MR Turco

Looking to improve lap times with some data. I would like to make a purchase over the winter but struggling to decide. Here are the few options I've looked into but hoping you guys can share anything else you might be using.

Looking to keep budget ~$500

Harry's Lap Timer: Cheap cost of entry but will it be something i really want to grow with?
AIM Solo II: Likely the most growth potential but not as many features for initial costs.
Apex Pro Track Coach: Trainer seems like a good concept esp at my current driving level, nice design and form factor, but seems to have minimal feedback.

Others?

Poor-sha

Do you have a C7 with the PDR? If so, all you need is the software.

NiceGuySanti

I've used all 3, most recently I have really started to get into the Apex Digital Track Coach, it is so much easier to use than my Aim setup (solo DL and Smartycam) and way more complete than Harry's. I love the fact that I can quickly and easily look at my session, pick a lap that I want to focus in on and then break it apart, no PC needed, all from my iphone. I like it so much that I picked up a spare unit to use with my advanced students next year, I can run a session with them and as soon as they pull into the paddock we can start analyzing their driving on the spot. Additionally, I can overlay my data on their session and use it to show where possible improvements can be made as well.
The biggest plus on the Apex unit is the information it gives you real time, this is something that I just started paying attention to now that I trust the lights! Check their youtube channel or go onto their FB users group page for more info.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1...ew=0&flow=grid

crimlwC6

I've used AIM SOLO non-DL and it is extremely helpful and portable between vehicles. If you have canbus, the DL SOLO is even better.

kflee

Is there any way to easily marry this data with video? Preferably with a GoPro?

thanks,
Kirk

NiceGuySanti

Yes, there is a software called Race Render, it allows you to overlay multiple camera inputs with the data from pretty much any lap timer.

kflee

Awesome! I may have to try this out.

mattastick

What car? That'll determine what is available on the CAN bus, and that'll determine what you need to get the most from a driver training perspective. As mentioned, C7 with PDR = done. All you need is the free Cosworth software to analyze the data and an SD card. As your car gets older, it takes more effort.

MR Turco

c5z

fatbillybob

Most people I know are using Aim Solo for C5's and Aim Solo DL's for cars after 2008 with the compatible OBD2 protocol that your smog check guy plugs into. The C5 is OBD2 but an early version not supported with DL. But you may want to check if the new DL is compatible. I doubt it. Much info can be gathered just from the Solo for the C5Z. The guys are using it with video and racerender. I'm just using mine as a laptimer. It works flawlessly and all I have to do it power it on and it figures out what to do. Often at SCCA races the Aim van is there. About once a year I hand them my unit and they update for free firmware or add any new tracks and sometimes new track configurations.