THSCC Forums

After some talking with Eric Peterson about data analytics I've been doing some research into some smartphone apps for data capture to see if it would be worth the investment further down the line for Liz and I. Just looking for GPS traces and accelerometer data for now. OBDII traces and video control to come later (Although I don't think many apps speak to my Replay Prime X, it's mostly just GoPro support).

Does anyone have any specific apps to recommend or advice (Harry's Lap Timer seems popular) as does Solo Storm if you have the cash)? Something that could export the data for viewing on a PC/MAC would be nice.

I have an iPhone 4s without a cell plan that I can use as a dedicated device and an android tablet, although mounting that would be a little tricky.

Is there also a recommended way to secure power cables or will gaffer tape suffice?

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2013 Scion FR-S 10 Series - Solo Spec Coupe
Sold: 1999 Mazda Miata DD & CSP - viewtopic.php?f=25&t=15327

I have both Harry's Lap Timer (Grand Prix Edition) as well as TrackAddict Pro. I only used my for track stuff, but I preferred Track Addict because it was less buggy. I used it with an iPhone 4 with no cell plan too. You'll need a GPS puck to get good data, as the 1Hz GPS integrated into the iPhone won't suffice for what you want. I started with a 10Hz bluetooth connected unit, but found that it wasn't a super reliable connection (Dual XGPS160). I moved to a hardwired Emprum Ultimate GPS at 5Hz.(http://www.emprum.com/ultimategps.php) The connection is rock solid all the time and you can charge both your phone and the GPS puck with a single micro usb connection.

As far as analyzing data, Track Addict is made by HP Tuners, who teamed up with RaceKeeper in regards to taking data and video and creating an overlay for videos and instructional stuff. I have a RaceKeeper system already (that I bought after getting into the data thing), and I found their tool to be the least cumbersome.

I am sure there are people on here who will give you information on SoloStorm, which I know is popular in the autocross world. - AB

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'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

On Android there is RaceChrono, but I'm only familiar with trying to use smartphone data acq on the track. Autocross metrics are a bit harder to come by due to the granularity of it.

That said, you WILL need an external GPS because phones only have a 1Hz chip.

What is your pricepoint? Garmin's new VIRB seems pretty cool for an all-in-one device that records video, GPS and accelerometer data. The only thing it lacks is OBD-II access, but apparently that can be bought as an add-on.

I enjoyed using TrackAddict/RaceRender when I used it with co-drivers. Some have had some buggy issues with some of the newer features, but I don't know those details.

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Steve Carter
1972 Datsun 240Z-- resto pics at http://picasaweb.google.com/srcartermd
2007 GPW Honda S2000-- STR 86

For the first go around I'm thinking of something cheap to get a taste for what information will be most beneficial. I'm guessing that if Liz can find the data beneficial and get her times closer to mine then the budget may increase .

I'll probably be trialling Race Addict or Harry's Lap Timer on the iPhone at NCCAR and will look into manually syncing the data with the video from both of my Replay action cams in race render for now (They both have record on power on option and external power leads which should help sync the video streams).

I guess I can always use Amazon prime's 2 day delivery to get an external GPS puck for NCAC if all goes well.

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2013 Scion FR-S 10 Series - Solo Spec Coupe
Sold: 1999 Mazda Miata DD & CSP - viewtopic.php?f=25&t=15327

You won't get good data without an external GPS puck. It's 1Hz internally and the signal goes in and out. It's fine for GPS for driving distances, but for a fine changes in direction within a 2 mile area, your data will be garbage for that. I'm sure someone would have a GPS puck you could try for a couple of runs just to get some sample data. - AB

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'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

FWIW, Team Duff tried using cellphones for this, but they completely SUCK at it. Baking in the sun doesn't help. I bought an Aim Solo (DL so I can get very detailed data from a modern car, duffy is OBD1 so not useful there.) Apex will give you the club 10% discount on one. For autox, it can be pushed to very high sample rates (100s/s I think) -- ours is set at 10s/s and holds around a day (24hr) of telemetry. Dashware can blend the telemetry with whatever video you have. (i.e. gopro)

(I'd let you borrow mine for NCCAR this weekend, but I haven't pulled the Sunday Lemons race data from it.)

Ok, I broke down and got a GPS puck. Where do folks usually mount them?

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2013 Scion FR-S 10 Series - Solo Spec Coupe
Sold: 1999 Mazda Miata DD & CSP - viewtopic.php?f=25&t=15327

I'd bet trunk lid or something is pretty common, but you could probably just stick it on the dash somewhere if you wanted to not run wires around.

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2017 Autocross Chief of Tech

2000 E Street Miata
2015 Focus SE EcoBoost 6 speed
2015 Fiesta ST (Wife's ride)
2012 Yamaha FZ1 sorta crotch rocket? All I know is 150HP and 487 lbs is fun!

It only came with rubber mount for the dash and an arm band. Thinking I may fudge something with zip ties.

Got both my replay cameras setup to record when external power is supplied and got a mount for the iPhone. Going to make some test runs down to the gas station and see how she works.

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2013 Scion FR-S 10 Series - Solo Spec Coupe
Sold: 1999 Mazda Miata DD & CSP - viewtopic.php?f=25&t=15327

I put some velcro on mine and stuck it to the top of the windshield. If it was weatherproof (I'm debating potting mine) I would have stuck it on the top of the roof since my cage messes with it pretty bad. Trunklid is likely a good 2nd place. You want it to have a clear, unobstructed by metal, view to the sky.