Datalogging / Lap timing / Video solutions

[mpit]

So I'm fed up with messing around with Harry's lap timer.

I'm looking for something that can be fitted to the car permanently and offer lap timing, predictive lap times, data logging and control of a video camera.

Something like the Aim Solo + Smartycam is the kind of solution I'd be looking for, but the price of the cameras make it a bit too pricey.

Ideally, I'd like something that can start and stop a go pro.

Any suggestions?

[Vibes]

I'd like an all in one solution too but they are generally expensive and i'd be worried about development being discontinued.

Are these any good?

https://www.vboxmotorsport.co.uk/index.php/en/

[HustleRussell]

Dad uses a VBox. I'm not sure I'd spend my own money on it. It was well over a grand several years ago but nowadays it's picture quality looks very poor even compared to mobile phone cameras etc. Not sure I could stomach forking out that kind of money on a semi-regular basis.

[Vibes]

I've just actually looked at the price of a vbox. They are quite tasty £ wise

[foz01]

I have the following:http://www.race-technology.com/gb/racing/products/display-products/dash2-pro

[HustleRussell]

IMO dumb video cameras even those with remote start are so cheap nowadays that I'd say you could get a couple of those and a separate GPS laptimer which will do timed sectors etc. Unless you really need lap times and circuit map overlaid on the picture...

[88racing]

Only the recent VBox HD2 records high def video (the 'Pro' isn't). I had an SD setup and even that cost over £1k. As stated, cameras are so much cheaper now - all you need do is combine one or more with a proper high-sample-rate GPS data logger like the PerformanceBox, preferably with an external aerial, and you're away.

[mpit]

I hate inelegant solutions, though.

Now I don't mind creating my own overlay for videos, but what I do hate is matching up data to video and turning multiple things on for each session, as I always either forget to turn the go pro on at the beginning or off at the end!

Harry's ability to start/stop the go pro is epic, but it's weak as a data logger.

[Dan_M5]

I have something for sale. 2 cameras, GPS, And a small video screen for in the car. You then use race render to do everything else.

Only want £250 for it

[frodo_monkey]

I use a GoPro (will be using two this season - one fore, one aft), a GPS datalogger (PBox, about £100 s/h) and RaceRender to sync them up. Would have lots more data too if my car was CANBUS or my ECU cleverer, my Fiesta isn't so only GPS data...

https://youtu.be/50jbVdlyoeE

[hkp57]

I couldn't justify either the cost of a full blown data logger and camera setup.

Although not permanently mounted I use the Garmin VIRB Elite camera (although mine has now been superseded in the Garmin range by a newer better model)

Essentially it is a Go-Pro with built in GPS data logging, position, speed, G-force, Elevation, Gradient, heading all as standard. There are some add on sensors all Bluetooth so no wires for air temp and heart rate etc. I got the air temp sensor and the remote control to start and stop recording or take a photo.

Camera is fully water proof, the only drawback I found was the internal mic just gave you annoying wind noise. To get around that I installed a Rode powered video mic under the bonnet to hear the engine perfect and no wind.

Download the Garmin editing software which is very simple to use you can add speed displays etc, an overlay of the track and a lap counter / timer.

The newer one has more functions also, you can also import from another camera (longs as it uses standard video files) and do a picture in picture edit.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/p/164723

Excuse the fly on the lens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqvXvBe7XzM

Edited by hkp57 on Thursday 12th January 02:10

[Craikeybaby]

What are the data capture features like on the GoPro Hero 5?

[mpit]

I don't think GPS data logging covers everything I want.

I want real-time lap timing including predictive timing.

I think I either have to deal with turning on an AIM Solo and Go pro separately or cough up for their camera.

[HappyMidget]

Craikeybaby said:

What are the data capture features like on the GoPro Hero 5?

This gives a bit of an overview https://gopro.com/help/articles/Block/How-to-Use-G...

Not exactly intuitive on which software to use for what with GoPro (Quik or Studio), but the quality of video and pictures is excellent.

[HappyMidget]

This is a quick demo of the gauges on the GoPro HERO5 https://youtu.be/_cC5VPsc08w

[88racing]

mpit said:

I don't think GPS data logging covers everything I want.

I want real-time lap timing including predictive timing.

I think you're going to have to buy a VBox Video or Race Logic equivalent. There's 15% off RaceLogic and a free OLED display with VBox Video systems at the Autosport show - on now.

Of course if you're talking about just track days, live timing isn't permitted...

[HustleRussell]

Took another look at VBox today. Earlier in the thread I complained about the low picture resolution of my Dad's VBox lite which he reckons is 5 years old (I think it's probably closer to 6). I'm amazed to see the VBox Lite still ships with 580L/420L video cameras and still costs £1,200. How, in this day and age, can a technology company stand still for 6 years? Baffled. My mobile phone might even have a better video camera.

[Pdelamare]

HustleRussell said:

Took another look at VBox today. Earlier in the thread I complained about the low picture resolution of my Dad's VBox lite which he reckons is 5 years old (I think it's probably closer to 6). I'm amazed to see the VBox Lite still ships with 580L/420L video cameras and still costs £1,200. How, in this day and age, can a technology company stand still for 6 years? Baffled. My mobile phone might even have a better video camera.

They do have a HD version too.

[HustleRussell]

...for two and a half big ones...

[Shaun_E]

The problem with most HD cameras is that they use a "rolling shutter" and when mounted to a car with lots of vibration you get a wobbling effect on the picture. Some cameras have some software correction for this but typically the cheaper cameras don't work well on a car. I still think Vbox, etc are expensive but then they are pretty low volume. Another one to consider in the same price league is the Racekeeper: http://www.race-keeper.com/. They now do a 2 camera HD set-up but again not cheap. Racekeeper/Vbox/etc. also tend to have high sample rates for the GPS (20Hz) for accurate track mapping/speed/laptimes and in built accelerometers to fill in the gaps. They also have one touch recording or automatic start when the car moves. The software makes it easy to compare laps, work out best possible lap from split times and watch video and data at the same time. They are very good if you are racing.
If you want in-car predictive lap timing as well then you will need to go with Race Technology or RaceLogic systems that have dash displays as well as video and data recording.
I think you get what you pay for and having previously used a separate camera and datalogger which then needed syncing, I wouldn't go back. I've got an old Racekeeper system and apart from the fact that the video is standard definition 4:3, it works very well.
Race Technology have a piece of software that will sync Go-Pro to their datalogger so this might work for you (http://www.race-technology.com/gb/racing/products/video/gopro-video-support) but I've not seen it in action.