Mark III Upgrade
David Klassen, Manager, Driver Development - Feb 25.2005
Several new and exciting events have happened in the Driver Development Centre (DDC) during the first few weeks of 2005. Noteworthy among them was the creation of the Scheduler position. One important goal of the Scheduler is to improve the quality of customer service for all company drivers, owner operators and lease operators. Having "one stop shopping" will save drivers significant time for scheduling Tatonka classes and Safety appointments.
Another exciting change in Driver Development is the major upgrade that was just completed on the Mark II full motion simulator. This upgrade is significant and effectively updates the "Mark II" to the latest "Mark III" specification, according to the manufacturer, L-3 Communications. So, "what's so special about the Mark III", you ask? Well, first of all, the upgrade focused on two main elements of the system, the video projectors and computer software. The old projection system used mirrors to direct the video images onto the walls of the Dome (the special room that contains the Mark III). The upgrade saw the old projectors and mirrors replaced with three high quality projectors that project directly onto the walls. This has resulted in much sharper, clearer and brighter images than the previous system.
Upgrading the projectors is only part of the story, however. Improving the overall quality of the graphics also required upgrading the computer software. New software coupled with better projectors resulted in a major improvement in perceived resolution and "realism" of the simulated environment. A common complaint that Drivers had about the old system was that the graphics were not realistic enough. Images were sometimes described as "fuzzy" or "blurry" and it was difficult to clearly see the speed limit signs and other important information until it was too close for a driver to react in time. We are happy to report that the upgrade has virtually eliminated this problem. Drivers who take Tatonka courses will now experience more vivid and realistic images when driving the Mark III. The end result of better realism is a more effective and satisfying learning experience for all Drivers.
