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 Post subject: Race Timers and GPS
PostPosted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 1:49 pm 
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Just putting the question out there:
What is everyone using for lap timers in their car for track days?

I have seen android phones being used with Racechrono app. Then buy a decent 10hz GPS tracker and pair the two and off you go.
I even think this can connect with a GoPro or similar.

Does anyone use something like this or can recommend something like this?

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 Post subject: Re: Race Timers and GPS
PostPosted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 4:46 pm 
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Yes, exactly that. Been using it for years.

Actually, I think my GPS (QStarz something) is only 5hz.

I lashed out for the paid "professional" version of racechrono, but can't remember why ?? Perhaps better export functionality ??

Works beautifully, always within a fraction of a second of the official laptimes. It has a great selection of Australian track templates to download, and for the few tracks it doesn't have (Ringwood Hillclimb track in Newcastle is the only one I've come across so far) I managed to create my own from within the application.

I usually export the data to a .vbo file and then import it onto "Circuit Tools" from VBox - https://www.vboxmotorsport.co.uk/index. ... a/software. This gives better analysis tools than you get with racechrono.

I also used to have a bit of free software on my old laptop that you could use to overlay the raw data over video to give on-screen displays of speed, G force, position on track, etc but I haven't been able to find it again since I upgraded to a new laptop.

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1970 ex Group A Rally P510
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 Post subject: Re: Race Timers and GPS
PostPosted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 5:44 pm 
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That's some good feedback there Dave.

I have seen the 10hz Qstar's (Qstarz BT-Q818XT Bluetooth GPS) for $110 including shipping, which seems OK.
The Racechrono Pro software (Android App) is $25. Well worth in IMHO considering you can buy a racechrono unit for around $550.
Pretty cheap if you ask me!

How are you holding all your bits and pieces in the car? Just double sided tape and velcro?
What about getting power in? I think the GPS timer doesn't need direct power and can run off the battery.

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1972 Datsun 1600, S14 SR20DET Engineered (204rwkW @ 17psi.)
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#SR20Datsun @SR20Datsun


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 Post subject: Re: Race Timers and GPS
PostPosted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 7:36 pm 
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I used to mount the GPS unit to the windscreen in a mobile phone cradle, with a cable tie around the GPS unit and cradle to hold that together, then another cable tie from the cradle to the roll cage in case the suction cup failed. Mobile phone went in my pocket :oops: :oops: :roll: I used it more for post-race analysis than a laptimer during the event.

Since I put the new roll cage in, I attach the GPS unit to the front leg of the roll cage with race tape and the phone goes in the mobile phone cradle. Unless its Regularity, then the phone still goes in my pocket. No timing allowed in-car in regularity, I figure having it in my pocket meets this requirement, yet still allows me to record for later analysis.

I tried to used double sided tape at one point, just didn't work.

I don't need power for GPS or phone - just charge them up beforehand and there is enough battery life for a day on the track.

My QStarz was around $100 as well, pretty sure only 5hz, but that was at least 6 years ago.

_________________
1970 ex Group A Rally P510
1971 P510
1972 180B SSS
1965 SP310 Fairlady
1966 SP311 Fairlady


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 Post subject: Re: Race Timers and GPS
PostPosted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 10:45 pm 
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I use the Harry's lap timer app on my iPhone. I think it is available for android.
It has some great data analysis features and automatic in phone and multiple external Bluetooth camera control that can do overlays of race data over video as well as picture in picture.
I use the phones gps and have had a couple lap times differ from official records by more than 2/10ths but has only happened a couple times. Not a real issue for me. I assume if it were an issue I could get an external gps that were more accurate and Bluetooth to phone?


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 Post subject: Re: Race Timers and GPS
PostPosted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 9:10 am 
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Do you use Harry's lap timer with your mobile phone camera too?

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 Post subject: Re: Race Timers and GPS
PostPosted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 11:27 am 
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There's another cheaper lap time with an LCD and 10hz GPS.
It's the Cheetah GPS lap timer:
http://www.sumomoto.com/GPSLapTimers/Products.html
There's one on ebay for $145AUD + $11 postage. Seems fairly reasonable. Doesn't have the logging ability though :(

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1972 Datsun 1600, S14 SR20DET Engineered (204rwkW @ 17psi.)
viewtopic.php?t=6579
#SR20Datsun @SR20Datsun


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 Post subject: Re: Race Timers and GPS
PostPosted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 4:35 pm 
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SR20Datsun wrote:
Do you use Harry's lap timer with your mobile phone camera too?
I have but I don't have a decent phone holder in the car for my current phone.
Harry's Grand Prix allows you to use the internal camera plus multiple externals.

http://www.gps-laptimer.de/products


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