hi, is this with data from the racepak system? i'm still deciding between traqmate and racepak, and video is a strong consideration. seems traqmate has better integration of video, but if trackvision + racepak produces similar results, then perhaps it would be a viable solution as well.

i don't suppose you would have an opinion of the +/-'s of traqmate integrated video vs racepak + seperate trackvision?

great job on the overlay btw!

 

It sucks that all of this data aquisition software and hardware costs a pretty penny. It's hard enough for me to justify buying a GoPro HD, much less a really nice overlay setup like you got there. It looks like the only thing trackvision does is the overlay itself, you still need something to feed data into it.

 

I'm running a Race Technology DL-1 for my data logging. I chose this over other systems because it has a high data rate, a lot of input channels, and I liked the software.

Not everyone needs these things, you may only have one or two inputs. So far I've wired up RPM, the throttle position sensor, and the brake light. I'm working on a system to log some strain gauges on the car, though, and would like to hook in a steering angle sensor. You could also add inputs from external temperature or pressures gauges or really whatever you want as long as it has a voltage output. Of course this isn't easy stuff to do, so if you are looking for something with less functionality, there are cheaper options.

Trackvision, however, can import data from any of these systems. Race Technology, Traqmate, an Racepak products are all included. They have a full list of supported formats on their website. However, they have a simple scripting language to define how to read the input files so with a little effort it can work with any logging program that has the ability to output data in a tab or comma separated format.

When I was looking at video overlay options, I did look into the Traqmate video overlay options. I give them credit for making what looks like a very nice integrated software solution. They give you the option of hooking a Sony camera up through a cable to the unit to have automatically synced video, or use a camera of your choice if you don't mind manually syncing. Then you can both view the video in their analysis software or save it off for sharing/uploading. Some companies have released hardware solutions to this, but since they use proprietary cameras and recorders, they end up both being expensive and having poor image quality compared to other available consumer options. As far as I know, Traqmate is the only one to have a software solution.

However, there are a few drawbacks. You can only use the system with the Traqmate logger and there is no way to import external data. So you cannot, for example, just buy their software and use it with your own data and video. The overlay is not nearly as configurable as other systems, in both layout (i.e. no S2000 dash) and the data it shows, since it's really meant to be used in conjunction with their analysis package. Finally, I'm not really clear on what you need for this package. They seem to sell the video overlay software as an upgrade for their existing customers for $200, the logging system and in-car display for $1000, but a combined package for $1400...where did the extra $200 come from? Maybe it includes the camera? Or just some connection equipment? I couldn't figure it out.

My conclusion was the Traqmate package was something worth considering for Traqmate owners. For the same price as Trackvision, they lose the customization and flexibility Trackvision offers but gain the built in to the analysis program functionality. Even for them it's a trade off though, so I wouldn't really consider it when choosing a data system. The other requirements are probably more important given the existence of other powerful options like Trackvision.

 

While it's true that a data system is expensive, I haven't met anyone that has one who would tell you to save your money. Despite it being a piece of hardware, it's really an expense on the driver side of the equation. It will help you analyze and improve your driving skills, something that can be transferred to any car. It basically leverages or amplifies your seat time.

Of course, this is all assumes you can make sense of all the numbers it spits out at you! It will take some effort and time to figure out how to decipher the data. Even then it will only tell you why you were going slow...then it's up to you to figure out how to go fast

 

+1

For the money, a data logger is the best bang for your buck with regards to performance. The real time predicted lap timing has been my most important instrument in getting faster.

 

thanks man for your opinion--it helped me a lot. (i too was confused at what traqmate was offering with their video package.) appreciated your comments.

 

Cool data overlay! I started trying to make something similar in Race Technology's free software but quickly realized it was going to be a LOT of work, each bar on the tach would have been a separate 'gauge' that triggered that bar to light up depending on RPM. Way too much work so I simplified and went with plain needles: http://www.youtube.com/user/coreydyck#p/u/5/Fd_ir8NTeQQ
Yours looks nicer than mine.

I'm curious: Did you try using the Race Tech overlay and give up? Or did you just go straight to Trackvision? I'm not a fan of the manual sync process but it's not too bad if I use an upshift as the sync point.

 

[QUOTE=jimtway1,Oct 6 2010, 12:11 PM] +1

For the money, a data logger is the best bang for your buck with regards to performance.

 

great overlay. I've hacked up one of the existing ones for my videos, tho I do like the s2k tach and would also love a copy.

My only 2 bits would be to make the black area more transparent so you can still see whats going on on the bottom third of the screen.

-Ry

 

[QUOTE=captain_pants,Oct 6 2010, 06:15 PM]I'm curious: Did you try using the Race Tech overlay and give up?