Data Acquisition - what are you using and do you recommend it?

[JB]

It has been awhile since anyone posted on data acquisition so I was wondering if there is any consensus on what system is best.

I am considering the Trackmate system mainly because I want to be able to quickly move it to multiple vehicles. Also the video sync, capabilities seem attractive.

Anyone have an opinion?

Thanks,
JB

[cstreit]

I'm using the DL-90 from race technology, but most serious guys I know have swtiched to the G2X. Very nice unit with easy to use software (which is something a lot of the DA systems have missed the boat on).

[Tom W]

I currently have a Traqmate with a Chasecam and I use Trackvision to combine the video and data. The Traqmate is simple, but the simplicity means it's limited. I bought it to see how DA would help me and if I would use it. I think that you really can't get much out of it until you add a throttle position sensor and brake pressure transducer unless you use it to compare different drivers in the same car. I will likely switch to a MoTec Dash and MoTec for next year.

Wile I think it is limited, the Traqmate has helped me drop a second or so off my times this year. It helped me see where I was coasting instead of pushing as hard as I should and let me know just how fast I could go in the turns (so I pushed a bit harder).

[ErVikingo]

We just installed a MoTec system ($$$) for me to try out this weekend at the Sebring HSR Races. I'll post my opinions upon my return.

[prooutlaw]

I use the Race Pack G2X from MSD with great results.
Might have one for sale from the second car , used very little ( dont need two )

[ErVikingo]

Herbert,

Which version of it, warranty and price info please..... Thanks !

[prooutlaw]

Juan,
it is the regular G2X ,
had it about a year , but hardly used ( still has the protective cover on the display)
I will take $825.- plus shipping

[ErVikingo]

OK Cool, let me see how I make out this weekend with Data Aq for the first time and will get back to you early next week.

[prooutlaw]

No problem , i am leaving for VIR this afternoon
Have fun at Sebring

[JB]

So, can the G2X be moved from car to car very easily? How and where do mount the dash in a 911?

[ErVikingo]

Thanks same at VIR

[prooutlaw]

JB,
If you dont want any RPM or additional sensor logging , yes it is easy to move.
Even comes with a lighter plug.
I mouted mine more permanent
I mounted the dash where the center AC vents are in a angle toward the driver

[barney911rs]

I don't have one, but I have seen and heard good things about the Race Technology data loggers. The DL1 or DL2 depending on the budget and what you need.

[JB]

The way I see it is the Race Technology set up is around $2K with the display and the software is not very intuitive. That is not very far off $ wise from the AIM MXL systems, though from what I understand the AIM systems are not GPS based.

The Trackmate and the G2X are both around $1K but the G2X display is more advanced.

My hypothetical question is: If you could get a new Trackmate complete (with display) for $150 or a G2X for the regular price of $1000, which would you get??

[prooutlaw]

Where do you get a Trackmate for $150.- ?
Personally , i like the G2X better

[JB]

I'm sorry I was ambiguous on that. I have some contingency credits from a major supplier that will apply $850 toward a track mate or an AIM system. I really want a portable GPS type. I agree, the dash from the G2X looks superior (much more professional) to the track mate. I wish some one would compare the software and general usability. I have found that if a tool is a hassel to use, pretty soon, it just sits in the box.

JB

[prooutlaw]

I have used both and i think the G2X is more userfriendly than the Track mate, but dont take that as either system is easy to use until you learn the software.
There is a definite learning curve just like anything else ( any other computer program ).
Neither one is a "hassle" but you have to learn the software first.

[KillerBee]

Originally Posted by JB

I'm sorry I was ambiguous on that. I have some contingency credits from a major supplier that will apply $850 toward a track mate or an AIM system. I really want a portable GPS type. I agree, the dash from the G2X looks superior (much more professional) to the track mate. I wish some one would compare the software and general usability. I have found that if a tool is a hassel to use, pretty soon, it just sits in the box.

JB

I can compare the AIM and G2X systems as I use both.
I originally opted for the G2X. I'm not much of a techie and I found the G2X pretty easy to learn the important functions. It was great to be self reliant at the track and not have to rely on beacons. I would often hear others complain of either not getting signals from their AIM beacon or getting some faulty signal. Meanwhile, my little G2X was doing its thing; I was getting my data and not having any issues. The data very easily accessed at the track that I like to review between run sessions splits the track into segments and in chart form shows segment time in seconds (to the 3rd decimal), segment entry, exit and average speeds and segment highest and lowest speeds. You can move the cursor around the track and see speeds and acceleration and lateral Gs at any point. You can also easily compare two laps side by side and see where you made up and where you lost time. Downloading and accessing this takes less than a minute. The flash card comes out of the black box in the car, goes into your card reader hooked up to your laptop and the data is quickly accessable. I can post an example of the data if you like. Bottom line is I found it easy enough to use the vital functions and again, I'm not a techie--there's probably alot of capability I never tapped into. Also, I have to credit data systems generally and I guess this system specifically for helping me set several track records this year. So my perspective is that having a data system is truly invaluable.
Now for the other side of the coin.
Eventually the G2X system developed some annoying quirks.
In particular, there was often a difference between lap times shown on the display in the car and the same lap that was downloaded from the flash card to the laptop. You might run, say, a 1:22.56 that properly showed up on the display. That time was also confirmed by a transponder timing system that you or the event organizer uses. You then download the data and it strangely and inexplicably shows up as a 1:22.97. Normally the G2 x is very accurate and agrees to the hundreth, if not the 000th of a second with a transponder system. But it has annoyingly developed this little quirk that has coincidently occurred during my fastest laps that I really wanted to evaluate. When this happens, there is often faulty segment time shown, e.g. showing a slowest segment speed of 37 mph when you know it wasn't less than 90 mph!! Also if you add up all the segment times, they don't add up to either the display total or the new higher total shown in the downloaded data!! I've had several problems like that --not fatal, but very annoying.
Unfortunately the real problem comes in customer service. There seems to be one indivudual you call at Racepak if you have any problems with the G2X and you may or may not get a timely call back. He is very nice and very knowledgable, but probably has too full a plate. It's more than likely you'll never get a call back and you'll have to call a half dozen times before making contact. This could take weeks. Once you make contact, it's more than likely your problem will not be solved. That's been my situation I'm sorry to say.
I stopped using the G2x and went to the Aim Pista for mainly other reasons -I needed to replace my analog gauges with digital (long story) and AIM gave us an easy plug and play option that also included a data system.
My first experience with the AIM display was horrible. I was used to the G2X bright LEDs. I use a dark tinted visor with my helmet and the AIM had a LCD display that I couldn't see thru my visor. Even without the visor, I had trouble seeing MPH --there's so much data on the screen, it's hard to find a single data feature when barreling around a difficult track at high speed--nothing really stands out in a quick glance. In addition RPMs are shown like a bar chart, not with precise and bright LED numerals used by the G2X.
Simply said the AIM systems data capability is significant, but so difficult to use for a non-techie like me that I couldn't learn it by myself. I need alot of help from someone --and I haven't been able to do that yet. It is NOT intuitive and it's very complicated by comparison to the G2X.
Sooo, I kept the AIM for its digital gauges (and future data capability) but for now, I reinstalled the G2X to get my data. So I have both in the car, side by side. I'm really happy to have the G2X back in the car. I'm getting my data again that I can easily access and interpret. I'm independent of any beacons again. I'm still having the same problems with the G2X again and I'm still not getting any response from Racepak.
Does any of this help?

[Jack Olsen]

I have the DL1. With the exchange rate being what it is, it's hard to recommend it over the lower-priced systems. But it does the job very well for me.

[JB]

Thanks to everyone who responded. It seems like every system has its advantages and disadvantages. I ended up ordering the Trackmate Complete system since I had $980 in credits from the CDOC PCA club race contingency program and that is one of the GPS type systems they carry. I researched other forums and basically, the only complaint I heard about Trackmate was about the display. I only want to get laptimes from the display so I don't think that will be a problem. Also, the video integration seems to be very seamless. From what I gather, the software is among the easiest to use and from experience, if something is a hassel to use, it gets forgotten rather quickly. I'll let everyone know what I find after using it awhile.
Thanks,
JB