Lap Timers

[BrewCityCobra]

A bit of a side question here as I work my way through the electrical in my build. I know we have a lot of track/auto-X drivers here so I thought somebody might have a bit of insight.

I'm looking to equip my build for track timing and data acquisition. I don't need anything too crazy at the moment (I'm still relatively new) but I don't want to do anything in these early stages that will stop me from being able to expand my data acquisition capabilities in the future.

For background, my car is completely "dumb" - e.g., carbureted so no computers to plug into at all.

At the moment, I am thinking of purchasing an AIM Solo 2 DL - I figure this is the best of both worlds. Simple in the purchased state in the sense it gives me 95% of everything I need by just mounting the module in the cockpit, and 2) has the CAN attachment so I can always expand it in the future by purchasing individual sensors and the like should I want/need more data.

Any advise?

[RoadRacer]

Not exactly what you're asking, but for lap timing I use Track Addict Pro on iOS, and a Dual XGPS150A Bluetooth GPS receiver (cos the iPhone one is not fast enough)

I have no desire for data capture though. Carb'd SBC..

[Hoooper]

I use Harry's Lap Timer on Android and a Dual Electronics XGPS160. This obviously wont expand to log sensors at any point, I have a Haltech ECU that does that anyway. If you can figure out if you really will add any sensors in the future that should answer whether you can just use a phone based app with external GPS or if you really need the lap timer with CAN capability.

[Jim1855]

The Solo looks like a great unit. My choice at this time but I'm a long way off from needing it.
Jim

[BrewCityCobra]

I appreciate the inputs. I've actually been using Harry's and that seems to be working - I didn't think to just upgrade it with a GPS unit for now (probably a good middle-ground for now).

I guess the SOLO will remain aspirational for now.

[Logan]

Avid autocrosser here ... I use RaceChrono Pro and an external GPS receiver (the same Dual XGPS160 mentioned above actually). It's easy to set start and finish lines, record data for every lap, and review between runs to see where time was gained or lost. Overlaying a faster run onto my own, it is easy to see where they are faster and what I can do to improve that corner for example. TrackAddict and other apps offer similar functionality, but I chose RCP due to competitors all using it so makes it easier to share files.

Adding OBD data is pretty easy too, by using a dongle that streams CAN data to the phone. Then the final piece of the puzzle is a GoPro camera, so you can then take video footage and import using RaceRender and overlay throttle and brake meters, G-force circles, track maps, etc. as well as your actual GPS runtime which is very accurate at 10-25Hz (don't use the phone itself, they're typically 1Hz).

I can expand on all of this if needed, but highly recommend the above 4-device system. It sounds pretty involved to setup, but it isn't bad once you figure out how they work together. The AiM solution is more integrated, but (way) more money too. No experience with them, so maybe they're a better tool for doing the above...I'd like to try one and see eventually.

[andrewb]

I recently purchased the AiM Solo 2 DL and had my first track day with it. I previously used Harry's Lap timer with limited success, but I did not have an external GPS receiver. So far, I really enjoy it. Its very easy to use, download the data, and navigate the analysis software. It was a little tricky to overlay the data with video. The race studio 3 would not export the data in csv, but discovered that race studio 2 does. After that, its straight forward to load a video and data into an overlay software.

For the car, the solo 2 DL has a harness connector that will read the RPMs and power the unit from the car. So, I would recommend adding an extra fused supply for future use. Also, there are no gps data loggers on the market that support the holley sniper efi can bus protocol (has its own non-gps datalogger). If you decide to switch to EFI, keep that in mind.

Andrew

[BrewCityCobra]

I recently purchased the AiM Solo 2 DL and had my first track day with it. I previously used Harry's Lap timer with limited success, but I did not have an external GPS receiver. So far, I really enjoy it. Its very easy to use, download the data, and navigate the analysis software. It was a little tricky to overlay the data with video. The race studio 3 would not export the data in csv, but discovered that race studio 2 does. After that, its straight forward to load a video and data into an overlay software.

For the car, the solo 2 DL has a harness connector that will read the RPMs and power the unit from the car. So, I would recommend adding an extra fused supply for future use. Also, there are no gps data loggers on the market that support the holley sniper efi can bus protocol (has its own non-gps datalogger). If you decide to switch to EFI, keep that in mind.

Andrew

Thank you for the input. Just a quick question - does the AIM solo 2 come with the software for your computer as well or did you have to purchase that separately?

[BrewCityCobra]

Avid autocrosser here ... I use RaceChrono Pro and an external GPS receiver (the same Dual XGPS160 mentioned above actually). It's easy to set start and finish lines, record data for every lap, and review between runs to see where time was gained or lost. Overlaying a faster run onto my own, it is easy to see where they are faster and what I can do to improve that corner for example. TrackAddict and other apps offer similar functionality, but I chose RCP due to competitors all using it so makes it easier to share files.

Adding OBD data is pretty easy too, by using a dongle that streams CAN data to the phone. Then the final piece of the puzzle is a GoPro camera, so you can then take video footage and import using RaceRender and overlay throttle and brake meters, G-force circles, track maps, etc. as well as your actual GPS runtime which is very accurate at 10-25Hz (don't use the phone itself, they're typically 1Hz).

I can expand on all of this if needed, but highly recommend the above 4-device system. It sounds pretty involved to setup, but it isn't bad once you figure out how they work together. The AiM solution is more integrated, but (way) more money too. No experience with them, so maybe they're a better tool for doing the above...I'd like to try one and see eventually.

I have to admit, I probably didn't give the idea of an external GPS enough though - seems like it could be pretty cost effective. I wasn't aware you could hook up CAN data to the phone - I'll have to look into that.

Thanks!

[andrewb]

Race studio 2/3 is the data analysis software and is free from AiM. It has a lot of features and I'm still navigating the options. There are plenty of youtube videos on how to use it. I used RaceRender 3 to overlay the data on top of the video. RaceRender 3 is free for basic options, advanced options cost money.

Andrew

[Avalanche325]

For autocross, a simple GoPro can help a lot. It needs to be mounted where you can see what your hands are doing for your basic analysis. The roll bar is perfect for this. Shots down the side of the car are good to see how close you are getting to the cones. Ram suction cup mount for that. They make a remote that you wear on your wrist. A lot better that poking at a phone with gloves.

Some track days specifically forbid lap timers. Just be aware of that.

As far a data acquisition, I would start simple and see where it takes you. You may find out that you are a data junkie. Or you may discover that you just want to go have fun. Even a GoPro can be a PITA if it acts up. I know a couple guys that keep log books, will barely talk to anyone between runs analyzing data and taking notes, and will never give anyone a ride because they don't what extra weight. See where you are on the scale before you spend a lot of money.

Your first season really doesn't need much more than a piece of chalk and a good tire pressure gauge.