I'm looking for a unit that my friends and I could buy for track use that would provide all of the modern data points but without spending 1000 bucks.
Does anyone have suggestions?
I saw a review of these things in one of the car magazines a while back but can't find it. There was something that we relatively inexpensive but very nearly as accurate as the big boys.
An old sponsor (I think) had a nce looking unit. It is called the Datacom 2 and sells for about 700 bucks. The vendor is PartsForYourCar (PFYC) and they are on the web.
An old sponsor (I think) had a nce looking unit. It is called the Datacom 2 and sells for about 700 bucks. The vendor is PartsForYourCar (PFYC) and they are on the web.
That looks cool. I shoot video on my bike from the top of the gas tank. I get the tach and speedo in the bottom of the picture, but this is even better.
I've used my buddies traqmate, but it is a pain. You have to turn it on and off everytime you enter and exit the track, even though it says it will recognize the start/finish line. Then you have to go through their program to extrapolate the info. Lots of info!!
I have resorted to using my regular laptimer. It looks like the next timer I get will be the datacam2.
God I love that track! Only got to do parade laps on the new section cause there was a radicla school going on at the same time. Oh, and nice job catching a few of those radicals
Anyway, what does your video setup look like? Do you need an external camera feeding the Datacom or can you hook thing up to your camcorder directly? This looks like a great tool to evaluate where you can work on speed, especially the lateral acceleration.
Google video is an amazing resource, I have stuff from Pocono and Watkins Glen up there. Sure would be nice if the Mods created a video subsection for these links - it is so easy to get vids up there, and it's all free.
ps - if you want to at least do lap times, I REALLY like my UltraLap timer. Its very well done and generally when I go to DE's, someone already has the beacon set up. For more info you can google "XT Racing Ultralap"
I have the g2x but I wouldnt recommend it. Its a constant pita and the interface is designed by engineers, not people.
That's why you need a DL1. The software is much more user friendly & quicker to use while at the same time capable of in depth analysis. I've had 2 customers this year already make the switch.
A GPS based system is great entry level DA system because of the amount of info you get before you even plug in any additional inputs. Want to quickly put it in a buddies car? <10 minutes and your good to go. Room for expansion = 7 analog inputs, built in and ready to go. An added bonus is that the DL1 is now running at 10Hz GPS. ($20,000 Race Logic setup that all the OE's use is 20Hz)
More info & some simple analysis examples on my website.
I can send you some sample data if you'd like to give the software a try.
Last video on this page, has DL1 data overlaid on my in car camera (no tach input hooked up yet).
edit: Headed out the door for vacation. I'll be back on Oct 2.
__________________
Jeremy Lucas
02 Z06 - T1 CCWs, SW header, DL1
I've used my buddies traqmate, but it is a pain. You have to turn it on and off everytime you enter and exit the track, even though it says it will recognize the start/finish line. Then you have to go through their program to extrapolate the info. Lots of info!!
I have resorted to using my regular laptimer. It looks like the next timer I get will be the datacam2.
Dog
Your buddies system has some issue then - I have no such problems with the TraqMate.
Has a great display with laptime front and center.
Your buddies system has some issue then - I have no such problems with the TraqMate.
Has a great display with laptime front and center.
Maybe there is something wrong with it. If you don't stop it when you come in the pits it will keep recording all day. Last time I used it, it was completely full by early afternoon. Of course it was full of 40 minutes of nothing for every 20 minutes of track time.
Luckily I always run my XT racing laptimer as a back up. I don't get the data, but at least it starts when I go by my beacon and stops when it reaches the max lap time you set in it.
ps - if you want to at least do lap times, I REALLY like my UltraLap timer. Its very well done and generally when I go to DE's, someone already has the beacon set up. For more info you can google "XT Racing Ultralap"
I have one of these too. It seems to work well and I agree there is usually already a beacon set-up on the track.
God I love that track! Only got to do parade laps on the new section cause there was a radicla school going on at the same time. Oh, and nice job catching a few of those radicals
Anyway, what does your video setup look like? Do you need an external camera feeding the Datacom or can you hook thing up to your camcorder directly? This looks like a great tool to evaluate where you can work on speed, especially the lateral acceleration.
Google video is an amazing resource, I have stuff from Pocono and Watkins Glen up there. Sure would be nice if the Mods created a video subsection for these links - it is so easy to get vids up there, and it's all free.
Hi Kmagvette:
I will be back at Spring Mountain for Corvette Days November 3 and 4. You should fly out at rent a car for the weekend!
With regards to your request, my car is at Orange County Corvette getting a couple of preps for this weekend at Buttonwillow. When I get it back I will take a couple of pictures of the camera and DataCam2 set-up and post them on the site in a few days, so check back in from time to time.
I use the G2x data logger. It is a great product and comes with the dash. It has worked well for me during autocrosses and it is easily transferred into my SSC race car (mazda slo-te-ge)
adamb
__________________
Adam Breakey
2004 z06 Torch Red/ModRed
Sold: 2000 Dark Bowling Green Metallic C5 Convertible
I use the G2x data logger. It is a great product and comes with the dash. It has worked well for me during autocrosses and it is easily transferred into my SSC race car (mazda slo-te-ge)
adamb
Adam, you really like your g2x? Dont you think the software is a POS? If I dont use it every week, I totally forget how to use it. I realize they got their start in professional circles, but they really need to overhaul that for the consumer market... definitely starting from scratch. Its unnecessarilly confusing.
Also I've lost an entire event's data because their software update was defective. I actually had to send it back to them to get it working again (which was the second time I had sent it back).
Also, does your display make a high pitched whine? I contacted G2x and they say it is related to the power supply - this is where the noise is coming from. They offered no solution for me... so my good hearing keeps me from using the g2x for any period of time.
Their support is really good because they are always friendly with me and accessible, but the product itself is really badly done in my opinion. I really wish I hadnt bought it and cant recommend it to anyone.
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The software is much more user friendly & quicker to use while at the same time capable of in depth analysis. I've had 2 customers this year already make the switch.
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