Track data logger? TraqMate? Lap timer, tach, video suggestions?

[jacobzking]

Will be heading to my first track day in a couple of weeks and was curious to see who uses what systems for track data logging? I've seen some videos for TraqMate and they look like a decent system. I'd like something that will work with my GoPro.

[Croustibat]

On your first track day it wont be of any use. Nor on the second. Get to know the track first...

If you really want some data logging and own a smartphone, you can get free/cheap data logger systems . I think i have "race ace" installed on my droid, it is supposed to be good but TBH if you want something useful, you need a 5Hz or a 10Hz GPS system, 1Hz is really not enough.

But we are talking about 1000$+ systems here. Do you really want to spend 1000$+ on a fancy item that will not really be of much use ?

[jacobzking]

I plan on doing track day about once a month, and I'd definitely like to see where I'm making mistakes so it would be worth it.

[cotbu]

Get a girlfriend or wife, she'll point out all your mistakes and even the one's you don't make!

[89JDM240sx]

Just have a friend record you on the track and watch the Vids... Data loggers are only really needed during actual time trials.... Don't waste your money... But if you really desire it your track should have to rent... Transponders

[jacobzking]

Just found this thing on another forum and it seems to be really popular. Freakin awesome stuff. Its called Harry's Lap Timer and you can download it on to your iPhone for about $18 for the pro version. Lets your iPhone record HD video and records and overlay track position, speed, lap times, etc. It has most of the big tracks in the US preprogrammed with automatic start/stop built in. I took it for a test run in my daily driver and it really works!

The biggest draw back is that it uses the iPhone's data connection for GPS which can be spotty and only a 1GHz GPS. BUT... if it's not "good enough" for you, you can add on a 5GHz GPS module that just pops on the bottom of the iPhone for $89.

I just went to youtube and did a search for "harrys lap timer" and a million vids come up, this one was with an iPhone...

Harry in Traffic (LapTimer+Dashboard Overlay) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsONytK6rZs)

it works just like it is supposed to

[Croustibat]

I plan on doing track day about once a month, and I'd definitely like to see where I'm making mistakes so it would be worth it.

You dont need that to know where you are making mistakes, you will see them mostly when you do them.

I dont know if it exists in the usa too, in France nearly every track has instructors that can go with you and tell you the lines and how to go through them. They also watch you and tell you what mistakes you are doing.

It has a cost of course but that is quite low, around 50$ for 1h (3x20mins). If you want to learn, that is the best way to go.

Please also note that gathering data is one thing, but using it is another. Data logging will tell you how much G you are pulling, your speed, your rpm, your lines if you got a 5Hz GPS, but this data is completely useless if you dont know your car and the track from the inside out.

How are you going to tell you took a wrong line ? Braked too early / late / badly ? Have a bad hand position on the steering wheel ? An instructor will tell you that. He will also help you go near the limit of your car, because he surely knows them better than you.