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PUBLISHER’S LETTER www.siliconchip.com.au Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Leo Simpson, B.Bus., FAICD Production Manager Greg Swain, B.Sc.(Hons.) Technical Staff John Clarke, B.E.(Elec.) Ross Tester Jim Rowe, B.A., B.Sc, VK2ZLO Rick Walters Reader Services Ann Jenkinson Advertising Enquiries David Polkinghorne Phone (02) 9979 5644 Fax (02) 9979 6503 Regular Contributors Brendan Akhurst Rodney Champness, VK3UG Julian Edgar, Dip.T.(Sec.), B.Ed Mike Sheriff, B.Sc, VK2YFK Philip Watson, MIREE, VK2ZPW Bob Young SILICON CHIP is published 12 times a year by Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd. ACN 003 205 490. ABN 49 003 205 490 All material copyright ©. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Printing: Hannanprint, Alexandria, NSW. Distribution: Network Distribution Company. Subscription rates: $69.50 per year in Australia. For overseas rates, see the subscription page in this issue. Editorial & advertising offices: Unit 8, 101 Darley St, Mona Vale, NSW 2103. Postal address: PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097. Phone (02) 9979 5644. Fax (02) 9979 6503. E-mail: silchip<at>siliconchip.com.au Electronic braking in cars: is it a good idea? One of the feature stories this month is about the intro­duction of electronic braking in cars, specifically in the new Mercedes SL class convertible. The story is interesting in that it represents an integration of several braking and traction control systems in cars. I have always felt that ABS (anti-skid braking system) and normal power boosters should be integrated rather than being two separate systems. Such an integrated system would be cheaper and more compact. But now this Bosch system takes the integration concept much further, as described on page 6 of this issue. However, while the technology is very interesting, I do have misgivings about it and they relate to the special features or modes that have been grafted onto the system. For example, there is the smooth stop system and the brake drying function. While these may be highly effective, is there not a risk that someone who became used to driving such a car would no longer be safe when they stepped into a lesser equipped vehicle? Would they no longer be capable of braking to a smooth stop or be quite dangerous in wet weather, being unaware that a normal car’s brakes don’t work when they are wet? And would they be more likely to run into the car in front because they had become used to their electronic guardian angel compensating for the dangerous habit of “tail-gating”? This is quite a different situation from the comparison of an ABS-equipped car with one with ordinary brakes. ABS only comes into operation during emergency braking and at other times, an ABS-equipped car brakes exactly the same as any other disc-braked car. In more general terms, there are huge numbers of drivers today who have only ever driven automatic cars and would be unable to drive a car with a manual gearbox. Of course, most people accept that limitation and are happy to only drive cars with automatic transmission. But braking is more basic; if you can’t stop safely when you jump into another car, there is a big problem. I suppose that this is the drawback of any new automotive technology its introduction will effectively reduce driving skills while still giving an overall improvement in safety and driving comfort. Having said that, I still think that this new Mercedes car has too many braking frills and that these are not likely to filter down to less expensive cars as electronic braking becomes more widespread. It’s interesting that it still relies on hydraulic brake fluid though, isn’t it? Apparently, a “pure” electric braking system is not yet on the cards. Leo Simpson ISSN 1030-2662 * Recommended and maximum price only. 2  Silicon Chip www.siliconchip.com.au