Data recording devices for the track

[racsos]

Hello,

I want to get some advice. I want to be able to video record my time on the track along with steering, braking, speed, and gas inputs. I have looked into Harry's lap timer, but it seems a bit complicated. If this is the best solution, I am willing to get everything needed and install, but first i wanted to check with all of you?

So if you could please let me know all the gear you use at the track and what you like about it. Also please include mounts and best location for sound and video. Thanks in advance.

[MasterP]

What's your budget?

You can get Aim Solo DL with their Smart Cam

Auto sport Labs has some of the best for the entry budget and it's open source.

[antych]

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...g.prowl.torque

[CanAutM3]

Cheapest option is the ///M laptimer. It's free, fully integrated with iDrive and provides the basics you mention such as lap times, speeds, throttle, brake, steering and g-force.

That is what I use combined with a GoPro. Plenty sufficient for my HPDE needs

[tom @ eas]

Harry's isn't bad for an iPhone App. The AIM Solo DL is a great unit for the price.

[racsos]

Originally Posted by TrakBch

What's your budget?

You can get Aim Solo DL with their Smart Cam

Auto sport Labs has some of the best for the entry budget and it's open source.

I am willing to spend about up to 1200. However, I am a big sucker for bang for your buck purchases.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by racsos

I am willing to spend about up to 1200. However, I am a big sucker for bang for your buck purchases.

These are tools. Buying quality tools means you only have to purchase them once.

You can't go wrong with the Solo, we're an authorized AIM dealer.

[M3Tooner]

Originally Posted by racsos

I am willing to spend about up to 1200. However, I am a big sucker for bang for your buck purchases.

With a $1,200 budget, you can easily get a AiM Solo DL for $699 (Link to cheapest I've found and free suction mount). Then just add your choice of camera for another $300-$400 and you'll have a very solid track setup. You don't need to pay $1k for their SmartyCam.

The M-laptimer is definitely the cheapest because it is free! But if you wanted to make a video with data overlay, I'm not sure how you would do it with this app. I don't think BMW made it to allow for the data to be shared with other video software. In regards to handling video, I think Harry's Laptimer is superior. These phone app based data logging devices also use the phone's GPS which is not the fastest. You'll have to upgrade and buy your own external GPS pickup to pair with the app if you want better accuracy.

In the end, it just depends on how much you want to spend. I'm in the same boat now shopping around.

[m4pewpew]

Originally Posted by M3Tooner

The M-laptimer is definitely the cheapest because it is free! But if you wanted to make a video with data overlay, I'm not sure how you would do it with this app. I don't think BMW made it to allow for the data to be shared with other video software.

That's true, but not completely impossible to use some of the data in your footage. Here's a trick I know, hopefully helps:

1. Connect your iPhone to OS X
2. On your laptop, open Quicktime
3. Go to File -> New Movie Recording
4. Click on the down arrow next to the record button, and select your iphone
5. Click record
6. On the phone, go ahead and play the animated lap(s)
7. Stop recording to complete making the movie
8. Open iMovie. Insert the M Laptimer video as a picture-in-picture in your race footage.

[racsos]

Originally Posted by M3Tooner

With a $1,200 budget, you can easily get a AiM Solo DL for $699 (Link to cheapest I've found and free suction mount). Then just add your choice of camera for another $300-$400 and you'll have a very solid track setup. You don't need to pay $1k for their SmartyCam.

The M-laptimer is definitely the cheapest because it is free! But if you wanted to make a video with data overlay, I'm not sure how you would do it with this app. I don't think BMW made it to allow for the data to be shared with other video software. In regards to handling video, I think Harry's Laptimer is superior. These phone app based data logging devices also use the phone's GPS which is not the fastest. You'll have to upgrade and buy your own external GPS pickup to pair with the app if you want better accuracy.

In the end, it just depends on how much you want to spend. I'm in the same boat now shopping around.

After some research I think I am definitely going the AIM solo DL route with a go pro or something similar. Now I need to see what video recording system I want to use. Thanks for the help!

[tom @ eas]

The AIM Solo is a great tool for reference.

Aside from all the datapoints than can be logged, one great example discovered EU MDM on an E90M3 slight tapping on the brakes (1:00), even when the pedal pressure was not applied.

[Mantii]

I'm also in the market for one. I was leaning towards the BT1 to use with RaceRender/TrackAddict.

There is also the M Performance Drive Analyser, but I am not sure if the logged files are also proprietary just like with the Lap Timer app, meaning you cant export and use data with RaceRender for example. If anyone knows more about the Drive Analyser, I would love to hear your opinion.

[M3 Number 86]

Aim Solo DL hard wired to canbus and race render with footage from GoPro. Here's a template I made for f80

[M3lbournE92]

Assuming you have a GoPro already, using the M lap timer is the cheapest way to go. I myself used the m lap timer and integrated them into my GoPro video which wasn't that complicated. Just overlay both recordings and you get something like this.

[mid-corner fun]

Originally Posted by M3 Number 86

Aim Solo DL hard wired to canbus and race render with footage from GoPro. Here's a template I made for f80

Where did you tap into CAN? Under the glove box? Had this working on my e92 M3, trying to do the same now with the F80.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by mid-corner fun

Where did you tap into CAN? Under the glove box? Had this working on my e92 M3, trying to do the same now with the F80.

You can use the instructions we posted from the Awron install, which gets can from the FEM_BODY module: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1017936

Connector 8 houses a pair of CAN wires that can be used.

[M3 Number 86]

Originally Posted by mid-corner fun

Where did you tap into CAN? Under the glove box? Had this working on my e92 M3, trying to do the same now with the F80.

Check m-world they might have an option for f80 now.

I'm e90 if you watch my vid just the template was made for f80 lol

[mid-corner fun]

Originally Posted by M3 Number 86

Check m-world they might have an option for f80 now.

I'm e90 if you watch my vid just the template was made for f80 lol

they're working on it but nothing available yet

[mid-corner fun]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

You can use the instructions we posted from the Awron install, which gets can from the FEM_BODY module: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1017936

Connector 8 houses a pair of CAN wires that can be used.

awesome, just looked at the info, that'll do it! weekend project coming up.

thanks!

[Brasko]

I've used the the M Lap Timer for track days at Portland International Raceway. Works well and with the new GoPro integration it should be even better. Now I just need to get a GoPro camera.

[CanAutM3]

LapTimer and GoPro footage are now integrated. For those that haven't seen the thread:

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1250050

[ecf34]

I'm planning to use Harry's laptimer for an upcoming track day, but need recommendations for a phone mount that's suitable for the track. Harry's laptimer suggests the RAM mount, but I was wondering if anyone uses something else? Thanks!