Predictive lap times are awesome but IMO you can reach 'data overload' and the 'paralysis of analysis' where you spend all your time trying to figure out why you held .03g more in T3 at .6 more mph yet had a slower sector time by .09 seconds in lap 4 of a 30 minute session. Hmm... let me check the other 22 sensors on the datalog...

At my modest driving level, I'm happy with good video, basic telemetry and laptimes with sectors. If I'm worried about the engine, I'll run an ecu datalog for the session and if I'm worried about something else, I'll try to stick a 2nd GoPro on to watch it. Usually, I'm too busy with wrenches to do much else in the downtime!

 

I definitely use predictive lap timing. Information overload could definitely happen, but I only have the predictive lap show up at a few sectors on-track, and at a place where I have time for a quick glance.

I prefer the over/under numbers, and that is how I have my display setup.

Left side shows over/under of the current sector, right side shows over/under of the current lap.

eg.: 12/100 faster in this sector, but 32/100 slower lap:

-0.12 +0.32

 

Over/under (usually under) and shift lights are all I look at.

 

A lot of systems have predictive timing now which is sort of nice depending on what kind of racing / track days you are doing. Steering pot typically comes before suspension travel and yaw/g can tell you a lot before you get to suspension travel. Throttle position is one of the very first things you log in most scenarios.

Anyway suspension pots can be great if you have a very good understanding, are at a relatively high level of skill and have all the other basics nailed first.

 

The biggest area for improvement in a car is the driver, so it seems that the video is the first, best way to improve driving. I've also seen secondary cameras focused on the driver help train drivers to look further into a turn, etceteras.

Beyond driver improvement, I want to know what my car is doing and if it's within the range of normal, and if my driving is within an acceptable range. I think that's where predictive units can help.

 

Predictive lap timer is a must, at least for me.

Like Hustler, it's the only thing I look at when I'm on track, and even then it's only a few times per lap.

Traqmate's newest display really took a big step (as in finally into the 2000s) with it's predictive lap timer and display. Unfortunately, I'm still stuck with the old cruddy display with it's fairly awful predictive lap timing...

 

Is that the "TraqDash Complete" that is the good one and the "Classic Complete" that sucks? I'm mildly interested in this thread since I want to get a GoPro for use while snowboarding also. But $1400 + the cost of a GoPro is a bit rich for my blood at the moment. Looks like it's time to buy a couple of Arduinos and hack together a solution.

 

Our latest enduro car has fuel level, predictive and shift lights. Nothing else. Other displays can be accessed by pushing buttons but that's the default.


BTW, Datalink 4.1.1 is out and you want it if you are a Racepak user. Several new functions but the coolest is it blazing through all the previous option screens when you connect or load a file. Far simpler to get connected and start using it now.

http://www.racepak.com/downloads/

 

Thanks, E...nice to see that's fixed.
I disagree with "videos first". With data and over/under, I immediately know if what I just did is faster or slower. Video is cheap anyway, $20 roll bar mount, $20 tripod adapter for your cell phone.

 

At PRI today, I saw Racepak's soon-to-be-released GoPro V-net adapter that allows you to trigger the camera when the IQ3/G2X begins recording. Great minds think alike

 

Oh my god my wallet!!!!!!!!!!!arrrgggghhhh

 

I believe they prototyped that on one of my GoPros. You're welcome

 

Sweet - maybe I'll have the car together before it becomes available - 10" 6uls first - and HoHos - and OMP seat - and wing - and 3 layer suit - and, and, and...

I'm assuming you have to mod the GoPro case to tether it to V-net?

 

I'll have a data acquisition unit out in 2013 that won't break anyone's wallet, and will sync with GoPros. Promise.

 

Yeah, you need to dremel a slot in the back. No worse than what I've already done to allow for in-car charging.

Between that and the Hero3's compatibility with 64gb SD cards, the camera's finally become a no-brainer. Plug it in on Saturday morning, unplug it Sunday night, and all your sessions are there.

 

Normally I'd be interested in the gopro/replayxd v-net connector, but racepak usually has a really long lead time from announcing something to when it's actually available. They've been talking about having something for replayxd for a while now. Hopefully they prove me wrong and release it soon. I can't complain too much, though. The IQ3 is awesome.

 

Will it have a gigantic over-under lap timer I can bolt to the dash?

 

go pro is having a sale on the wifi back and wireless remote, $79 for both!

GoPro Wi-Fi BacPac & Remote

 

How many of you have seen this? It was on GRM.

http://www.indiegogo.com/RaceCapture

 

It was mentioned in the Nexus 7 as a digital dash thread.

But I am REALLY interested how it could interface with a gopro. Probably not soon, and I'd still need something to show the predictive lap times and such, but it looks very nice. Certainly can't beat the price.

I will however have to hold off until I see what Cordycord is working on.