I'm considering the move from Harry's w/10Hz external GPS sensor to a better data acquisition system. With each update Harry's is becoming seemingly more buggy and it's track position accuracy is poor even w/an external GPS.

So far I've looked into a Solo or Solo DL. I used a fellow driver's at a DE not too long ago and I appreciate the Solo's ease of use. BUT Do people find that the extra data available w/the DL is valuable for learning or is the data from a Solo sufficient?

Also, I drive a base 2.9L 987.2 and I found this snippet regarding Solo DL compatibility:



Does this mean I must wire a Solo DL to my ECU if I hope to acquire available data w/it? If so, I feel that is a downside.

Should I be considering another data acquisition all together?

 

The OBDII connection is fine to start with. If you want other data, ProCoach has done a very nice write up on the ECU connection. It's a matter of splicing 2 wires. I think it takes him 15 minutes, probably take you 2-3x that as a first timer. Not sure what the extra data is in your car, but I believe it's still worthwhile because it's a faster connection in terms of data transfer.

 

^^This^^ Thanks, Steve.

I've sold more than 300 Solo DL's JUST to HLT, RaceChrono and Porsche Track Precision upgraders...

For the price differential, I ALWAYS recommend the Solo DL for those with late-model cars that can feed it this terrific information.

It also allows easy video expansion, should one decide they want an automated, simple solution with overlaid performance measures.

Also, I just bought the $700 tool and die to make factory compatible harnesses for the 987/997/981/991 cars.

For those starting out, the OBDII is fine. Plug and play...

OP, let me know if I can help.

 

Been using Track Addict, external BT ODB, BT 10hz gps and goPro.
NOT Bullet Proof. Lots of care and feeding to get it working.
Thinking of moving to SoloStorm for AX, keeping with Track Addict for DEs.

Would like to hear from Peter on a solution for both AX and DE.
Would like to be able to see telemetry after runs on a ipad or iphone/android device rather than full PC download.

db

 

Just a small point- you want data, not telemetry. Telemetry is sent from the car to another location for analysis. Data is recorded and analyzed later.

The Solo DL works great for track duty, but is not perfect for autocross. I have clients using it for hill climbs and other point to point to events, but it can be cumbersome at times. This will change in the future, but that doesn't help you right now.

There is no option for analysis on an apple or Android device from AiM right now. However, if you like the tablet form factor, you can do everything on a Windows tablet.

 

Based on the screenshot that I posted, it seems as though there is no OBD compatibility with a base 987.2. Can you/anyone confirm that's incorrect? What data would I have access to then?

 

Let me see about that. Been using the VBOX Video HD2 with an iPad Pro for the last few weeks and it's really good. Need to make sure it works for AutoX. Works perfect for DE.

I'm sorry, I missed that differentiation when I looked at your scan. Let me see if I can test it on a base car this week/weekend.

 

How much positional accuracy are you expecting to need?
Even with the AIM MXL/PRO systems I don't expect to be able to compare driving line lap to lap, and never across sessions... the GPS just isn't that good even at higher levels. You need a pro level differential GPS to do that reliably... video overlay/synchronization is much better for that.

If you can get brake and throttle from the OBD2, and speed, relative position, and lat/long G from the GPS/logger than I think you're in good shape for club level racing. Your biggest gains are to be had from getting your line right with video and comparing speeds with somebody better or across sessions/laps where you're trying new things.
For my money one of the best features in any data system is predictive lap time delta within a session so you can see right after each corner if it helped or hurt to do what you did.
Especially in a DE, your overall lap time isn't that informative.

All JMO.

 

I've used my Vbox Lite in an Autocross, and once you get it setup right (not a looped track), it works very, very well.

To the OP - If you think you are going to want video eventually, just stretch and get a VBOX Lite now. It's more accurate, has video sync'd to data, and is easier to use than a SOLO. They have dropped the price now that the HD2 has come out.

 

Coach, that would be much appreciated! Please let me know what you find.

I'd like to have positional accuracy at the level of being able to distinguish the relative difference from lap to lap, but I don't necessarily expect absolute position.

I suppose absolute speed accuracy would be a higher priority. Brake pressure would be interesting too.

A vbox lite looks like a very nice option, but it's cost is too much of a stretch for me.

 

Have you found the opportunity to test OBD compatibility on a base car?