Data Loggers

[CrazyB]

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]

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

[gobuffs]

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]

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

[Jaxx_]

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]

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]

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

[NigelStu]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Duncan has one

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

He post here from time to time

[Earendil]

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]

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]

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...