View Full Version : GPS lap timers
JayBar
03-28-2008, 07:43 PM
Anyone have any thought on GPS lap timers. I use one that requires a transmitter on a tripod at the start/finish line.
From what I have seen in adds the GPS models are self contained but give a wealth of data.
I did a Internet search and came up with a few. One in particular was for a motorcycle. It seemed to be a lot of bang for the buck. But then the GPS may not work inside the car.
Anyone have any information?
sperkins
03-28-2008, 08:52 PM
:mswerd:
Sounds cool. I'd like to know more as well.
racerjon1
03-28-2008, 09:53 PM
They work well, and I also know that because of insurance lap timers are not allowed, and the track management has to go around removing them..
I have been using the Traqmate, and love it. It's simple, easy to use, has good features, can be combined with video for data, etc.
Jon
JayBar
03-30-2008, 09:39 AM
Jon,
The reason for my original question was prompted by your event two weeks ago.
It is the first time, I have seen, that timers were not allowed. However, I see this as a trend that other driving groups will be forced by insurance to do as well.
When you state that "management has to go around removing timers". I assume you are referring to the transmitters placed at track side, not the on board receiving units.
So are on board timing devices OK? But then again they can be hidden easily
so it is kind of a moot point.
Back In Black
03-30-2008, 11:24 AM
I'm using a RacePak G2Xtreme.
http://www.g2xtreme.com/main.htm
Completely self contained and you can easily switch it between vehicles. The included software automatically generates a track map and you can set up segments on the map to compare entry speeds, exit speeds, etc. between laps.
Click on the lap time link in my sig for an example of what you can do with the data and video.
From my experience with our insurance providers, no timing is allowed per the rules whether it's self contained or uses a beacon at driver instruction events. It all depends on what type of coverage the organizer purchases.
Back to the subject, I have read about people using the wrist watch type GPS units. My wife has one for running, and it will display lap times and even a map when you download the data. There is also some software available for free online that will take the data from the GPS and produce lap times, track map, etc. This is a Garmin Forerunner type unit. It could be worth looking into for events where it's allowed.
Here is a link to some information:
http://www.engadget.com/2004/04/23/pts-how-to-fridays-using-a-gps-watch-xml-and-satellite/
Ken
HEAVYCHEVY
04-02-2008, 02:59 PM
traqmate..........
Varkwso
04-27-2008, 06:11 AM
I have seen the wrist type used.
You can always time off your video camera - if you have one that is -
Hot Lap timers are on the tripods and do not use GPS.
Traqmate and G2X are 2 GPS based also....
The good old stopwatch still works also.....
If the EVENT does not post lap times - what happens in the car cannot be really tracked...
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