Telemetry products for track days?

Hi guys,

I'm looking for input on how I could merge multiple cameras with telemetry.

I know the path of least resistance is buying something that already works, but I really want to mount multiple cameras on my car and it seems these systems get real pricey.

I have a solid state recorder that can record up to 4 cameras. I also have some of Innovate Motorsports data acquisiton pieces that I've used to tune and setup my car. It would be nice to somehow use what I have but I don't want to start writing C code just to merge data, even though I think I could do that with the Innovate products because they have a SDK available (software development kit).

I also have Harry's lap timer which has some video merge function.

Any thoughts or experience with any of this? I really want the multiple camera capturing aspect and I already have a bunch of little cameras to mount all over.

cheers,

Sean

 

Hmmmm, what about TrackVision or DashWare?

You wouldn't be able to control all the cameras, just have to turn 'em on and let 'em rip, then do some post production work, but that's the cheapest and easiest way to do it.

The money is in a system that requires little or no work to merge data and embed, real-time or later, onto the video. Most every multi-camera data systems I sell (Video4, Race-Keeper and Video VBOX) are really simple, really reliable and really easy.

I still like (and have a few left of) the ChaseCam SS-1000 video processor, a picture in picture processor for up to three cameras. No HD and outputs to the ChaseCam PDR-100 via mini-DIN, but you could probably hack something up. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the reply Coach!

One of the guys at the local P club installed a Chase cam in my P car at an event and I think a lot of the guys around here use that one to share data at track events? I'll check out the local forum to see.

The multi camera solid state DVR is around $500. It's not getting me everything I want although it will be "fun". I'll check out those two other packages for merging data ... thanks!

I'll also check out the Chase cam setup and see what that whole package would run. If the difference is a few hundred (maybe $500-$750 difference) I could maybe justify it. Sounds like I'll need a couple of modules, or at least one. I wonder if the PDR100 you're referring to is what the guy installed at the P club? I can research that but if you're bored feel free to type and tell me what I need and how much it will cost . There was another company (Stack I think) that left out a lot of pricing info regarding unlocking software features on their systems.

cheers

 

I did another track session this time at TWS and still not camera or lap time data.

I downloaded the TraqView software and some sample files to see just how the data is displayed and utilized. I have a few questions.

1. How do you display the RPM, I can see the Speed in the Dash Board but, only by turning on the 'By Distance' can I see this RPM map as the speed travels the track. Is there not an easy way to just show the RPM @ Speed.

2. How is the RPM collected? Is this something that plugs into the OBD-II that connected to TraqMate? If so does it come with the kit or is this an extra item to purchase?

3. When I zoom into the Track Map I don’t see the inside and outside of the actual track? I would think that seeing where you are in relation to track placement would be what you would want to see when reviewing your lap sessions. This would tell you your to early/late in your turn. Yes, Video can replicate that but, not exactly in the way I would want it. This way you can overlay a different session to see just how wide you went out regardless how how much speed you were carried.

4. There should be a website section that allows one to upload the data to see exactly where in relation to actual position on track for review or a plug in for Google Earth.

http://www.rothbauer.us/TWS_T4_Drive_Line.jpg (I reached my limit to upload images)

Ciao,

SRR

 

Sorry, I don't understand?

You bought a Traqmate? What video are you using?

Traqview (free) is for data only, TraqStudioand license is required to include and synchronize video from a GoPro, Sony HDR or ChaseCam. Also, you can superimpose RPM if logged onto the video, as well as speed, a track map and g-forces.

RPM is fed to the serial port on the Traqmate sensor unit through the Traqtach cable, TraqData II or Traqsync cable. It sounds as if it's logging if you can graph it. No OBD-II to the Traqmate, only a spark signal or inductive pickup. Both Porsche and Ferraris do supply a usable signal to the Traqtach.

Finally, everything should be compared "by distance." Comparing parameters at the same point into the lap is possible and useful, comparing between different times into the lap is not.

Not sure what your set up is. Very confused.

There is no outline of the track on the GPS-generated line, unless you place it over a Google KML with an editing program. Only program with an outline is Circuit Tools from VBOX.

I compare lap to lap and use the video. Much easier and more accurate. No satellite drift, either...

 

ProCOACH,

I meant to say I did another Track Session with NO Camera or Lap Timer/Data Logger. I have not purchased TraqMate or anyother other device. I downloaded the TraqVIEW Software to study how it displays it's data. I then downloaded a TQM file for the TWS Track in College Station that I would be out at for reference. Cool stuff.

What I was hoping to see was the driveline in plan view that you could zoom into, you know enter a turn to early/late and see where the speed takes you once you past the apex in relation to the actual track while tracking out of the turn. Without Video sync'd I guess it would be hard to see the entire data package to learn from.

I will look into VBOX.

GPS systems have come a long way and I agree there will be issues with actual track placement, drive line overlay, etc...

Ciao,

SRR

 

I have used DL1+Dash2 from Race Technology in the past on an Alfa race car, and am considering something for a 360 Challenge that will allow video+datalogging. With the Race Technology experience I was looking at the Video4. However, I would prefer if there is something out there that can read everything off the 360 Challenge similar to what you describe for the 430. Any experience with products capable of reading the 360 Challenge car info?
Thanks,
Jes

 

In considering the Video4 (now with integral logging), you should reach out to Al Seim at Race Technology USA in Richmond, Virginia. He's terrific and a great resource to the RT community. I've not had much experience with the OBD-II/CAN interface on RT products. Very powerful software and very capable hardware, by my experience is that it's so configurable that it's a little odious and cumbersome to configure and arrange the reading of the data.

The biggest challenge is that the information transmitted throughout the car that incorporates the values and parameters you want to know was not done in most pre-2006 platforms. Sure, there is engine data, but it's calculated and adjusted within the ECU, not communicated to other ECU's in the car (CAN, controller-area network), hence no way to take it off and log it.

Unfortunately, AiM lists nothing available pre-F430. The Video VBOX Lite and Pro DO list a CAN connection capable of recording (and displaying, real time and embedded in the video) TPS (throttle position sensor) and engine RPM for the 360, but that's about it. I've not done that, but I can find out more.

For driver improvement, and combined with GPS speed and position as well as longitudal g's, that's often enough. For car engineering, probably not.

 

Sounds like I may have as much luck with RT Video4 (with integrated logging) as with any other product. In a previous post you mentioned that no info was retrievable from the OBDII port on the 430. Any idea if this translates to the 360C? RT has an OBDII CAN interface, and I wonder if that would be a better bet than the ECU CAN interface on the 360C. I'll try give Al a call - he has helped me in the past.

Edit: Just realized that the 360C may not have CAN OBDII...

Thanks,
Jes

 

Have an OBD1 e36 M3. Looking at a Race Pak GX2 for $700 but curious how to sync it with video?

My friends all have the same system in the same car, but curious if thats the best tool still in that price range?

 

Now I need a lap timer! Does the AiM Solo DL connect to the 1999 355F1 to use a as a data logger? TWS is a 2.9 mile track in college station, tx.

What is the best for a 1999 355F1 which has OBD-II connection for speed, rpm, etc...

Ciao,

SRR

 

No. 355 can be obd2 but not the right version and no CAN. So have to use a real logger. DL is best on cars after 2008

 

I called Aim and they said it is possible to try OBDII Protocal and connect to OBD_II - ISO9141/2 for the 99 F355 (Bosch Motronic 5.2). They have not done it but, they did list the 99-2005 360 Modena (Bosch Motronic 7.3). which makes the same connection?

Something about maybe the data tranfer rate not fast enought? The OBD-II pulls live data for engine diagnostics I told him? I need to find someone at the track that will let me test if the Solo DL will connect and work, need to make sure they have Race Studio/2 in order to change the configuration.

Ciao,

SRR

 

I've done it with an ECU Bridge and a SmartyCam for a 360. So it'll (RPM and TPS) work on a 360.

Not sure on a F355 and won't be near one very soon to check. I've got Solo DL's, though.

 

I sent you an email with some info on the connection we made. Hope we have enough connectivity to make it work.

ciao,

SRR

 

Will check and report back, but sounds like it'll work at least as well as the 360!

 

Not sure if any one mentioned BT1 by gopoint technology with 430 to get rpm, throttle etc linking to iPhone and running Harry's laptimer.

It's a little Bluetooth device plugged into the obdii port.

I've also used it with other cars too

 

I didnt read all of the threads so this may have been said before. I personally think its important to find out what people you are racing with/against use in their cars so you can make data comparisons. In the spec miata world a good majority racers use traqmate and most are willing to share their data. I have been able to make gains just by overlaying my data with someone elses and seeing what they are doing. My traqmate also does data overlay to my chase cam so I can look at what i am doing in the car while looking at data. Amazing what detail you pick up, especially when you have a coach working with you.

 

THIS!

 

Sorry to revive an old thread, but wanted to see if anyone had any further input on this specific device the GoPoint BT1?

I am not necessarily looking for track day use, but more for a monitor device for my 360. I may do a Driver's Ed day at a Ferrari event, to improve driving skills, and would be nice to monitor key systems.

Thanks.

Deiger