Garmin Catalyst

[13COBRA]

Incredibly awesome product for anyone going to the track that doesnt want to spend thousands on data acquisition.

Luckily Garmin is based close to home, so I've had plenty of sneak peeks and demos over the last few months.

https://discover.garmin.com/en-US/catalyst/

[Arizona Vipers]

I just saw that yesterday! Are you going to get one? I can't stand analyzing data etc, I refuse to do it. But maybe something like this is easy and fast enough to actually help without feeling like homework?

[13COBRA]

I just saw that yesterday! Are you going to get one? I can't stand analyzing data etc, I refuse to do it. But maybe something like this is easy and fast enough to actually help without feeling like homework?

Incredibly easy. I've been using a prototype all summer, and just ordered a consumer version. Hoping it stay relatively the same!

[Arizona Vipers]

Incredibly easy. I've been using a prototype all summer, and just ordered a consumer version. Hoping it stay relatively the same!

Cool, what do you think is the one thing it did that helped you the most?

[TKO MOTORSPORTS TEAM]

Cool, what do you think is the one thing it did that helped you the most?

What have i been telling you. Data works even simple to use data is good..go buy what Nick is using. I will bet you a beer it makes you a better driver.

[Arizona Vipers]

What have i been telling you. Data works even simple to use data is good..go buy what Nick is using. I will bet you a beer it makes you a better driver.

I'm sure it would, but I don't want to be a good driver, just a decent driver with a fast car and balls. :) Honestly just don't have the time or patience. I bought a Litpro a few months ago, opened it, downloaded the app, and instantly knew I'll never try to learn it. I'll keep my eye out on these though, looks interesting!

[TKO MOTORSPORTS TEAM]

I'm sure it would, but I don't want to be a good driver, just a decent driver with a fast car and balls. :) Honestly just don't have the time or patience. I bought a Litpro a few months ago, opened it, downloaded the app, and instantly knew I'll never try to learn it. I'll keep my eye out on these though, looks interesting!

Fast and balls you already got. ...thats the easy part. If we are ever at the same track come on over i will show you how we do super easy data stuff that works and wont piss you off. Im with you. I have no patience and we never have time for data. BUT data helps make decisions much easier , less time consuming, and data saves alot of money in the long run. Im sure your competitors use data, and if they dont you can get a leg up on them.

[catwood]

I have used data in the past and it has helped. One case in point was going up the hill at willow from turn 3. I typically shifted to 2nd gear and just shot up the hill at incredible speed. One event I tested the section as I did it and then just using 3rd up the hill. What I found was that 2nd though it felt fast was actually slower. Using 2nd it showed my entry was slower, I over braked and upset the car more. In third my speed was faster and more consistent. This was in a gen 2 with the old GX2.

My current set up in the old Race Keeper that originally came with the ACRx. I've been thinking of upgrading to something different. The software on the Race Keeper is pretty old and no longer maintained. It works, plugs into the OBD but it has some issues when I download into a modern PC. But as i get older I tend to want to have more fun than be the fastest out there. It's already a hard expensive hobby. But I'd entertain easy.

[Arizona Vipers]

There's also this, I've heard good things about too- https://apextrackcoach.com/

[stradman]

Incredibly awesome product for anyone going to the track that doesnt want to spend thousands on data acquisition.

Luckily Garmin is based close to home, so I've had plenty of sneak peeks and demos over the last few months.

https://discover.garmin.com/en-US/catalyst/

Cool. So you rate it? Has it been helpful in the real world on track? I found out about it a couple of days ago and seen the Youtube videos. Looks interesting but was waiting for some real world reviews from someone.

[Exhlr8n]

Interesting tech. looking for real world feedback as well.

[str5010]

Unless I'm missing something with Garmin, there's no OBD interface correct? It's GPS data only.

[13COBRA]

Cool, what do you think is the one thing it did that helped you the most?

You can try multiple "new" ideas through segments and itll measure them against your faster time though the sector of the track. It's incredible. After 5 or 6 laps, you can pull off and watch just the entry/exit out of T4 on each lap back to back to back without having to edit or do anything. It's simply amazing.


What have i been telling you. Data works even simple to use data is good..go buy what Nick is using. I will bet you a beer it makes you a better driver.

In a heartbeat.


Cool. So you rate it? Has it been helpful in the real world on track? I found out about it a couple of days ago and seen the Youtube videos. Looks interesting but was waiting for some real world reviews from someone.

I'm incredibly impressed by it.


Interesting tech. looking for real world feedback as well.

Would recommend it to anyone.


Unless I'm missing something with Garmin, there's no OBD interface correct? It's GPS data only.

GPS and video, for now. More is in the works.

[13COBRA]

Yesterday I was on my phone so my response left a little to be desired haha

The Catalyst worked flawlessly all week. I want to emphasize how easy it is to use, I figured, what easier way than to just list the steps for use...start to finish.

1.) Mount eye camera on upper part of windshield.
2.) Mount Catalyst mount where it's in the corner of your field of vision. Some guys make it a lot more prevalent, but while I'm on the track I just want to see if it's green (ahead of PB) or red (behind PB).
3.) Connect camera to Catalyst via the USB cord, connect Catalyst to power (either through a power outlet or USB).
4.) Power on Catalyst.
5.) Create driver (name, year, make and model).
6.) Select "Drive"
7.) Assure the camera is level.
8.) Catalyst will pick up on your coordinates and determine which track you're at.
9.) If your car is parked in a garage or under cover, I'd suggest taking the Catalyst off of the mount and walking out in to the open sky to better set the GPS coordinates, but mine did work this weekend being under the garage roof.
10.) Drive. The Catalyst will begin logging data as soon as you pass the start/finish line.

Review

1.) Click "Review"
2.) You will be able to watch lap by lap, OR corner by corner. I like the latter, as you can compare the same corner in all of your laps and see the minuscule differences and which was fastest.
3.) Catalyst will show you your lap times, your best lap, and the your optimal lap. Optimal lap is if you took all of your 'fastest' sections, and put them together, that's what your lap time would've been.

[Arizona Vipers]

I don't see a list of loaded tracks for it on their website. Do you have a contact over there? I'm guessing they don't have Arizona's tracks on there....

[13COBRA]

I don't see a list of loaded tracks for it on their website. Do you have a contact over there? I'm guessing they don't have Arizona's tracks on there....

They have International tracks, I don't think you'll find a track that isn't loaded.

They're asking that everyone send questions to: GarminPitCrew@garmin.com

But, like I said, I don't think you'll find a track not listed.

[Simms]

Awesome! I just saw an add for this.

[13COBRA]

I don't see a list of loaded tracks for it on their website. Do you have a contact over there? I'm guessing they don't have Arizona's tracks on there....

My actual unit just arrived in the mail, by chance.

List a few tracks and I'll see if it's on there.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc1GYDnnRlA

[13COBRA]

Also by chance it's missing one..

45117

[Arizona Vipers]

My actual unit just arrived in the mail, by chance.

List a few tracks and I'll see if it's on there.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc1GYDnnRlA


Arizona Motorsports Park (AMP)
Apex
Bondurant (there's 3-4 Bondurant tracks, they might also be called "Wild Horse Pass" or "Firebird"
INDE

Thanks! I emailed them as well!

[13COBRA]

AMP:
45118

I couldn't find APEX, would it be called anything else?

Boundarant/Wild Horse Pass:

45119

INDE:

45120

[Arizona Vipers]

Awesome dude, thanks! Apex is a private track, so probably not in there yet.

[13COBRA]

Awesome dude, thanks! Apex is a private track, so probably not in there yet.

Super easy to 'make a track'. You just click the create new track, drive a lap, and it will automatically store it.

[Arizona Vipers]

They emailed me back, here's the pre-loaded tracks- https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=DwmLfnCZHE0Pmj1QcjwvxA&productID=690726&searchQuery=preloaded%20tracks&tab=topics

[13COBRA]

They emailed me back, here's the pre-loaded tracks- https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=DwmLfnCZHE0Pmj1QcjwvxA&productID=690726&searchQuery=preloaded%20tracks&tab=topics

Good find.

So far, I have two complaints but am told they will be remedied.

1.) You cant save an all time fast lap in order to show against your gain/loss on multiple weekends; only what you've done that day. Their reasoning is that track conditions change.

2.) No OBDII bluetooth option, yet. It'll come though, as they already have the technology in their Virb Ultra 30 camera.

[Arizona Vipers]

1. a MUST or nobody will believe your fastest time LOL

[13COBRA]

1. a MUST or nobody will believe your fastest time LOL

You can leave the session on there and it will always be able to be pulled up... what I'm talking about is when you get back on the track two weeks later, and it has the gain/loss on the screen, it will only compare to lap times that day.

[Back In Black]

You can leave the session on there and it will always be able to be pulled up... what I'm talking about is when you get back on the track two weeks later, and it has the gain/loss on the screen, it will only compare to lap times that day.

I understand their reasoning but they will have to change that and leave it up to the user to decide. Motec allows you to enter a "reference" lap.

[13COBRA]

I understand their reasoning but they will have to change that and leave it up to the user to decide. Motec allows you to enter a "reference" lap.

Correct. It's in the works!

They put this whole project together in about 10 weeks, start to finish. They wanted it out this season.

[sharmut]

Saw the unit in action last week at Thunderhill. My friend, who's not a technical person, tried it and likes the ease of use of the lap review within the tablet. No need to bring a laptop. The AI speaks/coaches during the lap via bluetooth headphones or can be bluetooth'd to your car radio, which in a viper is probably not helpful. The optimal lap where it stitches the video from all your segments/sectors is a nice touch and provides a visual difference between the current lap and the optimal lap. The section where it quickly identifies and presents opportunities (limited to 3) is a nice feature. The UI primarily focuses on keeping it simple by presenting the main key areas, braking, apex, and speed, especially if you don't want to look at a bunch of squiggly lines and have no idea which plot to concentrate on for improvements. I'm most interested in the AI component and how much improvement it can make. At this price point and during COVID, where an in-car coach is unlikely, it may be worth a try.

Some shortcomings:
- An external GPS antenna connector would be nice. This would allow someone to mount the tablet away from the windshield without sacrificing signal quality.
- A tether for the tablet, hate to see the windshield mount suction give up and out the window it goes.
- Mounting options for the camera, I would rather mount it on the roof so it can have a clear view of the track layout and not be reliant on the cleanliness of the windshield.
- Ability to remotely start/stop recording a Garmin camera like the VIRB Ultra. The protocol is already on the camera, they just need to incorporate the software in the tablet.

[13COBRA]

Some shortcomings:
- An external GPS antenna connector would be nice. This would allow someone to mount the tablet away from the windshield without sacrificing signal quality.
- A tether for the tablet, hate to see the windshield mount suction give up and out the window it goes.
- Mounting options for the camera, I would rather mount it on the roof so it can have a clear view of the track layout and not be reliant on the cleanliness of the windshield.
- Ability to remotely start/stop recording a Garmin camera like the VIRB Ultra. The protocol is already on the camera, they just need to incorporate the software in the tablet.

An external GPS antenna would be nice.
There are some guys that have 3D printed a tether...but I don't think it's necessary. Below I'll post a video of an accident showing that it stays in place.
It comes with a fixed mounting plate, you can mount it where ever you'd like to put holes.
The remote start/stop would be nice... I just have mine wired directly in to a switch on my dash so I just turn it on and off as I please.


https://www.facebook.com/cshane3/videos/10219969850136794

[jrubin80]

Adding to what has already been said about the unit from other users, I ran with the Catalyst hooked up during the Rocky Mtn NASA weekend we just finished. I admittingly did not use the features as much as I will when not in competition. My initial thoughts are as follows. The system setup was very easy late Thursday night, and it syncs with your exisiting Garmin Connect account if you are already using Garmin devices. Camera seems to be clear with very little movement and no issues with the camera with sun glare, it also recorded great during a massive dust storm. It was really nice to not fumble with laptop in the pits, and as soon as out of car be able to pop the unit off the magnetic base, and go thru the video and the suggested changes. It showed me a specific section that I never realized I was taking too long of line thru, which was very easy to fix, and caused me to pick up 2 mph going in to the next turn after for the rest of weekend. And this is on a track I have been to very often this year. When using a SmartyCam and Solo 2 DL it would take me with current laptop a much longer amount of time to finally get up running and watching the video, and a small correction like the Catalyst showed might not have been noticed. The Garmin fixes that issue quickly. I will be taking it out to some open lapping days in the next few weeks and a private day to work on some specific areas of track and will update with more info once I can break in to it alittle deeper. One nice touch, was the tempo of the instructions it seems to give, stays the same, and at same spots. So it very much seems to sounds like an instructor in the car, not a robot voice, which at least for me was nice. I will also pull the video off of it this week and upload to give an idea on clarity and stability.

[RacerJRP]

JRubin80,

nice to meet you this past weekend. I was there on Friday morning instructing with Sarian....admiring your ACR and chatting about tire pressures. Hope to see you at the track again sometime.

[Arizona Vipers]

Ok, you guys sold me lol. I just ordered one. Hopefully I find the time to open it up and learn how to use it.

[13COBRA]

Ok, you guys sold me lol. I just ordered one. Hopefully I find the time to open it up and learn how to use it.

It won't take you 15 minutes.

If you have questions once you get it, call me.

[jrubin80]

JRubin80,

nice to meet you this past weekend. I was there on Friday morning instructing with Sarian....admiring your ACR and chatting about tire pressures. Hope to see you at the track again sometime.

Good to meet you out there as well. Thank you for helping point me in the right direction on the pressure for those RR's. It handled way more consistent after dropping it lower.

[sharmut]

Good to meet you out there as well. Thank you for helping point me in the right direction on the pressure for those RR's. It handled way more consistent after dropping it lower.

Wait, are you using the Toyo RRs on the ACR? If so, please PM with what size you're using as well as your thoughts on that tire. I'm always looking for R7 alternatives.

[jrubin80]

Wait, are you using the Toyo RRs on the ACR? If so, please PM with what size you're using as well as your thoughts on that tire. I'm always looking for R7 alternatives.

I used them for first time during this NASA weekend. To be honest, I wasn't that happy. It may be all in my mind, but I felt as though the Kuhmo's gave me more confidence and better turn in. Could be because I was trying to put in 1 perfect lap and wasn't yet comfortable on them. Spent Saturday playing with air pressures, and settled on 26F/27R coming in to hot pit @ 31F/33R, dropping another lb before getting parked in spot. It was recommended to me they like mid-high 30's for pressure, but at least for me, it didnt translate to lap time. To show what I mean here are lap times/cold pressure breakdown(all came up 5 deg hot, consistently): 26F/27R: 1.57.32 27.0/28.0R: 1.57.92 27.5F/28.5R: 1.58.52 28F/29R: 1.59.17

Ran the whole day Sunday at 26F/27R and while times werent great, the car itself felt more consistent, and more stable at speed. I went with these because of the bonus it gives in TT and the fact that its a taller tire than the Hoosier. When I ran R7 takeoffs for a day, I was needing to shift from 4th-5th at the end of our long straight and from 2nd-3rd in too many spots. With the Toyo I can hold gear much longer. I will be taking these back to track next week to practice, and will take someone with me to take tempretures at the wall.

[sharmut]

Thank you jrubin80. Sorry everyone didn't mean to hijack this thread.

[sharmut]

Ran into additional info from another forum. Anyone looking for a more secure mounting option to the magnetic mount, sounds like you can use the following combination.

The Garmin Fleet uses the same connections on the magnetic connector. Replace the Catalyst magnetic mount with this:
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/569789/pn/010-12543-00
and
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-GA75LU
From the photo, you can use just the right side of the bracket to make it easier to snap on and off.