37 replies to this topic

[steveracer]

I'm thinking about switching to a TraqMate system since that seems to be the most popular locally.

 

However, I saw a post recently that I can't find now where one of the driver coaches said he couldn't get the TM to overlay multiple sessions.

 

Has anyone else had this experience?

[steve]

I've never had a problem doing so.

[Todd Lamb]

That was probably me, and it happens quite a bit. It can even be data from the same car, on the same day. We switched from Traqmate to AIM for this reason. The Traqmate was the best option available until this glitch in the software (has been an issue for 2 years now). AIM is a lot more expensive, but it works great and offers a lot more functionality.

[Todd Lamb]

I've never had a problem doing so.

Steve yes you have - on your own data when I was trying to compare it!

[steve]

I said I've never had a problem.

[FTodaro]

I said I've never had a problem.

Steve its not a secret that Todd has problems.

[Chris D.]

I invested a lot in traqmate and I've been disappointed. I upgraded this season to the traqdash system and now I get GPS glitches galore. It's practically unusable. I've complained to them and they say it's a known issue that will be fixed "soon". I replaced my GPS antenna at their recommendation and it still doesn't work.

Also, when i try to overlay my laps from a given session, the plots are often shifted several feet. More than once I've been fooled into thinking "wow, I really did brake later that lap" only to realize the graphs were shifted.

Unfortunately I've hitched my wagon to their train and I'm not going to throw tons of $$$ into a new system at this point.

[Todd Lamb]

Yep that's the issue.

[steveracer]

Well hell, nothing's ever simple is it?

 

So Todd, no issues with the Aim system? I don't recall seeing anyone here with one.

[tynor]

One important consideration:  choose a system that others in your circle of racer friends are using.   When I was racing IT, I used an AIM system, but when I bought my Miata, it was clear that nearly everyone else I was racing against was using a Traqmate (southeast SCCA).   I switched last year.   I've not had the system long enough to notice any of the problems Todd mentioned, but I find the ability to swap data and compare laps with faster guys than me more than worth it!

[KW78]

Yep that's the issue.

 

Hey Todd,

 

I have given some bad coaching over this.  Very irritating.  I believe it is all related to whatever the GPS glitches are.  We have data on some laps of taking a second gear corner at 2x speeds.  This problem affects the time gap analysis alot, which is my go to tool.

 

I don't really know when this problem started, but I am pretty sure it is in recent history.  The old system I don't believe did this.  

 

This may be a display and graphing issue, because lap analysis within the segment analysis screens hasn't yet led to wrong conclusions like the overlays.  But it is harder to do and we have done less of it.  

 

But so many here have traqmate (often at my prompting until recently), I have been doing a work-around.  If you have a chance to try this I would love to hear if you think it addresses the problem or not of the wrong conclusions.

 

It seems the error is cumulative.  I started moving the Start/Finish line around the track to immediately in front of the segment we are evaluating.  Doing that often will change the time gap graph from showing that something good happened on a given lap to something bad.   Whatever the cumulative error is, seems to not be built up only in a few feet and the analysis of that segment then makes sense from many angles.

 

Thoughts?

 

It is an irritating process.  First because you shouldn't have to do it, but also because as soon as you move S/F, you have to re-pick your laps because it defaults back to all laps checked if memory serves.

 

My .02

 

Also, Todd - PM Sent.

 

Kyle

[Todd Lamb]

Yes it seems to be cumulative and it started when the new dash came out. The old systems didn't have this issue.

I gave up trying to use workarounds - we switched to AIM and we have very useful data again. I've spoken at length several times with the owner of TraqMate about the issue and have provided data files. Very frustrating as I used to be a very big advocate for the TraqMate systems, but as of a year ago I stopped recommending them.

[tra68]

At the risk of hijacking this thread ... Todd, what AIM package are you recommending instead of the TraqDash?

[Jim Drago]

I said I've never had a problem.

[Todd Lamb]

We've been installing the MXL2 with the SmartyCam and all the various sensors to monitor driver/engine. Fairly expensive option.

The AIM Solo is an inexpensive option.

There are some used older MXL Pista systems out there that would work as well.

[OctaneNation]

Has anyone tried the AEM data acquisition system?

[Team Traqmate]

Let's clear a few things up here. 

 

There are two different issues people are describing here.

 

First to Todd, he is correct that on some of the graphs the overlays can drift, this is particularly noticeable on the time gap graph and is a know issue. This does not effect the segment analysis as someone pointed out. Often the cause is from the initial driver session selected as everything is based on it, the work around can be to select another session first on some but not all occasions. This bug appeared with the Traqview/Traqstudio version 3.40, the earlier 3.00 is an option that eliminates some of the bugs mentioned above.

 

The GPS 'glitches' as some have reported has been VERY difficult to find, it is specifically related to the latest 2.80 TraqDash release and only affects it. As we speak Glenn from Traqmate is at CMP with 3 systems all running different code trying to solve the issue. Again backdating to 2.70 should fix the gps drop out issue. 

 

Backdating on the TraqDash is fairly simple, just download 2.70 and rename it 2.81, the TraqDash will automatically 'update' and install 2.70. Remove the files from the SD card or it will continue to ask as it sees something 'newer' in the root directory. 

 

Traqmate works very hard to keep everyone's system going and to help drivers improve. We are a very small company however with limited resources, large company's like AIM goal is to drive us out of business. We appreciate our loyal customers and are actively working on solutions. 

[tynor]

Let's clear a few things up here. 

 

There are two different issues people are describing here.

 

First to Todd, he is correct that on some of the graphs the overlays can drift, this is particularly noticeable on the time gap graph and is a know issue. This does not effect the segment analysis as someone pointed out. Often the cause is from the initial driver session selected as everything is based on it, the work around can be to select another session first on some but not all occasions. This bug appeared with the Traqview/Traqstudio version 3.40, the earlier 3.00 is an option that eliminates some of the bugs mentioned above.

 

The GPS 'glitches' as some have reported has been VERY difficult to find, it is specifically related to the latest 2.80 TraqDash release and only affects it. As we speak Glenn from Traqmate is at CMP with 3 systems all running different code trying to solve the issue. Again backdating to 2.70 should fix the gps drop out issue. 

 

Backdating on the TraqDash is fairly simple, just download 2.70 and rename it 2.81, the TraqDash will automatically 'update' and install 2.70. Remove the files from the SD card or it will continue to ask as it sees something 'newer' in the root directory. 

 

 

 

I have updated to firmware 2.8 recently in order to support USB on/off via the traqdash.   If I downgrade to 2.7 will I lose the auto-start feature for my new cameras?

[Mark]

A really nice budget AiM solution is the EVO4 logger with the G-DASH display. Unlike the MXL Pista/Strada/Pro it includes GPS. Note that the new MXL2 and MXS/MXG also include GPS. EVO4/G-Dash lists at 1395 and can be expanded further if need be. Solos are great if portability is a requirement but the lack of analog inputs on the Solo / Solo DL make them less desirable in a Miata.

[davew]

The guys from Traqmate are first class. I say this as someone who does NOT sell or use their product. In our area, AIM is much more popular, and that is what we use. I am sure if they have a glitch, they will get it sorted out.

 

Attached is a link to what we generally put into our cars. EVO4 with G-dash and a typical sensor package.

 

http://www.advanced-...AIM Package.pdf

 

dave