Data Logger Recommendation

[timurrrr]

Originally Posted by ermax

Just curious, does RaceChrono have a CSV export which you could then import into MoTeC i2C Pro or McLaren Atlas?

Here are the currently supported formats for export:


If none of them are directly compatible with the software you use, there are still a couple more options:
a) Ask the RC developer to add those export formats (he is fairly responsive, and generally open to support more import/export formats)
b) Write your own converter from one flavor of CSV to the one you need (in case you have at least basic Python knowledge)

Originally Posted by ermax

If you have an iRacing subscription then Atlas is available for free and MoTeC i2C Pro is free if all you are doing is CSV imports.

I've heard about this software before, but didn't realize they can be used for free in these cases — thanks!

Originally Posted by ermax

I’m tempted to build your rig but do the CSV dump right within your software and not bother with the RaceChrono stuff at all. Or maybe do both.

Good news is that in order to test whether exporting in the desired format(s) works, you don't need to buy or build any hardware. For starters you can just test whether exporting of phone's GPS data works.

Originally Posted by artongdou

My goals are: [...]

Add
5) ability to conveniently review data between sessions

With RaceChrono, you can review data whenever you can use a phone.
In my personal experience, it's incredibly useful to be able to see the sector breakdown and comparison between laps. After each session I see where my next "opportunities" are, and focus on those, rather than "try to mildly overcook the whole lap and see what happens".

I believe most AIM products require using a laptop (laptop!) and additional software to be able to review things.
That IMO is something not everyone is going to bother doing after each session.
Whereas with RaceChrono (and probably HLT?), reviewing data is so accessible that why not?

[Alan]

Any solution that requires wireless connections and multiple different pieces of hardware working in conjunction is going to be more prone to error. Look at the number of Harry's lap timer videos where the speed clearly is not matched to or consistent with what you are seeing on the video.

Any system that does not automatically overlay data and video together quickly just makes it harder and more time consuming to watch video and data together.

Although data analysis on its own can be very informative, for a lot of people, hovering over a laptop in between sessions etc. just doesn't work. Data analysis post-track day with notes for the next time you go to that track is often the outcome.

I bought an AIM dash thinking I would use data in between sessions, overlay video at lunchtime and overnight before day 2. I used the GoPro I already had instead of paying over a grand for a smartycam. After one season of screwing around with that, I went and got a smartycam. Now, I can pull video immediately after a session, watch it with people, and get instant feedback on what I can do differently.

To be clear, video, even with overlaid data is not a substitute for data analysis but it can be very helpful "immediately" when at the track.

Just my experience.

[timurrrr]

Originally Posted by Alan

Look at the number of Harry's lap timer videos where the speed clearly is not matched to or consistent with what you are seeing on the video.

It was painful to sync data to video in the past for me too. The trick I learned back when my data was from OBD is listening to the engine sound while watching the rpm data channel. It was still time-consuming, but I was getting good results. (those HLT people are just lazy!!!111)

Since I started logging CAN data, which includes a data channel for the steering angle, it became very easy to sync video to the data perfectly. I first approximately sync audio vs video my checking the map, and then I only need to find one place in the data log where I do some quick steering correction (e.g. counter-steering). The whole process takes less than a minute for me now. You can gauge the quality of results in the examples I shared above.

Originally Posted by Alan

Although data analysis on its own can be very informative, for a lot of people, hovering over a laptop in between sessions etc. just doesn't work.

Totally agree, this is why IMO mobile apps such as RaceChrono are superior to PC/Mac software for most people — they make the process of analyzing data between sessions much easier.

Originally Posted by Alan

After one season of screwing around with that, I went and got a smartycam. Now, I can pull video immediately after a session, watch it with people, and get instant feedback on what I can do differently.

To be clear, video, even with overlaid data is not a substitute for data analysis but it can be very helpful "immediately" when at the track.

Just my experience.

I'm sure a lot of people can relate to that experience!
That's why Garmin Catalyst is so popular, despite being a $1000 product with no OBD connector.

[jflogerzi]

I am going to start with the following setup

HP tuners track addict
Andriod phone
External gps Qstarz BT-Q818XT
BAFX Products Wireless WiFi (OBDII)
Campark X35 Action Camera 4K 24MP Wi-Fi control
Tackform Headrest Mount for GoPro
ARKON BT010 Windshield Suction Mount for external gps

Use the lap comparison built into track addict.

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk

[timurrrr]

Originally Posted by jflogerzi

I am going to start with the following setup

HP tuners track addict
...

Any particular reason to choose Track Addict over RaceChrono?
Just a few weeks ago someone in the 86DC told me that TA still doesn't even support custom OBD PIDs.
You really want to be able to log the brake pedal input, and it's not a standard PID.

I used Track Addict a couple of times before I tried RaceChrono, and never looked back after I switched to RC.

[jflogerzi]

Originally Posted by timurrrr

Any particular reason to choose Track Addict over RaceChrono?

Just a few weeks ago someone in the 86DC told me that TA still doesn't even support custom OBD PIDs.

You really want to be able to log the brake pedal input, and it's not a standard PID.



I used Track Addict a couple of times before I tried RaceChrono, and never looked back after I switched to RC.

Will try it this weekend. Can you share your pid setup for the brake pedal.

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[timurrrr]

Originally Posted by jflogerzi

Can you share your pid setup for the brake pedal.

Sure, https://racechrono.com/forum/discuss...r-frs-brz-gt86

[jflogerzi]

Originally Posted by timurrrr

Sure, https://racechrono.com/forum/discuss...r-frs-brz-gt86

Channel: Brake Position (%)

OBD-II header: 0x7B0

PID: 0x2141

Equation: min(100, 1.1 * max(A-10, 0))

Edit**

Got it to work. Just needed to restart my One Plus 7 Pro after I added the custom Channel and its working! Noticed Throttle % idle is at 14. Normal or is there a way to adjust this? Also is there a way to figure out current gear like in Track Addict?

[jflogerzi]

Originally Posted by Alan

Any solution that requires wireless connections and multiple different pieces of hardware working in conjunction is going to be more prone to error. Look at the number of Harry's lap timer videos where the speed clearly is not matched to or consistent with what you are seeing on the video.

Any system that does not automatically overlay data and video together quickly just makes it harder and more time consuming to watch video and data together.

Although data analysis on its own can be very informative, for a lot of people, hovering over a laptop in between sessions etc. just doesn't work. Data analysis post-track day with notes for the next time you go to that track is often the outcome.

I bought an AIM dash thinking I would use data in between sessions, overlay video at lunchtime and overnight before day 2. I used the GoPro I already had instead of paying over a grand for a smartycam. After one season of screwing around with that, I went and got a smartycam. Now, I can pull video immediately after a session, watch it with people, and get instant feedback on what I can do differently.

To be clear, video, even with overlaid data is not a substitute for data analysis but it can be very helpful "immediately" when at the track.

Just my experience.

Maybe if we get another Stimmy check I will pony up the $$$

[timurrrr]

Originally Posted by jflogerzi

Noticed Throttle % idle is at 14. Normal or is there a way to adjust this?

Yes, because it's throttle (valve), not accelerator (pedal)
See another custom PID I posted on the same thread on July for accelerator.

Originally Posted by jflogerzi

Also is there a way to figure out current gear like in Track Addict?

Yes, but I don't remember how to set it up.
TBH, the gear number is not the most useful channel, since you can generally tell the gear by looking at speed and rpm. This is also how the gear is calculated by the ECU anyways. Given how limited is the bandwidth of data over OBD, I'd recommend getting the data on other channels at higher rates rather than wasting bandwidth on the gear number.

[jflogerzi]

With race Chrono do you need to have the channel active on one the screens to get the data available for videos and analysis?

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[timurrrr]

Originally Posted by jflogerzi

With race Chrono do you need to have the channel active on one the screens to get the data available for videos and analysis?

No! As long as you select the right channels in vehicle profile, it will be logged even if the RaceChrono screen is set up as a simple lap timer.

[jflogerzi]

Originally Posted by timurrrr

No! As long as you select the right channels in vehicle profile, it will be logged even if the RaceChrono screen is set up as a simple lap timer.

Btw your custom pids worked perfectly. Thanks!

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[strat61caster]

Surprised Petrel hasn't come up, they nailed quick intuitive data analysis imho. I always struggled with racechrono and track addict to get it to show me what I want, but it's been years since I tried them. If you've got the money for AIM and don't mind whipping out a laptop it's still the best at getting every piece of data synced and ready for review, if I was chassis tuning a serious competition vehicle that'd be my choice hands down (racecapture a close second) but as a hack driver Solostorm and upcoming Circuitstorm focus on where I need the most help.

https://www.petreldata.com/