The FISW-X Steering Wheel by St Cross Electronics

We don't normally cover product launches but when it's something very innovative and made by our main series sponsor, we really have to make an exception.

Dax Ward has sent us details of the new steering wheel St Cross have made in conjunction with Farringdon. They have had some input with the design of this wheel, and it is being very successfully received by Caterham on the SP300R car (an £80,000+ trackday car in case you didn't know).

Dax said "We do all the manufacturing here in Southampton, and I really do believe the cost of £950 + VAT is amazing for what it can do. It is not only a steering wheel, it is basically a dash display unit as you would see in F1. The wheel you can see in the pictures has paddle shift, an integrated LED display unit. This is far superior to other LCD versions on the market as LED displays are far brighter and clearer to read in an open cockpit car."

As the steering wheel (it seems so inadequate to just call it that...) has been developed for Caterham, the initial controls are based on their cars, but St Cross are developing a more "custom made" version .

The full features are detailed in the flyer (downloadable here as a pdf) but are listed below.

· Paddle shift capability, with magnetic over centre feel · 15 LED Shift Lights (Red to Blue) · High Brightness 7-Segment LED Display. · Buttons for Configurable use. · Buttons for start timer, Cancel Alarms · Pit lane speed limit buttons. · Rotary knobs for page selection and Brightness. · Optional buttons for traction control. · All inputs and outputs encoded in CAN data stream (ECU specific) · Lap timing with Delta Display – may need Lap Beacon Receiver) · Alarms for temperatures and pressures.

The grips are ABS and can be changed easily if they become worn. Optional Alcantara or Suede covering can be arranged. Communication to the car is done by a curly cable, but again an option is to have electronics through the quick release centre boss housing. Dax will have the wheel on display at Brands, with leaflets etc. The website is http://www.motorsportcables.com and traditional contact means are: Unit 14, Mount Pleasant Industrial Park, Southampton, SO14 0SP, United Kingdom Tel.+44 023 8022 7636 Fax.+44 023 8033 1769

Dax Ward, introduction SL Editorial Team

Disclaimer: The above represents only the unofficial view of the writer and not of the Monoposto Racing Club in any way whatsover. If any pictures are copyright and the owner wishes them removed please email us.