I have a full Solo DL set up with Smartycam HD, and I know how to use it for analysis etc. but I find it clunky and time-consuming, so I don't do it track-side, but rather the following weekend. I will be racing in a new to me car on new to me tracks this season. Is there a benefit in getting Garmin Catalyst for some real-time insights? I'm quick but not consistent and often can fall 0.5-1s off my best pace without realizing what I'm doing wrong to cause it (until I look at the data later). So maybe Garmin can help with that? I almost bought it but the guy selling them told me it would be redundant with Solo DL and I should just not be lazy and just look at Solo data between sessions . That's a good point, and I will do that, but can Catalyst offer something on top of that or make that less of a hassle?

 

I can tell you that there are MANY AiM (and other system) users who add a Catalyst for real-time feedback and an automated, prioritized way of doing a FAST session review.

The audio feedback is extraordinary, if you enable advanced coaching.

I have PCA winning drivers in two GT3 R's using the Catalyst in their car for the benefit it gives.

There are things the Catalyst can't do (car info, export to a laptop, not needed due to the tablet ecosystem) and there are things the AiM can't do (real-time feedback beyond distance based predictive lap timing, prioritized list of learning opportunities for improvement, and the learning curve is steep), so I believe they are complimentary rather than making the other redundant, they simply don't do the same things.

If you buy 3/1-3/31 in the US there is $100 rebate from authorized dealers, too. Let me know if I can help.

 

I had, and I say again had, a SOLO 2 DL and SmartyCam HD. After installing the Catalyst last Fall, I cam too the conclusion that the AiM stuff was redundant. The Catalyst provides Predictive Lapping, no need for AiM for that chore. You mentioned, re. the AiM software, " I find it clunky and time-consuming, so I don't do it track-side." That is the exact reason that gave me the motivation to move on to the Catalyst. Peter mentions a few "shortcomings" of the Catalyst such as car information overlaid on the displays. But the benefits of real-time audio coaching and post session simplified data presentation in the form of Three (3) Opportunities for the next session. I run with the Porsche Owners Club (POC) in CA, PCA too. Many of our top drivers are now hooked on Catalyst. I have had an article I wrote published in the POC Velocity Magazine, however, I have problem uploading to Rennlist.... Contact Peter Krause and he will send you a copy. Peter is my Catalyst dealer....he has been incredible. Lastly, just order the Catalyst by the end of the month and get a $100 rebate from Garmin. You net cost is now $899.99. If somehow you don't like Catalyst, sell it for close to what you paid for it.

 

Great article in VELOCITY, Martin!

 

Thanks Andrew, coming from you, knowing your background, this means a lot to me. Writing the article was a work of "love" for me, love for what the Garmin Catalyst has done to help me analyze my driving performance, I am seeing more and more Catalyst units in the hands of the the better POC drivers such as yourself. And for us "wannabes", we buy them too

 

Ordered. Looking forward to trying it in 2 weeks on my street car.

 

I have a 718 CS coming and have a new Garmin Catalyst (GC) sitting at home ready to try it out. With the Cosworth dash and the GC, do I need a Solo as well?

Thanks,

Mike

 

No, unless you want to add video with car measures on it.

 

It depends what you want. If you want data - you have that from the Cosworth. If you want the coaching from the GC, you have that. If you want video with the data on it, then you can go with a Smartycam and possibly the Solo. But, if you go with the Smartycam, you will get the data from the video overlay into RS3 for analysis along with the synched video.

But, if you are receiving support, I would see what setup the support shop suggest and teammates have in their cars. Some cars get a MoTeC setup added. Some get a vbox. Some get SCHD. It really depends. I can only help with the SCHD, but can point you to others for MoTeC or the vbox.

 

Hey Peter:

Thanks for the video. Simplified the process greatly!!

 

Thanks, Martin. I admire your tenacity when it comes to data acquisition and analysis. I ordered a Catalyst from Peter. Do you recommend a particular BT ear bud for use under your balaclava and helmet?

 

Mike, I am REALLY excited for you with your new car. It IS the best tool for the job, and there is NOTHING like a factory built race car.

The Cosworth is not too bad to learn at all with the resources present on the PMNA website. They provide good configs, pre-made workbooks (same as AiM profiles, the arrangement of data that matches the channels you have) and some great introductory walk-throughs on how to use Toolbox. Many pro engineers who are facile with the software prefer it to MoTeC, and it is on a level above most consumer or pro-sumer analysis software.

Once you learn how to pull and arrange the information, you can look at the same info, in the same way, and come to the same good conclusions you can with AiM, MoTeC, VBOX or any other recognized and supported software.

The BIG thing that most 981 GT4 CS and 718 GT4 CS drivers are looking for is a good video solution, one that integrates with the data.

The AliveDrive Cosworth add-on is expensive (more than a top of the line VBOX 2-camera HD2 with all the bells and whistles) and is not well supported in this country (but the ICD and the PDM is, through PMNA).

With the advent of AiM's Race Studio 3 Analysis beta, there is the ability to load and compare laps just from the SD card from the SmartyCam, even the basic, non-logging setup I refer to in the first of the three options in my video. Good and inexpensive.

If you prefer AiM software and are facile with it, which honestly few are, the combination of the Solo 2 DL and the SmartyCam HD is a tried, tested and proven combo that allows bypassing the Cosworth, especially because good health information comes through as well as the essential driver measures on the Solo 2 DL. Big challenge for this software is fast, simple identification, as well as video review and comparison, of sectors that show exceptional performance, which is what I have used for more than a decade to help drivers coach themselves to go quicker, without "stretching" or adding risk. Hence the recommendation for the VBOX.

I've sold no fewer than thirty-five VBOX HD2 systems (that get the information from the Cosworth ICD) to 981 ClubSport and 718 ClubSport owners JUST in the last three months, so the groundswell is there. Mostly because it's what Porsche uses...

Enjoy your car. It's a fabulous way to enjoy driving and racing at the track.