I've been running more track-days lately and I've seen some of those lap timers like the Hot Lap and Ultra Lap. I'm thinking of getting one. Is there anything to watch out for and where's the best place to get one? Thanks!

 

They're fine, but you gotta setup beacons. For the price though I'd rather pick up a MaxQ setup, which would give you alot more useful information.

 

Thanks for the info. I havent thought about GPS-based timers. Not having to worry about a beacon is nice. Unfortunately, its a bit out of my price range.

Ive searched some threads and it seems that the Longacre HotLap seems to have issues with the receiver. I'd like to get a UltraLap and be able to use the HotLap beacon my friends use. Are these different timers compatible with the beacon?

 

im making a cheap one right now based on 3-axis accelerometer and 5hz gps receiver.

 

I saw that thread, how is it coming along UrbanSoot?

 

Haven't you guys heard about the following?
http://www.racechrono.com/?lang=en
or
http://www.schlangmann.mynetcologne....mer/index.html
or
http://research.nokia.com/research/p...SportsTracker/

The first and second ones are specifically designed for trackdays and race timing and the Nokia one is for excersizing though can be used for trackdays. All are very good and very cheap if you already have a Palm device or Symbian (Nokia) device.

Cheers,
Julian.

 

Great info Julian...An informative 1st post...Kudos

I usually get my lap times from my in-car video. It's not instant, but I can check between sessions.

I have a palm at home collecting dust. I need to check into the cost of a GPS module and try out Harry's lap timer.

 

I know two people who picked up hotlap systems on ebay for <$100. These were leftovers from upgraders to gps based systems. We never set up the beacon because inevitably somebody else already had one set up. For that price, it's worth it IMO. You can see changes it whatever you try, assuming you're consistent enough to know that nothing else has dramatically change. That said, this is the big advantage of the high dollar systems- you can pinpoint your errors. And do lap overlays to see exact differences if you're trying something new. All a matter of $ and what you want from it.

 

I'm running a traqmate unit. its a bit pricy, but you get alot of features. I'd recommend running something similar to what your friends use. that way you can share data and have more info to compare against.

 

Traqmate is what I used (and did a bunch of beta testing) with. Absolutely phenomenal piece of a equipment IMO. Even the most experienced drive can look at the data and figure out how to go quicker from this unit (or similar). Given the cost of going faster, I'd say the price is pretty good deal given the improvement of lap times. That said, it requires an understanding of the data and software, and an analytical mind BUT most importantly a driver that's honest to oneself.

 

This piece of software is just the bomb!



For accuracy you want to use an external 5Hz GPS, like the Qstarz BT-Q818X Bluetooth GPS Receiver.

Alfa 159 2.4 (Diesel/automatic)
0-100kmh: 7.6s
80-120kmh: 4.8s
100-200kmh: 30.2s (!)

The Mazda
0-100kmh: 5.9s (3e versnelling )
80-120kmh: 3.3s (1 run, moet meer in zitten)

Nice toy. I ordered a windscreen mount for my phone (Nokia E75) so I can view my lap times during events.

 

I'd scout out what others who are running your events are using, then just piggyback off their beacon signal so you don't ahve to set one up yourself. /$.02

 

I have Harry's laptimer and it works excellent.

Tungsten E2-30.00$ BT GPS Mouse 15$ Software Pro 27$

 

Funny how people click 'New posts' and read only the opening post of this topic which is from JANUARI and not my reply from today...

 

That's what you get for bumping an old *** thread The software does look very neat. I'm glad that autosports are now getting some useful development from the widespread use of GPS receivers.

 

This is a great thread, track season is here. Everyone needs gps lap data the cheaper the better for track days. Wheel to wheel you know where you are as there is a comparison.

Driving a FI miata is much like a corvette or other high HP car, you think you are fast until you see lap times....

Then comes later shorter braking, suspension tuning, and improved driving.

Brake pads start lasting longer!

 

2nd

 

Traqmate - there is no substitute. Great support and easy upgrade to integrated video when you are ready. Not cheap but the data is well worth the price. Upload the data and other can help you with better braking zones and higher cornering speeds.

 

PM ignored, warning #1 issued.