Race Technology AX22
Discussion
Has anyone used one of these? AX22. I've just got my bonus and am tempted to splash out on one. All I'm wanting is something that can do track mapping and lap analysis but is easily transfered between cars as I often hire other cars for track.
Obviously it's not going to be as detailed as a plumbed in data logger, but I would have thought with both GPS and accelerometers it can do a fair old stab at basic lap analysis type stuff.
Also this would be just for curiosity/comparison between drivers after the event and wouldn't be using it for timing during the day... Not sure if this would be considered unnacceptable on a trackday.
Obviously it's not going to be as detailed as a plumbed in data logger, but I would have thought with both GPS and accelerometers it can do a fair old stab at basic lap analysis type stuff.
Also this would be just for curiosity/comparison between drivers after the event and wouldn't be using it for timing during the day... Not sure if this would be considered unnacceptable on a trackday.
For trackday use you'd be better off with a DL1 which is a "black box" data-logger from the same company. TDOs may object to a unit that has the capability to display laptimes or performance data as you drive.
The AX22 is more used for motor industry performance calculations, the DL1 can do it also but it requires the data to be on a computer and you have to configure the analysis software to do it rather than have the usual stats pre-configured and available for real-time display.
The DL1 has greater expansion potential to measure things such as pressures/temps/positions etc. etc. and will give you much much more than basic lap analysis for the same price as the AX22.
In saying all of that there are cheaper ways of doing "basic lap analysis", even some freebie programs for GPS equipped PDAs.
Whatever you use please remember that timing is prohibited on track days, not just for insurance purposes but you wouldn't want to be ahead of someone who was timing, had just had a clear lap at Donni and is just coming up to Gerrards and thinking if only he could get past you it would be a mega 1:xx lap. Usual rational thought may desert him at that point and .. well, thats why no timing is allowed.
Maxx
Indeedy, I wouldn't want to risk being sent home if it's easily confused/used as a lap timer. That kind of rules it out. Just seemed like a quick and easy way of doing things. The plumbing in of the DL1 kinda rules that out for me as I wouldn't always be driving my car. Never mind, looked like a fun toy.
Juan,
You don't "need" to plumb any sensors into the DL1, it has the facility but most users use it as is. I use them all the time in my coaching work and regularly move them car to car. There is the box itself which you can just fix a bit of double sided tape to or velco to anchor it on the floor, pop the 12v plus into the cigarette lighter socket (as the AX22) and pop the small magnetic GPS antenna pretty much anywhere (better on the roof for better reception).
You could have a AX22 in the car, don't forget it's "timing" thats not allowed, not "having the equipment in the car that can time" so an AX22 would be OK if the display was taped over or the unit switched off.
Maxx
DL1 is a nice bit of kit Juan, I ran it in my SR3. Provided you get the more accurate GPS unit it is fine (mine originally had a more pikey GPS unit and that was crap, the track maps were courtesy of drunken spider brigade). You can merge data with video footage offline too.
I've got AIM and video vbox in the Juno now though
I've got AIM and video vbox in the Juno now though
The spec may have changed since I last used it 3 years ago. At that time you used the software to merge the data from the DL1 with your video footage. You could then watch the video in one window whilst in another watch your progress on a track map, and in another window see various variables like speed, G, etc depending on what if any sensor inputs you had set up. I don't recall whether you could put a little dashboard as an overlay on the video - I *think* you could but not 100% sure. Have a look at their web site
The video option is an extra cost but allows both production of a video with data overlay and video analysis within the data analysis program. Race Technology now have a new product, the VIDEO4 which is a 4 camera capable solid-state video recorder which integrates with the DL1. The software that comes with the VIDEO4 has a wysiwyg screen design program where you can design your screen with any video source, any size and any data element (in various formats, bar graph/dial etc) also text and graphics either static or based on trigger conditions.
I've been involved in the beta testing for some time and did a test at Silverstone Grand-Prix on Saturday of the new Google Earth Tracking option, it's a pretty cool feature. The quality is well off as I had to re-encode and trim, it was just a sample for interested parties, no sound i'm afraid as I forgot the mic.
Link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jotwVh0i1Mk
There are also earlier test footage from various races, saerch same user for "video4"
Maxx
Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff