THSCC Forums

We started discussing this topic on the msg list before the forums, and I figured it might be nice to bring it back.

I looked closely at the DataCam systems. They are pricey, but I like the idea of getting real time data overlaid on the video image of the course.
Their info page is here:

www.datacam2.com

They utilize the OBDII systems for cars 96 and newer. The original datacam (not DataCam2) will utilize OBD1 data for older cars, but there are some limitations.

Miles Beam
White 91 Corvette

I've got the Datacam2 and have used it in autocross and like it. The data isn't *as* useful as Geez since the resolution is relatively low (you don't even get 30fps worth of resolution since the OBDII port doesn't spew data fast enough to even keep up with that) and you have to step frame by frame to even get max resolution anyway. Painfully slow in reality.

That said, I still find it pretty useful to spot coasting and such, and it isn't too hard to see your max revs in a corner. It is harder to compare runs, though, as you either need digital editing equipment or a lot of fast foward and rewind.

I do have the accelerometer option in mine, but it doesn't seem to compare well to geez. I've seen max peaks of like 1.8G's, which I don't think is possible in a Spyder on Hoosiers. Geez hasn't seen anything that high, that's for sure. I'm sure it's fairly accurate relative to itself, though, so for multiple drivers in the same car it will probably give you useful information.

There's no brake indication other than on/off and that works by connecting to an actual brake light line or the switch at the pedal.

The data it reads from OBDII is tach, vehicle speed, and throttle position, IIRC. From the description I was given by the designers, it has to do a request to the OBDII port for each piece, get response, make next request, etc. That means you could increase your sample resolution by an incredible amount if you could turn off one or two of those data points. For most, vehicle speed isn't necessary, for example. Unfortunately you can't currently do that, but the designers have said they are considering implementing some way to do that. They're good folks and racers themselves.

I also have the Datacam400 system going into my Spec Miata, but haven't gotten it in yet. Hope to by the next VIR race. Supposed to give the same data, only it's harder to hook up due to a lack of OBDII. That system has accelerometers and the Hot Lap interface for timing. Should be even more useful than the Datacam2, I think.


--Donnie

I actually helped the hardware designer of the original Datacam with a bit of debug work several years ago. He was the lead engineer at the Internet start-up I was a part of. Good to see that it's being actively developed again as I like the product and concept.

Now if they have figured out a way to encode all the data on one of the audio channels like I suggested then I would be very excited.

--Kevin H.

_________________
2003 WRX (again!)

I have been toying with the idea of what it would take to enter the market with a competing product. Maybe this is what I will do "when I grow up". Electronics, Software, Data and Automobiles…. What could be better?

Anyhow, if anyone has URLs, etc. for lower end products like GEEZ, DataCam, etc. or websites/forums that discuss data acquisition and analysis (particularly with respects to motorsports) please email or PM me. I am mostly researching at this point.

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Richard Casto
1972 Porsche 914
2013 Honda Fit Sport
2015 Honda Fit EX
http://motorsport.zyyz.com
Money can't buy happiness, but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than a Kia.

A video overlay module (and I think the same one the Datacam guys use) is here:

http://www.decadenet.com/bob3/bob3.html

Do it yourself video overlay:

http://dt.prohosting.com/pic/vidclock.html

OBDII to serial translator:

http://www.andywhittaker.com/ecu/obdii_hardware.htm

Personally I'd definitely love to see a single data gatherer that had options on how to output the data. A simple interface to just store it for download later, a video overlay module, and output for real time analysis by another device. There are a ton of high end road race systems (like Pi) that can do most of that, but they also cost out the butt. Of course, you can even do shock information on those, but that's the kind of thing that should be an option on the data gathering side.

The data gatherer should have a ton of input options, such as generic inputs for sensors for things like rotating speed (on wheels, tranny parts, engine parts, etc), an OBDII input, shock inputs, airflow inputs, vacuum sensors, accelerometers, GPS, lap beacons, temperatures, etc, etc.

Build the hardware and build it right. Flash upgrades for it's OS, rugged, and compact. Then write some basic analysis software and open source it. Publish the data stream specs. Let the world at large enhance your software for you. Let those of us who want custom views have the ability to get at *our* data (I mean really, we created it by what we did in the car, dammit!), and make money selling *good* hardware.

I don't ask for much, do I?


--Donnie

Thanks for the links and comments. I have run across the 'bob' overlay module before, but had not seen the other two.

Believe me, most of what you are asking for is high on my list as well.

_________________
Richard Casto
1972 Porsche 914
2013 Honda Fit Sport
2015 Honda Fit EX
http://motorsport.zyyz.com
Money can't buy happiness, but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than a Kia.

Geez website:
http://www.extremegeez.com/

Byron Short, the originator of the Geez cube and software sold the company to another individual ~ a year ago. When I talked to the new owner, he said Byron was supposed to update the software to newer OS's put it on CD and make it write to other recorders than just palm for the new owner as part of the purchase agreement. However since he had promised that for several years while he owned it, I wouldn't count on it coming soon.
It would be great if someone would pick up where Geez left off and come up with a new improved version, better, more sensitive accellerometers? easier to use software?

This was part of an email I received recently:
The PRI (Performance Racing Industry) magazine had a several-page story
about data acquisition. In several places, they pointed out that the
systems were being made more compact, less expensive and required less
sophisiticated equipment to download/analyze for other markets. Solo2
was specifically mentioned several times.

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SPIN or WIN!
there's no glory for going slow.