Video Data Logging - how Valuable?

[topcat1]

As a relative newbie to the race track, how valuable is it as a training/improvement tool?

I need to buy cameras for my car which I'm going to be racing this year and would also like to buy a data logger, I'm basically debating whether to buy a proper VBOX system that does everything without messing around, or to save money and buy more basic equipment. I know the full kit will work out of the box, but it would be nice to know if it really is beneficial rather than just being a cool gadget.

Can anyone advise how reviewing data over video helped them with lap times, optimising racing lines, reducing the need for tuition(?) etc please?

[Dan BSCS]

Obviously it depends on the level/consistency of your driving and whether you push yourself to try different lines, braking points, braking techniques etc, but it is a VERY useful tool. It is also very useful combined with an instructor too. There is always the possibility to compare with someone else’s data/video too if they may be doing something different to you that might be faster.

[andrewcliffe]

Video footage is the single most useful tool for a novice, and adding data to the mix helps. Your end of session print out will say your best lap is lap 4, so start watching the end of lap three to see what was good at the tail end of lap 3 into lap 4 (lap 4 may be best because you nailed the end of lap 3). Being able to see throttle, brake, revs, gear etc., helps.

Whilst its not for beginners and in car timer showing delta time between best lap and current lap time, so you can see if doing that corner in third rather than second helps and know when to abort a lap or not.

Edited by andrewcliffe on Tuesday 15th February 18:23

[whp1983]

After professional tuition very valuable…

I’d recommend a garmin catalyst, they’re just awesome and so easy to compare data trackside without carting laptops around.

[andrewcliffe]

Depending on the car, some camera systems will tap into the car's CAN-BUS and pick up data from there. I think the AIM Smartycam system can do this.

[Dan BSCS]

andrewcliffe said:

Depending on the car, some camera systems will tap into the car's CAN-BUS and pick up data from there. I think the AIM Smartycam system can do this.

VBox and Race Technology Video 4 will do this too. Very useful for showing when and how much you got on the throttle.

[topcat1]

Ace replies, thanks very much.

The car doesn't have CAN bus but it may be possible to add components to allow TPS and brake pressure to be read which I assume will be most useful.

I suspect the video will be most useful for comparing different lines etc to show some obvious gains/losses to start with, then I suppose it will be a case of looking closer as I (hopefully) become more consistent as time goes by!

The AIM gear looks good too, but from what I've seen the VBOX (HD2) may be the easiest to use out of the box and looks very good quality. With good resolution etc I'll be able to transfer it into another car too making it a bit more future proof.

[geeks]

Harrys laptimer and an odb adapter makes a good starter kit too.

https://www.gps-laptimer.de

[andrewcliffe]

Sometimes just adding a brake on/off switch (brake light switch) is useful just to see when the brakes are applied rather than how much. A brake light switch is a few pounds, a brake pressure switch is a bit more expensive. Ultimately the latter tells you much more about how hard and how you bleed off the pressure and throttle position is also useful.

[Dan BSCS]

andrewcliffe said:

Sometimes just adding a brake on/off switch (brake light switch) is useful just to see when the brakes are applied rather than how much. A brake light switch is a few pounds, a brake pressure switch is a bit more expensive. Ultimately the latter tells you much more about how hard and how you bleed off the pressure and throttle position is also useful.

You can even fit a brake light inside the car so you see on the video where you’re braking. Very useful when comparing two laps on video.

Bottom left in this video.

https://youtu.be/U3s3UqxU90c

[topcat1]

Dan BSCS said:

You can even fit a brake light inside the car so you see on the video where you’re braking. Very useful when comparing two laps on video.

That's a great idea, very simple and easy to monitor, thanks.

I'm not sure what inputs can be used but will certainly look into it.

[Yazza54]

Video footage with telemetry as others have said is very useful, I would also always recommend utilising a laptiming device that gives you a live delta, can be invaluable. Otherwise you can end up just pounding round and not knowing whether anything you've tried has worked.

This is where all these systems start to come together, for example if you have a aim solo DL and an aim camera, you can overlay your video with the data from it.

One of the best things I've bought was the aim smartycam, it was expensive but it made sense because it integrates with all the other aim stuff on the car. Here's an example of my footage:

https://youtu.be/HL5pAciBDXk

[Dan BSCS]

Yazza54 said:

Video footage with telemetry as others have said is very useful, I would also always recommend utilising a laptiming device that gives you a live delta, can be invaluable. Otherwise you can end up just pounding round and not knowing whether anything you've tried has worked.

This is where all these systems start to come together, for example if you have a aim solo DL and an aim camera, you can overlay your video with the data from it.

One of the best things I've bought was the aim smartycam, it was expensive but it made sense because it integrates with all the other aim stuff on the car. Here's an example of my footage:

https://youtu.be/HL5pAciBDXk

Is this a “my lap of Croft is faster than your lap of Croft” video pi$$ing contest?

3.7 seconds faster btw.

[Yazza54]

Totally different Cars to be fair

Edited by Yazza54 on Tuesday 22 February 07:58

[Dan BSCS]

Yazza54 said:

Totally different Cars to be fair

Edited by Yazza54 on Tuesday 22 February 07:58

Yours looks mega! So fast!

[Boggo]

I'd look at what others are using in your series - in caterhams it's almost all VBOX and data is widely shared amongst the comunity (infact there is now a marketplace set up where you can buy/sell lap data

So if you're racing a caterham a VBOX is a must really

[Steve H]

Yazza54 said:

Video footage with telemetry as others have said is very useful, I would also always recommend utilising a laptiming device that gives you a live delta, can be invaluable. Otherwise you can end up just pounding round and not knowing whether anything you've tried has worked.

Absolutely this.

Quali sessions and any endurance racing (anything 45 mins +) are transformed by using a delta display.

V box lite is more than good enough for most basic data and is very fast and easy to use, pretty much essential if you want results.

[topcat1]

I'm pretty sure I've settled on VBOX Lite, the HD2 looks incredible but I can't justify the cost when the only real differences I can see are IQ (albeit a considerable step up) and the amount of CAN inputs which my car doesn't have anyway.

[Steve H]

Make sure you get the OLED display with it and you’ll be sorted

[Boggo]

Good choice- the lite footage is perfectly good enough for looking at lap data, but if you want nice footage to put on youtube you're better off sticking a gopro in along side!

OLED is a must as others have said.

Also if you have any issues VBOX/Racelogic customer service is pretty good.

Make sure you put the GPS antenna somewhere good as this can cause lots of headaches