Traqmate - GPS based data acquisition system and lap timer - GROUP BUY

[ozz]

I am working with Track-Systems Technologies on a dealer arrangement and a Pelican "group buy" for the Traqmate data acquisition and lap timer system. I'd like to get an idea of the level of interest from this group before going much further with the group buy discussions. This unit is ideal for DE use and open lapping sessions so please take a minute and respond with your level of interest.

If you are not familiar with the TraqMate, this is the same data acquisition system that will be used in the Car & Driver and Road & Track E1 class Honda Civics at the NASA 25 hours this weekend at Thunderhill. It's also been featured on Dream Car Garage. The system consists of a GPS antenna, a sensor unit, a display unit, and the latest version of Review race player and analysis software that runs on your PC. The magnetic antenna mounts on the exterior of the car and connects to the sensor unit which is mounted inside your car (typically with Velcro). The display unit also connects to the sensor unit and displays Lap Number, Lap Time, Best Lap, and whether the lap was faster or slower than the previous lap. The software allows you to load the data from the control unit to your PC and see a track map along with a variety of related information like where you were accelerating, braking, an so on. Based on the research I've done, what I found most appealing was that it is easy to install, easy to use, and is relatively affordable given its capabilities.

Features of the system include:

Stores over 10 hours of track time
GPS track mapping
Easy-to-use Windows analysis software
Multi-car playback
Segment analysis
In-car lap timer (no beacon required)
One touch graphing
Hi-res accelerometers
Optional RPM, analog sensors
The basic unit can be upgraded later to include the Display Unit (For roughly $325)

You can get more information on the system and see examples of the output of the Race Player software at http://www.traqmate.com/products.php?content=includes/productsBody.inc

The Traqmate Complete system (pictured below) sells for $999. Depending on the number of total units that we can commit to, we should be able to get down to at least $899 maybe even a bit less. This give you a beaconless Lap-Timer AND a data logger. The Traqmate Basic system provides the same level of data acquisition but, does not include the display unit to show you your lap times in the car. It sells for $699 and we ought to be able to get that for around the $600 range. Hopefully we can get free shipping on these as well. Once I have a handle on the level of interest, I'll be able to nail down a specific price but for your decision purposes, use the numbers above as worst case. Post any questions here and I'll try to answer them as I can. If I don't have the answer, I'll find it. Thanks! - Gary

[naparsei]

Gary,
If pricing is right - $100 off - then I'm in.
Alex

[ErVikingo]

I'm considering the RacePak G2X, are you familiar with this one?

http://www.racepak.com/

[naparsei]

bump...I'd like to save some cash by having a group buy,...

[naparsei]

I'm surprised more P-heads are not interested...

[ozz]

I'm surprised there isn't more interest as well, naparsei

The software is the real key to this system and the analysis it allows you to do in terms of where on the track you are braking and accelerating, g loads etc. Especially helpful if you share the unit with someone who is faster that you and you replay the sessions and see what they are doing versus what you are doing.

The group buy offer still stands and I suspect when we get to racing season here in N. E. Ohio and people see the unit in use at the track it may bump the interest level.

[Vipergrün]

Some folks may be a bit paranoid since it appears this has not been officially "blessed" by Wayne.

[aigel]

While this is a nice gadget, it is too much $ in my book. That's a set of track tires!

George

[naparsei]

George,
While I understand what you're saying, I'd rather run Street tires, and be able to quantify my lap times, analyze my laps, and track my improvement, than just buy Hoosiers and call it a day. Preferably, a choice between the two doesn't have to be made

[lowyder993s]

Originally posted by aigel
While this is a nice gadget, it is too much $ in my book. That's a set of track tires!

George

I just got the G2X...less than a set of MY tires...if you want to really lower your times, the DL will do it faster and cheaper than 5 sets of tires! We had 4 guys @ the track this weekend w/ them...no cheating...you can brag about entrance speed, exit speed, lat G's and have the proof to back it up. My brother knocked 4 seconds off his lap times in 1 day, just by watching the display and making sure he kept his foot in it.

[aigel]

I don't even have a hot lap timer.

George

[RaceProEngineer]

Gary,

A couple of quick questions:

1) Does the software permit overlaying of lap traces, one lap atop another?

2) Does the box itself have expansion channels for positioning sensors (throttle, brake pedal, shock travel, steering, etc)?

Thanks,
Ed LoPresti

[ozz]

Sorry its taken so long to get back to the questions but, here goes.

Jim - I agree, after seeing the software there is no question you will improve your driving abilities with a DL more so than investments in tires. Tires might make you faster to a point in a shorter time but the data will help make you a better driver in the long run. After seeing lap info and being able to tell what you are REALLY doing on the each lap rather than what you think you were doing is invaluable if you really want to improve. "I know I was flat thru turn 1" ya, right - the data doesn't lie.....

Juan - I know al little about the G2X but I don't have one so, I'm not speaking first hand. What I've heard is - good product, good technology, the display is larger that the Traqmate and has bolts integrated in the display to mount rather than using Velcro, and the software is more technical in nature than the Traqmate is. That may be good for some and less so for others I guess. Also, MSD recently bought that company and announced it at the SEMA show this year. Not sure how that will impact the product if at all.

Ed - 1) Yes, you can overlay up to 6 laps very easily in any order you like. If you have a 10 lap session you can pick the fastest lap and overlay 5 others of your choice and see where you differ in acceleration points, braking along with all of the other data that is captured. You can also mix session laps by setting up different "drivers" in the system for each session (up to 6) so you can compare results across sessions. Particularly helpful if you are making changes to the car between sessions and want to analyze specific results. Assuming you have a consistent driver!!

2) the circuitry for analog and digital sensors is built into the unit. The hold back right now is software to handle the inputs. The software for an RPM sensor will be available in the next couple of weeks and software for the other sensors is to be released over the next few months. It will require the purchase of a dongle to interface the sensors to the box (about $125) and you will need to supply your own universal sensors.

thanks for the questions...