I collect data during DE/AX with TrackAddict (and 10hz GPS and ODB BT).
I find it difficult to analyze lap data using the App on the phone.
Race Render, the partner desktop s/w is for visualization not analysis.

Does anyone know of desktop (or even better ios or Android) s/w for analyzing the track Addict data files?

Something like Circuit Tools will do for VBOX data.

db

 

Uh, no.

 

This is why folks who want to analyze their data move on from the smartphone apps.

 

You could try Harry's LapTimer. As you probably know, it's similar to TrackAddict but it can also export a .vbo file, which is the file format Circuit Tools uses. I haven't tried this with LapTimer but I've tried it with another app that'll export .vbo (Porsche's Track Precision app) and it works well.

 

That's the kind of thing I was hoping for.
Can anyone summarize how I will find Harry's v. Track Addict (both the most feature rich version) for DE and AX with external 10hz GPS, BT ODB and GoPro
?

 

I don't have any experience using Harry's for autocross. However, you might want to check with Joe Weinstein to see what he knows. I think he's using Track Precision currently but he might also know about Harry's. Here's his profile:

https://rennlist.com/forums/members/...weinstein.html

 

https://www.reddit.com/r/Autocross/c...ison_analysis/

 

I've found HLT to be pretty reliable when using data only on a dedicated device. When you start mixing in video and especially external video, it tends to require a lot more hand holding but when it does work it works pretty well.

The HLT export to circuit tools is data only so you don't get the big advantage of synch'd side by side video lap comparison. But it already has speed and gsum charts with ref lap overlay and gain or loss shadowing to see where you need to improve. It also has google earth export including g's and location which is pretty useful for comparing lines or g's between laps.

I really like Harry's for real time data. It's pretty easy to divide a track into the sections you want and then it will give you red/green +/- for predictive sector times and/or predictive lap times. It also has a shift light and some engine data depending on your car. The only thing it doesn't have is lap # which isn't as big of a deal for DE's.

So personally I'm going to keep using HLT for real time data and install a Vbox Video Lite for video analysis and review. I suspect at some point I will upgrade to an AIM product for my data acquisition though.

 

 

I downloaded HLT (I purchased it) and Circuit Tools. Using the demo files, I was able to export from HLT to Circuit Tools.

HLT seems to be more versatile than Track Addict in several ways. I also really like its built in analytics - quite sophisticated graphics. Not sure it provides more data than TA, but the presentation is interesting and it seems like the app is designed to be a bit more bulletproof in its integration of third party devices and sensors. Moreover, it adds splits and other triggers which is huge relative to TA.

I was somewhat surprised to see that Circuit Tools had a seemingly more limited subset of analytics than HLT has built in. CT shows speed absolute or relative to a reference lap and time differentials, but seems to lack simple graphics rich displays of, e.g., various g-forces at points around the track. It shows the 2 axis g-force scattergram, but I can't find a way to correlate the dot sets to various corners on the track, let alone the nice graphs that HLT creates stock. Hopefully user error if someone can clarify.

For autocross, after a run, I'd love to be able to see various splits and also cornering g-force profile through various corners. HLT seems like it can do this.

Thus, I ask if for professional data acquisition systems there is other, more powerful software available? If so, is it only PC based, or are there APPs such as HLT that will work with it?
Or is HLT the go-to in-car app for more professional systems using such systems for its sensors?

db

 

HLT has a great following but mostly at the DE level. I'm not sure if many racers use it. I think it's improved substantially since most people have used it last and there is some functionality that is more intuitive than the higher end systems. But until they get an integrated wired solution it will be tough to get the reliability of the professional systems.

 

Agreed. For DE's messing with an App and a bunch of 'sensors' and peripheral devices (ODB, GPS, Cams, etc.) is tolerable but often painful. Just have to 'let it go' and drive when it doens't work with minor fiddling. I've hardwired power to everything which makes life better, but is are always still lots of care and feeding of the system.

Perhaps this is a good thread for discussing making the system using HLT more reliable.

If I had to rank the failure points I experience, I'd say:

1)Network connection to GoPro has to manually established and often fails inexplicable at least once during the day. Sometime it can be recovered, sometimes I give up. I'm using a GoPro Session which like a Hero4 needs to be separately powered on and 'kept alive' using the GoPro app running in the background in the iPhone.

Solution - Use HLT on window with build in phone cam and limited FOV options? I prefer to mount the phone next to the radio out of my direct front FOV.

What other Cams have people had better luck with?

2)Initial bluetooth connection to Dual GPS is a bit troubling. Have to cycle BT radio and sometimes Dual power to get BT connection active. Fails sometimes during the day, sometimes not.

Solution - Is VBOX Sport more reliable in connecting to the iPhone and HLT than the Dual??? Anyone compare these or have experience?

3)ODBII BT connection - GoPoint BT-1 - This thing is the most reliable part of the system. Always connects to phone, always 'there' - Can't recall a single failure. Seemingly bulletproof.

db

 

I think you nailed it. The BT1 ODB seems rock solid. And while Dual only works about 75% of the time, at least when it fails, you have the phone as a backup. Even if it's only 1hz resolution it's better than none. So I'm pretty comfortable with that setup for now.

The GoPro 4 silver or black seems to have the best integration for an external camera. But it wasn't rock solid and I think trying to use two would add two many issues.

The camera built in to the phone works the best. But there is a the FOV issue you mentioned and it significantly increases the chance that the phone will over heat and shutdown.

I'm a big fan of Harry's and it's cool that if you have problems or ideas, you can email Harald directly and he will brainstorm solutions with you. But with my first race coming up soon, I'm desperate to get rock solid video for analysis. Hence my decisions on vBox light.

 

I have to wonder if it may be worth it to get a Vbox Sport just for a better GPS integration with HLT. I've been experimenting tonight with the Dual XGPS160 and the bluetooth connection is really buggy. Have to disconnect and reconnect from iPhone side almost every time you get out of range and then back in. Other BT devices I have (many) just connect when in range. Maybe Vbox works this way. Unfortunately, the Vbox may have a faster update rate, but lower accuracy (+-5m v. 2.5m for Dual).

db

 

Yes. That's where having a dedicated phone to use (cracked iPhone 4s) and constant power comes in handy. There is no service to have text or phone call interruptions and you can turn on the Dual at the first of the day and leave them connected. I also make sure that no other background apps are running, especially the Dual app.

I've been curious about the VBox Sport as well. But when you add that to the cost of everything else, you are in Solo DL cost territory so it becomes a different conversation.