Best lap timer for Drivers Ed?

[ggulik]

I'm soon going to my first drivers ed in a few years and the first time in my current 996

What is the current best lap timer to keep track of my lap times? Back in the day we used the ones with the IR beam at the start/finish line but I assume there is something much better by now.

Any other tips for brake pads, and other prep I should do to the car?

[ericinboca]

I'm soon going to my first drivers ed in a few years and the first time in my current 996

What is the current best lap timer to keep track of my lap times? Back in the day we used the ones with the IR beam at the start/finish line but I assume there is something much better by now.

Any other tips for brake pads, and other prep I should do to the car?

Robic timers are popular because they are inexpensive (compared) and have bigger buttons - see lap timers at Robictimers.com

I've seen these mounted on dash, on center of wheel, on center console - Some people go real cheap and use their digital watch - I've tried that - the buttons are too small. I don't like the beemer lap timers - you have to find the right spot on the car, and on the pit road - depending on what kind you get, sometimes other beemers can interfere, etc.

On brake pads - if you haven't done a track day before, you can likely get away with your street pads. For the first time and maybe one or two events after, you may not be going fast enough to overheat your street pads.

If you want to invest in race pads, I recommend Pagid Orange as a good race pad. Personally, I use Pagid Yellow up front and Pagid Black in the rear - I just know from experimenting with various pads that that is a good combo for my setup. But Orange all around is a really good starting point. (Sorry, I am assuming this is one of your first track events - not trying to be offensive)

As for other prep - recommend a brake fluid change if you haven't done one in the last year. If you replace your fluid, lots of track guys recommend castrol SRF, which is expensive at about $70 a liter, but I have NEVER had issues with your basic Ate Super Blue and Amber Type 200 - it is much cheaper and if you bleed and change twice a year, should be no problems.

Mostly though, I recommend listening to your instructor and have fun, 'cause it is a hoot.

[wross996TT]

I use performance box by Racelogic for track data and times. As far as prep goes (I apologize if you already know this stuff):

1. check brakes and brake fluid (s already mentioned)

2. check tires...do not over-inflate prior to the session (or at least check them often)

3. check the safety requirements of the venue...(helmets, roll-bar, etc.) ahead of time

4. i put clear self-adhesive shelf liner to protect the front and areas behind wheels

5. get a map of the track...learn the track (and listen to the instructor for apex advise) before going at it.

6. have fun!

[ggulik]

Thanks. I have done some events but it's been about 6-7 years. I used to use Pagid Orange back then in both my Boxster and '88 Carrera. If that's still the pad of choice for the guy who just wants to have fun but still have working brakes at the end of the day then that's cool.

For lap timers I'm looking for something automated. I'm a bit of a geek so something that I can then download and analyze later would be ideal. I will definitely be checking out the Racelogix box.

I've seen something called the Starlane Athon GPS timer that looks interesting, but the reviews haven't been that great.

I'm soon going to my first drivers ed in a few years and the first time in my current 996

What is the current best lap timer to keep track of my lap times? Back in the day we used the ones with the IR beam at the start/finish line but I assume there is something much better by now.

Any other tips for brake pads, and other prep I should do to the car?

Robic timers are popular because they are inexpensive (compared) and have bigger buttons - see lap timers at Robictimers.com

I've seen these mounted on dash, on center of wheel, on center console - Some people go real cheap and use their digital watch - I've tried that - the buttons are too small. I don't like the beemer lap timers - you have to find the right spot on the car, and on the pit road - depending on what kind you get, sometimes other beemers can interfere, etc.

On brake pads - if you haven't done a track day before, you can likely get away with your street pads. For the first time and maybe one or two events after, you may not be going fast enough to overheat your street pads.

If you want to invest in race pads, I recommend Pagid Orange as a good race pad. Personally, I use Pagid Yellow up front and Pagid Black in the rear - I just know from experimenting with various pads that that is a good combo for my setup. But Orange all around is a really good starting point. (Sorry, I am assuming this is one of your first track events - not trying to be offensive)

As for other prep - recommend a brake fluid change if you haven't done one in the last year. If you replace your fluid, lots of track guys recommend castrol SRF, which is expensive at about $70 a liter, but I have NEVER had issues with your basic Ate Super Blue and Amber Type 200 - it is much cheaper and if you bleed and change twice a year, should be no problems.

Mostly though, I recommend listening to your instructor and have fun, 'cause it is a hoot.

[ericinboca]

If you have the cash and like data and technology, check out traqmate - it is what I use - very rich in data, can integrate with chase cam too to make cool videos with dashboard data to impress your friends!

Pagid Orange - while I use the yellow and black as mentioned, I love the Orange - they just don't last very long compared to the yellows, but the bite with orange is better I think.

Thanks. I have done some events but it's been about 6-7 years. I used to use Pagid Orange back then in both my Boxster and '88 Carrera. If that's still the pad of choice for the guy who just wants to have fun but still have working brakes at the end of the day then that's cool.

For lap timers I'm looking for something automated. I'm a bit of a geek so something that I can then download and analyze later would be ideal. I will definitely be checking out the Racelogix box.

I've seen something called the Starlane Athon GPS timer that looks interesting, but the reviews haven't been that great.

I'm soon going to my first drivers ed in a few years and the first time in my current 996

What is the current best lap timer to keep track of my lap times? Back in the day we used the ones with the IR beam at the start/finish line but I assume there is something much better by now.

Any other tips for brake pads, and other prep I should do to the car?

Robic timers are popular because they are inexpensive (compared) and have bigger buttons - see lap timers at Robictimers.com

I've seen these mounted on dash, on center of wheel, on center console - Some people go real cheap and use their digital watch - I've tried that - the buttons are too small. I don't like the beemer lap timers - you have to find the right spot on the car, and on the pit road - depending on what kind you get, sometimes other beemers can interfere, etc.

On brake pads - if you haven't done a track day before, you can likely get away with your street pads. For the first time and maybe one or two events after, you may not be going fast enough to overheat your street pads.

If you want to invest in race pads, I recommend Pagid Orange as a good race pad. Personally, I use Pagid Yellow up front and Pagid Black in the rear - I just know from experimenting with various pads that that is a good combo for my setup. But Orange all around is a really good starting point. (Sorry, I am assuming this is one of your first track events - not trying to be offensive)

As for other prep - recommend a brake fluid change if you haven't done one in the last year. If you replace your fluid, lots of track guys recommend castrol SRF, which is expensive at about $70 a liter, but I have NEVER had issues with your basic Ate Super Blue and Amber Type 200 - it is much cheaper and if you bleed and change twice a year, should be no problems.

Mostly though, I recommend listening to your instructor and have fun, 'cause it is a hoot.

[ggulik]

Wow, I'm not exactly "poor" but the traqmate gets kinda expensive.

Sounds REALLY nice though.

Still, I won't be doing these events THAT often so I want something decent but no need to go top of the line.

If you have the cash and like data and technology, check out traqmate - it is what I use - very rich in data, can integrate with chase cam too to make cool videos with dashboard data to impress your friends!

Pagid Orange - while I use the yellow and black as mentioned, I love the Orange - they just don't last very long compared to the yellows, but the bite with orange is better I think.

[flyingpenguin]

I'm soon going to my first drivers ed in a few years and the first time in my current 996

What is the current best lap timer to keep track of my lap times? Back in the day we used the ones with the IR beam at the start/finish line but I assume there is something much better by now.

Any other tips for brake pads, and other prep I should do to the car?

If you have an iPhone 3G(S) or a Palm device lying around, I recommend Harry's Laptimer. It's GPS based and once you program the start/finish as a way point it records laptimes automatically. It allows export to google maps with G-force data. Pretty cool.

http://web.me.com/hschlangmann/LapTimer_Homepage/Home.html

JP

[ericinboca]

I'm soon going to my first drivers ed in a few years and the first time in my current 996

What is the current best lap timer to keep track of my lap times? Back in the day we used the ones with the IR beam at the start/finish line but I assume there is something much better by now.

Any other tips for brake pads, and other prep I should do to the car?

If you have an iPhone 3G(S) or a Palm device lying around, I recommend Harry's Laptimer. It's GPS based and once you program the start/finish as a way point it records laptimes automatically. It allows export to google maps with G-force data. Pretty cool.

http://web.me.com/hschlangmann/LapTimer_Homepage/Home.html

JP

There was a fellow at Road Atlanta a couple of weekends ago that was using this - it was pretty cool - first time I had ever seen it.

[ggulik]

That's awesome!!!

I do have an iPhone so this might just do it. I'll just have to find a secure mount and then practice in the neighborhood.

Thanks!

If you have an iPhone 3G(S) or a Palm device lying around, I recommend Harry's Laptimer. It's GPS based and once you program the start/finish as a way point it records laptimes automatically. It allows export to google maps with G-force data. Pretty cool.

http://web.me.com/hschlangmann/LapTimer_Homepage/Home.html

JP

[flyingpenguin]

That's awesome!!!

I do have an iPhone so this might just do it. I'll just have to find a secure mount and then practice in the neighborhood.

Thanks!

If you have an iPhone 3G(S) or a Palm device lying around, I recommend Harry's Laptimer. It's GPS based and once you program the start/finish as a way point it records laptimes automatically. It allows export to google maps with G-force data. Pretty cool.

http://web.me.com/hschlangmann/LapTimer_Homepage/Home.html

JP

I am using this cradle:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...:EOIBSA:US:1123

JP

[savowood]

I've been using Harry's Lap Timer for about a year now and like it. A few caveats...

1. The accuracy is heavily dependent upon your GPS signal strength.

2. The data export is messed up, but fixable. It's supposed to be in a comma-delimited form. It's not quite right, but easy to fix.

3. You must run through the calibration phase every time you use it. It doesn't take long, but it can get annoying. However, since you probably moved the unit between sessions, you'll need to do it.

Recently, Harald updated the iPhone version to be the "professional" version. The GPS rate jumped from 1.5 Hz or so up to about 35 Hz. I think this will help immensely with the accuracy. I haven't tried it on the track just yet, but plan to do so next Friday.

-Michael

[catmanluge]

Traqmate is very good but not cheap. Its also very realiable...

[ggulik]

Do you get any problems at tech inspection for using a cradle that's a suction cup mount?

I am using this cradle:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...:EOIBSA:US:1123

JP

[tac27]

I like the advice to use clear self adhesive shelf liner.....much better than several rolls of painter's tape.

Tim.

[flyingpenguin]

Do you get any problems at tech inspection for using a cradle that's a suction cup mount?

I am using this cradle:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...:EOIBSA:US:1123

JP

Tech inspection would check for loose items in the car. This thing is stuck pretty solid to the windshield, so no issue there.

You may run into an instructor that does not like the slightly obstructed view, but you can tuck it away pretty nicely just to the left of your steering wheel without any interference that could raise safety concerns.

JP

[ggulik]

The mount arrived today and I see what you mean, it's quite sturdy and I can't see that thing budging at all once properly attached.

The problem I am having is with Harry's Lap Timer. I think I have the Pro version (around $6?) and just from driving around my neighborhood I had a LOT of trouble with it.

The first is I couldn't get it to complete the calibration successfully. What is the trick?

The second is that during a "lap" of my neighbhood the App appeared to crash which means it's not tracking the lap time any more.

I really don't want to fiddle with it at the track and want to figure out the quirks this week. Track event is this coming weekend.

Tech inspection would check for loose items in the car. This thing is stuck pretty solid to the windshield, so no issue there.

You may run into an instructor that does not like the slightly obstructed view, but you can tuck it away pretty nicely just to the left of your steering wheel without any interference that could raise safety concerns.

JP

[flyingpenguin]

I have version 8.1 Pro Build Sep 13 2009, 21:20:21

I downloaded this update that supposedly has a lot of improvements vs. previous version. On my way into work I ran it for the full time of my commute (45 minutes / 40 miles) and no hick-ups. I have the 3Gs with 32Gb though...

Maybe you want to reboot your iPhone and try again.

Good luck. JP

Edited September 29, 2009 by jperquin