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Track data, GPS , cameras and phones what to do ?

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Domestic Product

Big fat tires and everything !
Hey this might of been covered before. But with stuff changing and improving all the time lets look at this again as we start 2014.
I would like to have some track data with gps. Code reader and clearer. Virtual gauges. Camera that is linked to the data.
What are you guys using ? I see that there are several aps for phones , reviews are mixed. For cameras is it gopro or are there others. What is the best combination for HPDE verses racing.
 
I'll start.

I use the AiM Solo DL for data acquisition.

Executive summary: I have long-term plans to upgrade to an AiM dash system. Using the Solo allows me to learn and use the same analysis software. Eventually upgrading the hardware will not make any difference on the analysis side, so I will already be up to speed (har) and I will be able to compare old data with new.

Detailed review (not one of my better written articles, I must say):
http://www.jimmypribble.com/blog/2012/12/review-aim-solo-dl/

I use an old Kodak Zi8 for video. It's obsolete now, but the review and example footage will demonstrate that GoPro isn't the only video camera out there. It's just marketed better than the others. I know people who use their cellphones.

Executive summary: The Kodak used to be cheap and had a rare (at the time) external microphone jack which is critical IMO. Also, it used SD cards, when many had fixed storage amounts. Fixed storage is no good for 24-hour races.

Detailed review (with example video):
http://www.jimmypribble.com/blog/2009/10/review-kodak-zi8-hd-video-camera/

I have never bothered to put data on the video, but there are several well-known software solutions for that (DashWare, $50). That's probably the way I would go.
 

ArizonaBOSS

Because racecar.
Moderator
8,730
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Arizona, USA
I really like the capability RaceRender2 (3 coming soon) offers for the price as well. Works very well with AiM data.

If you're just using smartphones and such, the "all in one" solution is Harry's Lap Timer, IF you have iOS. The main downside here is that it relies on the iPhone's internal GPS, which only operates at 1hz, so the data lacks the resolution to really be useful.

If you have an android phone, I would highly recommend the TrackMaster Pro app, coupled with a Q-Starz external 10hz GPS beacon. I used RaceChrono2AVI to sync my data overlays when I used this setup, but RaceRender may do it just as well if not better. Also you can use the Torque App to gather OBD data if you like.

GoPro Hero3s have excellent image quality and FINALLY have good sound as well; plus you can plug in an external mic if you please.

Harry's Lap Timer Video (Camera/Data: iPhone 5, Compiler: Harry's Lap Timer):
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDGWJRiFPQE[/youtube]

TrackMaster Video (Camera: Cisco Flip Cam, Data: TrackMasterPro, Compiler: RaceChrono2AVI):
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FuglL2IgOo[/youtube]


AiM MXL Pista Video (Camera: GP Hero3, Data: AiM MXL Pista, Compiler RaceRender2.9):
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13AAVIcOyMU[/youtube]
 
Yo, AZ! Finally, the perfect thread to ask you this question - how is your AiM configured? In another thread, you posted a screencap and I was looking at your channels. I noticed you have some that I don't have and I'm don't mean the add-ons. Specifically, I noticed a brake pedal pressure channel (or something like that). Mine is configured for the "Mustang 2010" protocol and does not have such a thing.
 

ArizonaBOSS

Because racecar.
Moderator
8,730
2,734
Arizona, USA
302BOB said:
Arizona, What was that red Vehicle menacing with you thru the last vid?

Tube frame Speed Truck. I don't know much about it, but it's a lot lighter than my BOSS and on wider tires. I have more HP and better gearing, however. Him and I have been battling it out bumper-to-bumper since I've had the car back on-track.

Jimmy Pribble said:
Yo, AZ! Finally, the perfect thread to ask you this question - how is your AiM configured? In another thread, you posted a screencap and I was looking at your channels. I noticed you have some that I don't have and I'm don't mean the add-ons. Specifically, I noticed a brake pedal pressure channel (or something like that). Mine is configured for the "Mustang 2010" protocol and does not have such a thing.

"FORD - BOSS 302R X05 OFF", plus a a little customization on my end.
There is also a "Mustang_2011" ECU map available that will probably be a lot closer to what you want, since the ECU is different from 2010 (4.6L) to 2011 (5.0L).
Check that you have the latest version of the AiM Race Studio software; I'm on v 2.47.04
The brake pedal channel is named "A_MSTR_CYL_PRESS", it's not an "M-" prefix.
 
ArizonaBOSS said:
"FORD - BOSS 302R X05 OFF", plus a a little customization on my end.
There is also a "Mustang_2011" ECU map available that will probably be a lot closer to what you want, since the ECU is different from 2010 (4.6L) to 2011 (5.0L).
Check that you have the latest version of the AiM Race Studio software; I'm on v 2.47.04
The brake pedal channel is named "A_MSTR_CYL_PRESS", it's not an "M-" prefix.

Thanks for the info. I'll update everything and have a look around, but even right now, neither of those is listed on AiM's ECU database. I'm looking here:

http://www.aim-sportline.com/eng/download/stock-ecu-connections.htm

Those are just the docs, so maybe once I get my software up-to-date, I will see the options. I'll report back this weekend. Thanks, again!
 

ArizonaBOSS

Because racecar.
Moderator
8,730
2,734
Arizona, USA
Jimmy Pribble said:
Thanks for the info. I'll update everything and have a look around, but even right now, neither of those is listed on AiM's ECU database. I'm looking here:

http://www.aim-sportline.com/eng/download/stock-ecu-connections.htm

Those are just the docs, so maybe once I get my software up-to-date, I will see the options. I'll report back this weekend. Thanks, again!

Download the 302S config file from the link towards the bottom of the page here: http://fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=11687
 
ArizonaBOSS said:
Download the 302S config file from the link towards the bottom of the page here: http://fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=11687

Thanks, AZ. I already updated everything and selected the 302R config available in the dropdown menu. I'm about to go pick-up my kids and I'll grab some data on the way to see if it works. Just looking at the channels, I don't see how it could. If that doesn't work, I'll try the 302S config.

Also, I was already on the 2011 Mustang config. I guess I had forgotten and it's not listed on AiM's website.
 
Arizona, Knew that looked like a truck...thought I was going nuts. Son watched the vid & said don't let him get inside on the turns & he'll eat your dust on the straightaway everytime....I know ..easier said than done..keep up the good work.. ;)
 

Domestic Product

Big fat tires and everything !
302BOB said:
Arizona, What was that red Vehicle menacing with you thru the last vid?

Hey I thought the same thing, seems his mode of operation is to dive in entering a turn. He is using his lighter weight to a advantage as best he can (good driver). But no hiding from the Boss on the straight he's toast and he knows it. A longer track and he falls back , way back. What track is this and how long? Also to stay in the thread very good examples of track video and data, I'm all over it. Looks like Harrys is the low cost winner along with Track master. Thanks for sharing.
 
Bringing this back from the grave... Hopefully to further the knowledge base but also PROVE that most of us DO use the search function!

Jimmy P. / AZ Boss: any update on the AIM front from this exchange early in the year? I'm about to pull the trigger on an AiM Solo DL and I'm curious on the brake pedal pressure data as well. Ultimate goal is to have in time for June 20th event at Road Atlanta. How do you like the telemetry and data available? Also, how is AiM technical support, if there is such a thing?

Have read Jimmy's blog post several times, just looking for more recent user reports from you both after living with the systems for a while and downloading, configuring and analyzing the data...

Like Jimmy, I hope to one day upgrade to the AiM MXL electronic cluster, but only if it's attached to a BOSS 302S...

Thanks to you both!
 
Z20WHAT said:
Bringing this back from the grave... Hopefully to further the knowledge base but also PROVE that most of us DO use the search function!
Quote of the month! This also proves the search function does work. ;)
 

dmichaels

Papa Smurf
547
30
CT
I have been very happy with Harry's Lap Timer Pro working in parallel with the GoPoint BT1 OBDII plug in... the data overlay in the latest revision is quite good and I've found it to be quite accurate as well. Quick (shameless) example video below

[youtube]http://youtu.be/x7VLKU1Wn8k[/youtube]
 
Not to be contentious, but RaceChrono is free, and the QStarz GPS I use was like $85... (so you sorta *can* beat the price :) )
 

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