Peter De La Mare

Hello all . I just purchased a new SoloDL and SCHD 2.1 setup for my M3 track day toy. I think I have it set up right, but the video output is really dark compared to my previous GoPro 3 Black.

I've set the video settings to high and 30fps and chosen closed cockpit. Is there anything else I'm missing?

Here's the video. The GoPro version is below.

.

ProCoach

your dealer should be your first point of contact, but by altering the exposure setting using the spot metering in the camera menu, you can resolve this. By selecting the SEL button after selecting NEXT when on the Closed car/open car menu selection, you can place the red surround spot metering selection to a combination of the lightest and darkest areas (with some overlap of each). If I just put it in the lightest area, the inside is too dark. I often try several full and half spot metering locations on the screen until the balance is right.

Matt Romanowski

Peter's advice is spot on. The problem is usually the spot for metering is off.

Post back if you still have trouble. This is a great community for support and we'll get you squared away.

Peter De La Mare

Thank you both for your prompt and helpful responses, I shall certainly try that.

My dealer is a big box-shifting type retailer, I doubt they'd have this real-life, low-level, experience and knowledge.

Peter De La Mare

And one more thing, why can't I see my SoloDL in Race Studio 3?

Matt Romanowski

You need to use RS2 for the DL. RS3 won't work with the DL.

ProCoach

The file structure and configuration utilities for all the latest generation data loggers going forward has been changed with the introduction of RS3.

The older generation of loggers (of which the Solo DL is) need to use one program for the logger, one for analysis, one for track mapping coordinates, one for the camera, etc.

Works fine, just cumbersome. RS3 and the new hardware bring everything together. RS3 can and will have it all "under one roof," including RS3 Analysis, offering synced video and data (cross my fingers).

There are SO many legacy hardware pieces out in the field (MXL Pista, EVO3 and EVO4, Solo DL and original SmartyCam) that RS2 will always be a part of RS3 and downloaded WITH it.

So, for the SmartyCam HD, I recommend the use of RS3 to configure and send maps to the camera.

For the Solo DL, I recommend RS2 to configure, download and RS Analysis to read the information.

It is confusing, but it won't be when they tie it all together.

Matt Romanowski

I insist, not just recommend, RS2 for downloading and configuring Solo, Solo DL, MXL Pista, and Evo4 products, but that's just me.

ProCoach

considering RS2 is the only software that will interface with those products, good call!

Matt Romanowski

Figured it was better than a recommendation.

skxf430

The spot metering helps a lot but when I upload to Youtube, I do use their enhancement feature, and you can brighten it up even more.

dan212

Use RS3? I have an MXL and a Smarty2?

I use GPS manager to load maps and when my original Smarty died and I got a smarty2, switched to Smarty manager2 to configure the camera.
I can't use RS3 to configure my MXL - I thought..

Am I making a mistake?

Matt Romanowski

You are correct. SM 2 or RS3 for the SCHD and RS2 for the Pista.

ajondyh

I have this problem as well although I did have the "Spot" enabled but I only had 2 squares on just the window aperture. Would it be better if I used the double squares and included a portion of the dash?

Matt Romanowski

That looks really dark and odd. I would think the the box center height, slightly left to avoid the mirror would give you a good result. Try it out and view in Live View to see what you are getting before heading out.