Dave McLaughlin

Hey folks....I would like some input on decent lap timers/data acquisition systems. I can't handle $1,500 for a trackmate. I was looking at the GTech-Pro RR Fanatic. I would like something EASY to use since I am not the "sharpest tool in the shed" when it comes to electronics. Does anyone have experience with the GTech system?
Thanks in advance for your advice...

Dave

gkmccready

Check out AiM's SOLO or SOLO DL products? They're fairly new and are getting good reviews.

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

I have seen quite a few people at my local tracks using the Rumblestrip Racing gps lap timer:
http://www.rumblestripracing.com/

D Walker

iTrader: (1)

I actually just started working with a very good data ack with desirable features such as GPS, SD card memory, lots of inputs, etc. in systems aimed specifically at the lower budget club racer/ track event guys. Feel free to PM me for info.
An example would be a "basic" road racing system package including-

USB data logger with 3 RPM channels and 12 analog channels.

3 axis accelerometer

Engine RPM tach input

1 Gig SD memory card

Lighted Start/Stop logging switch

GPS enabled for optional DT3-GPS

50 or 100 Hz sampling rate

Software, cables, etc

Is about 700 bucks. The GPS module, which is a much more accurate unit than the more "standard" versions, is about 400 bucks (maybe less at current pricing, have to check)

The analog inputs allow you to add in and monitor any 0-5 volt sensor including boost,various temps, brake pressure, etc.

There is also the option of using a beacon and receiver as well, for more accurate lap timing.

I personally have become a believer in the racekeeper video/data system, but they are a bit on the expensive side and as a quality unit on a budget I think the above system offers very good value for the dollar.

Brent Dalton

iTrader: (31)

Traqmate unit and display is $1000 retail but can be found used for some pretty good deals from time to time. Like this one that popped up yesterday on the CF:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/auto...-for-sale.html

As far as the $1500 traqdash complete, I don't think it's necessary for most cars. I have it because I don't have an OEM speedo/tach. It allows me to track my RPM's(plus graduating warning lights), speed for reference, as well as my lap time each lap. If you have your OEM gauges, as mentioned, I don't think this is necessary. Data is downloaded after the session anyways and the display will display your lap time each lap as you cross the start/finish.

It's also the most used system that I've seen in the MA and SE regions. We have a pretty good email list post event of data trading going on. Traqmate's traqview is very user friendly, even for a knuckle dragger like me.

I think traqmate also still offers a pretty nice rebate for NASA members.

I also like the HD video box because as well as synching my video with my data, it also allows me to add additional inputs to log. This helps if something goes wrong with your car, not only do you have the data showing what happened... you also have the synched video to show exactly where you were on track and what you were doing when it happened. Air/Fuel for the rotary would be beneficial.

neit_jnf

iTrader: (17)

what about Harry's Lap Timer Pro for those with iphones? Any good?

D Walker

iTrader: (1)

No. Phone GPS units are nowhere near accurate enough to be useful. HLT is a waste of good $$.

Dave McLaughlin

Thanks for your input guys! I will take a 2nd look at the traqmate Brent. D Walker; I may pm you for some info on your system. I am looking for something easy to set-up and operate as I am a "knuckle dragger" as well. Has anyone had experience with the GTech-Pro ?

D Walker

iTrader: (1)

No problem Dave, if I can be of help in any way very glad to do so. Its not my system BTW, its one from a manufacturer we just started working with in another application and it works extremely well. All of the systems are extremely easy to use, being designed and built in the US by "plain language" guys, and they have a very extensive product line so they really do not seee the need to try and make all the money on each product sold.
Example- their Suspension Analyzer setup, which is around 3K, is very very good and includes almost all the same bits as the MOTEC and Stack systems that cost almost three times as much. Like the P&G linear pots, which I think Motec gets $600 for, they sell for about $250 or less. Very good system, excellent value, easy to use with the people who designed and built it available in this country, no phone calls to Italy or Oz needed to get something figured out if you do have issues.

jrx13

iTrader: (3)

You could keep an eye out on eBay. I've seen the older black box Racepak G2Xs with dash display go for about $300-$400 sometimes brand new or barely used. There is barely any difference between those and the newer red G2Xs.

If I see another one, I'll post a link. There is one that just sold for $500 but that is not that super great of a price in my opinion.

Dave McLaughlin

Hey Bud; I really appreciate your input and real race knowledge! Hopefully you can appreciate my "baby-step" method as I am a "Po *** Instructor" LOL. I am doing my best to progress to a respectable Driver. I like the "We Speak English" idea on the tech support. Have you guys ever used "traqmate" as Brent suggested? It would be cool to have a data base I could share with other drivers.
Thanks again for your knowledgeable input!

Dave

Dave McLaughlin

Thanks Bud... I will check this out! Appreciate you looking out for me....Cheers!
Dave

Brent Dalton

iTrader: (31)

Sorry to keep beating the traqmate drum, but... Traqmate often has trackside support and is based out of Alpharetta, GA(a short distance from RA). As a matter of fact, Andre@traqmate(lives in Virginia) put together the middle video in my signature and helped me tremendously at the NASA-MA July VIR event sort out my system that I had basically just thrown in my car before the event. He also updated my software while he was at it. At the June and August NASA-SE event at Road Atlanta, Ron@traqmate was at both events and spoke with me in depth about the new traqdash and several other data questions I had. He also just spent some time talking to me in general. Good people for sure.

I know it's not the best, but for what we do and how many other people around us use it, I think it's the best for us. I love being able to take several of my competitors data(you don't often see that in motorsports competition) after the event and overlay it on my data and compare. Otherwise, I would just be looking at my data and overlaying my laps. That does help, but it's still not as much data to compare.

Julian

iTrader: (14)

also the RLC products starting with trcak commander at $1100. US based, software by racers.

http://www.rlcracing.com/products.htm

D Walker

iTrader: (1)

I do not personally use Traqmate. Not because it doesnt work, but because it just doesnt do what I need it to do.
A couple of things about data-

it doesnt matter what system you use, be it Motec/Stack/Aim/ whatever the data collected should all be the same. The issues we need to be concerned with are:
Ease of use- most are very easy to use, just push a button or whatever, begin recording. stop, download. Easy.
Ease of interpretation- again- one of those things that is highly subjective. Learn to use something, and its easy to use. Never pick the manual up and your in trouble.

Sensors- Uh Oh- here we go. The ease of adding any sensor to a system is key. Stack is the worst offender I work with, but I am sure there are others out there as bad. A GPS/Video logger is nice to post video to you tube, but not useful for driver development. While I know you are thinking, adding a bunch of sensors is not in my plan, things change. What if you want to add brake pressure sensors to check bias? or a fuel pressure sensor to check for pressure drop in corners? or a ride height sensor to measure aero effectiveness. but your gos/video system doesnt have inputs? Hmmmm- problem?

Software- personally, all the software is very similar, and tech support has on average been very good across the board. Even companies who have little to no tech support staff will be able to direct you to a dealer or user with an application similar to yours to help you out.

Now for some personal observations and preferences-
The features I want in a LOGGER-
GPS adaptable
SD or USB memory cards, internal memory systems with proprietary cables and dongles just serve to **** me off these days. I have been at the track and had a fellow not be able to use his AIM dash because he did not have the right cable, and I had to construct one after a trip to radio shack. SD cards are cheap and the technology easy to integrate.
Sensor inputs- I need to see at least 3 rpm inputs, and a nice split of thermocouple/analog/digital inputs
Outputs- I like to see outputs to shift lights etc.

I typically do not use the video/gps logger (RaceKeeper in my case) for engineering purposes. It is there for driver development really, giving all the parameters a driver and the engineer need to improve trackside performance. For engineering I like to use a seperate engineering logging system, which tracks engine, wheelspeed, 3 axis, suspension, etc. and is typically reviewed after at the end of the day by the engineers to evaluate the car. There is literally so much data taken in that interpreting it between sessions can be a challenge.

I really like MOTEC if you can afford it, there really is nothing better. AIM, Stack, Etc are also good, but tend to be expensive.
For the track day and club racer, I really like my present sytems. In fact we now have a deal in place with the manufacturer to build systems to our specifications and will be distributing them under our own label.

PortedRotorTuner

iTrader: (13)

I have the rlc data logger. But its in the same price range as the Traqmate.
And it’s very accurate and I love it

redmist336

GPS based lap timers tend to have considerably more functions than simple lap timing. I use AIM's Evo 4 and Visor for it's ECU integration which simplifies install, minimises cost and cabling.

However if you are after a truely cheap lap timing system and you only require lap timing then why not look at a beacon based system.

Dave McLaughlin

Thanks for the additional input guys! D Walker...I did check out the Motec system. It is probably more accurate than either the Traqmate or RLC systems but; I am still the same "Knuckle Dragger" mentioned earlier. I couldn't find a dealer in the US from they're website? I think the Traqmate will end up being the best for me since most of the folks I will be running with use this system as Brent mentioned. The idea that I can overlay another drivers data and compare is really appealing to me. The HD sync also allows for the added inputs you had mentioned for expanded data and allows me to tie in my GoPro as well. Will update after I empty my wallet...It would be nice if the Traqmate could also double as a transponder for TT and save me another $300.00. Cheers; Heres' to Po Irishmen everywhere

Brent Dalton

iTrader: (31)

As long as there is still a little whiskey in the jar for after the track goes cold Dave

Dave McLaughlin

Brent, Jameson comes in a green bottle! LOL. I will bring one for after track in the paddock next time we get together! Cheers

P.S. That other Irishman/Scott needs to join in as well...That would be you Fritz

jrx13

iTrader: (3)

.........need to delete...

Dave McLaughlin

Obviously; as Brent said..."After the track goes cold"...

Brent Dalton

iTrader: (31)

Dave McLaughlin

Well...I hope this works out ok. I had to get a transponder $400 plus bucks and decided to go with the Aim Solo GPS. Dave @ OG Racing highly recommended this unit and they always give a 20% discount to NASA Instructors. $760 +/- shipped. I will provide some feedback after I wring it out. Thanks again for all the advice guys! I just couldn't handle $2,400 +/- for a Traqmate and the AMB Tranx 260. Cheers!