Hot Lap or Ultra Lap?

911teo · 07-06-2005, 06:23 AM

Guys I am looking to buy a lap timer... I searched through the archives but I was wondering if new stuff jhas come to the market...

What do you guys recommend? I read that one of the Hot Lap's advantages is that it is commonly used so you are bound to find someone with a transmitter at the track...

Any other recommendations?

TMH · 07-06-2005, 07:04 AM

I had a hotlap. Didn't particularly like the size, or the '60's era technology. Bought an Ultralap from Chad Plavan ( http://www.plavanracing.com/ultralapindex.htm ) and couldn't be happier with it. Well, I could be just slightly happier if it had a little longer cord, but the unit works just great and I love being able to download a session or a day and compare/manipulate/graph the laptimes within Excel.

It is a rugged, modern and functional system which I highly recommend over the Hotlap stuff. And I have been seeing more and more of the Ultralap transmitters already set up at the tracks where I go.

P.S.: With the Ultralap use the motorcycle battery (or other small 12 V gel cell) for the transmitter. This provides the most power and will last all weekend easily.

Tom

911teo · 07-06-2005, 08:19 AM

Cool I'll talk to Chad... thanks!

Jack Olsen · 07-06-2005, 10:47 AM

Ultralap is the way to go.

addictionMS · addictionMS's Garage

if you can afford a 2X in price, you might consider a data logger, they are more common now than ever. If you have a laptop you can getlap times after the run, and a whole lot more....

Jim

911teo · 07-06-2005, 11:33 AM

Ok... since I may end up that way what data logger would you suggest? Can I plug them in a OBD I port (97 Euro Varioram)?

If I am talking nonsense please tell me...

addictionMS · addictionMS's Garage

There seem to be two brands surfacing around here, most are using Race Technologies DL90 or DL1 (DL1 may do ODBI, ODBII) and the other is AIM

http://www.race-technology.com/WebPage2/index_en.html

http://www.aimsports.com/

Jim

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

I've got a couple of questions:

1. Do most tracks support the Aim system?

2. How hard is it to aim/setup the "land-based" unit in the Ultra system?

Jack Olsen · 07-06-2005, 08:17 PM

Aim and Ultralap use the same sender. There's no trick to setting up the sender at all. You put it on the pit wall or mount it on a tripod.

Many data logging systems do not give you live lap time updates inside the cabin while you're driving. A data logger (and reallistically, you're talking about more like 4X the cost of a lap timer) is really a different type of tool. I use both -- but of the two, I'd say it makes sense to get a lap timer first.

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

Thanks Jack. As I'm getting more track time, I've got no data, other than my butt, to know how I'm doing. The in-car lap time readout would be most helpful.

ozz · ozz's Garage

I recently installed the Ultra-lap and used it for the first time last weekend at an open track day. It worked fine and I'm pleased with it but, if you go that route be sure to ask for the 10' cable to connect the receiver to the display.

That event was fairly small (40-50 cars I'd guess) and I was surprised to see that someone had an Ultra-lap transmitter set up so, they seem to getting more popular.

911teo · 07-07-2005, 06:18 AM

I just ordered the ultra-lap form Chad. I could not bring myself to spend $1,000 for the data logger... An Isaac device takes precedence...

Plavan · Plavan's Garage

Hi Guys-
Again, thanks for all the great comments. Cable length has come up before. I have been working with the manufacturer to have my "stock" length 8 feet instead of 6 feet. 8 feet was the consensus preferred length on the last thread..... Now guys are talking about 10 feet. I pretty much nailed them down for 8 feet standard for me.
The only cars I am finding the 6 foot is too short for is the daily drivers (or cars without cages to run the wire down the roll bars side beam).
Let me know what you guys would think is better- 8 foot, or now 10 feet.
Personally I think 10 feet would be pretty long, and you would have to coil up the remainder somewhere. I'm just trying to find the happy medium for everyone (race cars- daily drivers)
Thanks again for the great support.

911teo · 07-07-2005, 08:22 AM

Chad
I just reply to your paypal email... Mine is a daily driver... At this point maybe I am just going to call the manuf and get a custom made 10ft cable... What do you think?

Plavan · Plavan's Garage

Sure- Sorry I do not have the longer length yet. I should have it in two weeks if you want to wait. (But I hate waiting for new toys too

) Look for a PM.

Plavan · Plavan's Garage

Good news- I just talked with them. You have a 10 foot coming your way. You should have it in 2 days

911teo · 07-07-2005, 08:31 AM

You are the best!!!

ozz · ozz's Garage

Chad,

At least in my application (w/roll cage), 8' would probably work but the 10' cable gave me some flexibility, particularly when I needed to move the receiver from one side of the car to the other to accommodate different transmitter placement.

FYI, I'm working on a quick-connect adapter to allow you to disconnect the receiver and the display without having to remove the tiny little screws and covers each time. This way, you can install (read: route and hide) the cable and leave it in place and easily disconnect the receiver and display and take the out of the car. I'm also looking at developing a mounting bracket that will clamp to the roll cage and hold the receiver. Hanging the receiver with zip ties while reaching over and around the cage and seat is a real PITA if you need to do it more than once!

dfink · 07-08-2005, 08:31 AM

Are you saying that you can't just unplug the reciever and display and take it out of the car. That would be a major PITA as my install would only be for track days. I guess I would have to just take the wire and all out each time. It looked like from the picture that the cable just plugged in like a network connection. Sorry this is a little off the original post.

ozz · ozz's Garage

dfink - that is exactly what I am saying. To unplug either end (receiver or display) you need to remove a small screw (two on the rcver) and the cover to get to the connector. If you didn't route and secure the cable you could just take the cable and the rcvr & display all out together. If you route and secure the cable somehow, then its more of an issue. I may have a solution to this shortly so that I can leave the cable installed in the car and easily disconnect the devices.