Harry Lap Timer with Iphone X

trey100 · 02-17-2018, 07:50 AM

Hi everyone. Planning my first HPDE. I know my first event won't be about setting any lap records but I still want to capture it on video and like the idea of seeing the info like speed, etc reported on the video. So for those using this, what mounts are you using on the M and where are you mounting it? Harry's site shows some mounts but I can't tell if they are assuming it gets mounted on a sunroof of windshield (I have the CF roof). I read that unlike a GoPro the phones are sometimes shaky. Any input is appreciated.

OhioRiderAaron · 02-17-2018, 09:52 AM

I use RAM mounts to hold my phone or tablet, suctioned to the windshield. For cams like GoPro I use an arrangement of connection elbows so I can have it mounted to the roof doom light (final connection is the 3M tape base plate).

No worries about putting up lap records, recording yourself is still great fun and can make you a better driver in the future if that's your intent. Best of luck man!

M-Pilot · 02-17-2018, 11:16 AM

Don't do it with iphone 7, 8 or X! It will be extremely shaky due to these new iphone image "stabilization". The video will be almost non-watchable. I used a RAM mount on the windshield along with my iphone X yesterday at Laguna Seca and it was a disaster. I'm getting a GoPro next for sure! Here's the end result of Harry's LapTimer with iphone X:

trey100 · 02-17-2018, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioRiderAaron

I use RAM mounts to hold my phone or tablet, suctioned to the windshield. For cams like GoPro I use an arrangement of connection elbows so I can have it mounted to the roof doom light (final connection is the 3M tape base plate).

No worries about putting up lap records, recording yourself is still great fun and can make you a better driver in the future if that's your intent. Best of luck man!

Excellent - thanks!

trey100 · 02-17-2018, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cntzl

Don't do it with iphone 7, 8 or X! It will be extremely shaky due to these new iphone image "stabilization". The video will be almost non-watchable. I used a RAM mount on the windshield along with my iphone X yesterday at Laguna Seca and it was a disaster. I'm getting a GoPro next for sure! Here's the end result of Harry's LapTimer with iphone X:

Wow - that is awful! I need to see if there is a way to turn off stabilization. I've seen videos online and none were as bad as that.

I have a GoPro too but from what I read it seems like work getting the video and overlays all matched up but if it's really that bad then I may not have a choice.

trey100 · 02-17-2018, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trey100

Quote:

Originally Posted by cntzl

Don't do it with iphone 7, 8 or X! It will be extremely shaky due to these new iphone image "stabilization". The video will be almost non-watchable. I used a RAM mount on the windshield along with my iphone X yesterday at Laguna Seca and it was a disaster. I'm getting a GoPro next for sure! Here's the end result of Harry's LapTimer with iphone X:

Wow - that is awful! I need to see if there is a way to turn off stabilization. I've seen videos online and none were as bad as that.

I have a GoPro too but from what I read it seems like work getting the video and overlays all matched up but if it's really that bad then I may not have a choice.

By the way which OBD2 adapter are you using for the throttle, etc data?

trey100 · 02-17-2018, 12:57 PM

Harry's site says to use a cradle type mount with the ram system rather than the X Grips. What type of mount did you use in that video.

Of course Ram doesn't seem to make a cradle mount for the IPhone X.

ineedae46m3 · 02-17-2018, 01:01 PM

As said earlier can’t use the 7 or anything newer for recording. And you cannot turn off the image stabilization. Can use go pro or I use an old iPhone 5s. That’s the other option. GL

M-Pilot · 02-17-2018, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trey100

Harry's site says to use a cradle type mount with the ram system rather than the X Grips. What type of mount did you use in that video.

Of course Ram doesn't seem to make a cradle mount for the IPhone X.

Exactly! I had cradle mount for my iphone 7 and it wasn't nearly this shaky. Unfortunately, there is no cradle mount for iphone X. That's why I was using X type mount.

I also GoPoint BT1A as my OBD adapter.

trey100 · 02-17-2018, 07:47 PM

I have another IPhone 6S so i will get a cradle mount for that and test it out around some roads. If it looks questionable I'll go with the GoPro and hopefully can overlay the data afterwards.

Racing Instructor · 02-19-2018, 01:12 PM

I have used the RAM mount as well but found it to be very very shaky so I started using this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I mount it low in the middle of the windshield and set the phone on the center display with a small piece if sponge between the display and the ohone. No vibration to speak off. I used an iPhone X.

trey100 · 02-19-2018, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racing Instructor

I have used the RAM mount as well but found it to be very very shaky so I started using this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I mount it low in the middle of the windshield and set the phone on the center display with a small piece if sponge between the display and the ohone. No vibration to speak off. I used an iPhone X.

Hi and thanks. Can you clarify what "set on the center display" means?

I also ready online that if you use the front camera which doesn't have optical stabilization, you don't get the shake but of course the camera quality isn't as good.

Racing Instructor · 02-19-2018, 05:22 PM

In my M4 there is a display in the center of the dash with the NAV and a bunch of menus for car settings. Here is a Google of that dash:https://www.google.com/search?q=M4+D...f26asiU7RWvFM:

trey100 · 02-19-2018, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racing Instructor

In my M4 there is a display in the center of the dash with the NAV and a bunch of menus for car settings. Here is a Google of that dash:https://www.google.com/search?q=M4+D...f26asiU7RWvFM:

So right on the center screen? I'd be afraid of damaging the screen.

Racing Instructor · 02-19-2018, 08:03 PM

the mount has a suction cup that sticks to the window and the arm with phone rests on the foam that is between the display and the phone. It is not going anywhere and stabilizes the phone so no vibrations. Or stick a go-pro on your bumper using this
https://www.cravenspeed.com/porsche-...e1519092043506 or you can use this one . http://www.rennline.com/Rennline-GoP...ductinfo/PH01/

dim635csi · 02-19-2018, 10:04 PM

I'm using M Performance Drive Analyzer (OBD2 dongle) with iPhone 8 in Ram X mount. While it shakes a lot (I think iPhone 8 has optical image stabilization, which you cannot turn off, and it makes it worse at high vibrations)
Still, iPhone app can make nice video overlays, and you have all your telemetry on hand as unencoded csv file, so you may use other software to overlay with another video source.

trey100 · 03-22-2018, 09:40 PM

For anyone interested, I found online that you can use the front camera which doesn't have optimization so tried it out on the street and seems to work ok. Will see how it is on the track.

dim635csi · 03-22-2018, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trey100

For anyone interested, I found online that you can use the front camera which doesn't have optimization so tried it out on the street and seems to work ok. Will see how it is on the track.

What kind of camera is it ?

trey100 · 03-23-2018, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dim635csi

Quote:

Originally Posted by trey100

For anyone interested, I found online that you can use the front camera which doesn't have optimization so tried it out on the street and seems to work ok. Will see how it is on the track.

What kind of camera is it ?

Sorry should have been clear - for those using IPhones. I have an X and tested it with the front camera in a RAM X brace on the windshield. Obviously not on a track yet, just on some curvy roads.

ATX_M3 · 03-25-2018, 12:24 PM

I had the same experience with my iPhone X on a RAM mount (with the silicon Apple case, for what that's worth) at COTA - unwatchable.

I'm going to try using some samples of the memory foam / gel from Purple between the phone and mount but it seems like the iPhone X stabilization (optimized for low frequency vibration) is a lot to overcome...

Get your motion sickness meds ready:

Racing Instructor · 03-25-2018, 12:57 PM

on the back side of the camera, so on the screen actually. The iPhone uses a magnetic suspended lens for image stabilization and by sticking a rare earth magnet on the back it freezes the suspension in one place therewith de-activating the image stabilization which causes the shaky videos.

Although better, the video quality still sucked in my opinion and I ended up buying a dedicated track phone. The Google Pixel

doesn't have these issues and produces a very stable and very clear video.

I bought it used for about $200 and mount it with the Quad Lock system and the combination works well. Easy to mount and easy to take off without any needed adjustments once it is installed.

MaX PL · 03-25-2018, 02:05 PM

lol why did you buy a "track phone" instead of one of the many chinese action cams for $100? something like the Yi Lite for example.

i'm just not sure what the best mount to use is and how to mount it from back seat area to get a full view of the front of the cabin.

02-17-2018, 07:50 AM	#1
trey100 Colonel 1125 Rep 2,564 Posts Drives: 2020 M2 Competition Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Harry Lap Timer with Iphone X Hi everyone. Planning my first HPDE. I know my first event won't be about setting any lap records but I still want to capture it on video and like the idea of seeing the info like speed, etc reported on the video. So for those using this, what mounts are you using on the M and where are you mounting it? Harry's site shows some mounts but I can't tell if they are assuming it gets mounted on a sunroof of windshield (I have the CF roof). I read that unlike a GoPro the phones are sometimes shaky. Any input is appreciated.
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02-17-2018, 09:52 AM	#2
OhioRiderAaron Captain 368 Rep 697 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW M3 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Columbus, OH iTrader: (0)	I use RAM mounts to hold my phone or tablet, suctioned to the windshield. For cams like GoPro I use an arrangement of connection elbows so I can have it mounted to the roof doom light (final connection is the 3M tape base plate). No worries about putting up lap records, recording yourself is still great fun and can make you a better driver in the future if that's your intent. Best of luck man! __________________ ZCP - Daily Driven Trackster ~ Gone but not Forgotten 1LE - Track Rubber & Garage Dust Collector
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02-17-2018, 11:16 AM	#3
M-Pilot Brigadier General 4859 Rep 3,659 Posts Drives: 981 Cayman GTS Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW X5 [0.00] 2023 Toyota GR86 [0.00] 2016 Porsche Cayman ... [10.00]	Don't do it with iphone 7, 8 or X! It will be extremely shaky due to these new iphone image "stabilization". The video will be almost non-watchable. I used a RAM mount on the windshield along with my iphone X yesterday at Laguna Seca and it was a disaster. I'm getting a GoPro next for sure! Here's the end result of Harry's LapTimer with iphone X:
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02-17-2018, 12:57 PM	#7
trey100 Colonel 1125 Rep 2,564 Posts Drives: 2020 M2 Competition Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Harry's site says to use a cradle type mount with the ram system rather than the X Grips. What type of mount did you use in that video. Of course Ram doesn't seem to make a cradle mount for the IPhone X.
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02-17-2018, 01:01 PM	#8
ineedae46m3 Lieutenant 105 Rep 441 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	As said earlier can’t use the 7 or anything newer for recording. And you cannot turn off the image stabilization. Can use go pro or I use an old iPhone 5s. That’s the other option. GL
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02-17-2018, 07:47 PM	#10
trey100 Colonel 1125 Rep 2,564 Posts Drives: 2020 M2 Competition Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	I have another IPhone 6S so i will get a cradle mount for that and test it out around some roads. If it looks questionable I'll go with the GoPro and hopefully can overlay the data afterwards.
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02-19-2018, 01:12 PM	#11
Racing Instructor Private 9 Rep 63 Posts Drives: M4 Tuned Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Tampa FL iTrader: (0)	Window Mount I have used the RAM mount as well but found it to be very very shaky so I started using this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I mount it low in the middle of the windshield and set the phone on the center display with a small piece if sponge between the display and the ohone. No vibration to speak off. I used an iPhone X.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-19-2018, 05:22 PM	#13
Racing Instructor Private 9 Rep 63 Posts Drives: M4 Tuned Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Tampa FL iTrader: (0)	In my M4 there is a display in the center of the dash with the NAV and a bunch of menus for car settings. Here is a Google of that dash:https://www.google.com/search?q=M4+D...f26asiU7RWvFM:
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02-19-2018, 08:03 PM	#15
Racing Instructor Private 9 Rep 63 Posts Drives: M4 Tuned Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Tampa FL iTrader: (0)	the mount has a suction cup that sticks to the window and the arm with phone rests on the foam that is between the display and the phone. It is not going anywhere and stabilizes the phone so no vibrations. Or stick a go-pro on your bumper using this https://www.cravenspeed.com/porsche-...e1519092043506 or you can use this one . http://www.rennline.com/Rennline-GoP...ductinfo/PH01/
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-19-2018, 10:04 PM	#16
dim635csi Lieutenant 203 Rep 468 Posts Drives: 2018 MG F82 M4 ZCP Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: SFBA iTrader: (0)	I'm using M Performance Drive Analyzer (OBD2 dongle) with iPhone 8 in Ram X mount. While it shakes a lot (I think iPhone 8 has optical image stabilization, which you cannot turn off, and it makes it worse at high vibrations) Still, iPhone app can make nice video overlays, and you have all your telemetry on hand as unencoded csv file, so you may use other software to overlay with another video source. Attached Images __________________ "If you want a car for track use, if want to go every other weekend fight-to-fight stopwatch to your local track: go for PDK, definitely. If you use the car, maybe not on track but as a daily commuter going through traffic: take the PDK. But you want a driver's car, a fun car: take the manual. [...]"
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03-22-2018, 09:40 PM	#17
trey100 Colonel 1125 Rep 2,564 Posts Drives: 2020 M2 Competition Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	For anyone interested, I found online that you can use the front camera which doesn't have optimization so tried it out on the street and seems to work ok. Will see how it is on the track.
	Appreciate 1 dim635csi203.00 Quote

03-25-2018, 12:24 PM	#20
ATX_M3 Second Lieutenant 186 Rep 242 Posts Drives: Current, G80 Comp - IOMG, Form Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	I had the same experience with my iPhone X on a RAM mount (with the silicon Apple case, for what that's worth) at COTA - unwatchable. I'm going to try using some samples of the memory foam / gel from Purple between the phone and mount but it seems like the iPhone X stabilization (optimized for low frequency vibration) is a lot to overcome... Get your motion sickness meds ready:
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-25-2018, 12:57 PM	#21
Racing Instructor Private 9 Rep 63 Posts Drives: M4 Tuned Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Tampa FL iTrader: (0)	Stick a magnet on the back side of the camera, so on the screen actually. The iPhone uses a magnetic suspended lens for image stabilization and by sticking a rare earth magnet on the back it freezes the suspension in one place therewith de-activating the image stabilization which causes the shaky videos. Although better, the video quality still sucked in my opinion and I ended up buying a dedicated track phone. The Google Pixel doesn't have these issues and produces a very stable and very clear video. I bought it used for about $200 and mount it with the Quad Lock system and the combination works well. Easy to mount and easy to take off without any needed adjustments once it is installed.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-25-2018, 02:05 PM	#22
MaX PL Major 533 Rep 1,415 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	lol why did you buy a "track phone" instead of one of the many chinese action cams for $100? something like the Yi Lite for example. i'm just not sure what the best mount to use is and how to mount it from back seat area to get a full view of the front of the cabin.
	Appreciate 0 Quote