amso3

I just completed a comparison test between the AIM Smarty Cam and the new Smarty Cam GP (bullet) camera. Both cameras were mounted side by side in a GT 3 Cup and ran on the Sebring track, probably the bumpiest paved track in the US. I was pleasantly surprised with the performance of the Smarty Cam because I had many issues with the early versions in Cup cars. Both videos are good, but the GP video is a little sharper. Both provided stable images (problem in the past). I connected both cameras to a data hub so both had ECU data (a way to run two cameras with full data if you want one on the driver and one out the windshield). I was able to run both videos side by side using VLC video software (launched VLC two times). It was easy to sync them as the videos have lap and time displayed). I've included a screen shot to show this. One more thing, the GP has a feature that allows you to select a 2X zoom, which works well from the roll bar behind the driver showing just the view out of the windshield. I can post a comparison shot if anyone is interested.


I do have 3 GP cameras in stock if anyone is interested. Price is $999

KaiB

There must be an audio glitch which corresponds with the downshifts. I hear distinct crunching noises.

ProCoach

Both look really good! I too have been impressed with the GP packaging. I do a lot of work with formula cars and sports racing cars. For these, the GP is the ticket! Thanks for posting the videos!

Carrera GT

I'm guessing that was a factory 996 Cup. I've not driven anything like it, but clearly the box rewards crisp, decisive shifts and complains loudly on balking, fumbled shifts. It whines like straight cut gears and no syncro's and sounds like close ratios. Probably doesn't like idling along at 50% pace. There was even a "money shift" (2:10) that was fortunately at low speed. Either that box is already junk and just very hard to handle or the driver was new to the car. Very expensive machinery to refresh.

The new Smarty GP bullet cam looks like a great improvement.

dan212

I'd like to know more about the Zoom feature. The Device manager has several options as well. Not sure how that works.

amso3

First comment. The car was new to the driver and first time at Sebring, so be kind!

Here is a screen shot of my computer screen of the Bullet camera at normal focal length on the left and the 2X option on the right. camera in exactly the same place in the car, behind the driver on the roll bar. The 2X video was shot in the rain thus much poorer quality, and remember this is a photo of my non-HD computer screen. I actually prefer the 2X as you can see the track and the apexes etc much better.

K964

Hey Jerry!!! Totally digging the new camera and can't wait to try it early next year. Thanks again for all your help in hooking me up with the full AIM system + Smarty GP (bullet) and props to Dan Jacobs for the quick/clean/easy install!!! Merry Christmas!!!

Mike

GTThre

I noticed that the Brake application does not show when you apply the brake. Why? I had the same issue in my 2011 GT-3. I am going to install it in a 2011 GT-3 RS and hopefully get it to work. Anyone else have the issue or had the same issue?

ProCoach

You can actuate the brake indicator on the SC by either a direct connection to the cars harness feeding a brake signal to it via an ECU bridge (or connection to another AiM logger getting vehicle information like a Solo DL) OR you can simply arrange the on-screen display of the SC to associate longitudinal G's with the accel/brake bars and show it that way. No sweat! Nice cars!

amso3

GT thre

The video was taken in a Cup car with a Motec dash. The only data available using an ECU bridge is what is provided by the ECU. In the Cup car, there is no signal for the brake within the ECU signal. However, in your car, you should be able to get "brake pedal position" which would turn the "brake light" in the video on or off. You might also be able to see real brake pressure, like we were able to obtain from the ECU in our 09 Cayman S race car, I just have not installed one in that car so can not say for sure. You would need an ECU bridge or the SOLO DL with CAN wiring to get this data to the Smarty Cam

Jack667

Does the Smarty Cam or GP allow two cameras / Picture in Picture?

I have the AIM DaVid system with two cameras and data overlay, and I'm curious about the new offerings...

ProCoach

No, no PIP or multi-view with the SmartyCam. SmartyCam offers fully configurable data overlay, but if you want PIP, stay with the DaVID.

Jack667

Thanks Peter

Gary R.

Well, since two cameras can run off the data hub how long before there is AIM PiP capability? What I would want is a non-data out the rear and data out the front.

ProCoach

My guess, a long time. Considering there is no way to play the SC video real-time and synced within an additional window in RS2 analysis, I don't see the additional capability of PiP being on the radar.

Now, I think you could power up and turn on recording on two SmartyCams from an AiM CAN data hub. Which leads to your next want...

Some people do that now. Forward side SmartyCam with data overlay, you can easily load a SmartyCam video-only configuration in Smarty Manager for the rear facing one. Control both with the common data hub.

AiM's lack of PiP and video window synced with data x-y, histograms and scatter plots in their analysis program is one of the reasons some specify MoTeC (with DIVA), Race-Keeper or Video VBOX as alternatives.