993Guy

I have an opportunity to pick up a SmartyCam GP at what seems like a very reasonable price. I currently own a Solo DL. My question is, will the Solo work with the GP in the same way it does with the newer AIM cameras? Auto start and stop, auto overlay, etc? Also, any issues with the GP field of view in a closed cockpit car (Corvette). Currently using a GoPro, would very much like to have an integrated solution. Thanks.

Matt Romanowski

The original standard def camera will work the same as the new HD in regards to auto power, start, stop, and power off. No problems there. For field of view, there were a few options available, so you'll have to find out what camera it is. There is no problem using it in a closed cockpit car. You'll have a great setup.

ProCoach

The original SmartyCam GP comes in a relatively narrow field of view, so you will want to put it further back in the cockpit to capture more width out of the windshield. I've never seen more than a 67 degree FOV on those units, and I sold four or five dozen of them new.

It does NOT start recording the way the newer cameras do and does not have all of the on-screen information capability (like fastest lap number, fastest lap time, in addition to current lap number and time).

It will power up and be charged by the Solo DL (as long as the SDL is powered, itself), it will begin recording when the RPM reading is above 500 (acting as a slave to the Solo DL).

It is not possible to record on speed, like the newer cameras. It will stop recording after a preset time, and turn off after a preset time after voltage is lifted.

They're good little cameras and with the information on the video, offer a great deal more value than the GoPro, even if the video quality isn't anything to write home about. I love them.

993Guy

Thanks for the input. Here is a picture of the box. Looks like it's a 67 degree FOV.

ProCoach

Even though they list an 84 as an option, I have not seen one in the standard def, ever.

Matt Romanowski

The IP67 listed by bullet is the water protection rating, not the fov.

ProCoach

It's nice that they also provide field of view two rows down.

Matt Romanowski

I like how that row lists both options too

ProCoach

Have you ever seen an SD version of the GP in more than what I call the "narrow" view?

Jerry said he hadn't either...

993Guy

Here is a short test video the owner took in his yard.

Anyway, I bought it, will give it a try with the Solo DL. If I'm not happy I'll sell it and go back to the GoPro or upgrade to the SmartyCam HD.

Thanks for the help.

ProCoach

This will be more than adequate and I think the information will more than offset the "DVD quality"

In your Solo DL, assuming you are getting any information from the car (which series Corvette?), be sure to tell the Solo DL to send the appropriate info to the SmartyCam in the Solo DL configuration and also download SmartyManager here: http://www.aim-sportline.com/downloa...131104_WEB.exe to edit the screen background and make the gauges and icons work, if they're channels fed to the Solo DL from the car.

993Guy

C7 Corvette, looks like there will be lots of data available. It's going to be nice to have the data and video integrated and available for review right after a session.

I need to work on making sense of the squiggly lines. I know the basics of how to use RS2/RSA from the AIM videos, interpreting the data and what actions to take, not so much. Any thoughts on books, courses, or resources to accomplish this is appreciated.

Matt Romanowski

Making Sense of Squiggly Lines is probably the easiest and most accessible book to start figuring out analysis. After that, I would say Bob Knox's book, the Jorge Segers book. I also recommend taking John Block's Webinars at www.auto-ware.com. He will teach you how to look at the data, analyze it, and gives you the methodology on how to think about it. Those things would create a solid foundation and first couple of levels!

CharleyH

You got a great deal on that camera. I was thinking of getting it to use as a second view for my HDGP. For $150 you can't go wrong.

Enjoy!

Charley