Video / Data Logging

[jeffs]

After Croc's excellent write-up of solving sound problems with an external mic, it made me realize that I should probably get a camera or something to plug a mic into.

 

I've seen opinions on the forum suggesting that the favorite cameras are the Drift and the Replay, and a few suggesting the Contour. What about data logging though? The Contour has an integrated GPS, but would I be better off with something else and splicing the data onto the video? I have a Stack Dash, has anyone here used their data logging solutions?

 

Any experiences (good or bad) would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[yellowss7]

Just for fun, I tried out the Harry's Lap Timer app. for $29 bucks it allows you to use your Iphone to record lap times, Speed, and track location. If you add a roughly $100 Bluetooth GPS, you get a much more accurate reading as it ups the refresh rate from 1 to 5 hz. If you have an OBDll port you can add a Bluetooth OBDll sensor and add RPM, and some other onboard data.

 

Neat thing is that you can then send the info to yourself and then using Race Render, a video editor, also about $25 bucks, and then add that data to a video file, and you can then make a video of your laps with the data added to the file, showing a speedo and Tach, with your lap speed, etc.

 

Works pretty well. IMO. You could do the whole thing on the iphone including the video overlay, but it sucks up battery life big time.

 

Tom

[Croc]

There are levels of logging and you need to work out what level you want to play at.

 

Level 1 - up to $100

 

Harry's laptimer produces good results in iPhoneys and Androids

http://www.gps-laptimer.de/Home.html

 

 

Tom gets good results out of it. He uses a small separate GPS sensor to get 10hz signals which are needed since the GPS in the phones is just too slow.

 

Another option I am aware of is TrackAddict

http://www.racerender.com/TrackAddict/Features.html

 

 

 

Each of these can sync the data to video through RaceRender. You could also use Dashware but I think RaceRender is easier to use and you can use multiple videos in RaceRender (tested back to back by me). Dashware confirmed by email to me that you cannot sync multiple videos and data. While the Dashware graphics are better I was a little disappointed in Dashware. They display videos on their site that you actually cannot produce by their software alone - you need to edit through green screen post production - the website was misleading to me. So RaceRender wins for an easier and more straightforward solution.

 

A non-syncing solution is Vidometer

http://www.hitcase.com/vidometer

 

Auto syncs video and data on an iPhone. Problem is the GPS in a Iphone is only 2hz so it is not very accurate. I once did 5mph in the bar at NJMP with a beer in hand standing still.

 

Level 2 - up to $600

 

Here is where you find dedicated GPS-based loggers on a budget. I use Racechrono Touchscreen Pro and like it a lot. Easy to use and install. Can be transferred to other cars easily. Batteries last the day.

 

Other products similar:

- AIM Solo GPS

- QStarz LT6000

 

I have not used the AIM but have used the QStarz and would not recommend it. Fussy to set up at each track the first time. Hit and miss in how it records data. Its user interface is not as intuitive as the Racechrono.

 

The reviews I have read of the AIM Solo have been positive. You can also buy it in OBDII and CAN versions for plugging into the interface.

 

Each of these needs some form of sync later via RaceRender/Dashware.

 

Level 3 - well over $1000 and on upwards

 

This is the territory of the dedicated logger/camera integrated unit. All require some form of wiring into the car to make work.

- Racelogic/VBox

- Traqmate

- AIM

- Chasecam

- Racepak

- Racetechnology

- Stack

- Motec

- Cosworth

 

There are a couple of racers on Blatchat who swear by Stack. Hopefully you can actually use their stuff because Caterham may have locked out the functionality in their "wisdom" on their stack gauges?

 

I would think your short list here is Traqmate, ChaseCam and AIM and possibly Stack as their price points are lower.

 

Blubarisax uses AIM Smartycam. It seems to work well and he managed to wire it together to get the sensors overlaying the camera. I am disappointed in the 480 resolution of the camera and the audio but it is an effective driving learning tool.

 

Traqmate is used by JeffH and MichaelD on here but they do not sync it to video - just use it as a driver aid. It allows you to mix and match with a few camera options, including HD. I think CertifiedLotus on here also uses Traqmate in his Exige and he would probably sync the data and video because he is a lovable geeky techie like me.

 

I have seen 2 very professionally done Chasecam installations about a year ago but both were non-HD cameras as they did not offer HD video quality. Not sure if this changed. I liked the simplicity of how the equipment is designed.

 

I used a Vbox at Oulton Park. Not a great image quality but automatic syncing of data and images with an acceptable quality of images - better than the AIM. Sound is ok. Ok as a driver aid. Racelogic software for track analysis is just superb though. Here is the link for a sample:

 

For contrast here is a GoPro HD2 with racechrono data synced with Dashware taken the same day on the same car and track (and I screwed up the external mic and the mount so ignore the static and focus on image quality for comparison)

 

 

Maybe it is worth having a chat with Rob Feeny (sp?) at Performance Information Technologies at NJMP.

http://www.njmp.com/competitors/driver-services.html

I think you met him at the Sevens weekend at NJMP as he was frequently checking in on us. He is also an NJMP member which is how I know him. He can do the iphone solutions and upwards in price.

Edited August 3, 2013 by Croc

[blubarisax]

AIM had upgraded their Smartycam to HD (no I don't have it yet) and its super easy to use. You can connect it to your RPM signal. The rest you can do with GPS. It all works automatically. A good system that you can expand if you want to.

[blubarisax]

The sound on mine has much to do with my straight cut gears and lack if effort in mic placement. There is an internal mic and optional external mic.

[jeffs]

Just wanted to say thanks (belatedly) for all the help and opinions on data loggers. I ended up going with a combination SoloDL and HD Ghost. I waffled between that and the Smartycam HD (which turned out wasn't quite available when I made my purchase).

 

I'm really happy with the Solo so far. It's nice to be able to get immediate feedback of how a lap/session went and if you mount it on the dash within view of the camera it makes synching the data and video REALLY easy in RaceRender. It was also an easy OBDII connection for pulling data. I'm still learning the software, but Race Studio 2 seems to have a number of neat aspects for doing some post-race coaching.