Garmin Catalyst vs Racebox for trackdays. Thoughts?

[petrolburners]

Hi, I'd like to get a 'lite' vbox type device, preferably with a display which shows live progress. Currently torn between the Garmin Catalyst and the Racebox.

Anyone had experience with both of these and can offer some advice?

General info:
- I do about 10 trackdays a year. Slowly preparing myself to maybe do some racing in the future, hence wanting to learn more tracks.
- will mostly be used in 1 car (a BMW M2), but I occasionally use/rent different cars so the ability to move it easily from one car to another would be good.
- quite like the idea of it filming the laps too, but not if I'm constantly having to stress about sd cards, is it on, is it syncing etc.
- main thing i'm after is live sector times, theoretical best laps and being able to see how my times compare with previous track days.
- i use an iphone and macbook in case that matters.
- have been using an app called LapTrophy but it's a bit pants.

Thanks!

[CedricN]

They are quite different devices, if you have no clue about log analysis the Garmin is a great choice for coaching, since its a smart device by itself, albeit pricey. I use the racebox and do quick analysis in the app between heats, very convenient for that. For deeper analysis i go through the logs at home in for example the circut tools software. I use the stand alone device, the pro, i like the real time delta time slider in the display, very easy to see exactly where you are compared to the best lap at any time.

The drawback with the garmin cam is that it needs to sit in the front window, which is very useless. I want the camera angle so i can see what i do behind the wheel.

[philrs03]

I’d probably go down the Vbox route personally, they are pretty much mandated in certain race series so already owning one would save you a few quid. As opposed to buying the Garmin, then having to buy a Vbox when you want to go racing. Series dependant of course, Caterham Academy for example mandates them.

[Wh00sher]

Going to be the boring one here, just be aware all TDO prohibit live timing / predictive timers so you may get pulled for it.

I know a lot of people run them, but TDO's don't allow them.

I've used one myself at the Ring many times in the past and they are great for immediate feedback when trying different lines / gears etc.

The Garmin seems popular and because it's so big and goes green / red you can see that in your of your peripheral vision, the video overlay means you have it ready to view immediately.

[grudas]

I have a racebox mini so no screen, works really well.

of course mine sits in the car with no data displayed until I'm done with the session. You can display on phone screen if you want but that is agains't most TD etc rules in UK.

[Steve H]

As Nige says, be careful what you choose and how you position it. Certain tracks are particularly targeting Garmins because they have become so prevalent.

[alicrozier]

As per Steve and Nige. MSV have recently sent out a reminder to all track day organisers and asked them to reiterate the rules to participants.
They have made it clear that anyone caught timing will not only be removed from the event but could be banned from all MSV venues regardless of organiser.

[WombleCate]

+1 on using a VBOX.
The initial outlay may be higher than others, though they don't appear to depreciate much.
Mine has a built-in lap timer and I've never had a TDO mention it, whereas I have been told to turn off phone based timers.
One challenge is that the MAC software is far from great.

[PJ_Parsons]

They may be having a purge on lap timing at the moment. I was recently quizzed about my use of my phone camera (securely mounted) and “what those numbers are” on the screen. I avoided filming anything for the rest of the day as I could sense they were watching me. Never had this discussion before. I would love to use a Vbox or Garmin, but seriously doubt you will get away with it for long. It’s like driving around the police station with a crowbar, striped top and mask in the back window.

Edited by PJ_Parsons on Thursday 20th February 17:33

[alicrozier]

I was told to fully disconnect power to the VBOX at Donington Park on Monday. It wasn't enough to have the dash display set to mph, covered up or disconnected. Basically no means of data logging allowed at all. Garmin, phone apps etc a strict no-no.
For me it meant I couldn't record video on the VBOX cameras...but others were allowed to record on GoPro etc.

It was OK at Oulton on Tuesday however so maybe down to the enforcement rigour of the TDO...

[Timbo_S2]

My dash automatically records laptimes. Never quite know where I stand with MSV there. Could tape over it I suppose. Would still get the gree indicator if on a personal best...

[richardracer]

Have a look at the Aim Solo2. Built in GPS and data logging. You can put it in you pocket so you are not looking at anything whilst driving. Review when you return to the pits. After the event, review at home with lap times, max speed on straights, fastest lowest speed in corners, lateral and longitudinal acceleration (cornering and braking). We use Aim analysis software, but you can also use circuit tools. Lots available on eBay for around £400 or so.

They also have a mag mount and you will see them on many race saloons in racing where such timers are allowed. Magnet means you can lift it off easily between sessions. Software is PC only with comms via WiFi to your laptop/tablet.

Good luck, it is a deep subject. Have a look on you tube to instruction videos by James Colburn. Easy half hour segments with subjects from complete beginner to experts looking to shave tenths. He races formula Ford and a lot of his examples are from Castle Combe. Highly recommended.

[White-Noise]

I don't know anything about the devices you're asking about but as an aside especially as you're not allowed to time; if you film your laps on a go pro you can use that data to get times and sector times etc. Racechrono was the one I used and it was surprisingly good imo. Not sure if it's available on ios. But it kills multiple birds with one stone and it's not too expensive iirc plus it's not outlawed.