Lap timer suggestions

[MAG22]

I'm looking to start timing myself on track this year. I have been using the video on my iphone so far, but now I'm looking to get more data and an overlay. I have nothing except for a phone and a phone mount, so I'm starting from scratch.
I'd love the AimSolo 2 DL, but it's a bit pricey. Same with the catalyst. I've seen some older posts that recommend RaceChrono Pro ($20), XGPS160 ($156), Go Pro with bluetooth($250?), and bluetooth OBD2(Kiwi3 $100). Any recent recommendations?

[SYT_Shadow]

I'd get a solo 2 dl, or a solo 1 dl used to keep the costs down. Buy once, cry once

[b_w.]

Solo2 DL. Pretty easy to tap into can system and have vehicle data which is nice vs catalyst.

[MAG22]

I figured this would be the answer.

[Tommix]

To your mobile phone RaceChrono pro + RaceBox Mini 25Hz external gps

[mKilgore]

This post isn't going to be very helpful, and that's just because I don't know enough about other systems to advise you on what's out there. You mention you want data and you want overlays over video. Generally, the more seamless that all the components work together, the more expensive the product is going to be.

If you want to be reviewing data and video overlays at the track between sessions, that is going to require an expensive system like an AIM solo 2 DL and AIM camera. Same with something like Vbox. The RaceChrono Pro looks to have that capability with using your phone as the camera, but I have not used that system. But be aware, depending on how much time you have between sessions, trying to look at data with video overlays, as well as comparing data between different laps, as well as work on your car, that doesn't leave a whole lot of time between sessions.

If you just want to compare some simple data between sessions, I would suggest the AIM solo 2 DL or also Apex Pro as it is pretty easy to look at the data quickly between sessions. Another consideration is if you have friends or other people at the track that you know and they are using a data logger, consider using what they use so that you can compare data between yourselves. Not only is it beneficial to compare your own times, but it can also be a great tool to see what someone else is doing. A lot of the people I run with use the Solo 2 DL which makes it easy for us to all share/compare data.

I do run a GoPro and will review the video footage between sessions usually, but I don't try to overlay any data. I just look at each (video footage and Solo 2 DL data) separately. You need to use a program like Race Render to overlay the data, and it can take some time to sync the data up.

I hope that is somewhat helpful.

[markw10702]

I would offer that you consider the Garmin Catalyst. I use it and it is very useful and takes little training to get full benefit from the system.

While the aforementioned AimSolo products are also good, however they require that you download the data to a laptop (with the correct software) to view the results. This is a lot of work for HPDE sessions when you may only have 45 to 60 minutes between sessions. Then you need to spend (sometime hours) time analyzing the data (are you good with squiggly lines?)

The Garmin allows you to replay your lap (video) as soon as you are off the track and while on track will give you suggestions (via wired or wireless earbuds) on where you can improve your line or brake points which will improve your lap times. The Garmin will also give you 3 opportunities for improvement for your next session.

Yes - the AimSolo products are more comprehensive with respect to the information it can gather from your CAN bus, but as a beginner to the world of lap timing are you really going to benefit from knowing brake pressures and throttle position?

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/690726

[noone]

I track my car < 4 times per year and find that on a large size iPhone, that Track Addict is really good with a good RAM windshield mount. Easy to review footage in between runs and has overlays and CAN data with an OBDC Bluetooth thing that I already had. I bought the app and bought the mount and I felt it was adequate for my skill level.

[mirahadk]

To your mobile phone RaceChrono pro + RaceBox Mini 25Hz external gps

+1 to this

You an never go wrong with spending a lot of money on an AIM solo dl2 and I know quite a few people that like using the garmin catalyst as well.

If your looking for really good bang for buck for low to moderate amount of track time the above combination of racebox mini with racechrono pro has worked really well for me. The racebox sftware and app is quite good too with audio lap time and sector announcements through the car audio. Its quick and hasslefree.

I know racebox often have sales. Their external gps is 25hz and works with gps and glonass. Very accurate lap timing and gather good data with accelerometer. Battery life is great and usb c charging is easy. Mine is taped onto the dash. I combine it with veepeak obd ble and get even more data from the car to racechrono pro such as rpm, throttle, oil temp etc. Can get a fast/ more expensive obd connector to have higher frequency data channels if needed.