by raceamerica » Tue Apr 23, 2024 12:27 pm
Homologation is a product approval by the FIA. Homologation is a set of product specs for LED based Electronic Flagging Systems (EFS). It includes specs for color, brightness, viewing angle, physical size dimensions, and most importantly, a set of flag images used exclusively by the FIA. Each race organization defines the flags they use and almost all share common flags like red, green, flashing yellow, checkered, etc. Like the FIA, race organizations also have unique flags in their flag set. Homologation identifies up to 19 flag images used by the FIA as part of the product spec. To meet the needs of a race facility renting to several race organizations, a wide variety of flags need to be available.
RaceAmerica offers a Digital Safety Flag (DSF) EFS product line with currently 62 flag images preloaded covering the flag requirements of the FIA, SCCA, IMSA, Indycar, MotoGP, NASCAR, Karting Australia, SVRA, and many others. The DSF products meet or exceed the specs defined for homologation and definitely exceeds the flag requirements.
There are two ways to offer the FIA flags at your track. Each turn can be equipped with a DSF and the flag set required can be selected to match the race organization on track and easily changed to match tomorrow's rental needs. This is an impressive installation.
An alternate way to offer the required flags is to install a single DSF at the start/finish line and more affordable Track Safety Lights (TSL) at all other corners or sectors on the race track. The flag images will be displayed at the start/finish line and the TSLs around track display matching color schemes to the flag images. For medium size tracks, additional DSFs can be installed at key locations to add more full color flag images around the track. Several private tracks have taken this approach to an affordable and effective EFS solution.