Go Pro or Data Logger
Discussion
Hi, I've done a couple of track days now and got the bug!
Now looking to get a in-car camera but rather than just have video I'd like to have some performance graphics on screen. Had a good look around and Go Pro seems the obvious choice but not sure how to get the graphics on there or how easy it is to do, I'm guessing most people use iPhone GPS or other Android app
Seen some videos taken with a Video VBox which has all the graphics but the picture quality isn't great - but seems to do it all itself.
I'd be interested to hear from anyone else who's used either of these to see what they think.
Cheers
David
Now looking to get a in-car camera but rather than just have video I'd like to have some performance graphics on screen. Had a good look around and Go Pro seems the obvious choice but not sure how to get the graphics on there or how easy it is to do, I'm guessing most people use iPhone GPS or other Android app
Seen some videos taken with a Video VBox which has all the graphics but the picture quality isn't great - but seems to do it all itself.
I'd be interested to hear from anyone else who's used either of these to see what they think.
Cheers
David
If you're prepared to do a bit of fiddling and have an Android phone, this is the route that I'm in the middle of going down (I already have the GoPro).
1) Download the GoPro app, the TrackAddict app and the Torque OBD2 app
2) Purchase a Bluetooth OBD2 dongle, and connect to the car/phone (Torque app is useful to check this is working)
3) Connect your phone to the GoPro via WiFi (the GoPro app is useful to set this up)
4) Launch the TrackAddict app and select data source (Bluetooth OBD2), video source (WiFi GoPro) and the track you're on
5) Drive
6) View your video, overlaid with GPS, speed and accelerometer readings from your phone, combined with RPM and throttle position readings from OBD
It's recommended that you get the Pro version of the TrackAddict app. I've managed to get all of this working on mine, but haven't tried it live on track yet.
1) Download the GoPro app, the TrackAddict app and the Torque OBD2 app
2) Purchase a Bluetooth OBD2 dongle, and connect to the car/phone (Torque app is useful to check this is working)
3) Connect your phone to the GoPro via WiFi (the GoPro app is useful to set this up)
4) Launch the TrackAddict app and select data source (Bluetooth OBD2), video source (WiFi GoPro) and the track you're on
5) Drive
6) View your video, overlaid with GPS, speed and accelerometer readings from your phone, combined with RPM and throttle position readings from OBD
It's recommended that you get the Pro version of the TrackAddict app. I've managed to get all of this working on mine, but haven't tried it live on track yet.
Edited by C70R on Friday 16th September 10:21
The standard VBox (black plastic box) is only 480 lines (standard def) so by modern standards looks a bit pants, but with it you get 10 fixes per second GPS plus accelerometer accuracy plus excellent data analysis software. You'll learn a lot more from a VBox than a smartphone-based setup.
What do you want it for ?
If it's for video record of laps and you just like the idea of posting to YouTube with the graphic surround then cobble together footage as has been suggested with a GoPro and some iPhone App - a bit fiddly but far cheaper and it can work pretty well
If you want the data to help improve your on track performance (I've to get quicker) then the Vbox offers more but it's primarily a driver training aid not a video capture system and the SD version whilst great as the training tool does have lower resolution video but the system is tried and tested and works well
If you want all of the above with higher quality video get the HD version of the Vbox but it a lot more expensive and perhaps for the money a shade compromised as in return for the better video resolution you lose elsewhere
So focus on precisely what you want from the kit and it should make the decision easier
If it's for video record of laps and you just like the idea of posting to YouTube with the graphic surround then cobble together footage as has been suggested with a GoPro and some iPhone App - a bit fiddly but far cheaper and it can work pretty well
If you want the data to help improve your on track performance (I've to get quicker) then the Vbox offers more but it's primarily a driver training aid not a video capture system and the SD version whilst great as the training tool does have lower resolution video but the system is tried and tested and works well
If you want all of the above with higher quality video get the HD version of the Vbox but it a lot more expensive and perhaps for the money a shade compromised as in return for the better video resolution you lose elsewhere
So focus on precisely what you want from the kit and it should make the decision easier
theboyfold said:
But surely that would omit any diagnostic/car data and track overlays?C70R said:
theboyfold said:
But surely that would omit any diagnostic/car data and track overlays?https://youtu.be/9xXsfZgXTwE
Edited by theboyfold on Sunday 18th September 07:01
I've recently been through this decision myself - owning both a VBOX lite and GoPro simultaneously.
I found that, unless the VBOX is going to be constantly set-up on your track vehicle, it becomes a bit tiresome to install it on every track day. I was hooking it up to a BookaTrack Caterham, and it was taking around 20 mins to set up, and 10 minutes to remove each track day.
The novelty of the data capture eventually wore off, and I have since reverted back to the simplicity of the "plug and play" GoPro, complete with remote control app for checking the camera angle is correct. I also use a cheap computer microphone plugged into the GoPro to improve audio quality by trailing it down to the exhaust. Also bear in mind there's no native way of previewing what a VBOX (lite) is capturing without an additional LCD screen which is another additional cost.
So - as a previous poster mentioned - it really depends what you want it for!
I found that, unless the VBOX is going to be constantly set-up on your track vehicle, it becomes a bit tiresome to install it on every track day. I was hooking it up to a BookaTrack Caterham, and it was taking around 20 mins to set up, and 10 minutes to remove each track day.
The novelty of the data capture eventually wore off, and I have since reverted back to the simplicity of the "plug and play" GoPro, complete with remote control app for checking the camera angle is correct. I also use a cheap computer microphone plugged into the GoPro to improve audio quality by trailing it down to the exhaust. Also bear in mind there's no native way of previewing what a VBOX (lite) is capturing without an additional LCD screen which is another additional cost.
So - as a previous poster mentioned - it really depends what you want it for!
Not tried it in anger yet but just tested it sitting in the car. iPhone 6+, Kiwi 3 OBDII Bluetooth dongle, GoPro Hero 4 wifi on, TrackAddict app. Records whatever OBDII parameter you tell it to, and starts and records the Gopro automatically.
Can then combine the video file and the data files in RaceRender program PC/Mac to overlay whatever you want to on the video.
This will give you 4K quality with any overlays. It's not as simple as that Vibe above (1080p) but pretty easy to get working. When you're in the car, with the Kiwi 3 plugged into the OBD port, all you do is start the camera, start the app, tell it what track you're at and it'll start recording everything. Off to Castle Combe Wednesday so will try it then. 4K via the GoPro gives some stunning quality results even posted to YouTube.
Can then combine the video file and the data files in RaceRender program PC/Mac to overlay whatever you want to on the video.
This will give you 4K quality with any overlays. It's not as simple as that Vibe above (1080p) but pretty easy to get working. When you're in the car, with the Kiwi 3 plugged into the OBD port, all you do is start the camera, start the app, tell it what track you're at and it'll start recording everything. Off to Castle Combe Wednesday so will try it then. 4K via the GoPro gives some stunning quality results even posted to YouTube.
Edited by Lagerlout on Sunday 18th September 15:15
Lagerlout said:
Not tried it in anger yet but just tested it sitting in the car. iPhone 6+, Kiwi 3 Bluetooth, GoPro Hero 4 wifi on, TrackAddict app. Records whatever OBDII parameter you tell it to, and starts and records the Gopro automatically.
Can then combine the video file and the data files in RaceRender program PC/Mac to overlay whatever you want to on the video.
This will give you 4K quality with any overlays. It's not as simple as that Vibe above (1080p) but pretty easy to get working. When you're in the car, with the Kiwi 3 plugged into the OBD port, all you do is start the camera, start the app, tell it what track you're at and it'll start recording everything. Off to Castle Combe Wednesday so will try it then. 4K via the GoPro gives some stunning quality results even posted to YouTube.
That looks quite nice, I've never heard of Race Render before, looks like it'll be worth a play with the free version. Another bit of software to have a look at is Dashware. It's free and they were acquired by GoPro sometime ago. http://www.dashware.netCan then combine the video file and the data files in RaceRender program PC/Mac to overlay whatever you want to on the video.
This will give you 4K quality with any overlays. It's not as simple as that Vibe above (1080p) but pretty easy to get working. When you're in the car, with the Kiwi 3 plugged into the OBD port, all you do is start the camera, start the app, tell it what track you're at and it'll start recording everything. Off to Castle Combe Wednesday so will try it then. 4K via the GoPro gives some stunning quality results even posted to YouTube.
It makes me wonder if the next GoPro will have data logging in. I guess we will find out on Monday.
I use a selection of GoPros and VB Lite to cover multiple needs: driver training, rapid zeroing into fastest lap without having to review hours of footage, the single lap upload to YouTube for sharing, etc
...however, I am a bit of a geek and can handle all the faffing around entailed by the VB setup.
I am finding now though that when recommending a data logger to friends some of them do not have the appetite for that level of complexity and for them a one box solution is more appropriate. One of the favourites at the moment seems to be Race Navigator (I think more popular in Europe). This is more of a dash top integrated unit, iOS integrated, and take seconds to swap between cars.
Personally, I'm still using my GoPros and vbox units
https://youtu.be/MBSuXLK7Pnw
...however, I am a bit of a geek and can handle all the faffing around entailed by the VB setup.
I am finding now though that when recommending a data logger to friends some of them do not have the appetite for that level of complexity and for them a one box solution is more appropriate. One of the favourites at the moment seems to be Race Navigator (I think more popular in Europe). This is more of a dash top integrated unit, iOS integrated, and take seconds to swap between cars.
Personally, I'm still using my GoPros and vbox units
https://youtu.be/MBSuXLK7Pnw
I've had good results with Harry's laptimer. I use a Dual gps and go point obd, both connected to an iphone via Bluetooth.
It's not foolproof but is always evolving and has great support. Latest 'new' thing is heartrate monitoring with a compatible sensor.
A lot of the features are gimmicky but it does have some utility for improving yourself!
It's not foolproof but is always evolving and has great support. Latest 'new' thing is heartrate monitoring with a compatible sensor.
A lot of the features are gimmicky but it does have some utility for improving yourself!
Feel free to have a look at one of my recent videos..
This video was captured on the new Race Logic VBOX HD2. It's vastly improved over the traditional VBox Lite and VBox HD.
It is however quite costly at approx £2500 depending on the options you pick.
However as a Racing Tool it will be invaluable in the data it provides on the laptop with regards to positioning on track and entry speeds etc etc.
https://youtu.be/7LkzrpHdhjc?t=2m34s
This video was captured on the new Race Logic VBOX HD2. It's vastly improved over the traditional VBox Lite and VBox HD.
It is however quite costly at approx £2500 depending on the options you pick.
However as a Racing Tool it will be invaluable in the data it provides on the laptop with regards to positioning on track and entry speeds etc etc.
https://youtu.be/7LkzrpHdhjc?t=2m34s
I've experimented with lots of combinations. Currently using my Racelogic PerformanceBox to capture data and overlaying it using RaceRender2 onto the GoPro video.
Here are some samples where I was experimenting with the overlays that RaceRender can produce (4 vids, each with different overlays):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0GNU3Mirf...
I'm also experimenting with Harry's Lap Timer controlling the GoPro and have a Garmin Glo as an external GPS receiver (phone GPS receivers really aren't accurate enough - lap times are an estimate at best) but find the UI in Harry's to be unhelpful - never sure if the GoPro is correctly recording (which sometimes it fails to start) and I dislike Harry's forcing you to have the lap time big on the display - on a track day I don't want to see it as it will upset the organisers - with the Racelogic box it is hidden under the dash and captures the data automatically, so only have to use my gopro remote to start/stop the camera - RaceRender makes syncing the data with video extremely simple.
Here are some samples where I was experimenting with the overlays that RaceRender can produce (4 vids, each with different overlays):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0GNU3Mirf...
I'm also experimenting with Harry's Lap Timer controlling the GoPro and have a Garmin Glo as an external GPS receiver (phone GPS receivers really aren't accurate enough - lap times are an estimate at best) but find the UI in Harry's to be unhelpful - never sure if the GoPro is correctly recording (which sometimes it fails to start) and I dislike Harry's forcing you to have the lap time big on the display - on a track day I don't want to see it as it will upset the organisers - with the Racelogic box it is hidden under the dash and captures the data automatically, so only have to use my gopro remote to start/stop the camera - RaceRender makes syncing the data with video extremely simple.
Just reporting back. Have to say pretty disappointed with the Kiwi3+iPhone combo. Been using the track addict app and it has me all over the place, certainly not on the circuit! So firstly it seems the internal GPS is no good for using in this situation. Also, it seemed to disconnect the GoPro and the Kiwi3 randomly.
Think I'm going to have to look at the AIM as above. Any other suggestions? The AIM seems to want to work with their own camera but I really want to keep my 4K GoPro as it produces brilliant quality video.
Think I'm going to have to look at the AIM as above. Any other suggestions? The AIM seems to want to work with their own camera but I really want to keep my 4K GoPro as it produces brilliant quality video.
Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff