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[grant]

Zamani,

That's awesome you utilize pc sims! I haven't gotten around to trying WTCC or GTR2, but I've been using Live For Speed for years. I actually learned about 85% of how to control a sliding car (drifting ) with my PS2 900 degree wheel with a driver to make it work on the PC. The rest I learned in parking lots in the rain

PS, how realistic is the 75evo in WTCC historic? Sorry Jes!

[Mats]

Oh what about G2X

http://www.g2xtreme.com/main.htm

Cons are, no serial data input, and limited external sensor, GPS is 4Hz as opposed to 5Hz in DL1 (not sure if the extra 1 sample/sec gonna make a big difference). I'm not a pro, so this one is very tempting since >$1K and has a nice display unit as well.

Edit: Just checked the sensor prices for the DL1

Edit2: G2X has 12 sensor inputs.

DL1 has 10Hz GPS, their homepage is not updated. Sensors for DL!? You can use any sensors you like and specify an equation (or similar, not complicated) for it to get the correct analog -> value correlation. Std temp sensors, TPS and such are cheap and plentifyl, good potentiometers for your own little installs are easy to find in any electronics store dirt cheap. I bought a set of pots for throttle and steering angle for under 20 bucks (not installed yet). 4 frequency inputs mean that you can use existing ABS wheelspeed units to get individual wheelspeed for proper analysis of wheelspeed and brake lockup and such. Three different ways to get a RPM signal into the box with one being the typical cart, way of twisting a wire around a plug lead. RPM is very important.

Do not overlook the software. Unless you have good software there is no amount of channels or displays that can make the data useful. I'm not saying the DL1 software is perfect, as a matter of fact it's pretty fu**ing far from perfect but once you get to know it it's very good at what it does and it supports a shitload of math chennels, spread sheets and such which is very important. You must be able to play with the software and a sample datafile before purchase.

[ar4me]

Given that both Mats and Micke have good experience with DL1, I will probably go with that. Another project for the winter evenings getting sensors hooked up, setting up equations, etc. I like that you can use whatever sensor you like and then program the equation. For most of these systems the sensors are terribly expensive if you buy their sensors.

I should still have the ABS wheel speed sensors off Roxanne somewhere - will probably go back on as input to DL1. I'll have to check the specs to make sure I'm not running out of inputs.

Edit: Looks like it "only" has 4 frequency inputs, and hence you cannot run all 4 wheel speed sensors _and_ RPM, or did I miss something?

Edit2: The pdf spec is more accurate. Besides the 4 frequency inputs it has 2 RPM inputs. For some reason these weren't listed on the html. So, no problem

Jes

[Mats]

No, you are incorrect. Except the 4 frequency inputs it has 3 (three) dedicated RPM inputs.

[Zamani]

I wonder if I need to use the RPM inputs at all if I get all the data through the CAN/RS232 port? It's compatible with Autronic.

Only thing making me think again about the G2X is that it has all the data I think I would need, display etc. The DL1 is for those wanting to be a bit more serious about racing.

Software wise however, the DL1 looks a lot better. Adding to that the sensor flexibility, and higher GPS sampling rate etc.

[ar4me]

Zamani,

The problem I have with G2X is that you will already spent a smaller fortune on it. If you later kick it up a notch you may face the need to make yet another investment in something like DL1. If I were you, I would buy only DL1 (which is about the same as G2X) and then get an affordable old-fashion beacon+transponder lap timer for the in-car stuff. Heck, I may sell you mine at a good price.

I have my mind set on DL1 and then DASH1 (or possibly DASH2), but I will have to see what Santa brings. Though, the time from Xmas to next event in January may be too short to get it wired up...

Jes

[Mats]

All those expensive engines...

[hexen]

a free simple chrono with windowsCE gps :

http://sebastien.guchet.free.fr/ChronoGPS/ChronoGPS.htm

and the my program read the gps file and print it :

http://hexenberg.free.fr/chrono/chronog ... mploii.htm

[Zamani]

Let's ask Race Technology if they will give us a 10% discount if we can get 4 people to get it? That's what I read on some forums (ok it was a BMW forum ).

[ar4me]

That would be great, but can we find 4 people? I will get the DL1 plus either DASH1 or DASH2 - perhaps they can count that DL1 + DASHx for me as 2.

Mats, I wish, but I'm not sure anyone is listening

Bad boy Zamani , but wait, it may save us some $ - go back read some more on that BMW forum

Jes

[Zamani]

Jes and now both have the units!!!

[Mezevenf]

Yea, you should have told me what the plan was Z, I woulda gone in on a buy :'(

[ar4me]

Look up a few posts - you never showed any interest. Try call your local Race Technology importer and see if they have any bundle deals. Otherwise, Zamani and I are still waiting for them to have the Dash3lite displays ready, and I can see if they will let us add a another DL-1 with the discount with that order. If that is of interest let me know and I'll call them, but be ready to cough up the cash!
Jes

[Mezevenf]

Look up a few posts - you never showed any interest. Try call your local Race Technology importer and see if they have any bundle deals. Otherwise, Zamani and I are still waiting for them to have the Dash3lite displays ready, and I can see if they will let us add a another DL-1 with the discount with that order. If that is of interest let me know and I'll call them, but be ready to cough up the cash!
Jes

I don't think there is a local importer in Aus, and I hadn't checked this forum in a long, long time so I missed the thread

And yes, I'll be interested to see if they'll bundle another DL1 Let me know a cost and I'll see what I can scrounge up. Thanks

[Zamani]

Mats,

For the RPM pickup, I'm going to connect the RPM to the negative side of th coil.

So SparkIn goes to neg. coil. SparkGnd goes to engine.

Does that sound right? Have looked at the manual a few times already and that is what they say. But am just paranoid with such an expensive device.

Now with RPM, I can calculate which gear I'm in right? Just by using the gear ratio in the formula....

Thanks!