (PAL) or 720x480 @ 30 fps (NTSC).
Widescreen 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios.
User configurable bit-rate up to 12 Mbps.
Broadcast quality versions available (up to 50 Mbps).
Up to 9 hours of highest quality, full resolution recording.
2 channel audio recording.
Automatic record start/stop using built-in 3-axis g-sensor.
9 - 20V DC powered, 4 Watts, suitable for all motorsport applications.
Optional GPS data overlay.

Stack Launches Second Generation Rugged Digital Video Recorders for Harsh Environments

2009-05-13T02:31:00.000-07:00

Stack's new range of Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) for Motorsport have been in action with teams as the new season gets under way. Stack’s second generation video recorders have the same quality, reliability and compact design of the original Stack DVR, but at a price and with specifications specially with motorsport in mind.

Our Motorsport range covers models aimed at all forms of club and semi-professional motorsport; more demanding motorsport applications (especially in wet and/or high vibration environments); and drivers and teams requiring multiple camera inputs.

As well as race teams, Stack DVRs have been successfully trialled by broadcast companies who appreciated the compact, light yet rugged construction of the Stack DVRs. Being fully MPEG-2 compliant, footage from Stack DVRs can to be easily transfered from the CF card and edited ready for broadcasting.

Range Key Features:

Up to 4 camera inputs with integrated configurable mixer (Pro-4 only).
Extended operating temperature range 0°C to +70°C. (Pro & Pro-4 only)
9V to 20V DC powered
Quick release sealed CF card door.
External DVR status LED.
Manual record switch as standard.
3 models to choose from.

CLUBMAN DVR
Perfect for all forms of club and semi-professional motorsport, the Clubman DVR employs broadcast standard MPEG-2 video compression to record high quality real-time video and stereo audio direct to a Compact Flash card. The CF card can be removed with ease and played on a PC or laptop using a standard media player, or the files can be burnt directly to a DVD.

Key features include:

Rugged, small and lightweight with no moving parts.
Fully sealed to IP67.
Real time MPEG-2 compression of video and stereo audio.
Up to 15 MBits/Sec for broadcast production use, with POV cameras.
Record to removable Compact Flash (CF) Card, playable on a PC/laptop. Files can be burnt directly to DVD.
Up to 16GB of memory, providing more than 9 hours of high quality, full resolution recording.

PRO DVR
Intended for the more demanding motorsport applications, especially in wet and/or high vibration environments, the PRO DVR is a fully waterproof unit, utilising 3 Motorsport AS connectors. It has all of the features of the Clubman DVR above, plus the following:

Professional AS connectors provide fully sealed unit.
Suitable for cars, bikes, boats, karts - in fact all types of motorsport and more.
Extended operating temperature range of 0°C to 70°C.

PRO-4 DVR
The PRO-4 DVR incorporates a 4 input video multiplexer to allow any format of 1 to 4 cameras on one screen, with programmable scaling, crop and positioning. The PRO-4 model has all the features of the PRO DVR above, plus the following:

Up to 4 camera inputs (composite PAL or NTSC).
Professional double-density DD-AS connectors provide fully sealed unit.
Lightweight, compact unit - 75x21x150mm (160mm including connectors); 450g

Stack DVRs feature a rugged machined aluminium housing 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 CF card access door), and is capable of operating where normal VCRs or DV recorders are not.

Stack DVRs provide superior high-quality video recording in real time over a wide range of bit rates suitable for different applications - up to 15 Mbps is available, quality equivalent or better than DV tape.

Further details on Stack's new range of Motorsport DVR's

New Harsh Enviornment Range Launched
Stack have also introduced a new range of Digital Video Recorders for other Harsh Environments beyond Motorsport aimed at law enforcement, aviation, military, public transportation users and others. Further details can be seen here.

ST200 Classic and Chronotronic Tachometer

2008-08-08T08:59:00.001-07:00

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.

ST200 webpage

ST400 and ST430 Action Replay Recording Tachometers

2008-08-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

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.

ST400 webpage / ST430 webpage

ST700 Dash Display Tachometer

2008-08-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

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.

ST700 webpage

ST3000 Auxiliary Gauges

2008-08-08T08:56:00.000-07:00

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 nighttime 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.

ST3000 Auxiliary Gauges webpage

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

2008-08-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Stack News graphicThe 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 Multi-Function Data Acquisition Systems Success

2008-08-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

Stack Multi-Function Data Acquisition Systems SuccessIt 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!”

Senior Embedded Hardware/Software Engineer Required

2007-07-27T04:10:00.000-07:00

Bicester, Oxfordshire UK.

Stack is a world-leading supplier of dashboard instruments, data acquisition and video systems to motorsport and automotive customers worldwide. Due to significant new investment we are embarking on a major expansion plan and we are now looking for additional senior engineers.

You need to be degree or equivalent qualified, highly motivated and able to cope in a fast, demanding and changing environment. We can promise an interesting, exciting and rewarding challenge.

This will be a significant role within a team responsible for developing the next generation of data acquisition, solid state video recorders and intelligent sensors for motorsport, automotive and other rugged/harsh environments.

The role will involve specification, design, documentation and production handover. The work will include the embedded code, digital and analogue design of processor, DSP and sensor based products to suit rugged/harsh environments

Your career to date will have spanned 10 years of embedded, analogue and digital design. Experience of DSP’s and video would be an advantage and/or within an automotive and ISO9000 environment would be beneficial. Motorsport experience or interest would help but is not vital.

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity please contact Astra Mead for an application pack. Please quote Ref: BLG1

Astra Mead
Stack Limited
Wedgwood Road Bicester, Oxon OX26 4UL
Tel: 01869 240404, Fax: 01869 245500
Email: sales@stackltd.com

Stack are an equal opportunity employer.

Auto Meter Products, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Stack Limited

2007-07-19T03:51:00.000-07:00

BICESTER, U.K., July 13, 2007 – Stack Limited was acquired by Auto Meter Products, Inc. a Harbour Group company, Alan Rock, Stack’s Managing Director, announced. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Stack Limited, based in Bicester, United Kingdom, is a leading global developer and supplier of professional-quality data acquisition systems and instrumentation for automotive racing and other rugged applications. Stack’s products include sophisticated modular data and video-logging solutions, integrated driver displays, tachometers, and other gauges. Alan Rock, Managing Director, 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 organization, 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 were too great to ignore. We’re very excited.”

“We’re very pleased to have Stack as a partner to Harbour Group and Auto Meter, and we look forward not only to aggressively growing the current Stack business, but also to the many exciting new product development opportunities this relationship creates,”

said Jeff Fox, Harbour Group’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Expanding and improving our data-acquisition offering is a high-priority objective for Auto Meter, and we believe Stack's products and engineering capabilities are among the best in the world in the data-acquisition space. We are confident this transaction will enable us to realize our objective."

Jeff King, President of Auto Meter, added,

“The product development capabilities of the Stack team are renowned 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 catalogs, 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.

Visit Stack for more details.