CRG Asia posted this in another thread and I thought it would be great to start a new thread for discussion on karting data logging/timing systems.



I've used the Alfano Pro and the Unipro 6002 (I think). I've never actually used a system with a wheel speed sensor or track mapping - only been using the RPM trace. For basic looking at the track there isn't much advantage over one system to another, but it's in the extra features and the software where the differences start to show.

I've fooled around with the software from all three and I have to say that the AIM software seems to be the best. That and the Pi software but Pi stuff costs an absolute bomb - of course the logging rates are a bit faster I think.

For some reason though AIM has not been popular in Malaysia at all. I don't think there's a dealer for them here whereas you can find Unipro from at least two kart shops.

I also haven't been downloading the data as much as I want because I haven't got a new laptop since my one got fried a while ago.

What's popular elsewhere and which systems do you guys prefer?

Yes Pi System is expensive. They were 1 of the 1st to offer loggers for karts. The only Asian karter i know to use it was Firhand Ali back in the days. Now anyone who knows Ali's, ure know why he can.
Tony Kart team still using Pi. But honestly logging rates is no different with today loggers.
http://www.pixpress.com/

when Alfano came to the market after the normal pulse rpm tacho, it was a big hit in karting. I remember when Citykarting got them in and install magnets at Slam Alam the 1st time, everyone was in a rush to get them. Everytime we finish a race, we were all comparing our fastest laps. it was like we were playing Gran Turismo. Alfano is build solid and have simple display interface. Personally I find the software side poor and not very user friendly. Window 3.1 GUI thingy.
http://www.alfano.be/

AiM came in Strong with MyChron3. Then released MyChron3 Extreme the Pi System clone with half the cost. This thing is cool as it takes steering wheel, fuel and brake throttle inputs. gives you excuse to debriefing like a F1 driver.
So now with MyChron4, AiM is really taking over in the high-tech world in karting. 1 of the optional part I'm crazy about is their GPS module unit. This thing take position and speed at any point of the track, Cornering in-line and lateral G, timing system without beacon or magnetic bands. The software side is great. Their software and firmware updates almost every month which is a plus too.
http://www.mychron4.com

another popular system is LAPCOM. a few of my Japanese frens are using this. looks good and are cheap. have all the basic features you need to start with.
http://www.percul.co.jp/english/index_en.htm

last Macau AKOC i did see a few karts with Unipro. Forget to see which model it was but I'm told its solid and reliable. but expensive compare to the others. If u want to be different then others, this is a good choice.
http://www.uniprolaptimer.com

All brands offer basically the same features for their low end units. which is actually all u need. unless you're going for more advance logging, then choose base on your budget and software know-how. Comeon guys, telemetry debriefing is da bomb.

Great summary of the major systems!


Actually I think it is:

• Alfano: 10hz
• Unipro = 10hz
• MyChron = 10hz
• Pi = 50hz

The Pi would be better for analysis of throttle/brake/steering for example.

They have improved it a fair bit since a few years ago, but still not at the level of AiM, and definitely not at Pi level.

Hi,

Just so you guys know, Aside from selling CRG to the south east asia market, we are also the dealers for All AIM Products to the South east asian market too. We carry all the models including the GPS module. I have to say that AIM is the most advance data acquisition system that is in the market today.

It can really give you specific details on where and how you can lower your lap time.

Oh didn't know about the cpu Hz, last time i played with Pi, its feels more or less the same. Maybe with more sensors and more laps logs then Pi shows it power.

CRG Asia, you're just the person I'm looking for. Is it possible for you to PM me your AiM pricelist.

also which do u recommend to getting 1st, E-Box or GPS ?

Hi Rock,

What i suggest is that you Buy the AIM My Chron 4 and also the GPS System. Once you have this 2 it will already give you a whole load of needed data for your kart and driving style.

I have sent you a Price list to your personal message. If you do not get it, please send me an email at info@kartcrgasia.com so that i can send it to you. Thanks

Thanks CRG Asia, got your PM and downloading it.
gonna review together with my frens, whos also interested.

will email once everyone confirm on the orders.

also what will i miss if i go with GPS 1st without the E-box?
I'm guessing extra temp sensor. anything else?

Another interesting topic.

Personally I have used Alfano before and probably am one of those who rushed into getting the Pro model from City Karting. It works great and am still using it after 6 years......

However the downfall is the software is very limited...so any meaningful analysis is out of the question. At best, you get the theorectical best lap from the PC screen.

Now, they have expanded this to the Alfano Astro and recently the Pro Plus model, both which looks very good as well as quality in its overall package. I got a jap karter down at shah alam who uses the Astro but I dun think he fully comprehens the data yet. Another mate of mine also recently got the Astro, so time will tell if they money was well spent.

The Pro + and Astro looks very similar but who knows the difference? They cost very different too...

The other system I used was Mychron 3 Gold, which was the full works thingy and could do track mapping and of course, speed tracing as well. I think the software was also good - more than adequate for me and most important - easy to understand and use. I like the feature where I could superimposed my fastest lap against another driver....and found where I beat Wai Leong! he he he must be his off day.

So there you have, my reviews on both popular system. Alfano tops in terms of packaging since there's only ONE unit to mount....unlike the others like Mychron and perhaps UniPro since you have another unit to mount under the nasau panel.....troublesome.

Would be keen to know user reviews on UniPro and also Lapcom - which also seem to look good. How much is the Lapcom Percul anyway?

PI Research is out of my reach, financially so I dun consider although of course, that's the top but for my type of karting/play racing - perhaps an overkill.

Systems aside - I think all this will be wasted if you dun know how to read the data from the screens......which not many brands teach you in detail. I have downladed the Mychron manuals and even they dun go into details....I guess, your dealers should teach you then!

cheers!

Want to know one more thing about the My chron 4?

It has the ability to give you a FORCASTED lap time even before your finish lap. How cool is that?!

Jules have you ever downloaded RPM-curves from the original Alfano Pro? It was pretty annoying as you had to start the "rpm session" before you head out on track and only had about 8 minutes to record (it would write-over earlier data if you stay longer), and then you had to download the data before the dash shut-down!

Also they had some independently made software that was actually better than the Alfano software, and now of course Alfano has stepped up the game a bit.

The Astro is completely different with track mapping for example, I don't remember the Pro + having too much over the normal Pro?


I really don't get this feature - I know if I'm on a good lap or not without having the thing guess for me. - and I don't have time during the lap to see how I'm doing - I just check the time(and temp) quickly after I finish the lap and then get back to driving.

Like Mikko's reply - I think this feature will be of little value cos if we know we are on a good lap, looking at the clock to tell us will make it bad!

In fact - I only see my times, at a certain point only on the track and likewise for the rpm.....at the critical bits. Tenperature as well, occassionaly too.

Mikko,

I never did try the RPM record feature....maybe its me but I see little value in that. Yes, they have indeed a limited memory when you on that mode and all previous data will be wiped out too.

The Pro+ is cheaper than the Astro so it should have less features but I dun see that on their literature.....

If a DAG(data-acquisition guy) could have only one channel of information it would always be the RPM-trace. You can get a lot of info from the RPM trace.


Yeah I think the features were similar to the normal "Pro" with only a few things improved.

I know a Kosmic DAT will choose speed over RPM for Max/Rok. He said its preference. 100cc days yes its RPM anyday.

That said a nonDAT engineer will choose his stopwatch and will be just as fast.

I downloaded the AiM Race Studio last night. Played with their sample files. Must say the GPS features is cool.

Cant wait till I get my hands on 1 for a real. Just too bad it didnt cameout 10years ago..