Have you guys tried timing equipment and data logging equipment at track?

I would like something that will give me accurate lap times. In addition, telemetry would be a great aid to myself. what are the costs associated with this? Would it be a better investment to buy a transponder and use it with whatever beacon HPDE hosts use?

 

You might check out the GTechPro RR. Their hardware has the ability to record session, and the software can do some basic analysis lap-to-lap. However, you do need to get the RR, since it is the only one that permits you to download the data from the hardware to a computer.

 

I have a Longacre Hotlap timer (~$225) and a gtech Pro RR (~$300). I think the gtech is pretty cool, and it has helped me identify some of my shortcomings. For example. My 2-dimensional G-graph indicates that my lateral grip does not transition optimally from braking to turning. It shows that I could brake a little less or possibly try more trail braking. I can also overlay two g-graphs to see which how I performed between two different runs, but you really need to be organized, systematic, and well-read to make any use out of the comparisons.

You can also extract your lap times from the gtech pro, but it's not worth the effort. That's why I bought a Hotlap timer later. I use the laptimer much more, and I think it's worth the investment. Consider buying the UltraLap timing system. I heard very good things about it. It costs about the same as the Longacre system, but has more features and more memory. If I had to do it again, I'd probably skip the gtech pro RR. Yet, I'm inclined to use the gtech from time to time to see how much I've improved on the braking to turning transitions. You can compare grip levels between different sets of tires, but once you get good enough, you can tell what works and what doesn't based on lap times. I leave the telemetry stuff the rich, the pros, or the folks that just have so much seat time that the only way they can trim off time is to take a fine tooth comb to the data.

Right now, I'm still 4 seconds off what my car is capable of doing. Telemetry won't help me...only more seat time and good instruction.

 

thanks that helps a lot. i'll do some research into the ultralap timing system. is it a stand alone system? meaning it doesn't require my own beacon?

 

It works similarly to the Longacre; transmitter and receiver. These guys produce and distribute it:

http://www.cc-2000.com/xtracing/en/u...p/feature.html

 

I disagree with that 100%. To shave off lap times you have to become a smooth, precise, and confident driver and telemetry will show you exactly what turns, what techniques, and what areas of driving you need to improve to do so. You have to learn to be smooth before you can drive a car at its limit. Seat time builds confidence and lets you practice technique and telemetry will ensure that you are practicing the correct techniques.

 

At what point do you think telemetry really helps...from day 1 as a beginner, or day 25 as an advanced driver, or day 80? I find that good instruction (instruction that is free because you've paid your fees) is more important. Once your skills have advanced beyond what instructors can tell you, does telemetry starts to come into play. I don't need telemetry which can cost $$$ to tell me I need to be smoother. My instructors already tell me that.

"I leave the telemetry stuff the rich, the pros, or the folks that just have so much seat time that the only way they can trim off time is to take a fine tooth comb to the data."

 

I think telemetry can be usefull from the day you learn how to use it. Instructors are a must and definately offer great advice. With telemetry, you can take what you learn from the instructors and relay it to how you are actually driving. If you don't know what you are looking at or know the basics of weight transfer, handling, etc, then its no good. You don't need to be an expert driver to benifit from telemetry, actually the most benifit you will get from telemetry is before you are an expert as understanding it will help you reach that expert level a lot sooner. Telemetry is more or less an instructor as well.

 

I think video cameras will work great along with telemetry. I don't think you can do one without the other.

I have a Ultra Lap timer. It works great, problem is that a lot of DE events wont let you have them... If you have the $, go with a GPS based unit. THey will run you around $1000. My system cost me $250. You don't run the same way with a timer.

 

Trackpedia.com is creating a database of GPS data for as many tracks as possible using the G2X GPS dataloggers. They loan them out to members to get data at various tracks. I've used it a couple times, although I haven't actually used the software (I leave the to the Trackpedia guys.)

The G2X comes with all wiring (hardwired or cigar lighter powered) and an optional LED dash display, that when hooked up will give you real-time lap times in the car. It's also expandable with additional sensors for RPM and various other things... even has graduated LED shift lights when you hook it up to the RPMs

For just under $1000, its hard to beat for all the features. It can be integrated with various video overlay software as well.

One point that hasn't been mentioned as far as WHEN it will be beneficial the most: thats when you are CONSISTENT. Only thing is, how do you know if you're consistent or not? You guessed it: dataloggers.

Link: http://www.racepak.com/

Actually... this is a better link: http://www.g2xtreme.com/main.htm

 

+1 - I'm using one (a g2x) in my specmiata and have nothing but positive things to say about it. My g2x-reported lap times haver never been more than .05 sec off from official T&S. It debunks the buttdyno brutally. You'll see, in an easy to understand graphical format, how you're cornering G's fluctuate in a turn; how your deceleration fluctuates in a braking zone, and graphically illustrate 'slow in, fast out' by looking at corner entry and exit speeds. The included display gives you in-car lap times, RPM, and speed (via GPS) by default for immediate feedback. Say you decide to try slowing a corner entry some to see if it allows you a higher exit speed - voila, you can try and see while on track and KNOW whether it works. You can add other sensors and see other data if you'd like (ie, steering angle sensor, brake pressure or throttle position).

I know that sounds like an advert, but I'm very impressed with what the device offers vs what it costs. The biggest issue is sitting down and enduring the learning curve with the software. This is powerful stuff, and there are lots of features / buttons / etc that you don't need (certainly not when getting started). They (G2X nee MSD) allow you to d/l the software and a demo piece of data, along with instructions for how to do a basic analysis. Give it a fair shake (set aside 4 hours for a basic understanding) and see if you can figure it out. They also have a small forums section for assistance.

ahm

 

I have the Ultra Lap timer and two transponder for split times. They are pretty accurate and easy to use, it's tough sometimes if you want to use it at driving school as people get pissed off at you sometimes. I wish I can afford a GPS based system, it's $250 vs $1000 difference.

 

Other than GPS and regular infared timing system, are there anything else? With two houses and grad. school, cant afford to do the $1000 GPS option darn it.

 

Wait a minute... doesn't the 350Z have a stopwatch function on it multi-display info pod?

 

That's funny... coming from one of the biggest safety advocates in this forum!

BTW, I usually clock my best laps using the stopwatch function...it seems to be a second or two faster than what I clock with my Hotlap timer. I'll be damned.

 

As long as you're not clocking it coming down Roller Coaster or something, I don't have a problem with it... per se. Probably a better idea to have a buddy with a stopwatch though Then again, I don't know how it works... if its a simple push of a button on the steering wheel, then done smartly, on a straight, and not while passing or letting someone pass, the fine.

But if you have to lean up somewhere on the dash or console... maybe not the best idea

 

The chronograph allowa you to lap one lap every other lap, plus you do have to lean out. It a locked seat belt, I'm not sure I can reach it !

I have a DL1 GPS/inertial logger from Race Technologies. Good little piece of hardware that I barely use. I use it all the time, but not to it's full potential. The thing will log 4 wheel speed, rpm plus 4 analog and 4 frequency signal. Configure that anyway you want.

They are developping a light dash display too.

 

thanks guys, keep it coming. let me know what you used and what has worked. looking to purchase in the near future but not gonna make a rush decision. for now, i'll use the transponders and get lap times only.

 

www.traqmate.com is another popular one

 

You can get the DL1 from my friends at FASTtech Limited.

http://www.fasttechlimited.com/

or email Jeremy at info@fasttechlimited.com/