Video and data logger systems AIM soloDL w SmartyCAM vs Racelogic VBOX HD2

[sharmut]

My intent of this post is to solicit thoughts as well as share information gathered regarding the vendors below.

After using TrackAddict, Racerender and Harry's Lap Timer (GrandPrix), these solution, while great for their price, lacks reliability and efficiency in doing lap analysis while at the track.

Narrowed my interest to the vendors:
AIM soloDL with SmartyCam HD is attractive for it's price point ~1700-~1800.
RaceLogic VBOX HD2 dual camera ~2950.
RaceCapture Pro ~1600.

(AIM)
Pros:
AIM wins on price point.
Very portable, for multi-car use cases.

Cons:
- Single camera solution, currently no option to expand to dual camera.
- Lap Analysis software missing video integration.
- Fixed GPS antenna in soloDL, limits installation to mounting the soloDL on dash or windshield. While the SmartyCAM has an external GPS connector, when connected to the SoloDL, the internal GPS module on the SoloDL is used. According to AIM this is not configurable.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Racelogic)
Pros:
Dual Camera.
Lap analysis with Video.
External GPS antenna.
Viper Specific CAN support via ODB2 connector for:
- Throttle/Gas pedal position
- Engine Speed (RPM)
- Vehicle Speed (wheel speed or GPS)
- Brake pedal pressure or can be ON/OFF
- Engine Coolant Temp
- Engine Oil Temp
- Engine Oil Pressure
- Intake Air Temp
- G-Force (Lateral)
- G-Force (Longitudinal)

Cons:
Price point.
- No accelerometer. G-Force data is likely calculated based on GPS data. (not 100% certain, pending Racelogic confirmation). The GPS although 10Hz, does use GPS/GLONASS so the accuracy is likely there.
- Camera cylindrical form factor and cable has no quick disconnect at the camera side, limiting installation. My original thought was to install 1 camera outside in the center cavity of the front facia. If something damages the camera the replacement will require rerouting of the cable.
- VBOX HD2 camera (1080p/30fps), the highest bitrate is 16mbps. This seems low given the price point ($495). The $200 GoPro session runs at 1080p/60fps @ 25mbps. The racelogic folks are likely thinking most users will upload the stream to Youtube or VIMEO and the advantage of the higher bitrate would be lost anyway. Guess I'm hung up on paying $500 for a camera that yield lower frame rate and video quality compared to $200.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
RaceCapture Pro with:
- 2 GoPro Hero-4 Black cameras, wired to trigger from the Racecapture pro.
- CAM-DO Bullet controller and modules.
- NVIDIA Tablet.
https://www.autosportlabs.com/racecapturepro-2/
http://cam-do.com/collections/hero4/products/bullet
http://cam-do.com/collections/hero4/products/wired-remote-for-bullet-controller
https://shield.nvidia.com/tablet/k1

Pros:
Leverage GoPro camera high frame and bitrates. 1080p/120fps @ 60mbps.
CAM-DO eliminates the need to use WiFi and bluetooth to control the GoPros.
Hardware accelerometer.
50Hz GPS sampling rates. Sampling precision will be there, but whether that translates to more accurate location without GLONASS.
Wired solution, GoPro controlled through CAM-DO, connected to Racecapture Pro triggered output. NVIDIA tablet wired to USB on RaceCapture Pro.
Customizable CANBUS data collection.
LUA scripting expands system capabilities.

Cons:
No Video support for lap analysis.
Not as easy to do lap analysis like the VBOX, however since all the data is stored on the NVIDIA tablet, you can perform the analysis on the tablet directly.
Need to integrate LUA scripting to control GoPro trigger.
Requires upload of video files from each GoPro camera.
Requires rendering and data overlays to be performed with another software like RaceRender.
Racecapture Pro's physical size, accelerator & gyro limits installation to almost flat locations. Not sure if it can be mounted vertically.


Vendors like Racekeeper and Racecapture, each offer something, just wish someone put it all together.

My ideal system would be:
VBOX HD2 with:
A wired camera with cube form factor, cable disconnect, 1080p@60fps 25-40mpbs bitrate.
GPS/GLONASS with 20-50hz sampling rate.
Hardware accelerometer.
Support alternate file system like EXT4, HFS+, NTFS to avoid the FAT32 4gig file size limit. This may not really matter if VBOX or Circuit Tools splices multiple video files without user intervention.

Are my expectations too high for the VBOX given the price of admission.

[Racingswh]

Why not the new Race Keeper HD system?

[sharmut]

Why not the new Race Keeper HD system?

Have not completely ruled out RaceKeeper yet. Do like the RaceKeeper HDX2 camera options as well as cable length options when ordering. Primary concern is their lap analysis software (Comparo) is only available on Windows, which would up the cost in my case. Not a fan of running VMware Fusion on MAC OS X.
Not sure how customizable their CAN/ODB2 support for the Viper, beyond the stock ISO 15765-4 support.
Racekeeper uses 20hz GPS sampling rate, they do not mention GLONASS support, which in combination with GPS typically yields higher accuracy.

I'm going to email them to get roadmap information wether they plan to release Comparo for MAC, as well as their CAN support for the Viper.

[Racingswh]

Have not completely ruled out RaceKeeper yet. Do like the RaceKeeper HDX2 camera options as well as cable length options when ordering. Primary concern is their lap analysis software (Comparo) is only available on Windows, which would up the cost in my case. Not a fan of running VMware Fusion on MAC OS X.
Not sure how customizable their CAN/ODB2 support for the Viper, beyond the stock ISO 15765-4 support.
Racekeeper uses 20hz GPS sampling rate, they do not mention GLONASS support, which in combination with GPS typically yields higher accuracy.

I'm going to email them to get roadmap information wether they plan to release Comparo for MAC, as well as their CAN support for the Viper.

My only complaint with the Race Keeper in it's HE/SE configurations is the horrible picture quality. May have been up to par 15 years ago but not any longer. The new HD system looks intriguing but it does not look like you can run all 4 cameras in HD, only 2?

I like being able to wire everything and I like a windshield mounted camera while capturing in-car with another camera. I then also like a 3rd pointed back so you can see what was happening and why you did what you did.

We run Window's PC's everywhere so it's pretty simple for us to use. More of a set it and forget it than other stuff we have looked at and video overlay with all of the OBDII data right there for you to view.

So I would want a system that uses Go Pro's that trigger automatically from motion like the Race Keeper does and has automatic data overlay on the video or the Race Keeper HDX2

[sharmut]

^^ Having an option for a 3rd camera would be nice.

If you want a system with multiple HD cameras, with ease of use, it really comes down to VBOX HD2 or Racekeeper HDX2. Don't have confirmation yet, suspect the Racekeeper HD system use a higher recording bitrate (25mpbs 1080p@30fps).

By the way where did you install the HE main unit in your Viper?

[Racingswh]

By the way where did you install the HE main unit in your Viper?

I decided on the RaceKeeper HDX2. The picture should be light years ahead of the old system and I am familiar with it operationally.

I mounted the HE in the back on the floor. I used the velcro pad provided with the old unit. I will hard mount the new unit as far left as possible and completely hide all wiring wherever I can. I will also use a straight OBDII connector as it can be moved out of the way of your left clutch foot and hidden more easily than the right angle connector.

Looking forward to ordering it and getting it in the car.

[ek1]

I was also looking at an AIM SMartycam setup last year, but after reading all the specs decided against it. As a stop gap solution, I bought a Garmin Virb Ultra 30 a few weeks ago and wanted to provide some info.

* Buit-in 10 Hz GPS.
* Built-in Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Altimeter and Compass (all the data is collected and recorded with the video).
* Built-in Bluetooth (allows connections with different peripherals, including OBD II dongles).
* Built-in Wifi for video editing, download and streaming.
* Voice control (you can say "OK, Garmin, start recording" and starts recording). Great feature!
* Available wrist remote.
* Multi-camera support.
* Free editing software uses recorded telemetry data and allows you to do overlays.
* 4K/30fps; 2.7K/60fps; 1080p/120fps; 720p/240fps and 480p/300fps.
* Up to 60Mbps bit rate.

I used the camera at the Glen for two days. It's pretty good considering the $399 price. Two minor issues I found where miserable (1.5 hours) battery life (although the camera can record while plugged in) and crappy suction cup mount.

The visual video quality is about the same as GoPro Hero HD 4 Black Edition.

[sharmut]

I decided on the RaceKeeper HDX2. The picture should be light years ahead of the old system and I am familiar with it operationally.

I mounted the HE in the back on the floor. I used the velcro pad provided with the old unit. I will hard mount the new unit as far left as possible and completely hide all wiring wherever I can. I will also use a straight OBDII connector as it can be moved out of the way of your left clutch foot and hidden more easily than the right angle connector.

Looking forward to ordering it and getting it in the car.

Thank you for the mounting details and will look into that option.

Received additional information from Racekeeper.
- The SD storage is not limited by software. They tested 512g. Additionally you can format the SD as NTFS to avoid the FAT32 4gig file size limit.
- The bitrate is 16mbps (1080/@30fps). (I'm a little disappointed, was hoping for at least 25mbps)
- They are working on a 1080@60fps camera. No additional details at the moment.
- No plans to support MAC-OS X. I'll have to factor in the cost for a Windows laptop/tablet.
- Support custom CAN parameters.
- Racekeeper reached out to Dodge for a viper CAN template. If all goes well, the template will provide access to:
- Throttle/Gas pedal position
- Engine Speed (RPM)
- Vehicle Speed (wheel speed)
- Brake Pedal
- Engine Coolant Temp
- Engine Oil Temp
- Intake Air Temp
- Engine Oil Pressure
- Steering Angle

(Take it for what it's worth technically, it's coming from someone from their sales department).

[MomentaryRacing]

Remember to evaluate analysis software - it is probably the single most important component of the system (unless you are hiring out analysis/coaching services)

[sharmut]

Remember to evaluate analysis software - it is probably the single most important component of the system (unless you are hiring out analysis/coaching services)

Definitely.

Borrowed a Dell XPS Intel i7-3537U 2GHZ on Windows 7 to test out Comparo. Comparo ran well for the most part, except when running 2 session lap comparisons. It runs fine initially, after ~2nd lap the video begins to buffer.
Using Windows resource-monitor tool, initial indication points to the CPU as possible bottleneck. The disk is SSD and did not indicate high I/O read times. Explored using macbook pro with WM-Ware Fusion 8 running Win 10, this was worst than the Dell, borderline unusable. Next up explore running Win 10 via bootcamp.

Also note Comparo, limits comparison of 2 sessions, while RaceLogic's Circuit Tools if I recall allows 8 sessions. Given my observations on the Dell XPS comparing 2 sessions, running 8 sessions will likely require some serious HW resources to be useful.

Received update from Racekeeper, the received a CAN template for the Viper from Dodge Motorsports. I'm leaning in this direction at this point, once I can confirm Comparo runs well on my Macbook Pro.

[Arizona Vipers]

Great thread.... :fpopcorn::fpopcorn::fpopcorn::drive:

[fuggles]

Definitely.

Borrowed a Dell XPS Intel i7-3537U 2GHZ on Windows 7 to test out Comparo. Comparo ran well for the most part, except when running 2 session lap comparisons. It runs fine initially, after ~2nd lap the video begins to buffer.
[snip]


Is that really an i7 running at 2ghz? If so, i think a faster cpu with a better gpu should work. Something like an i7-6700 skylake with 3.5ghz turbo. Battery life would suffer if you care about it.
Something to consider...

[Snorman]

Looking into the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 for track use.
S.

[sharmut]

Looking into the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 for track use.
S.

Considered the Garmin route also for it's multi camera control support, after going through the process with Harry's lap timer, Track Addict + GoPro Session, Race Render and so on. At the end of the day what I wanted was to be able to review the video and data with an analysis tool, like Circuit Tools or Comparo in between sessions at the track. RaceRender makes great videos with very custom overlays, but you grow out of them quickly and start to look for more. HPTuners, maker of RaceRender and TrackAddict are very active on their forums and offer fantastic support.

[sharmut]

Borrowed a Macbook Pro 13" mid-2014
8 gigs memory
256g SSD
Intel i5-4278U (Haswell)
Based: 2.60 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency 3.10 GHz
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit via Bootcamp

- Using the sample video and data file "10146_20150808_161919" from RaceKeeper.
- Data enabled: (MPH, Lateral-G, Heading)
- Front Camera selected as primary view.

Results:
- 2 sessions loaded into Comparo and comparing 2 laps.
- CPU usage was fairly constant @ 3.04GHz (utilization 90%-96%), occasional spikes (100%) to 3.07GHz.
- No disruption to either video stream.
- Memory usage @ 24%
- Disk transfer rate 100KB/s.
- With the SSD, disk latency was nil, except on occasion reported microseconds values.
- Attempt to capture screen video via CAM Studio was unsuccessful. The CPU load was too much when CAM Studio is in record mode, effecting the test video and CAM Studio.
- Attempt to launch windows taskbar causes spikes to the CPU usage, causing the video stream to buffer momentarily.
- Snapshot of CPU Utilization during peak load with all available data set enabled.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxpedGfdWxhLRVNMZmVqNmxFWkk/view?usp=sharing

This confirms my previous observation with the 2.0GHz Dell, the bottleneck is the CPU's processing speed. Suspect the application needs 2.9GHz with burst of 3.1GHz or higher. Should know once I install a new SSD installed in my MacBook Pro (mid-2012) [Intel i7-3820QM 2.70GHz Processor (burst 3.70GHz)]. Hoping this works well with the 2012 MBP. Would rather put the funds towards the data-logger rather than another laptop.

[Arizona Vipers]

I just got the SmartyCam HD and am very happy with it. Was pretty easy to set up. I ran one track day and worked great. Lap times are very close to my transponder times. Also the RPM's and coolant temps didn't work. The rep is coming to my house Monday to see what's wrong.

[sharmut]

Completed my SSD upgrade to make room for Windows 10-pro via boot camp.

Ran Racekeeper with the sample video on a MacBook Pro (mid-2012) [Intel i7-3820QM 2.70GHz Processor (burst 3.70GHz)]. Very pleased with the results compared to the previous exercises with the Dell XPS & Macbook Pro 13" mid-2014. The CPU was running ~34% utilization without buffering in the videos as I maneuvered to different areas of the desktop. On the MBP-13 this caused buffering to the RaceKeeper videos. Was also able to run Cam Studio and recording the screen at the same time.

Here's a short video taken with CamStudio, resolution not great but you get the idea.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BxpedGfdWxhLNzZCeEZtV0x0NFE

Looks like I'm going with RaceKeeper.

[sharmut]

Waiting for spring before jumping into the Racekeeper setup. Plan is to put the funds towards brake upgrade to reduce the rear brake bias. In the meantime, playing around with available lap-analysis applications.

Ran into Dashware version 1.7.37. Runs only on Windows and looks decent for freeware. Anyone looking to try this application, it does not work on Windows 10 version 1607. You need to run Win10 version 1511, something to do with the recent update blocking video applications. Dashware is aware of the issue as of October but there is nothing since then, may have to do with the GoPro merger/acquisition. Perhaps once the GoPro situation settles down, we'll see more progress on this application.

It support various data input files like, AIM, RaceChrono, Harrys Lap Timer and in my case TrackAddict data files (CSV format). Did have to modify a few simple parameters in the CSV file before it worked. PM if interested in the details.
If you're data source is from HLT (Harry's Lap Timer) the import was smooth, no errors and modifications needed.
Once you input the goPro video and data file, you synchronize the 2 by locating the start/stop finish line from the video file and select the Star/Stop button under the Synchronization page. My recording was @ 60fps and can clearly see the start line cross the side of my passenger mirror. There may be a more direct method to input this reference point, will need to investigate further.
Support analysis of multiple laps, however only supports single video reference, unlike the RaceKeeper where multiple video files can be viewed. The image file below shows the multiple laps displayed comparing MPH in the lower right hand corner. The map, located on the upper right hand corner, allows zoom in/out view, reflecting disparity in your racing lines between laps. Would be nice if it used google earth image as a background to provide context to the track location, although the image should omit everything else beyond the tarmac to save some processing cycles.
Really like the feature "Seek With Data" check box, when enabled the video moves with the lap chart data. As you move the slider to specific location in the lap chart, the video takes you there. Only useful for single lap review, again due to the single video file support.
Supports custom gauges, easy to edit gauge, once you get the hang of the different layers. Export and import gauges from others. Customizing gauges is much easier to perform in RaceRender, but you really do this a few times until you're content.
Easy export gauge setup as template for use with new projects.

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There is still a speed advantage to using a more dedicated solution like AIM or RaceKeeper. Walking through the TrackAddict/GoPro/Dashware process several times now, it does not take long to connect your GoPro via USB, download the session MP4 file, import into Dashware, use iTunes to connect to the iPhone to pull the TrackAddict data file and compile all the data. The longest portion is file transfer time of the GoPro MP4 file to your PC. You could save some time if you use a USB SD card adapter on your PC and remove the SD card from the GoPro and read the file directly from the SD via the adapter. If you have 2 or more video data source is where the RaceKeeper earns it's keep.

Anyone still using HLT, you really need to look at TrackAddict. I found it more reliable, especially in controlling my GoPro Session. My experience with HLT GrandPrix was terribly unreliable when using the GoPro. Many instances during street test, the phone would heat up and/or the GoPro would stop recording while HLT was still collecting data. Additionally with TrackAddict you can select specific items you want to log through the ODB2 channel, minimizing the impact to the logging speed between the ODB2 adapter, phone and TrackAddict. If you need multi-camera support, look at the Garmin ViRB, they offer a feature that allows 1 camera to be master and control slave cameras. This works around the single WiFi network limitation common with ADHOC mode cameras like GoPro. TrackAddict has to only control the Master VIRB. You can purchase the VIRB Elite for under $100 these days, unless you care about having higher recording rates, in which case you'll have to pony up for the VIRB XE or Ultra 30.

[sharmut]

Update:
Decided on the Racelogic HD2 dual camera, ODB2 Cable, OLED Display.
Discovered the OLED display allows for a manual record start and stop when in the Speed Display Mode. Tried the auto record first session out, it failed to start recording and lost confidence, cause likely pilot error. Use the manual record the rest of the day. Didn't miss a beat, can't believe all this time, I struggled with the HLT, TrackAddict and jumping through hoops to get all the supporting devices to work consistently.

When you complete with your session, take the SD out of the HD2 and open the VBO in circuit tools on your MAC, Windows, iPad. There is no fooling around with syncing data to multiple video feeds, aggregating the videos and waiting 15-30 minutes to complete rendering the final video. Below is snapshot from Circuit Tools. Configured my video file size to 4gigs, allowing a 20 min session to fit into a single video file.

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The ODB2 cable physically connects to the ODB2 connector on the Viper and uses CANBUS protocol. This is important if you want to monitor something specific transmitted on the CANBUS and not included in the default VBOX vehicle database REF file.

Below contains the list of items that can be logged. Log limit of 32 channels.

[FCA CAN]
SteeringWheelAngle
EngRPM
EngTrqStatic
BrkTrq
BrkTrq_D
VEH_SPEED
AccelPdlPosn
LatAcceleration
YawRate
ABS_BrkEvt
REF_VEH_SPEED
WhlRPM_FL
WhlRPM_FR
WhlRPM_RL
WhlRPM_RR
IntkAirTemp
EngCoolTemp
AirTemp_Outsd
BATT_VOLT
OIL_PRESS
EngOilTemp
FuelCons
TirePressFL
TirePressFR
TirePressRL
TirePressRR
TirePressSpr
Gr
AvgFuelLvl
Clutch_Bottom
Clutch_Pedal
LongAcceleration

- Items below are custom math channels.
Clutch
ComboG
Gear
Redline

Learning GIMP to expand on the objects displayed in overlay.
Note:
- The Viper logo in the center of the tach is displayed in black and turns red when the math-channel for "Redline" is met.
- Pedals colors are displayed when the CAN and math channels are populated with data.

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Short comings of the system/solution:
1) The video recording frame rate 30fps and the image quality does not come anywhere near the GoPro Session.
2) VBOX Video Setup to custom build overlays feels crude compared to RanceRender or even Dashware. Detailed image modifications must be done with external applications like GIMP. Thankfully plenty of examples available on the web to provide guidance for basic use cases.
3) Temp Data units, like coolant and engine oil are in Celsius. Racelogic Support indicated no option to display units in Fahrenheit.
4) No overlay object to display each lap completed. Will follow up with Racelogic sales to determine if this is something on their roadmap.

Other issues:
1) Discrete camera locations of front camera a bit challenging on the viper. Still experimenting with camera location, currently double-side tape to the windshield, passanger side of the black square box. Curious if anyone knows what's inside that black box? Would love to hide the front camera inside a modified version of that box. May allow position of the lens closer to the windshield and possibly reduce the glare.
2) Glare from the dash black plastic panel. Reduced most of it after wrapping the dash panel in black suede.
3) Glare from other dash pieces, the 2 AC vents painted in silver and side of dash console, also painted in silver. Suspect the factory flat/matte carbon interior trim would eliminate the majority.
4) Tried CPL filters but they are a hit a miss and not really meant for a moving view point.

[sharmut]

Update:
- Revised overlay objects: Change tach to viper graphics and speedo g-force graphics.
- Update gear range calculation to accommodate wider range to address false readings when in 1st gear under low speed.
- Feature request submitted to Racelogic update the range field values to accommodate for 6 digit position after the decimal. The recorded data is already written in this range. Objective is to reduce the number of occurrences for false gear display when downshifting and rev-matching.

New overlay display:
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The tach changes to red at 6400-7000k. The Viper logo in the center also switches to red.
27827

PM if interested in the scene file.

[Arizona Vipers]

Great info here Sharmut! Thanks for taking the time to share this with us!

[ek1]

Sharmut, does this solution provide you with a your GPS position overlayed on a detailed track map? Meaning can you zoom in to your exact position on the track?

[sharmut]

Sharmut, does this solution provide you with a your GPS position overlayed on a detailed track map? Meaning can you zoom in to your exact position on the track?

The track map location is positioned at the upper left hand of the video and includes the vehicle's location, denoted as a red dot. Zooming and other analysis is performed on Circuit Tools, allowing graph views of any recorded data along side the video. Running Circuit tools on Windows offers more features, such as simultaneous graphs of more than 3 data objects. I prefer to use Circuit Tools on a MAC for easier navigation in and out of various sectors of the track map.

Here is view from Circuit-Tools comparing 2 laps, the green is from a Z06 recorded through Harry's Lap Timer (no video).
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Same data and video when zooming into the map. Vehicle lines are denoted in green and red.
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Same data and video when zooming into the map. Vehicle location denoted in green and red X. Compared to the Z06, I take a much later entry into turn 1 forcing to scrub more speed than necessary.
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[rw99]

Nice work, thanks!

[BlueAdder]

The Waylens Horizon system looks pretty decent and at $500, it could be a cheaper option.
The VBOX and the RaceKeeper are obviously much, much better but, at $2500+ a pop it's a big commitment.

I'm starting to wonder if I could just get an AiM Solo DL and use my GoPro Hero 3 with RaceRender instead...

[sharmut]

Update:
- Racelogic finally expanded the graph list on the MAC-OS to plot up to 6 items within the single view. This was something I asked for a while back and glad to see development is still ongoing.
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