school me on data logging
 

its been years since ive gone to a track event. i think im going to be able to get a little more serious about it now so if figured i would look into this as a useful tool, particularly the predictive lap timing stuff. does anybody have any experience with this sort of thing?

What do you want to know?

The datalogging part is easy. Get your logger of choice, and just turn it on at the track.

How you use/interpret that data is where the real value is. I have no problem giving a few pointers here and there, but data analysis is a service that I offer, and I can give feedback tailored specific to your requirements. For people that I'm coaching and/or hire me specific for data analysis but don't have a logger of their own, I use a portable datalogger.

well i literally know nothing about them. what i want is a cheap entry level datalogging system that will provide the tools to take me from a novice driver to a decent driver more efficiently. i dont really think i want too much help despite the fact that it seems like i want to be spoonfed. i just think that a little bit of advice in the beginning can save a lot of time money and headaches in the future. thanks

I run an AIM Solo and like it. It's not great, the documentation is a joke, but it works well enough and the predictive lap timer is helpful for testing stuff out. I use the data to compare things I changed and see what worked out the best, etc.

Use trackmasters/harry's lap timer, for a taste in what data can do. It'll cost you $10.

If you feel you want something more sophisticated, then the next step up I'd recommend is a AIM Solo DL ($700), which is a unit that we sell, and what I use when I need a portable logger.

From there, I'd go up to a Racepak G2X, which is what I use in my s2k.

I use Harry's Lap Timer and Torque these days but they're nowhere near as comprehensive or precise as my Racelogic Performance box (and software) was.

The beauty of the performance box was that you could open the data on your PC and split apart laps easily, then scroll around each lap and see any value you liked at any given point. The race lines were exteemely accurate as well, meaning that you could assess cornering lines on top of that.

Those are just the tip of the iceberg though.

Like CSG Mike says, the real magic is in interpreting all that data properly so you can get actionable information out of it. It's a black art and a whole profession in itself.

I'd love to be able to do car telemetry analysis full time...

the performance box is the unit that really got me thinking about this as i found one used for 350 and it seemed to do the things that i need (at least the things im aware of and think i need). i guess i have to start doing some comparisons.

Get something with OBD2/CANBUS capability. Trust me, it's worth every penny.

You could also buy a Tactrix Openport 2.0. ($160)
It can log any CAN data from the OBD port in realtime in standalone mode (no laptop required).
Then you can use it to reflash/tune your ECU Maps using Romraider & ECUFlash

Not to add too many options to the list... however Traqmate has been a standard for most of our NASA racers. Personally, I'll be running Autosport Labs Race Capture Pro this year.
The real value from any Data Acquisition system will be evident when you have someone with a similar system to compare data to. You're on the West Coast, so I'll let Mike lead the way on this conversation, as this is something he really enjoys and is best placed to help you. Looking up those additional 2 options will provide a host of general information as well.

I use AIM Solo DL, its awesome and accurate! Worth every single penny!