Data Acquisition

[bobcowan]

I went to a seminar yesterday on data acquisition for race cars. Fascinating stuff. Ever heard the expression, "You don't know what you don't know"? I had no idea how much I didn't know.

The talk was given by a rep from Race-Keeper, so it mostly focused on their system. He did talk about other systems, though.

I'v used data acquisition for a few years. Hook up the lap top to the ECU and LM-1 and collect engine data during a run. Gathered great information about how well the engine's running during various situations so you can correct any problems. Also helps prevent killing the engine. Sometimes.

This system uses video cameras (up to 4), an accelerometer, GPS, and any other digital or analog inputs you want to hook up. You can add rpm's, TPS, coolant temp, brake pressures, etc. The variety and clarity of the data collected is pretty amazing. And with some study, it's easy to see how this could really help you run faster. You ability to manipulate and compare data quickly and easily is pretty amazing.

I'v seen these video based systems before. And I'v seen cameras that include a GPS. But I never really understood how they could help you. They're pretty cool toys, and can make some fun video to share with friends. But who wants to watch 50 laps at the same track? Once you've done a few laps at each track, who cares about the rest? It's nice to record video during a race in case something happens. Then you can review the video and see how it happened. Plus you can sometimes catch some cool stuff.

Here's a good example of how this system can help the driver. The G graph should show a rapid rise, plateau, and then rapid drop as you run through turn 4. But your graph shows a rapid rise, a dip, then another rise, and then a rapid drop. How did that happen? You have no idea; you can guess but you don't really know. But the video shows you squared off the corner, and almost created a double apex, when there shouldn't be. The video shows track position, line, and driver actions, all perfectly synced with the data.

The squiggley lines of collected data show you what happened - RPM, TPS, brake pressure, lateral G's, etc. The video shows you why it happened. The ability to integrate these two data sources quickly and easily is hugely valuable.

Here's the crux of it. The ECU data log improves the car. The video log improves the driver.

When my budget allows it, that will be my next major upgrade.