Lap timing apps

theclaw · 06-10-2013, 01:00 PM

Anybody use some of the lap timer apps for iPhones that are out there? Thoughts? I'm not a dedicated racer, this would be for occasional DEs.

Thanks

KTL · 06-10-2013, 01:41 PM

Harry's Lap Timer is pretty impressive for a phone app. Not only takes decent video, also gives you GPS speed & turn overlay on video. Plus you can look at graphs like a nerd after your session.

Pretty powerful for a phone app. Not bad considering an iPhone with service contract plus nominal cost of Harry's app = WAY less than a basic Traqmate! If you got your iPhone issued for free thru work? Free video data logger!

Here's Stefan's video for reference. Just need to get a good mount to avoid the shake!

Autobahn 2012 - YouTube

Cory M · 06-10-2013, 01:41 PM

I have an in car timer, but people seem to like the Harry's Lap Timer app.

theclaw · 06-10-2013, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KTL

Harry's Lap Timer is pretty impressive for a phone app. Not only takes decent video, also gives you GPS speed & turn overlay on video. Plus you can look at graphs like a nerd after your session.

Pretty powerful for a phone app. Not bad considering an iPhone with service contract plus nominal cost of Harry's app = WAY less than a basic Traqmate! If you got your iPhone issued for free thru work? Free video data logger!

Here's Stefan's video for reference. Just need to get a good mount to avoid the shake!

Autobahn 2012 - YouTube

That's pretty cool. Except the big difference between Stefan's video and anything I might be doing is Stefan's doing the passing!

KTL · 06-10-2013, 02:47 PM

C'mon Jeff. He passed a Miata. And it wasn't even a SPEC Miata!

AND the Miata backed off for him!!!

theclaw · 06-10-2013, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KTL

C'mon Jeff. He passed a Miata. And it wasn't even a SPEC Miata!

AND the Miata backed off for him!!!

Now that you mention it, it took a while for him to chase them down!!

cashman · 06-10-2013, 03:25 PM

I just used Harrys Laptimer for the first time a month ago. Pretty awesome app for $20 if you ask me. I would reccommend it. Rumor has it if you get the external GPS it is very accurate. I was happy with the built in GPS for occasional DE use. Check it out:
Atlanta Motorsports Park 1989 Porsche 911 Cab - YouTube

theclaw · 06-10-2013, 03:40 PM

Cashman, how did you mount that? It looks like its floating.

cashman · 06-10-2013, 04:13 PM

Floating? Hmmmm, it kinda does look like that. Its either a built in stabilization in the program or I now have convincing evidence to show my wife why I need new Bilsteins all around

.

It's actually mounted to the windshield using an old satellite radio mount I had. I bought a $5 iPhone case and used 2 sided permanent adhesive tape. Worked very well. It's very solid and not floating at all.

Cajundaddy · Cajundaddy's Garage

I have used Racechrono (Android, WM) since 2009 and Harry's since 2011. Both give highly accurate results and lap detail if used with an external GPS reciever with positional accuracy as good as 1 meter. They are less interesting using a phones onboard GPS. A good external GPS is around $100.

Racechrono is freeware and has the best lap data analysis IMO. Harry's is $20, more user-friendly mostly because it is iphone based. It also does video/data overlay with one touch. A very useful tool. I am surprised how many regular track drivers have not discovered these.

I recommend both highly.

996TWINS · 06-10-2013, 11:00 PM

Got the Trackmaster app for the Android just a few days ago. Will need to try it out next time at the track.

Jack Olsen · 06-11-2013, 02:12 PM

I use the Iphone 5 with an external (improved) GPS pickup, and I've been pretty disappointed with both the Harry's Lap Timer and the Cantrell Motorsports Lap Timer Pro apps. It's possible that the problem is me, but I frequently go out and get no lap times at all, or get numbers that are obviously incorrect.

Cajundaddy · Cajundaddy's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

I use the Iphone 5 with an external (improved) GPS pickup, and I've been pretty disappointed with both the Harry's Lap Timer and the Cantrell Motorsports Lap Timer Pro apps. It's possible that the problem is me, but I frequently go out and get no lap times at all, or get numbers that are obviously incorrect.

I had some trouble at first getting my gps receiver to talk to the phone/ipod due to me being an official IT dufus. I created a test track around my neighborhood by marking start/finish and sectors, and tested bluetooth, app functions, and lap data while at home to work out any bugs and learn to use the tool. On track days things get pretty busy and I just want to turn it on and get it to work. After logging 3-4 laps around the neighborhood I had a much better understanding of how it all worked.

Like any tool, there is a learning curve to all data logger systems whether it is a phone app like Harry's, Aim system, or Traqmate.

Ducman · 06-13-2013, 01:35 PM

I use Harry's with an external GPS - works great

Better for track than autocross but I still do some of both

Here is an autocross run....just note this particular run was not with external gps so position resolution is poor

PCA auto cross at TireRack - YouTube

Don

theclaw · 06-13-2013, 03:18 PM

Hey Don! I actually still had a copy of Harry's on my desktop from last year when you showed it to me. i updated it, ordered a mount. Going to set up a test track the way cajundaddy describes to check it out so it works

PatrickB · PatrickB's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

I use the Iphone 5 with an external (improved) GPS pickup, and I've been pretty disappointed with both the Harry's Lap Timer and the Cantrell Motorsports Lap Timer Pro apps. It's possible that the problem is me, but I frequently go out and get no lap times at all, or get numbers that are obviously incorrect.

Jack,
I've not had much luck with it either at WSIR, SOW... Perhaps it has something to do with the very sketchy Cell Service out there?

996TWINS · 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatrickB

Jack,
I've not had much luck with it either at WSIR, SOW... Perhaps it has something to do with the very sketchy Cell Service out there?

A couple of guys last time I was at WSIR could not get a reading either.

How have you been Patrick? Long time no post.

PatrickB · PatrickB's Garage

Good!
Hope to be back at the track in the Fall...

Zuluracerx · 06-13-2013, 05:57 PM

Guys, I just bought an AIM Solo unit for the Radical. It works great at WSIR and Streets. I'm upgrading to an LCD dash with GPS if anyone is interested in the Solo? I just paid $300 plus and will sell for $200 if anybody wants it. It's not officially for sale and will probably keep if you guys don't want it. It's always good to have a backup laying around, or maybe put it in the Shelby. I tried all the Cantrell iPhone pro apps too with 50/50 results. The Solo works great, but I think might read a little on the high side

lol

Cajundaddy · Cajundaddy's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatrickB

Jack,
I've not had much luck with it either at WSIR, SOW... Perhaps it has something to do with the very sketchy Cell Service out there?

Definitely need to load the tracks into Harry's at home before you go. Once they are loaded, you don't need cel service. Just a good GPS signal and you are set. The GPS receiver needs a clear view of the sky for best results so I mount it forward on the dashboard.