Data Loggers

CrazyB · 03-21-2012, 10:26 AM

Was curious if anyone here uses any sort of data logging systems?
It seems that most of the more budget friendly systems rely on OBD2.
So was curious what everyone uses

djjerme · 03-21-2012, 10:27 AM

pencil and paper (I am way too cheap..)

gobuffs · 03-21-2012, 10:30 AM

What kind of data are you looking to log? You're not going to get any data directly from the ECU in an E30 so you will have to add sensors.

I have an AIM MXL Pista but I have an S54 with standalobe that I can get lots of data from.

I'd suggest an AIM Solo.

CrazyB · 03-21-2012, 10:33 AM

Well main things that I want are speed, g's, Braking and throttle mapping and Map overlay

Jaxx_ · 03-21-2012, 10:40 AM

most setups are going to be big baller. a g-ball is really the best you're going to do, and a map overlay. even android and iPhone applications do this, though.

CrazyB · 03-21-2012, 10:54 AM

Yeah i have also been thinking of maybe trying to build a custom setup using a gps receiver and powered by a small netbook using some usb cams.

jlevie · 03-21-2012, 11:28 AM

I have a RacePak IQ3 in my Spec E30 and am quite happy with it.

NigelStu · 03-21-2012, 01:22 PM

Disclaimer - I sell (authorized dealer) both Traqmate and Race Technology systems.

That said, data systems are the best bang-for-the-buck performance add-ons. With the GPS/Accelerometer based systems (TM, R-T, RacePak, RCL and some AIM), you can get solid extrapolated data on when and how you use the pedals and steering wheel, without a need for OBD info or extra sensors. By far the most useful item I've added to my racing 'stuff'

I've run both Traqmate and Race Technology systems in my cars, along with a G2X. I also have some experience with AIM. Traqmates are wonderfully simple (still use that system on occasion, and will likely use it more this year in Spec Miata for data sharing purposes), Race Technology systems are a bit more powerful with more expandability (# of non-GPS/accelerometer based channels you can collect data from). G2X seemed to be somewhere in between. AIM offers even more expandability higher up in their product range.

Right now, I have a Race Technology DL1 with Dash3 in the Chump Car. I have it set to record GPS speed, accel/brake/lateral G data, Oil pressure, water temp and voltage. Display shows split times, predicted lap times, actual lap times and is set to throw warnings if Oil P, water temp or V go out of range. Plan to add in a low fuel warning as well for this year.

Toadleg · 03-21-2012, 06:48 PM

I have been looking at lap timers and the more expensive data loggers. How accurate are the gps set ups as far as a lap timer or at lest compared to the transmitter box style?

NigelStu · 03-22-2012, 06:31 AM

GPS based are very accurate for lap times - equal to the old transmitter box style. And significantly more convenient (no box to set up at the beginning of the event, run out of batteries part way through, and then forget at the end of the weekend...)

My data lap times are usually within a few thousands of a second, if not exactly the same as, official record.

CrazyB · 03-22-2012, 07:29 AM

Yeah for now i decided to give trackmaster android app a try, i will be running it with a 10hz bluetooth gps for better accuracy.

M-technik-3 · 03-22-2012, 07:42 AM

Duncan has one

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1689772

He post here from time to time

Earendil · 03-22-2012, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NigelStu

GPS based are very accurate for lap times - equal to the old transmitter box style. And significantly more convenient (no box to set up at the beginning of the event, run out of batteries part way through, and then forget at the end of the weekend...)

My data lap times are usually within a few thousands of a second, if not exactly the same as, official record.

This should be true, and I'm about to test it this weekend to see for sure myself

For anyone wondering how it can be so accurate when GPS isn't all that accurate, it's quite simple. A GPS position is only inaccurate compared to the ground lat-lon, not to its self. What I mean by this is that you can mark a point with a GPS unit, walk in a mile circle, and the GPS unit should be able to pick out that dot within inches. Now if you look up the lat-lon of that dot, and place it on a map, you might find that you are 15 feet off.

The exception to the above is that over time that accuracy between two points given by the same GPS will start to drift. This is because the satellites being used for GPS are constantly moving (not geosynchronous). At least that is my understanding.

The other thing that of course helps is that at 100+ on the straight stretch, being off by 10 feet is hundredths of a second difference.

CrazyB · 03-22-2012, 01:00 PM

Hmm so this means a gps logger should work great for autocross since there is no specific course to follow and overlay a real map.

Toadleg · 03-22-2012, 05:57 PM

Second Q's. Now from my research the phone app lap timers seem to be hit and miss, even with what they call a tom tom something...... Do the gps in those just put out a bad signal. What im getting at is are the cheaper gps lap timers going to work good or be hit and miss. As a noob Im not ready for a full data loger(cant afford) but like to be able to time my laps to figure out the best lines ect...

03-21-2012, 10:26 AM	#1
CrazyB E30 Addict Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: BayArea CA Posts: 420	Data Loggers Was curious if anyone here uses any sort of data logging systems? It seems that most of the more budget friendly systems rely on OBD2. So was curious what everyone uses __________________ AutoCross Photos!!https://picasaweb.google.com/eugenes18t

03-21-2012, 10:27 AM	#2
djjerme E30 Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,182	pencil and paper (I am way too cheap..) __________________

03-21-2012, 10:33 AM	#4
CrazyB E30 Addict Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: BayArea CA Posts: 420	Well main things that I want are speed, g's, Braking and throttle mapping and Map overlay __________________ AutoCross Photos!!https://picasaweb.google.com/eugenes18t

03-21-2012, 10:40 AM	#5
Jaxx_ E30 Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Heilbronn, Germany Posts: 1,355	most setups are going to be big baller. a g-ball is really the best you're going to do, and a map overlay. even android and iPhone applications do this, though. __________________ '84 318i M10B18 - 147 - Safari Beige - MS2E w/ 2-step

03-21-2012, 10:54 AM	#6
CrazyB E30 Addict Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: BayArea CA Posts: 420	Yeah i have also been thinking of maybe trying to build a custom setup using a gps receiver and powered by a small netbook using some usb cams. __________________ AutoCross Photos!!https://picasaweb.google.com/eugenes18t

03-21-2012, 10:30 AM	#3
gobuffs E30 Addict Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Earth Posts: 452	What kind of data are you looking to log? You're not going to get any data directly from the ECU in an E30 so you will have to add sensors. I have an AIM MXL Pista but I have an S54 with standalobe that I can get lots of data from. I'd suggest an AIM Solo.

03-21-2012, 11:28 AM	#7
jlevie R3V OG Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 11,304	I have a RacePak IQ3 in my Spec E30 and am quite happy with it. __________________ The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen. Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL NASA & BMWCCA Certified Instructor NASA MidSouth Spec E30 Series Director

03-21-2012, 01:22 PM	#8
NigelStu Mod Crazy Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 792	Disclaimer - I sell (authorized dealer) both Traqmate and Race Technology systems. That said, data systems are the best bang-for-the-buck performance add-ons. With the GPS/Accelerometer based systems (TM, R-T, RacePak, RCL and some AIM), you can get solid extrapolated data on when and how you use the pedals and steering wheel, without a need for OBD info or extra sensors. By far the most useful item I've added to my racing 'stuff' I've run both Traqmate and Race Technology systems in my cars, along with a G2X. I also have some experience with AIM. Traqmates are wonderfully simple (still use that system on occasion, and will likely use it more this year in Spec Miata for data sharing purposes), Race Technology systems are a bit more powerful with more expandability (# of non-GPS/accelerometer based channels you can collect data from). G2X seemed to be somewhere in between. AIM offers even more expandability higher up in their product range. Right now, I have a Race Technology DL1 with Dash3 in the Chump Car. I have it set to record GPS speed, accel/brake/lateral G data, Oil pressure, water temp and voltage. Display shows split times, predicted lap times, actual lap times and is set to throw warnings if Oil P, water temp or V go out of range. Plan to add in a low fuel warning as well for this year. __________________ Ben Thelma-Louise, the '87es/is Chump Car. 2013 Season Schedule! April 12-14 Watkins Glen, NY - 3rd and 4th! June 8-9 Gingerman, MI August 24-25 MIS, MI October 19-20 Road America, WI Dec 7-8 VIR, VA - TBD Find us on FB! Schaut Speed Motorsports Last edited by NigelStu; 03-21-2012 at 01:37 PM..

03-21-2012, 06:48 PM	#9
Toadleg Wrencher Join Date: May 2011 Location: everett washington United States Posts: 207	I have been looking at lap timers and the more expensive data loggers. How accurate are the gps set ups as far as a lap timer or at lest compared to the transmitter box style?

03-22-2012, 06:31 AM	#10
NigelStu Mod Crazy Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 792	GPS based are very accurate for lap times - equal to the old transmitter box style. And significantly more convenient (no box to set up at the beginning of the event, run out of batteries part way through, and then forget at the end of the weekend...) My data lap times are usually within a few thousands of a second, if not exactly the same as, official record. __________________ Ben Thelma-Louise, the '87es/is Chump Car. 2013 Season Schedule! April 12-14 Watkins Glen, NY - 3rd and 4th! June 8-9 Gingerman, MI August 24-25 MIS, MI October 19-20 Road America, WI Dec 7-8 VIR, VA - TBD Find us on FB! Schaut Speed Motorsports

03-22-2012, 07:29 AM	#11
CrazyB E30 Addict Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: BayArea CA Posts: 420	Yeah for now i decided to give trackmaster android app a try, i will be running it with a 10hz bluetooth gps for better accuracy. __________________ AutoCross Photos!!https://picasaweb.google.com/eugenes18t

03-22-2012, 07:42 AM	#12
M-technik-3 R3V OG Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Global: Massachusetts Posts: 14,197 Images: 10	Duncan has one http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1689772 He post here from time to time

03-22-2012, 01:00 PM	#14
CrazyB E30 Addict Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: BayArea CA Posts: 420	Hmm so this means a gps logger should work great for autocross since there is no specific course to follow and overlay a real map. __________________ AutoCross Photos!!https://picasaweb.google.com/eugenes18t

03-22-2012, 05:57 PM	#15
Toadleg Wrencher Join Date: May 2011 Location: everett washington United States Posts: 207	Second Q's. Now from my research the phone app lap timers seem to be hit and miss, even with what they call a tom tom something...... Do the gps in those just put out a bad signal. What im getting at is are the cheaper gps lap timers going to work good or be hit and miss. As a noob Im not ready for a full data loger(cant afford) but like to be able to time my laps to figure out the best lines ect...