Learn Me Track Apps and GPS Receivers

I used to use Trackmaster by Trackaroo for recording general performance data and video, but the app doesn't seem to like my newest phone (Galaxy Note 4), and Trackaroo hasn't updated the app in well over a year.

So, if I wanted a new Android app to use to record position and acceleration data and hopefully video at the same time, where should I look?

I'd also like an inexpensive Bluetooth GPS receiver so that I could record data at something better than 1 Hz, but all the ones I've found are close to $100...

Harry's lap timer and the Qstarz GPS

That looks like a pretty cool app, but those Qstarz units are just as expensive as the Garmin ones (~$100).

I haven't gotten a receiver yet, but I'm a big fan of RaceChrono!

I don't think there are decent, cheap bluetooth GPS receivers. Most of the ones that seem to work with the data loggers are "repurposed" aviation units. I have a Dual 160, but I haven't had a chance to use it in the car yet.

I like Harry's Lap Timer and have it both for Android and iPhone. One thing to keep in mind is that the Android version has a limitation on the size of the video file it can process on the phone (2GB). The iPhone version doesn't seem to have that limitation. Either way, the author is updating the app regularly and after a little experimentation it seems to work well for me.

Sky_Render wrote: That looks like a pretty cool app, but those Qstarz units are just as expensive as the Garmin ones (~$100).

keep in mind …that once the money's spent you really don't miss it (assuming you're not spending the rent/grocery money)

WonkoTheSane wrote: I haven't gotten a receiver yet, but I'm a big fan of RaceChrono!

I've got one of those, and have switched to the AIM

http://www.ogracing.com/car/data-acquisition-timing-and-video?cat=210&manufacturer=189&gclid=CjwKEAjwwtOsBRDdjZTbvYvTlzcSJADOY0DRg8FzUgl9ngS8rc25r6hRGqf8divcQjGjSZuljPFwyBoC8bfw_wcB

wbjones wrote:

Sky_Render wrote: That looks like a pretty cool app, but those Qstarz units are just as expensive as the Garmin ones (~$100).

keep in mind …that once the money's spent you really don't miss it (assuming you're not spending the rent/grocery money)

Well, that's true. The main reason I want external GPS is that my Galaxy Note 4--for whatever reason--does not consistently maintain GPS connectivity. It generally loses GPS sync for about 20% of the time (4 minutes synced, then about a minute trying to reestablish sync). This is annoying when using a navigation app and would make using a track app almost pointless.

I really love my Dual and saved a little money by getting the 150, and now that the price is sub-Benjamin, I recommend it without reservation. Stays connected, both to the GPS and the bluetooth device, has good battery life, and samples rapidly enough to be great for track driving. I haven't autocrossed with it yet, so ask around if it's fast enough for that.

It's hard to be the convenience of Harry's. I run it on an Ipod Touch 5th gen, which is plenty powerful enough. RAM mounts are my favorite too.

Here's a link to a recording made with that setup at a little-known vest pocket track in the Mid-Atlantic (the Jefferson Circuit Extension). Note there is a cell phone using the phone's internal GPS to display speed, attached to the rear view mirror. It lags the actual speed (as reported in the Harry's video overlay using the Dual GPS) by a ton!

Dual video example

The camera resolution on the IPod is much, much better than displayed on YouTube - the only disappointment is, the angle is not as wide as I would like. HLT works pretty well with a GoPro to fix that issue, but it's not as one-stop-trackside-production-easy as it is using the IPod camera, and thus isn't as good for paddock instruction and review.

wbjones wrote:

WonkoTheSane wrote: I haven't gotten a receiver yet, but I'm a big fan of RaceChrono!

I've got one of those, and have switched to the AIM http://www.ogracing.com/car/data-acquisition-timing-and-video?cat=210&manufacturer=189&gclid=CjwKEAjwwtOsBRDdjZTbvYvTlzcSJADOY0DRg8FzUgl9ngS8rc25r6hRGqf8divcQjGjSZuljPFwyBoC8bfw_wcB

No, I mean the app on my phone. Works great and does video overlay. Here's me driving very poorly at Thompson on tuesday:

youtoooob

That is a dump from raceChrono, and I used a crappy windshield mount I had.