Data loggers

I am considering the purchase of a data logger for autox use. I'm looking specifically at the gps hi-def unit from MaxQData. The ability to view the results between runs is intriguing to me in regards to confirming the seat-of-the-pants feel on the areas of the course that can be improved upon on the next run. Does anyone have any experience with this unit or similar products from other manufacturers?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Hello

I've used many data acquisition systems, and you get what you pay for. Usually the specifications of the loggers are quite similar, but the biggest differences come in the software. The MaxQdata software is made for a PocketPC environment, so the limitations are the small screen of the PocketPC. The good points of this is that you can quite easily and quickly check the data from your run after the run in the drivers seat. The bad point being that you can't increase the size and work on a big screen, it just magnifies the PocketPC view so it is bigger on a PC. You can't increase your workspace to take full advantage of the big screen.

The MaxQdata is good if you want something that will show you laptimes while driving, and it has a nice feature called "time since last here" which shows you a dynamic laptime which changes when driving the race course depending on how fast you take each corner. It does log speed and G-Forces derived from the GPS, but because of the analysis software I would hardly call it a data logger.

For myself I bought the DL1 from Race Technology. It has the nice feature of not having a beacon that you have to set up by the track, and after having to struggle much with beacons (track workers adjusting them, someone else putting their beacon too close etc.), I thought it was the best option for me. The software also isn't bad and it has some nice features like making data of your "dream lap", so you can compare where you lost most time. I hadn't used it before I bought it, but trying the software in advance helped me find out if it was the one for me.

You'll do yourself a big favor if you test out the MaxQdata software, then test and compare it to the other brands like MoteC, AIM and Race technology. All these softwares are free to try and come with data files so you can see how they work. MoteC will probably be off your budget (it was off mine), but please try the software to get a feel for it, because it's the best that I've used.

I've used all these four brands mentioned, and I liked using all of them. You just have to know what each system is capable of and how to use it. We still have the MaxQdata, and it will be back in use once we get our PocketPC back from service.