GPS/OBD2 data logger for hillclimbs and sprints
Discussion
Hello,
I'm interested in finding a simple GPS/OBD2 data logger for hillclimbs and sprints, so I can easily compare runs and identify where to find time. Something like the AiM Solo 2 DL looks like it might do the job, but they're designed as lap timers and I'm not clear whether they'd be much use for the types of event I do. Sprints are often 1.75 laps of a circuit (pit lane exit to pit lane entry with a flying lap in-between) - how would it cope with that?
Any experiences or other ideas would be gratefully received.
Thanks, Rob.
I'm interested in finding a simple GPS/OBD2 data logger for hillclimbs and sprints, so I can easily compare runs and identify where to find time. Something like the AiM Solo 2 DL looks like it might do the job, but they're designed as lap timers and I'm not clear whether they'd be much use for the types of event I do. Sprints are often 1.75 laps of a circuit (pit lane exit to pit lane entry with a flying lap in-between) - how would it cope with that?
Any experiences or other ideas would be gratefully received.
Thanks, Rob.
It is a problem. I have the AIM MXG and haven't figured out how to edit the map and the data point of start and finish yet. It records all the movements of the car like queuing and return roads which gives lots of data files to sift through before you find the actual runs. I'm still working on it as not long had it but all the instructions and tutorial videos are based around multi lap circuit racing.
With the Solo it won't start recording data until you've passed over the defined start of the lap/run.That can be done automatically be pre-defined track maps, by setting the GPS position manually at the track or doing it in advance with the software.
There are two different modes (closed,open) for when the start/finish line are separate such as in a hillclimb rather than the normal closed circuit loop.
If it does record extra data by driving close to the start line etc on the way to assembly (I don't turn my on until we're called to the grid) then it's one click to delete that in the software once imported. The track map can also be based on any single lap and edited as needed with different sector positions etc.
I would have thought all their products would work in a similar way.
There are two different modes (closed,open) for when the start/finish line are separate such as in a hillclimb rather than the normal closed circuit loop.
If it does record extra data by driving close to the start line etc on the way to assembly (I don't turn my on until we're called to the grid) then it's one click to delete that in the software once imported. The track map can also be based on any single lap and edited as needed with different sector positions etc.
I would have thought all their products would work in a similar way.
Edited by Kraken on Sunday 1st July 09:23
Thanks chaps.
At most venues it should be possible to set start and finish points when I walk the course.
Essentially all I want is a speed vs. distance graph for each run (ignoring whether the second half of the run repeats any of the first half) , which can be overlaid over each other as the day/weekend goes on. Adding data from the OBD2 would be a nice refinement. That doesn't seem like too much to ask.
At most venues it should be possible to set start and finish points when I walk the course.
Essentially all I want is a speed vs. distance graph for each run (ignoring whether the second half of the run repeats any of the first half) , which can be overlaid over each other as the day/weekend goes on. Adding data from the OBD2 would be a nice refinement. That doesn't seem like too much to ask.
Edited by Galveston on Sunday 1st July 12:42
Solo DL works well on sprints/hills when you have clear start stop points, which I set as I walk the track, it starts as the solo crosses the line, it'll never be bang on same time as breaking the beam but its close if you take into account car and solo positioning when setting start points.
For multi lap it is not amazing for the finish as the finish is often an int marker on first lap but you can set up multiple split points and track deltas over the lap and of course pull the 1 3/4s out of the data at home and compare many runs in the software by distance over time etc which you can manipulate for overlays.
Its a nice bit of kit, seems like a simple software update should be able to fix events for 1 3/4 and double laps but I've never chased 'em up on it as most events give you the final times and I can extrapolate from splits where I am at the finish line.
I have used it at Great Western Sprint 1 and 3/4, not very good for data on the lap (freely admit it could be user error) but I was able to take my data and Andrew O malleys and compare his runs with mine, very interesting to look at where he was quicker vs me and vice versa. You can even watch the two cars racing on the overlay
Quite a few youtube videos explaining the device use and the software use.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I0dHItNGnY
This just gives me a time at the end but I could have had a running clock from start to finish as well as split deltas if I set it up that way.
For multi lap it is not amazing for the finish as the finish is often an int marker on first lap but you can set up multiple split points and track deltas over the lap and of course pull the 1 3/4s out of the data at home and compare many runs in the software by distance over time etc which you can manipulate for overlays.
Its a nice bit of kit, seems like a simple software update should be able to fix events for 1 3/4 and double laps but I've never chased 'em up on it as most events give you the final times and I can extrapolate from splits where I am at the finish line.
I have used it at Great Western Sprint 1 and 3/4, not very good for data on the lap (freely admit it could be user error) but I was able to take my data and Andrew O malleys and compare his runs with mine, very interesting to look at where he was quicker vs me and vice versa. You can even watch the two cars racing on the overlay
Quite a few youtube videos explaining the device use and the software use.
ajondyh said:
If anyone finds a way to manually set the start and finish on an open track please let me know. My MXG comes on with ignition and starts recording when either revs over 1500 or speed greater than 6MPH.
You set the points on a map and change the mode of the device to speed or something rather than circuit and it'll start and finish on what you have defined, an example on this hillhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I0dHItNGnY
This just gives me a time at the end but I could have had a running clock from start to finish as well as split deltas if I set it up that way.
Edited by sandys on Monday 2nd July 22:24
sandys said:
You set the points on a map and change the mode of the device to speed or something rather than circuit and it'll start and finish on what you have defined, an example on this hill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I0dHItNGnY
This just gives me a time at the end but I could have had a running clock from start to finish as well as split deltas if I set it up that way.
I have an MXG which is hard wired to the car. I can make a new map after my 1st run from GPS data in RS2 or I can create a map in RS3 using GPS references for start and finish. The problem is although I can make a new track map after 1st run ,when I save/export it it saves as a .mp file. If I create a map using references I get no map image as it hasn't seen the track yet and if I try and import the map made from 1st run it looks for other file types rather than .mp files.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I0dHItNGnY
This just gives me a time at the end but I could have had a running clock from start to finish as well as split deltas if I set it up that way.
Edited by sandys on Monday 2nd July 22:24
If I open the "manage track map" in RS2 I don't see any way to mark the start and finish
I'm sure there is a simple solution but I have looked and looked and can't see it yet
It does speed over distance fine, using the software you can overlay runs etc, quite easy, doubt I'd be doing it at an event though, needs a laptop.
Adding splits is quite useful as you get a quick over view of what your best run could be and somewhere like combe where you are basically just waiting in a slow arse car you can see if you are up/down on prior runs.
Adding splits is quite useful as you get a quick over view of what your best run could be and somewhere like combe where you are basically just waiting in a slow arse car you can see if you are up/down on prior runs.
Edited by sandys on Tuesday 3rd July 22:49
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