Bahnzii

I've done too much research and I still can't decide on which one to invest in.

So it's time to ask for some help

The ideal unit for me can do the following:
1. easy to move and setup between multiple cars
2. has option to add obd2 data connector (can-bus and GM-Lan)
3. additional inputs for stats not avail from obd2 (like oil temp, oil pressure, boost pressure, etc...)
4. includes or has optional display unit for lap times
5. maps of all current US tracks
6. software allows comparison of different laps (i.e. compare my fast lap to someone's fast lap)

Nice to have:
1. has ability to add video recording (2+ cameras)
2. track maps integrate with google earth
3. strong Forum support from manufacturer and/or car/racing community
4. software can overlay track and vehicle data with video (avchd and mp4)

Price wise, I'd like to try to keep it around 1,000-1,500 for the unit with display but not necessarily video.

Let me know your thoughts and experience

96CollectorSport

I guess one thing I would recommend is to get what's popular with other racers in your area. This way you have something to compair your data to. I find that to be more valuble than just looking at cornering speed and G's. If you have some other guys that run similar lap times as you and you can compair the data that would really help.

I would look into the Racepack IQ3, nice self contained unit and you can compair with anyone running the G2x or IQ3.

gkmccready

I agree with post #2. Try to get something that your buddies are also using. I'd also recommend downloading all the software and seeing which ones make the most sense to you when you try to use them. Most of the devices don't have "maps of US tracks" but instead they generate those maps based on lat/long Gs or GPS.

I'll throw the AiM MXL Pista dash (with GPS module) in to the mix... it hooks up to OBDII on '06+ C6s. You might get away with even just the SmartyCam if you can forego the display.

2MCHPWR

i also recommend www.race-keeper.com because it can hold 4 cameras, synching the data with the video is a non-issue, easy to move between cars with the cigarette lighter power adapter, easy software interface, OBDII hookup for temps, RPMS, throttle position, etc. and the new blutooth iphone display option is very cool.
and I have a coupon code for a free camera ($175 value). PM me if you would like it.

WBHighwind

The guy I pitted next to last weekend had a unit from RLC Racing. The display looked really nice and has a video in feature to overlay data. Itll hook right up to an OBDII port and can also get other information. The display even has a shift light across the top so that you can mount it in front the steering wheel in the future. Briefly looking at their website, however, I think it only works with chase cam and not other standalone video units.

www.rlcracing.com

Bahnzii

Thanks...
I will shoot you a pm, I think you just made my decision easier

C6RAPTOR

Have you used the Race Keeper system? I am shopping for a system.
I just looked at the race - keeper web site and it looks like a nice system. I like the idea of the ECU input data. I could not see much of this data being displayed on the videos shown on the web site. Do you know if there is software for Track Map segmenting for speed & time? I see that Racepak G2X data acquistion system has this feature. I am also looking at the SmartyCam with EVO4 data logger . This system also has ECU input.

C6RAPTOR

Have you been able to check off most of your Nice to have list?
I am also looking at all of the systems including SmartyCam with EVO4 data logging and ECU input.
One feature I see that Racepak G2X Pro system has is a Track Map Segmenting feature that you can segment the track to log speed & time per segment.

MySR71

I can only speak for Racepak's stuff. All Racepak's products (G2X, G2X Pro, IQ3, etc) use the same software to analyze data. You don't have to get the G2X Pro to log speed and compute time per segment.

The main difference between the G2X and G2X Pro are the number of inputs they allow. Also, the G2X Pro allows some sensor types, like shock travel sensors, which require higher sample rates. On certain ports, the G2X Pro can do the higher rates.

The IQ3 integrates the data acquisition system and dash into one unit, unlike with the G2X and G2X Pro.

CP Thunder

The G2X does not connect to the OBDII port on the C5 but does on the C6................

David A

I have Traqmate's mated to ChaseCam's, they work fine but if I was starting over today I would go with Race-Keeper. I like the software, ease of use and capabilities. YMMV.

Dave

MySR71

Right now, no. But it is coming. Check out Racepak's web site and then click on the video on the left side of the screen. It is an interview with Tim Anderson about it when they showed their OBDII vNet product at SEMA. In early October, Tim thought they would be ready in early Spring 2011. Then again, their ads in Grassroots Motorsports Magazine said it was coming in Summer 2010....

gkmccready

How useful will it be? My understanding is that only 2006+ cars have the high-speed CAN bus [exposed] and that's what makes sampling from the OBDII port useful...

MySR71

I have no idea. I've already tapped into some of the other car's sensors using a couple of USM's. I can log oil temp, throttle position, brakes on-off, brake pressure (only in voltage, not psi), steering wheel angle (plus/minus 180 deg). I'd still like to get oil pressure. If the slow OBDII bus can give water temp and a couple of other slow changing parameters then I would be happy.

PS I'd really like to be able to record the individual wheel speed sensors too but I'm leery of splicing into those lines.

Poor-sha

I'm watching this thread with great interest since it is Christmas time I've noticed that nobody has mentioned the Chasecam DIVA. It looks like a nice package but I guess nobody has tried it? I'm leaning that way but it's an aweful expensive thing to get wrong and I keep waiting for the HD version.

drivinhard

for strictly seat position/packaging purposes, I am looking for a smaller digital dash display for my '01. (the OEM cluster mounts high, and is rather large, even with the shroud(s) removed.

I currently run traqmate for data, and for $$ sake would likely continue to for at least a little while, but would like a display unit that could be upgraded for logging later down the road.

Does the racepack IQ3 display dash allow for upgrading to data logging as an add on? the display only unit is (obviously) much less expensive.

gkmccready

Seen the new TraqDash? http://www.traqmate.com/traqdash/ I know it's the opposite of your question as it would retain the TraqMate but thought I'd mention it.

davidfarmer

http://mh-motorsports.com/lap_timers.shtml

Have you checked out this one. Great touchscreen, modern device, integrates with OBD2. Great guys, and they are giving a discount on many purchases...just put "DFarmer2011" in the order notes.

I've not bought mine yet, but have demo'd it and very impressive.

SIK02SS

My car came with a DL1 in it...took a while to learn, but once I did it's been a great tool. I then got a Race Keeper for World Challenge with intentions to sell my DL1...ya, I still have my DL1. It does things the Race Keeper cannot like predictive lap times and theoretical lap times. I haven't had the chance to mess with the RK as much so I'm still learning it, but I dont think my DL1 is going anywhere. Just my .02

rfn026

My column in Vintage Motorsport magazine this month deals with data collection. I take a slightly different approach to this. Hire a driving coach first and then buy a data system he's familiar with.

Some people let a professional driver lay down a few fast laps. You then know what the car can do. Your task then becomes trying to get close to what he did.

Richard Newton