Track Day Camera Setups with Data Logging - Trying to figure out options but confused

[Nickshu]

So I am wanting to setup a Track day camera in the Lotus relatively inexpensively. I have searched the internet and I am just confused about the options. I want to see my tach, speed, shifts, etc on the screen.

I have a GoPro camera as well as an Android phone. It seems like most people use an app like RaceChrono, long with an external GPS, GoPro camera, and Bluetooth data logger plugged into the OBDII port. Then some software to sync it all together once back at home?? I am utterly confused about how all these devices talk to each other to make this all work.

Since I am utterly confused on how to make all this work together, Anyone with some experience who can explain this to me would make me very grateful.

[Bill Verburg]

AIM has one of the nicer integrated systems
a step down is something like Racekeeper

[jwasbury]

I've got Traqmate in my race car. It's an integrated solution like AIM, but is a little less expensive. AIM is very popular and top of line, not inexpensive.

Harry's lap timer is an app for IOS (not sure if there is an android version). It will do GPS timing, with video overlay all integrated from the iPhone/iPod. I've used it and it works well. If it integrates with an OBD plug in device so you can get RPM, I can't imagine there's any easier or cheaper way to accomplish what you want.

[Nickshu]

Those systems are nice but costly... Seems you can do the same or better for under $100? Using TrackAddict app and phone as gps/recording device with suction cup mount and an OBD2 Bluetooth reader.

I just can't really find a good reference for how to make it all work together. Some appear to be syncing an external camera (GoPro) as well as an external GPS receiver. Confusing.... Guess it's time for some trial and error around the neighborhood.

[Charles Freeborn]

Depending on the level of data acquisition you're after, I simply put my iPhone in a suction mount, point the camera out the windshield and run the app "Track Addict". Doesn't log rpm, etc, but does have a simple gforce thing. Lap times, best lap, etc are all in there, as well as video. When back on the computer at home I can sync up with Race Render. I imagine RR also has additional input sync features, I just don't have them. The free versions have limits like maximum of 3 sessions, limited length of saved videos, etc. Put a thread up over in autocross / racing forum. You'll get lots of advice there.

[Nickshu]

Here's my test video...it's funny how easy this was to get setup but how there is not much information online about how to put it all together, even from the software makers.

I used:
Track Addict App (Free version) on Galaxy S5 windshield mount ($40)
OBDLinkMX Bluetooth Scantool ($80)
RaceRender Video Software (Free version) on Windows 10 PC

[Jandrews]

Well done, Nick.

Now, since there is so little information online on how to set up a decent, inexpensive system like this, in order for that to avoid continuing, how about you provide a couple good, detailed paragraphs on exactly what you did and how you did it, in steps? Would be very helpful.

Thanks!

JA

[A930Rocket]

I wish I had something like that when I was tracking my car!

Originally Posted by Nickshu

Here's my test video...it's funny how easy this was to get setup but how there is not much information online about how to put it all together, even from the software makers.

I used:
Track Addict App (Free version) on Galaxy S5 windshield mount ($40)
OBDLinkMX Bluetooth Scantool ($80)
RaceRender Video Software (Free version) on Windows 10 PC

[Nickshu]

Originally Posted by Jandrews

Well done, Nick. Now, since there is so little information online on how to set up a decent, inexpensive system like this, in order for that to avoid continuing, how about you provide a couple good, detailed paragraphs on exactly what you did and how you did it, in steps? Would be very helpful. Thanks!

Basically...

1.) Download Track Addict app for your smartphone, Free, Android or iPhone. Also download OBDlink app for below OBDLink scantool (also free)

2.) Buy Scantool OBDLinkMX from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/ScanTool-426101-OBDLink-Bluetooth-Professional/dp/B006NZTZLQ?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00 Cool thing is this tool will double as a OBD2 code reader and scanner too which is nice to have around if you don't have one already.

3.) Buy suction cup cell phone mount, I went with Panavise 809 combined with iStabilizer smart phone mount. There are many available out there, I'm sure many others will work just as well.
Panavise: http://www.amazon.com/Panavise-809-Camera-Window-Suction-Cup/dp/B000246ST6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00
iStabilizer: http://www.amazon.com/iStabilizer-Smart-Mount-Retail-Packaging/dp/B00PSW45VU?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

4.) Mount cell phone on windshield.

5.) Plug in OBDLink into OBD2 port. Connect to your cell phone with Bluetooth.

6.) Open TrackAddict app on your smart phone. It will sync with your OBDLink Bluetooth device automatically (takes about 30 seconds to connect). Enable your cell phone's GPS/Location services (this is how the app tracks your speed and G-force/direction). You will see the "GPS" and "OBD" boxes on the app turn green when those inputs are in sync and working. Use settings in app to setup your preferences for what gauges/telemetry you want to show on the screen. The get ready to drive. If you are doing a racetrack you can download the racetrack or drag strip from the database (They have most tracks in the world in the app). If you are just driving around town to test it, select "segment". Click on "record". The screen will say "waiting for movement"

7.) Start driving, the Track Addict app will sense your movement thru the GPS and start recording. Nothing shows on the screen while recording other than a recording time...I assume due to liability they don't want you to watch yourself on the screen while driving. Hit any other button the app to stop recording.

8.) You can review your video in the app under the "sessions' Button. Each video segment will show up as a different session. If you want you can name them. You can now view your video with overlay telemetry on your cell phone. If you want to view them on a computer, export as an MP4,Avi, etc type video file the go to the next step.

9.) Download RaceRender software for your computer. The current version is RaceRender 3. There is a free version and pay versions that have more features. The free version limits you to 3 minutes. You can download here for PC or Mac: RaceRender 3 | Download

10.) Plug your smartphone into your computer. You will have to find the data file and video file that was recorded during your session. Use the TrackAddict app to find the name of the session you want to download. I have an Android phone, on this platform you have to go into the data and find the Trackaddict folder, inside you will find the video and data files. Copy these to a folder on your desktop (or somewhere) of your computer.

11.) Using the RaceRender software select a video ("project") template, then you will see a window where you can locate the video and data files (the ones you put on your desktop in the previous step). Once brought in then you can click OK and follow the prompts to make your video. This part is self explanatory in the software, just follow the steps. There are many features you can play around with...you can change gauge styles, what is displayed, and move the gauges/displays around. Then finalize and create your video, which generates a video file (MP4,avi,etc,you choose), you will be asked where to save this video and it will then be generated and saved on your computer. You are then finished and have a completed video file with telemetry data overlay that can be shared, uploaded to YouTube and/or saved.

It sounds like a lot but really it's very easy and takes only a few minutes. There are other options out there too. You can use a GoPro camera, linked to your smartphone via TrackAddict. In this case TrackAddict functions to mesh your GoPro input with GPS input and with the OBDLink input. You can also use an external GPS sensor (Wifi, Bluetooth or other) if you are attaching your phone somewhere that the GPS signal is weak. I have not tried these options yet, they are more advanced, but once the "session" is captured in TrackAddict regardless of input method the follow-on steps would be the same. Enjoy!.

[Cajundaddy]

Track Addict, Race Chrono, and Harry's all allow you to do this and get good results with smartphone technology at very low cost. I think Harry's/iphone is the simplest to use and overlay.

Here is a quickie first look at Laguna Seca last Nov. (Harry's/iphone) RPM and gear data can be added easily with bluetooth OBDII sensor. No extra charge for self coaching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrMvp1UK_5Y

[Nickshu]

Cool!

[jhynesrockmtn]

PCA in Seattle and I assume elsewhere used to strictly forbid timing at DE's. With this new tech, has that changed?

[Cajundaddy]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

PCA in Seattle and I assume elsewhere used to strictly forbid timing at DE's. With this new tech, has that changed?

Each PCA region has their own rules regarding timing and vids. In Zone 8, personal timing is not allowed for students until they have been signed off for solo. Video can always be used as a training tool during debrief, especially if it shows drivers hands and input.

[Nickshu]

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

Each PCA region has their own rules regarding timing and vids. In Zone 8, personal timing is not allowed for students until they have been signed off for solo. Video can always be used as a training tool during debrief, especially if it shows drivers hands and input.

You can easily turn off the lap timing function, at least on the setup I am talking about. You can just use video and telemetry to help improve your skills without lap timing.