August 2026 Blog
While we’re sure many UNB Formula Racing members will be sad to see summer coming to a close, it also means something very exciting is ahead, the team is getting back together!
From analyzing our dynamic components to determine what still needs final design changes, to validating our low-voltage systems, the team has been working hard throughout the month of August.
This month, the team was also given a new shop location to work out of for the upcoming academic year. Room H17 will be the new home of UNB Formula Racing this fall!
With plenty of work still left to do, the team is ready for the school year to begin!
High Voltage
We received confirmation that the accumulator (battery pack) has finished being built by Topattery. They are currently performing a few final checks, and the accumulator should be shipped soon. The team can’t wait to receive it!
We also started designing the discharge circuit and the high-voltage junction box.
Low Voltage
As we get back into the school year, our low voltage team has made significant progress with the shutdown circuit PCB arriving along with purchasing the BSPD PCB, these are major achievements towards getting our electrical safety architecture in place. The team is very excited to move into the bring-up and testing phase these next few months!
Software
The Data logging team decided on and purchased a Raspberry Pi and the necessary CAN transceiver hat, now looking at designing our data processing for both on and off the pi, and data visualization.
The VCU team has been preparing for the new space and working with the inverter and motor to prepare them for initial setup and getting familiar with the software’s that will be used in that.
Drivetrain
Design of the drivetrain is nearly complete, and it’s almost time to enter the manufacturing phase - we’ve verified, checked and double checked a large chunk of our components and are in the process of getting them purchased and shipped. Some of our big ticket items in this order include the differential, bearings and raw material to be machined into the motor and differential mounts. Once these arrive, assembly of the drivetrain can begin!
Chassis
This month the chassis was delivered from Sunny Corner to the team's shop in Fredericton. It was fully welded by team members and is now ready for the next steps of manufacturing and integration of other components.
Dynamics
For Dynamics, we’re currently refining our suspension design parameters and evaluating software for kinematics and lap-time simulation, including the possibility of developing our own tools. With many of our early bottlenecks now resolved, we’re excited to use September to really dive into the system.