OT: lap timer for track days

[AZ-Twin]

For those of you that do track days on a regular basis, how do you capture your timing data, if you do at all that is?

Some friends and I have started going to the local track on a semi regular basis. We are looking for a good way to capture lap times. I know ultimately lap times are not what we should be worrying about, but is it still nice info to capture.

I am thinking about a phone upgrade, and trying trackmaster. A guy at the last track day had it and it looked pretty cool.

Trackmaster - Welcome

Have any of you tried this?

Also at the track there is a beacon of some sort that will trigger lap timers, but i am not sure what all is involved in that, and if you can store the data or how it works.

I am also trying to figure out other options. I thought my GPS would do it, but it only times based on a distance, not a way point so it would not be real accurate. However it will record top speed and stuff like that, so I might carry it also. My GSX-R has a lot of room under the rear seat.

I am not after some super expensive system, but do want something that works.

Any tips or tricks you have let me know.

Thanks

[twodear]

This is the lap timer of choice down here. Since there is usually at least one IR unit on the wall, most everyone only buys the receiver/recorder.

Lap Timer with Case | Revolution Racegear | Instruments & Lap Timing

[roger albert]

Cheap way is an android or iphone app. Good enough for most folks, if you don't need / want any analysis. Next cheapest is a plain IR/Receiver that picks up the track's beacon. Then there are full standalone gps based units, some of which I really like because they also have data-logging inputs, and have really useful analysis tools.

[bradzdotcom]

i like the F-1 method, where they take the data from the car and sync it up with the audio/video from the onboard camera.

that can't be too expensive, right?

sounds like the phone app might be the best initial route for the occasional track day trip, and a receiver if you're one of those "let's hit 'em all!' guys.

[roger albert]

The video sync capability used to cost thousands. Several of them. Now, a gps system that will put out the sync stream for later sync is not much above 500. When you consider that, plus datalogging, plus laptiming and full gps course plot/record, it's getting to be darn affordable, even if not quite cheap.

[AZ-Twin]

Originally Posted by bradzdotcom

i like the F-1 method, where they take the data from the car and sync it up with the audio/video from the onboard camera.

Crap, I don't think my bike has any data, or an on board camera. But the phone has a camera, and records all sorts of stuff. Probably not up to the FIA or FIM spec, but neither am I.

This app sounds cool, I think I will go look for a new phone.

From the trackmaster web site:

• Record the following track data: position, speed, acceleration, altitude, bearing, absolute time, split times, elapsed times, and lap times.
• Record your track data using multiple trigger modes: immediate, by movement, delayed, or by first split marker.
• View your lap times and split times with graphical analysis on your phone.
• Calculates your best theoretical lap time and best rolling lap time.
• Replay your track data instantly on your phone.
• Share your track data via email, web posting, or Twitter.
• Send your data to Google Earth for desktop replay, analysis, and editing.
• Send your data as a spreadsheet for analysis in MS Excel or Open Office.
• Enable speech to have your speed and times spoken to you while you're racing. This works great for motorcycle racers using a stereo bluetooth headset.
• Provide real-time lap times and speed to your fans via Twitter.
• Launch Street View to see a panoramic view of your race line and the track.
• Supports metric and English units.
• Supports external bluetooth GPS receivers (via add-on).
• Download custom layouts or create your own.
• Overlay your laps to compare your race line.
• Record your setup for car, motorcycle, and karts.
• Export video data for video overlays.
• Works great for autocross, hillclimbs, road rally, and track days!
• Click the User Guide or Google Earth links for more information about these and other Trackmaster features.

[LeftCoast Peter]

: Lap timer comes stock and is built into the instruments.

[AZ-Twin]

Yeah, but my new lap timer has a built in phone, camera, and web browser.

[Sofatester]

Well , I use this one:

GPS Laptimer Automatic chrono, Stealth, gps lap timer Stealth GPS-2

quite cheap, very small (fits into the palm of your hand), communicates with laptop/PC via bluetooth, works on 12V - can be attached to the BMW on-board power supply (ref R1200S) via the stock GPS cable joint (located on top of left side aluminum fairing holder).

I made a bracket for the device (machined alu) that I installed onto the race fairing holder so the laptimer is situated in the cockpit on the left side of the speedo. The device is fixed to the bracket via two velcro strips, so you may install or put it away within some seconds.

Quality is good, Accuracy is good, item works fine, additional windows software is included in "light version" (a bit tricky first but okay after some training) That's all I want a laptimer to do. Sync with Camera or datalogging ? Would be nice, but then I'd be only more disappointed - analyzing all that lacking talent, lacking speed, lacking courage and all the mistakes made on track. So I just avoid that pro-stuff.
I'm just an old lad, wanting to have some fun on the track.

A lot of cheaper GPS timers, especially phone apps have some faults or they lack accuracy and then it's useless to have laptimes like "2:14,787" when the inaccuracy is somewhere between half a second and one second.

With that accuracy, a gridgirl with hot pants, big boobs and just a wrist-watch would be the better choice. only my 23c.

Or I guess, I'm just too old. I use my cell phone mainly for telephoning with other people.
The only app I installed on my cellphone was just for maintenance reasons, to keep the touchscreen clean:

[AZ-Twin]

Thanks sofa, that looks like a really nice unit, if I get hooked on this track thing good I might go that route, very nice.

[kocook]

XT Racing has a robust line of products. The staple of their lineup is the IR receiver. This works as long as the trackday organizer put a transmitter somewhere on the track. Check with your local organizer to get the scoop on that. You may have to get the transmitter.

The GPS versions are getting cheaper. I have the GPX Pro. Have tied in RPM, throttle position, brake switch, and water temp on my trackbike. Gear is calculated. Works very well and has been useful in analyzing my laps/sessions. Add in a GoPro HD camera and you can synch up data and video with 3rd party software such as Trackvision.

[peterz]

Resurrecting this two year old topic.
Technology has advanced significantly since this was current.
What are people using now for lap timers?

My friends who track cars use this (requires iPhone and $19.99):
Welcome to Harry's GPS LapTimer

The features are amazing for the price!

Allows even more features with extra (third party) hardware that plugs into the OBD2 port on cars.
Is there a conversion plug that allows a standard OBD2 to be connected to the R1100S port?
Would it even make sense to do that?
(Not sure what data the R1100S provides that might be useful?)

PS -- This is the kind of app that makes you appreciate what an amazing device the iPhone is.