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Motorsport Data Loggers: How Easy Are Data Loggers to Fit and How Reliable and Accurate Are They?

The benefits of using data logging for both two-wheel and four-wheel motorsport are well known. Being able to reduce lap times by a millisecond can make a huge difference, and determine who finishes where on the podium. Data logging has been around for a number of years now, but it's only in the last few years that the technology has become increasingly sophisticated with the integration of video synchronisation as well as data analysis. The technology used to be so expensive that only professional teams could afford to use it, however, prices are more competitive, and now more and more track-day enthusiasts are looking to purchase data logging equipment. But what sort of questions should track-day enthusiasts be asking? How will drivers and riders know if they're choosing the most suitable equipment and getting the best value for their money? Well, here are some hints and suggestions that might help them make considered choices.
How easy is it to fit a data logger?

The more complicated a piece of equipment is, then logically the more difficult it will be to fit. Simple plug and play data loggers are the easiest to install. They don't require lots of modules or sensors and don't need specific mounting or heat requirements. Therefore they are undoubtedly the most convenient solution: however, these simple systems might not give the rider or driver all the information they need or the level of sophisticated analysis they require. When choosing a data logging system you'll need to think about how suitable it is for your particular car or motorbike. If you drive a single-seat car or ride a bike for example, you won't have a great deal of room to play with: systems which require special mounting on a flat surface will be more difficult for you to fit in these cars or on the bike.

Conversely, if you drive a saloon or even a road car that you also take on track, you'll ideally need a system that can fit in a glove box or under a seat and be uninstalled easily.

If you need to use video recording equipment, then this will create additional problems. The video recorder is often supplied as an additional unit which needs to be plugged into the main control unit: this makes making mounting the system more challenging, and it's worth noting that it can potentially also reduce reliability.

How reliable and accurate is the GPS data?

Some data logging systems use a GPS engine which has a slower update rate, and supplement this information with accelerometers to increase accuracy.

Although these systems do work and provide accurate information, there is a drawback. The unit has to be fitted in a certain orientation to work properly, and this will just add to the installation time. It can also lead to unintentional errors in the data if the system is not fitted securely or at a slight angle. The need for both the ease of installation and use can't be emphasised enough. In fact, it's worth having a look at the manual before committing to purchase the product. Generally speaking, the more complicated the manual; the more complicated and confusing the product is likely to be.

A key element in GPS data loggers is the quality of the satellite signal. It is important to be able to use an external GPS antenna so you can fit it in an optimal position for the best satellite reception. GPS antennas need a 'ground plane' to operate correctly. On a car with a metal roof this is achieved by placing the antenna in the centre, but for cars without large areas of flat metal, a plate of metal, foil, or aluminium tape about the size of a DVD case is required to get the most reliable data. The GPS update rate is also important as this sets the resolution of the data points and the accuracy of the lap timing. A minimum track driving rate should be around 10 times per second, which provides plenty of information for comparison between laps or different drivers. The dynamic response of the GPS is also important - if there is a lot of smoothing for example, this introduces lag into the data and makes it very difficult to reliably compare braking points.

This article on motorsport data loggers was submitted by Tom Berzins on behalf of Datron Technology.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com