I also have a Max Q data logger (maxqdata.com) that can be used to display lap times. It is a GPS system and you can set virtual beacons on the track map and it will display the lap times.
This has a seperate small battery powered GPS unit and works with a a pocket PC ie "Windows CE". I have it set up to automatically start data logging when the car exceeds 20 MPH.
The other thing is that I bought an SD card that had the GPS navigation software on it with all the maps of US and Canada, so I use it all the time for work too.....Yes Business expense!
The GPS unit and software is about $299 then you need the Pocket PC, but you might have one already.
I've been using the Performance Box for about a year. A buddy and I bought them at the same time and we compare notes all the time. The unit is of pretty good quality and records lap data on an SD card reliably. No problems at all. I'm a master with the software now and can grab individual laps and compare from session to session to look for changes, improvements or otherwise. It will also show you G forces, which is interesting info (I've recorded max lateral forces of 1.545g's on street rubber) but doesn't help you learn how to drive faster.
At the circuits I frequent I also create "circuit maps" by driving on the outside of the track for a lap, and then the inside for a lap. I can grab the data and save it for use when comparing lines. Similarly, I've broken the tracks into segments and when you load the data onto the box you can glance over to look at instant segment times and full laps times - plus you get to see best lap on one side. I also used the data at the end of the season to show where I improved the most during the year. Doing 1.22's @ Summit Point; 2.14's @ VIR Full; and, 2.13's @ Watkins Glen.
I've been using the Performance Box for about a year. A buddy and I bought them at the same time and we compare notes all the time. The unit is of pretty good quality and records lap data on an SD card reliably. No problems at all. I'm a master with the software now and can grab individual laps and compare from session to session to look for changes, improvements or otherwise. It will also show you G forces, which is interesting info (I've recorded max lateral forces of 1.545g's on street rubber) but doesn't help you learn how to drive faster.
At the circuits I frequent I also create "circuit maps" by driving on the outside of the track for a lap, and then the inside for a lap. I can grab the data and save it for use when comparing lines. Similarly, I've broken the tracks into segments and when you load the data onto the box you can glance over to look at instant segment times and full laps times - plus you get to see best lap on one side. I also used the data at the end of the season to show where I improved the most during the year. Doing 1.22's @ Summit Point; 2.14's @ VIR Full; and, 2.13's @ Watkins Glen.
I go the cheap route, use a camcorder. Accurate enough for HDPE use plus you get to see what you screwed up or did right to get a particular time. The camcorder clock is quite accurate - I have never needed to reset the clock in over two years.
I have been shooting video for the last four years and never even thought to look at the timing on the tape. This is actually a great idea and is more than good enough for HDPE events.
I'm going to try my silly little Garmin Edge 205 (bicycling GPS computer) set to record at 1 second intervals should last 3.5 hours of recording with auto-stop feature..
It will tell me how many calories I burned bicycling at 150mph!
If I get to a point of 1 second varience of my best time, I'll know I'm ready for something dedicated.
I have been shooting video for the last four years and never even thought to look at the timing on the tape. This is actually a great idea and is more than good enough for HDPE events.
This is the way to go for HPDE IMHO. When I was doing HPDE, on the rare occasion that I got a clean lap that I felt good about, I would give a thumbs-up to the camera so later I could easily find that lap and time it on-screen. Works great and tells you a lot about what you did right/wrong.
Traqmate is on my wish list, but I need tires more than I need another device confirming how slow I'm going.
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