PROPOSED CHANGE (2/10/13): Drop rule 15.4 about the closed loop/open loop so there is not any confusion on rules 15.2 and 15.3 and driver being in control. Closed loop means the pit area could be in control of the power of the car.
Need to ensure closed loop devices are used for monitoring purposes only not for operation during the race. It is okay to use during practice or in the pits.
There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding of this rule which does indicate it needs some sort of revision.
Closed loop and open loop have nothing to do with remote control. Remote control is specifically forbidden in rule 15.3
The handbook has a concise explanation of the complex subject of closed loop and open loop on the right side of page 10.
Everyone who is running a modern controller is running a closed loop system. The controller reads the throttle voltage signal and then makes thousands of rapid adjustments to keep the current proportional to the throttle signal.
A Bubba on/off switch or a mechanical rheostat would be true open loop systems.
Should we remove rule 15.4 because everyone is running closed loop systems and computers are part of the modern controller, so we do not need to specifically permit them?
I agree with your open loop close loop definition, my reasoning on doing away with 15.4 was just to eliminate confusion. Maybe do away with the open loop closed loop wording and have 15.4 read:
Maximum current to the motor can be controlled by computers on or off the vehicle to control maximum speed and acceleration, but driver must still be in control of the throttle and dead man cutoff.
I know some controllers can be programmed to do this anyway but someone may want to do it remotely to control the maximum speed and acceleration of their driver. Just a thought.
