I currently have a AIM gold which gives me basic data like speed, G's, rpm, lap time etc. It seems like some of the systems like Traqmate offer better information and are easier to use. I would like to get more out of my data collection so should I keep what I have and "learn" the system better, buy a piasta that has more capability, or something like the traqmate which seems easier to learn.

Thanks,

Mike

 

I would suggest you learning the capabilities of your AIM gold. Then making your decision. TraqMate is a great bang for the buck. Are you trying to improve yourself or yourself and your car? AIM allows for much more data collection than TraqMate. But if you just need to see where you are leaving time on the table Traqmate will get this done for you quickly and easily without difficulty.

 

Just seeing this thread now... Mike, I have to echo what Scott said. Frankly, most of your self--improvement will come from analyzing & overlaying on a track map lat G's (how and where you turn in; how soon you begin unwinding lock), long G's (throttle points; brake points; places where you are coasting), RPM's, overall speed, etc. This can be done with either system, but since you already have AIM, you might as well use it.

Over time, you may want to add fine-tuning tools like throttle position sensors, brake pressure sensors, steering wheel angle sensors, etc. TraqMate can accept these inputs...but as Scott said, the AIM system is much more suited to multiple data inputs like these.






Professional Racing and Driving Coach

 

Hey Mike,
I love my Pista. It has way more capabilities than I use now. My plan is to get all the sensors I have for it hooked up over the winter. Hopefully next year I'll finally utilize it ti its fullest extnet. 'd say go with the Pista if you are really intent on using all of its functions.

 

The Pista won't be a help to you. It will be doing the same things the Gold does. What I would focus on is getting the system to build you a trackmap. I know a number of setups that don't have their AIM systems setup to do much other than record the engine data and laptimes.

Are you able to create a trackmap in RaceStudio from the data you are collecting?

Also spending a day with a guy who's very well versed on the AIM system can be a HUGE help for some people. Just seeing how they set up the screens to crunch the data helps some people tremendously. While I can do that with the Traqmate for some people in under an hour, the AIM is a little bit more labor intensive.

 

AiM's Race Studio is far more capable than you need, and relatively easy to use. Like any capable app, it does take some learning. Best bet is to find someone else in your are that uses Race Studio, and do a master class with him. You'd be going backward if you moved to Traqview.

 

Mike, if you set something up with Wright's shop, let me know. I would like to attend if you don't mind.

 

As a Traqmate user, I agree with everyone above. You made the investment in your system, now do your best to learn how use it. The Traqmate system is great for the money, and has an easy to use interface. The one thing I miss is the 3 axis accelerometer.

 

I agree with what others have said and I'd simply add the BEST way to learn your system AND get a lot out of it is to find a GOOD driving coach who ALSO knows your data system. Do a track day with the coach able to drive your car and get you some good data, and then you drive. Then do some work comparing data, going back out and make adjustments, etc.

It'll get you faster on that track -and- give you an opportunity to learn the system. Make sure and also ask for help in how to "find" time on the system when you are at a different track and *don't* have that baseline data to use, too. It's easy to see differences in the coach and yourself, but it's much harder to then figure out how to find that same time with only your data to look at. Mastery of the friction circle is very important...


--Donnie

 

So, I guess I need to find someone who can help learn more than I know now. The Pro in my area mainly uses when you get back on the throttle. I get a track map but am not really sure it is set right or how to really use it. VR I have no idea how to get most of the things you mentioned!!!

Thanks, Mike