28 replies to this topic

[manthony121]

I see that the new AIM Solo 2 is soon to be released, and one of the selling points is that it uses data from two satellite constellations, GPS and Glonass, for improved speed and accuracy.  I just got my AIM Solo last year, and have been very happy with it.  However, when exporting data to a KML file, and importing into Google Earth, the tracing seems to be off by a few feet.  So, the Big Question is, how much more accurate is the new version compared to the older model?  Would it be worth selling the older one and upgrading?  The other new features: Wifi, color backlighting, enhanced display, etc, are all nice, but I would not upgrade for those things alone.

[Jeff Wasilko]

I can't answer your question directly, but the current products (like mxl2/mxs/mxg) that use the external GPS08 module also use the Glonass satellites. You might find some info on them. Accuracy is supposed to be much much better.

[manthony121]

Since posting the question, I have been doing some research on the GPS system in general.  It turns out that a lot of the inaccuracy is inherent in the signal characteristics, and having more satellites to look at will only improve accuracy in certain conditions.  It WILL allow the receiver to get a "fix" on the satellites faster, but that is not really a concern for me.  Upgrades to the GPS satellites are in the works, which will allow civilian grade GPS equipment to measure positions to within inches, but I will probably be too old to get in and out of a race car by the time that system comes online!

[TrailBrake]

In practice, using Glonass and GPS satellites makes a far more accurate GPS placement, but for most analysis, I don't think it's a major change. Most of the time when I've seen problems with GPS driven line put on a Google map, it's the Google map that changes. You can look at historical maps and see how the position changes in different views. Roger Caddell, AiM Trainer, has a great set of slides in his presentation on this showing the changes at Laguna Seca. 

[Lizard Hands]

I am not too familiar with the original Aim Solo, but I just picked up a Solo 2 from Winding Road. I like that it connects to my computer via Wi-Fi so no cables required, and the lights on the side can be programmed to represent different things. I have mine showing me my my split time in 0.10 second increments. I don't think if I had a Solo I would sell it for a Solo 2, but if you have money burning a hole in your fire suit or are choosing between the Solo and the 2, I would go for the 2.

[OrangeCrush86]

I wish it had some analog inputs. I can't believe how much money they get for an Aim MXL2. Racepak is a little better, but still seems quite high. I think I'm going to go with a RaceCapture and cheap tablet.

[TrailBrake]

AiM has the MXm coming out. It will have 4 analog inputs, CAN connection, and will have the screen size around a GS Dash. That will be around $1000.

 

The value you get out of a Solo at $399 or a Solo DL at $699 is pretty incredible IMHO. 

[manthony121]

The value you get out of a Solo at $399 or a Solo DL at $699 is pretty incredible IMHO. 

I agree.  It's pretty amazing to think that, 20 years ago, if you wanted data on what your car was doing, you had to wire your car with all kinds of sensors, accelerometers, etc.  10 years ago, you could do it with GPS, but it would cost in the neighborhood of $10,000.  Now, for less than $500, you can buy a GPS receiver that's no bigger than a deck of cards, stick it to your dashboard, and have highly accurate speed, acceleration, etc.

[OrangeCrush86]

AiM has the MXm coming out. It will have 4 analog inputs, CAN connection, and will have the screen size around a GS Dash. That will be around $1000.

 

The value you get out of a Solo at $399 or a Solo DL at $699 is pretty incredible IMHO. 

 

I would agree, but my car doesn't have OBD2, so now a free phone app will basically give me the same thing as a $399 Solo. I really wish I would of bought a newer car for my first SM.

[TrailBrake]

I would agree, but my car doesn't have OBD2, so now a free phone app will basically give me the same thing as a $399 Solo. I really wish I would of bought a newer car for my first SM.

 

No question the new cars give so much data out in such an easy way! But, the data from a free, or even paid app, is no where near what you get from a Solo. The automatic power on, record, stop recording, and power off is a start. Then the detail of the data, accuracy, and analysis in the software after is truly apples to oranges.

[manthony121]

But, the data from a free, or even paid app, is no where near what you get from a Solo. The automatic power on, record, stop recording, and power off is a start. Then the detail of the data, accuracy, and analysis in the software after is truly apples to oranges.

Agreed.  I used to use my smartphone as my lap timer, but the accuracy, durability, and convenience of the Solo is miles ahead of a smartphone.  In GPS, having multiple receivers tracking multiple satellites is essential for accuracy.  Smartphones just aren't designed for that level of precision.  Not to mention that you will have zero "track cred" with a smart phone as your lap timer!

[tburas56]

Were you able to purchase the new Solo 2 DL from Winding Road

 

http://www.aim-sport...lo2dl/index.htm

 

The can-bus, RPM signal can be wired in so you can get everything you need on the download. Also a smartycam HD connection.

[TrailBrake]

Were you able to purchase the new Solo 2 DL from Winding Road

 

http://www.aim-sport...lo2dl/index.htm

 

The can-bus, RPM signal can be wired in so you can get everything you need on the download. Also a smartycam HD connection.

 

The Solo 2 DL is has not been released yet.

[OrangeCrush86]

I preordered the Solo 2 DL from Winding Road after I saw that it has an analog RPM input. I ordered the CAN bus version. My plan is to wire my other sensors to a microcontroller/CAN bus transceiver and write a custom CAN protocol for sending data to the DL. This seems like the best solution for non OBD II cars short of making my own data logger, which I currently don't have enough free time to pursue.

[OrangeCrush86]

The Solo 2 DL date keeps moving backwards. I hope I can have it before my first race at the end of May.

[TrailBrake]

The Solo 2 DL date keeps moving backwards. I hope I can have it before my first race at the end of May.

 

It was included in the newest release of RS3 and is supposed to ship anytime to dealers. I would expect you will have it in time.

[OrangeCrush86]

Some websites now showing May 15th ship date lol.

[luvin_the_rings]

^^ bummer.  I love my solo. all the drivers in my SM class use them. we review everybody's data Saturday nights. its a blast. 

[OrangeCrush86]

Delayed again. I think I might cancel and just buy the original Solo...

[-P-]

Glad my buyers remorse for the Solo after the annoucement after the holiday season was unfounded,