Official data acquisition & telemetry thread

[dparm]

This topic seems to permeate a lot of the discussions in this forum, so I figured it would be best if we broke it out into a dedicated thread.

Some objectives should be to discuss various data acquisition hardware & software, share math channel formulas, discuss practical application of theory, share analysis strategies, solicit feedback, etc.

Mods, can we sticky this?

[dparm]

I'll start. I am using Cosworth Pi Toolbox Lite which is the native software for the Chevy Performance Data Recorder (PDR) hardware found in Corvettes, Camaros, and Cadillac V-series cars. The capabilities are very similar to AIM Race Studio. This is the free version but there is a paid upgrade that allows for more worksheets, video comparison, etc.

GM/Cosworth actually do not broadly advertise that the PDR files will work in here, and instead direct you to a dumbed-down version of it known as Cosworth Toolbox for (brand). I still find this useful since it allows me to have the video overlay, something that costs about a grand in Pi Toolbox as part of the upgrade.

Attached is a screenshot of one of my primary worksheet/dashboard with two laps worth of data, zoomed all the way out to show the entire lap at once. I had to downsize it a bit due to forum limitations.

[Visceral]

I found the best CAN profile for use with the AIM Solo 2 DL and I'll be logging those various items as well as GPS data for use with their bottled analysis software. Im just getting started, so we'll see how straightforward it is.

I heard that the new ZR1 (and others?) log wheel position on all four corners. If so, that is a pretty incredible suspension tuning tool.

I spend a lot of time working with staff in my career distilling data into information and then into actionable intelligence. I'd be concerned with that much data- are you able to find the picture among the pixels?

[Chris_PDX]

What is everyone's opinion of the original AIM Solo DL? I thought about grabbing one of those cheap since the Solo 2 just came out and someone is probably going to upgrade.

I've been using Harry's Laptimer + Bad Elf 10Hz GPS module, and merging that data with video in RaceRender, but I'd love to start pulling some data off the car.

[tdott]

Originally Posted by Chris_PDX

I've been using Harry's Laptimer + Bad Elf 10Hz GPS module, and merging that data with video in RaceRender, but I'd love to start pulling some data off the car.

While no where near as much data as AiM, if you bought an OBD device and used it with HLT, it could provide basic data, mine shows Throttle %, Coolant Temp, speed, rpm, gps data.
HLT no allows custom PIDs which should allow to log oil temps now, we just need to know the ID the car uses. I haven't tried this yet but plan to for my next track day.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Visceral

I heard that the new ZR1 (and others?) log wheel position on all four corners. If so, that is a pretty incredible suspension tuning tool.

I spend a lot of time working with staff in my career distilling data into information and then into actionable intelligence. I'd be concerned with that much data- are you able to find the picture among the pixels?

Late production 2017 Corvettes and beyond have yaw sensor data, individual wheel speed sensor data, and individual MRC shock data.

Unfortunately mine does not have that but with some clever math channels you can infer some of it.

[dparm]

FYI AIM does have a YouTube channel with some decent tutorials and seminars, even if you are using something like HLT:

https://www.youtube.com/user/aimdata

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by Chris_PDX

What is everyone's opinion of the original AIM Solo DL? I thought about grabbing one of those cheap since the Solo 2 just came out and someone is probably going to upgrade.

I've been using Harry's Laptimer + Bad Elf 10Hz GPS module, and merging that data with video in RaceRender, but I'd love to start pulling some data off the car.

Solo DL >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> HLT

[jid2]

I really liked Traqmate, the UI was great on the software and the data was pretty easy to get to, look at and mess with. But they went bye-bye, I still have the hardware if anyone is looking for a deal.

I just picked up the AIM Solo II DL. I've used it once now and played with the data a bit. The AIM is a real value especially the data logging portion, which I still need to hook up. It's really nice that if you turn it on at the paddock you're good to go. I'm surprised there isn't a friction circle, and that you need to build or apply the math channel to get the G sum numbers. My first pass at it also seemed to be kinda low res on that channel. Still figuring things out.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by jid2

I'm surprised there isn't a friction circle, and that you need to build or apply the math channel to get the G sum numbers. My first pass at it also seemed to be kinda low res on that channel. Still figuring things out.

I'm not surprised. Pi Toolbox doesn't have those either. The math channel takes all of 30 seconds to build, and creating the friction circle graphic is just a basic X/Y plot. You only have to do it once.

The resolution for the math channel will be limited to the lowest resolution of any of the input channels. What is the polling rate/resolution you see? For reference, my car is 5Hz for both longitudinal and lateral acceleration, meaning that my G sum is also 5Hz. I think that's sufficient for G sum, honestly.

[dparm]

At the track this past Monday, I experimented with "no-lift-shift" (NLS) for the first time during one session. The short explanation is that it's a feature of the drive-by-wire system that lets you keep the accelerator to the floor between shifts at WOT. It will cut the engine timing while the clutch pedal is in so you don't slam into the rev limiter.

Based on what I see in the telemetry, it isn't really any faster. There is less of a drop in longitudinal acceleration (3rd line below) during the shift, but overall speed differential is negligible (bottom line). Considering the shock this puts on the drivetrain, I don't think I will bother doing it again.

Green = lap with NLS
Red = normal lap

Note that on the NLS lap I was a bit later getting to WOT but also went a little bit deeper into the braking zone. Neither of those things are related to NLS. For those familiar with Autobahn CC, this is the long straightaway on the south course right after "patience".

Discuss.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

Solo DL >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> HLT

Not sure I 100% agree with this. Depends.

HLT is great for someone who is starting out, wants to get better but isn't committed to doing the in-depth data analysis. The casual HPDE'er or someone who only goes to the track a 2-3 times a year. $700 is a waste if you only use it twice a year.

I think a SoloDL is a waste until you're turning consistent lap times. Then the data can show small differences that HLT can't.

HLT was a tremendous help in quickly finding out which laps were faster and which corners I was inconsistent in when I was an intermediate driver. The sector times were invaluable.

The SoloDL also requires some commitment to learn and analyze the data. Definitely not the most intuitive program.

[dparm]

Does HLT show you splits for various corners/straights in real-time? That's a very good way to ease yourself into data analysis and to immediately see if something you did worked.

"Wow, that felt really fast"
(quickly check split)
"Yep, it was"

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by dparm

Does HLT show you splits for various corners/straights in real-time? That's a very good way to ease yourself into data analysis and to immediately see if something you did worked.

"Wow, that felt really fast"
(quickly check split)
"Yep, it was"

Its been awhile since I used it but, IIRC, could see a virtual best and sector times. Then it has the +/- compared to your best lap in real time.