orthojoe

You can say that again.
SmartyCAM with solo really is the only good option out there right now that makes data analysis and video overlay very simple, easy, and good looking. It's good to see that they have made improvements with 2.0.

skxf430

For the guys that have an Aim utilizing a Mac, what program are you using to overaly? Seems most of the programs are PC based. Or, are you running Windows on your Mac?

Thanks for any info.

orthojoe

I believe race render is the only one that has native Mac software

Spyerx

Race render. It works fine, its quite a few steps. You can save templates for most of this. UI is not super intuitive, but it is quite powerful.

high level steps:
1. export data from the AIM in CSV format
2. Open race render, select the video and CSV file, choose right layout
3. Map CSV to data elements
4. Drop in overlay elements
5. Setup timing/ sync video and data
6. Render video

Gt3Fan

My girlfriend just got me the AIM solo, not the DL version for my birthday yesterday. Am I good with this one, or should I upgrade to the DL version? The DL version brings in what extra useful data for owners of this system? Is it worth the upgrade would you say?

Lastly, I have the latest hd go pro black, is the smarty cam HD going to be a better set up than my go pro with my solo?

Apologies for the naive questions, new to many of these track gadgets. All I've used when tracking is my go pro and external mic.

Spyerx

The DL version allows for car telemetry to be collected alongside timing information. Mainly: RPM, gear, oil/water temps, brake pressure, and 20 or so other metrics.

Also I don't believe the non-DL version can connect to the smartycam

skxf430

Hey Spyerx,

Although Race Render is compatible with Mac, I think I still need to run Windows in order to download the CSV file from the Aim Solo DL?

Thanks,

Spyerx

yes you do. I'm ambidextrous with OS... so basically I use a mac 100% of the time. I use VMware fusion to run windows on it. I have windows 7 installed in a VM on the mac, and I use all the AIM programs there. This works fine and allows you to export the files. Then, I use the mac to do the video work, etc. I could use the windows version of Race Render and run in windows, I just choose to run it on the mac. Race Render supports both platforms.

Gt3Fan

Thank you, good to know. I probably would continue to use my hero+black go pro, so not a big issue there. The RPM and brake pressure could be kind of cool, not sure I care too much about the others. Hmm, to keep the non DL version or trade up to the DL.

Is the DL difficult to instal?

Spyerx

Both are great learning tools. If you're not a very analytical person, or working with a coach who is - stick with the standard Solo. You can get the majority of what you need from it for improving. Gopro work great for video.

orthojoe

DL install just involves connecting to the obd2 port with a cable. That's it. It can't get any easier.

utkinpol

True, but you get brake channel if you hardwire to can bus and get some other channels. Plus you get automatic on/off for solo dl and connected smartycam that is kinda priceless as you no longer worry to push any buttons, it records automatically.

orthojoe

Actually, with the GT3, you can get the same channels through OBD2 as you get through CAN minus some useless channels. Through obd2 you can get brake pressure, steering angle, throttle, rpm, individual wheel speed, coolant temp. The only difference is that CAN logs at 50hz, and OBD2 is only 10Hz

Both obd2 and CAN do not get you oil pressure or temp on the 991 GT3

orthojoe

deleted. wrong thread. sorry

Alan C.

Sorry to hear about your issues. What a PITA. I am so glad I skipped this option.