Which Go Pro?

[Mr MXT]

I wasn’t sure if this was the best forum for it, but it’s for 100% track day use so I figure you’re the best people!

I’m looking to change my old go pro hero. I want the ability to overlay GPS telemetry, plus to hardwire power so I don’t always run out of battery half way through the day.

I really enjoy reviewing footage post track day so I’d also like a lap timing function built in.

I’m a simple creature - is there one unit that does all this?

[hdrflow]

There are way too many setups you can do?

A simple setup would be a GoPro with GPS enabled using a 12V socket on the car itself combined with an app like RaceChrono.

Or you can go all RaceLogic setup at a serious cost. I'm currently running a GoPro and having an AIM Solo2 installed to get ECU data back as well.

I'd evaluate why you think your current setup is not good and go from there. I don't think there's a best as such.

It also depends on the car and how it all gets installed/setup.

Is it going to be permanent? Do you have a cage for the GoPro? Is everything on the windscreen?

There are so many things to my mind.

[Mr MXT]

I’m looking for as simple to use as possible, so I don’t have to sync across different programs and hardware etc

[Rob_R]

You've got Race Navigator https://www.race-navigator.com/en/ which does all of that I think but it's fairly pricey.

For simple enthusiasts, I don't think the setup you are looking for currently exists, sadly.

[hdrflow]

A GoPro with RaceRender software will give you all the video + lap timing + GPS speedo.

Just make sure GoPro has GPS enabled, get the SD Card out and import into RaceRender. It has a database of tracks so is all fairly automatic.

You won't get the deltas on the day but an app will do it if you don't care about storing that.

Otherwise, RaceLogic, AIM2 or other full dashboard and camera setups will work. Just expensive as a full install.

[untakenname]

Garmin Virb Ultra 30 has GPS overlay and some other features, it's 4 years old so there may be a newer version out now
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXnNpM7Ffj4&ab...

[Boggo]

Lap timing isn't allowed on a track day - just saying.


VBOX Lite would be a good go to - not the best video quality, but really really good data. Coupled with the OLED screen on the dash you can get a live delta (only for use on test days not track days) and you can plug in to ecu for TPS, RPM etc if you want also (need an adaptor for this)

Second hand they go for £800-900 from what I've seen, and just plug into 12v socket, throw the GPS antenna on the roof - off you go!

[Mr MXT]

I know lap timing isn’t allowed, that’s why I don’t want live read outs, deltas etc, I’d just like to review footage post event so I know for next time.

[Boggo]

In theory that's not allowed either apparently. I've been asked to turn my VBOX off altogether on track days before.

[NWMark]

Id recommend to use a 10Hz GPS receiver rather than the 1Hz in the GoPro or your phone.
e.g.
DUAL XGPS 160
QSTARZ BL-1000ST

GoPro for video
Harrys Laptimer on your phone linked with external GPS to record data.

Use Harrys to make the videos with overlays


For the above you will need to copy video to harrys from your gopro.

[Mr MXT]

Thanks All

[GC8]

There are several power solutions available cheaply, so I wouldnt worry about that particularly, or allow it to dissuade you from buying an otherwise suitable device.

Edited by GC8 on Friday 9th October 08:33

[Mr MXT]

I ended up picking up a refurbed GP5 which does everything I want except lap timing. As someone said it doesn’t look like the all in solution exists (yet!) so I’ll use racerender or similar for for lap timing

[Mr.Jimbo]

My advice would be to turn the ignition on whilst you're getting your helmet/belts on, have found that even when skiing on a bluebird day, with perfect vision to satellites in theory, gopros can take a frustratingly long time to lock on to a satellite, which usually manifests in a frustrating lack of GPS data when reviewed later.

If it's on in the background before you start recording, you should be good

[Fonzey]

NWMark said:

Id recommend to use a 10Hz GPS receiver rather than the 1Hz in the GoPro or your phone.
e.g.
DUAL XGPS 160
QSTARZ BL-1000ST

GoPro for video
Harrys Laptimer on your phone linked with external GPS to record data.

Use Harrys to make the videos with overlays


For the above you will need to copy video to harrys from your gopro.

GoPro is 18hz integrated which makes it better than most entry level dedicated GPS receivers.

[JC 73]

Just worth flagging that GP Hero 7 and newer uses a video / compression codec that is not compatible with Harrys Lap Timer when using iPhone - not sure if it is the same for android.

There is a work around to change the format of the video which in my case involved downloading the files from the Go Pro onto my Macbook, saving with a compatible video codec and then having to add the video to iphoto to then sync back onto my iPhone and from there you can manually link it to the lap data in Harry's lap timer and the overlay works.

Also note that these can be very large files - from memory around 4GB for approx 12 mins of footage so this can very quickly swamp storage on your iPhone, iCloud and even macbook as you end up having multiple copies of the file knocking around and it can take hours for the iCloud / iPhoto sync to happen