Let's talk track software (at the track)

[Chris_PDX]

I just grabbed a Surface Pro as my dedicated track device, so I can view video and data at the track on a larger screen. I'll be installing an AiM Dash in my E46 when it's re-built, currently using a Solo 2 DL that I swap between cars.

Aside from things like video playback/editing and Race Studio for the AIM systems, does anyone else bring a laptop/tablet to the track and if so, what do you have loaded on it?

I was thinking of finding some coding software to read codes as well instead of having a separate code reader, so curious on everyone's thoughts. Would also use it for my E92 when I'm out coaching with it.

Discuss.

[Kelse92]

I drag a big 'ole laptop the the track for data/video review and its a major pain.
Someone else told me about the surface pro at the track this past weekend and a huge lightbulb went off in my head with that cause it makes Wayyy more sense for easy data review and can support the Aim software, SD cards for video, etc. vs the laptop and they basically do the same thing. Just a smaller and lighter package with the Surface.

At autocross I use a Samsung tablet with my racecapture/SoloStorm setup and it really is the best way to do quick data review at autocross. It can be used on track too but I haven't messed with it much there since I have the Aim Solo and Smartycam

[Chris_PDX]

Originally Posted by Kelse92

I drag a big 'ole laptop the the track for data/video review and its a major pain.

I was bringing my MacBook Pro but in order to use the AIM software, had to boot up a Windows VM inside Mac OS and that was a pain. And, it's my work machine so I didn't want to keep risking damage or theft, hence the Surface purchase.

[derbo]

I have a 2016 MBP I bring with me. VMware OS with windows 10. It has Race Analysis, and also has the BMW Diagnostics software for investigating check engine lights etc.


I also have an OBD dongle with BimmerLink if I need quick check of CEL if the Macbook isn't ideal.

[Chris_PDX]

Originally Posted by derbo

I have a 2016 MBP I bring with me. VMware OS with windows 10. It has Race Analysis, and also has the BMW Diagnostics software for investigating check engine lights etc.

Where did you get the BMW software from?

[tsk94]

I bring a Surface tablet to download aim data if I want to review the data between sessions. I also bring a separate code reader every time, has come in handy a few times now..

[redpriest]

Originally Posted by Chris_PDX

I just grabbed a Surface Pro as my dedicated track device, so I can view video and data at the track on a larger screen. I'll be installing an AiM Dash in my E46 when it's re-built, currently using a Solo 2 DL that I swap between cars.

Aside from things like video playback/editing and Race Studio for the AIM systems, does anyone else bring a laptop/tablet to the track and if so, what do you have loaded on it?

I was thinking of finding some coding software to read codes as well instead of having a separate code reader, so curious on everyone's thoughts. Would also use it for my E92 when I'm out coaching with it.

Discuss.

I paid something like $20 or so to get a working INPA/ISTA install on my laptop that I can read with a coding cable. There's places where you can get it for free, but just trying to get a compatible version with all the modules you need can be frustrating. I had a semi-working free one but I just bit the bullet to pay for one.

I have an ancient Surface Pro 3 that I use that has a Race Studio install as well as Race Render. For long weekends at the track sometimes I can string together a working video to upload to Youtube even, although the experience is really poor.

[derbo]

Originally Posted by Chris_PDX

Where did you get the BMW software from?

There are numerous ways to get this, legal and non-legal. google "ISTA Sedoy version" and that can get you the simplest install for that. The SDP files are not needed for E9x and can reduce the filesize a bit.

You will still need a proper OBD DCAN cable like the bimmergeeks one.

[Chris_PDX]

Originally Posted by derbo

There are numerous ways to get this, legal and non-legal. google "ISTA Sedoy version" and that can get you the simplest install for that. The SDP files are not needed for E9x and can reduce the filesize a bit.

You will still need a proper OBD DCAN cable like the bimmergeeks one.

Understood. I'll research

I have a coded cable for the E46 that has an Evolve tune, but I'm doing an Alpha N conversion with the new motor that's going in. So I'll want something that'll work with both cars "just in case". Though the focus will be the E46 since it's the most bonkers tuned up. I.e., most prone to breaking

[derbo]

Originally Posted by Chris_PDX

Understood. I'll research

I have a coded cable for the E46 that has an Evolve tune, but I'm doing an Alpha N conversion with the new motor that's going in. So I'll want something that'll work with both cars "just in case". Though the focus will be the E46 since it's the most bonkers tuned up. I.e., most prone to breaking

I think that cable might not work. The Bimmergeeks K+DCAN cable has a dip switch to tie pin 7 and 8 for KCAN ( - 2008) and open for DCAN (2008+) I forgot the build dates but the switch should make it simple.

ISTA works on an E46 too as I used to use it for my ZHP prior to the M3. I used to manually install ISTA which was a pain. The new sedoy version is a little simpler and doesn't really require an IT guy to help.

[b4hand]

Originally Posted by redpriest

I paid something like $20 or so to get a working INPA/ISTA install on my laptop that I can read with a coding cable. There's places where you can get it for free, but just trying to get a compatible version with all the modules you need can be frustrating. I had a semi-working free one but I just bit the bullet to pay for one.

Link?

[tsk94]

Doesn't Bimmergeeks have a download on their site for the BMW Tools which includes INPA for free??

[SYT_Shadow]

I've been bringing my Surface to the track for years. Such a great device.

I can code, clear errors, watch videos, upload to youtube, etc etc.

[admranger]

I used to bring my stone tablet, hammer, and chisel. Took a while to document setup changes.

[derbo]

Originally Posted by tsk94

Doesn't Bimmergeeks have a download on their site for the BMW Tools which includes INPA for free??

Yes, They also show Rhiengold (ISTA original name) as well.

[PrimeBMW]

Originally Posted by Chris_PDX

I just grabbed a Surface Pro as my dedicated track device, so I can view video and data at the track on a larger screen. I'll be installing an AiM Dash in my E46 when it's re-built, currently using a Solo 2 DL that I swap between cars.

Aside from things like video playback/editing and Race Studio for the AIM systems, does anyone else bring a laptop/tablet to the track and if so, what do you have loaded on it?

I was thinking of finding some coding software to read codes as well instead of having a separate code reader, so curious on everyone's thoughts. Would also use it for my E92 when I'm out coaching with it.

Discuss.

Are you going to run a smarty cam?

[dparm]

Buy a used Panasonic Toughbook. This way you are not constantly nervous about a laptop getting damaged due to a fall, being run over, spilled on, rained on, or overheating from continued exposure to sun. It also has an ultra-bright screen so you can actually see things in the daytime.

https://toughruggedlaptops.com/refur...d-laptops.html


My laptop has HPTuners software for flashing the ECU & reading codes, Cosworth Pi Toolbox for data analysis, VLC for video playback, and MS Office in case I need to do any spreadsheets or whatever. It's fairly simple.

[derbo]

I thought about getting one of these thinkpads instead of using my Macbook. Just gotta add more RAM and its solid.

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops.../p/22TPE15E5N2

This is probably my list in terms of electronics/software:

Laptop (with at least 8GB RAM, 500GB space preferred in SSD)
BimmerGeeks K+DCAN cable
Tuning Cable (VIN locked one)
Battery/PowerCable
Mobile Hotspot

## Software

• BMW Standard Tools
• BMW ISTA Diagnostic program
• Tuning software (if you are running a tune)
• AIM Race Analysis software
• Race Render 3 (Syncing GoPro video with AIM data for overlays)
• VLC
• (Optional) Teamviewer QuickSupport - Good if you aren't that solid with this stuff and have a friend that can remote in (I remote in sometimes to folks)

[dparm]

Originally Posted by derbo

I thought about getting one of these thinkpads instead of using my Macbook. Just gotta add more RAM and its solid.

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops.../p/22TPE15E5N2

This is probably my list in terms of electronics/software:

Laptop (with at least 8GB RAM, 500GB space preferred in SSD)
BimmerGeeks K+DCAN cable
Tuning Cable (VIN locked one)
Battery/PowerCable
Mobile Hotspot

## Software

• BMW Standard Tools
• BMW ISTA Diagnostic program
• Tuning software (if you are running a tune)
• AIM Race Analysis software
• Race Render 3 (Syncing GoPro video with AIM data for overlays)
• VLC
• (Optional) Teamviewer QuickSupport - Good if you aren't that solid with this stuff and have a friend that can remote in (I remote in sometimes to folks)

I would suggest you get accidental damage protection unless you are really good at being insanely anal about keeping the laptop safe and babying it. The track is not a hospitable environment.

You should also try to find something with the biggest battery possible, as you may not have easy access to AC power and with the screen brightness cranked up, the battery will drain fast.

[derbo]

Originally Posted by dparm

I would suggest you get accidental damage protection unless you are really good at being insanely anal about keeping the laptop safe and babying it. The track is not a hospitable environment.

You should also try to find something with the biggest battery possible, as you may not have easy access to AC power and with the screen brightness cranked up, the battery will drain fast.

Thanks for the suggestions. Usually my laptop is in a bag unless needed. gone 10 years with a macbook in my hand without issue so I suppose it should be okay. Only reason I thought about a windows laptop was because VM in a macbook is just extra steps for a track only laptop. Although the M1 13" macbook has 20hr battery life..though I wonder what it is with a windows VM running on it.

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by derbo

Thanks for the suggestions. Usually my laptop is in a bag unless needed. gone 10 years with a macbook in my hand without issue so I suppose it should be okay. Only reason I thought about a windows laptop was because VM in a macbook is just extra steps for a track only laptop. Although the M1 13" macbook has 20hr battery life..though I wonder what it is with a windows VM running on it.

This is such a poignant thread for me as I'm in the exact same process. Bring a 13" MacBook Pro (work comp) running VM windows 10 for AIM, and managing engine tunes, and ISTA (via usb drive). I pull the data from Aim back over onto the OS X side to complete race render video.

I've been scouting a Surface Pro (6 plus a 256 card inserted for ISTA) as I'm tired of running VM. Thought would be to run everything including video work via race render on the surface.

Excited to follow along in your experience.

[derbo]

Originally Posted by DRLane

This is such a poignant thread for me as I'm in the exact same process. Bring a 13" MacBook Pro (work comp) running VM windows 10 for AIM, and managing engine tunes, and ISTA (via usb drive). I pull the data from Aim back over onto the OS X side to complete race render video.

I've been scouting a Surface Pro (6 plus a 256 card inserted for ISTA) as I'm tired of running VM. Thought would be to run everything including video work via race render on the surface.

Excited to follow along in your experience.

I totally forgot that the SurfacePro has a microSD slot (thanks apple for deleting everything..) That definitely seems like a feasible plan.

On a counter note, a VM is nice due to snapshots and I have a working backup copy located on my server at home. Since VMs are largely hardware independent, I could drag that to a new laptop and get going without any real big changes pretty quickly vs a brand new surface setting up ISTA etc again.