Traqmate or others? Better lap times?
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Traqmate or others? Better lap times?
Hello.
I've been considering a Traqmate for the 2008 season. Are there any other systems like Traqmate available that I should be comparing it to? Any recommendations?
For those who have used systems like Traqmate, does it really help improve lap times?
Thanks in advance -- Dave
I've been considering a Traqmate for the 2008 season. Are there any other systems like Traqmate available that I should be comparing it to? Any recommendations?
For those who have used systems like Traqmate, does it really help improve lap times?
Thanks in advance -- Dave
#2
Le Mans Master
There have been a number of threads here on the merits of several
systems: Traqmate, the G2X by RacePak/MSD and the DL1 by Race
Technology are the three principal ones that come to mind.
I have a G2X and have fitted a number of optional sensors. I am a
big believer in the thought that there are gains to be had from these
systems.
.
systems: Traqmate, the G2X by RacePak/MSD and the DL1 by Race
Technology are the three principal ones that come to mind.
I have a G2X and have fitted a number of optional sensors. I am a
big believer in the thought that there are gains to be had from these
systems.
.
#3
Le Mans Master
A new release from RacePak is their IQ3 Data Logger Dash with
32 channels, 512 MB memory, 3-axis accelerometer and GPS.
They also offer a non-data logging version of this Dash for use
by owners of their G2X and other Vnet-style data loggers.
Predictive Laptime is now part of the RacePak feature set.
.
32 channels, 512 MB memory, 3-axis accelerometer and GPS.
They also offer a non-data logging version of this Dash for use
by owners of their G2X and other Vnet-style data loggers.
Predictive Laptime is now part of the RacePak feature set.
.
#4
Being able to review the sessions both immediately and then studying them later really helps maximize the return from the always limited track time.
It helps "prove" to yourself that the fastest lap times come with smooth, consistent, uneventful driving. It's almost impossible to believe it because the scary laps FEEL so much faster.
The data doesn't lie.
Watching in car video is great. It's entertaining, helps with practicing proper line and technique. But, the data will show you that you actually took T4 5 miles per hour faster by being smooth following the Miata rather than power sliding for the video.
It helps "prove" to yourself that the fastest lap times come with smooth, consistent, uneventful driving. It's almost impossible to believe it because the scary laps FEEL so much faster.
The data doesn't lie.
Watching in car video is great. It's entertaining, helps with practicing proper line and technique. But, the data will show you that you actually took T4 5 miles per hour faster by being smooth following the Miata rather than power sliding for the video.
#5
Drifting
Can you really "remember" that in session 3 on Sunday I did X in T-5 but in session 1 on Saturday I did Y. I don't think so.
I had a G2x and it worked perfectly but I concluded that there simply was too much information at home on the PC to deal with. Unless you are a professional or right up there in the racing mode I don't see much value in all that data other than it is good if you can compare yours to someone else’s to spot the big differences. That did help me allot, especiall down the hill at VIR.
The G2X is a great value however, especially if you want all the data and they are really good folks to work with. Tim Anderson is the contact.
The DL1 is badly overpriced if you want a display. They tout a 10Hz GPS module but the fact of the matter is that you don't need it at all. Racepack uses a 4 Hz with the accelerometers and some very good software algorithms.
I'm not sure of current price on the Trackmate and if it even has a display.
I finally decided to make my own and it works great and gives me instant data + recall at the track. It also gives me split times if I set marker fixes on the track so I can monitor a certain segment if I have trouble there.
I also had predictive lap timing in mine but I found that I never had time to look at it on-track so it was of no value at all to me. I eliminated it from my system.
Mine is here and you can use it as a comparison to the more elaborate systems.
http://www.gpxt-data.com
If you really want the data the G2X is the clear choice.
I had a G2x and it worked perfectly but I concluded that there simply was too much information at home on the PC to deal with. Unless you are a professional or right up there in the racing mode I don't see much value in all that data other than it is good if you can compare yours to someone else’s to spot the big differences. That did help me allot, especiall down the hill at VIR.
The G2X is a great value however, especially if you want all the data and they are really good folks to work with. Tim Anderson is the contact.
The DL1 is badly overpriced if you want a display. They tout a 10Hz GPS module but the fact of the matter is that you don't need it at all. Racepack uses a 4 Hz with the accelerometers and some very good software algorithms.
I'm not sure of current price on the Trackmate and if it even has a display.
I finally decided to make my own and it works great and gives me instant data + recall at the track. It also gives me split times if I set marker fixes on the track so I can monitor a certain segment if I have trouble there.
I also had predictive lap timing in mine but I found that I never had time to look at it on-track so it was of no value at all to me. I eliminated it from my system.
Mine is here and you can use it as a comparison to the more elaborate systems.
http://www.gpxt-data.com
If you really want the data the G2X is the clear choice.
#6
Melting Slicks
I just started using Traqmate last time at the track. It is quite informative, especially for a newbie like myself. I was able to review the data and see where I wasn't using all the track, the wrong lines, etc. One thing I like about this system it is very user friendly .
I'm looking at adding an in-car camera to use along with it. That should help even more.
I'm looking at adding an in-car camera to use along with it. That should help even more.
#7
Drifting
A new release from RacePak is their IQ3 Data Logger Dash with
32 channels, 512 MB memory, 3-axis accelerometer and GPS.
They also offer a non-data logging version of this Dash for use
by owners of their G2X and other Vnet-style data loggers.
Predictive Laptime is now part of the RacePak feature set.
.
32 channels, 512 MB memory, 3-axis accelerometer and GPS.
They also offer a non-data logging version of this Dash for use
by owners of their G2X and other Vnet-style data loggers.
Predictive Laptime is now part of the RacePak feature set.
.
Is the IQ3 available, its not listed on their site?
#10
Melting Slicks
It's probably been most helpful for my students to see the data after I drive their car. I'd say that's where the bang for the buck is. That way you can directly compare entry, apex, exit speeds, braking points, etc and see what the car is capable of...not just lap times. If a guy is 2 seconds per lap quicker than you, you can readily see where he's making that time.
A few years ago, when Johnny Miller drove my car at Road Atlanta, our lap times were nearly identical, but we went about it in completely different ways. The data clearly showed that and gave me some ideas on going faster... It also gave him some ideas too! Very helpful!
A few years ago, when Johnny Miller drove my car at Road Atlanta, our lap times were nearly identical, but we went about it in completely different ways. The data clearly showed that and gave me some ideas on going faster... It also gave him some ideas too! Very helpful!
Last edited by wtknght1; 01-23-2008 at 10:58 AM.
#11
Le Mans Master
#12
It's probably been most helpful for my students to see the data after I drive their car. I'd say that's where the bang for the buck is. That way you can directly compare entry, apex, exit speeds, braking points, etc and see what the car is capable of...not just lap times. If a guy is 2 seconds per lap quicker than you, you can readily see where he's making that time.
#13
Drifting