Sean F

Hey Jerry, how are you?

I'm a little slow. Does it actually log data that can be analyzed separately or is the main use integrating with an aim system to create the overlay on video?

Coochas

I'm getting one installed in my Spec Box very soon!

Circuit Motorsports

No it doesn't log the data separately in it's current configuration.

It just overlays the data that:

a. it gathers.
b. it reads from ECU via special cable
c. it reads from certain AIM data loggers (MXL and EVO)

cgomez

So if I have my AIM MXL Dash and I install the SmartyCam I LOOSE the ability to download the data from the Dash into the Analysis software?

Circuit Motorsports

No. You just can't get it off the SmartyCam. You still do everything with the dash exactly the same. I was only talking about the memory card on the SmartyCam. The data overlay is recorded automatically onto the video. There is no 'data' per se on the SmartyCam.

amso3

Sean

Joe has pretty much answered your question. However, I would add that Smarty Cam does log Longitudinal and Latteral G's and you can embed that on the video. If you have no other data, you could look at the video and see when and how much throttle and braking is done. With some practice, you can also pick out trail braking using the G meter. We've all heard about the "circle of friction" concept. The latest firmware version offers a nice G-G meter and you can tell if you are maximizing your transition from braking to turning. It is nice to see visually instead of on a graph (with a good driver like you of course). So, no real data to analyze with the AIM software, but there is some data you can look at visually. Of course, lap times on the video is"data" as well.

Coochas

This is a link to some Smartycam videos of all different types: http://www.smartycam.com/on-board-ca...es-gallery.htm
I still don't understand the scuba one!

dwe8922

I got to try smartycam in my car at sebring, and was pretty impressed. With throttle position, brake pressure, and rpm from my mxl I think it would be a great tool. I'm using a mac, and downloaded VLC to play the avi video format. It worked fine, but doesn't seem to want to fast forward or rewind very well, or skip to different parts. The screen gets blurry, and doesn't want to catch up to the sound. My friend that loaned it to me played the video on his pc first and says he has the same problem. Anyone else dealt with this issue? I use bootcamp and windows xp to run race studio analysis, so I'll probably run it under that once I replace my stolen laptop. What video player do you use for .avi files on the pc side?

Circuit Motorsports

VLC has worked great for my files. They are often very big files so anything that may be light on processsing/video power could have some issues. How big was the file?

magnetic1

Joe, are you going to be going to any NASA VIR or Road Atlanta events soon? I'd like to try it out like we planned last year, but didnt get a chance to.

Circuit Motorsports

Yeah, I'll be at the VIR event. I saw you in the paddock this weekend but was caught up with a few other things and never caught you in your pit. I only had time to be there Sunday AM.

There will also be a good data seminar on that NASA weekend at VIR. Al Seim, Peter Krause, and Don Knowles will all be there.

Carrera51

AIM does have version 3 of the SmartyCam on the way and due in by the end of the month. They are supposed to have an external GPS antenna. Will post more information tomorrow morning.

dwe8922

I don't know how big the file was off hand, but it was about 25 min worth of video. I was playing back on an imac that's about 1 yr old. Are you able to ff, rwd, skip?

I haven't heard anything on an HD version (anything firm), but I have heard they are waiting on the latest version you speak of any day now.

Circuit Motorsports

I'm able to bounce around and it takes just a moment <1 sec for it to stop pixelating. I can FF at 4.0x speed no problem. Any faster and it's messy.

As for HD, I never got a sense they were really into wanting one. They didn't like the idea of the file sizes going up dramatically along with the costs.

dwe8922

Are you using VLC on a PC or a mac? I'm waiting for the new macbook pro to come out, so it should have more capability, and I can try it on that.