For Track Guys: NEW SmartyCam HD Racing Camera!

[Richard@M-World]

Here are some pictures of the much anticipated SmartyCam HD... fresh from the Performance Racing Industry Show this weekend.

SmartyCam HD is a racing camera which overlays data (speed, lap times, G's, track map/position) directly on videos on-the-fly. Absolutely no post-processing needed!

When integrated with a data logger such as the AiM Solo DL (http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=640365), your videos will include information such as gear position, brake pressure, throttle position, etc... just like a F1 racing video!

Preliminary Specs:
720p @ 30fps
Built-in GPS
Built-in data logger
Built-in accelerometers
Full aluminum water-proof construction
Available as bullet cam - SmartyCam HD GP

Here's a demo video I made with a non-HD SmartyCam. I will create a new demo as soon as I receive the new HD unit.

[arvinz]

Sweet, pricing and availability? No 1080p mode?

[Richard@M-World]

Originally Posted by arvinz

Sweet, pricing and availability? No 1080p mode?

Same as the old non-HD version. Please see here: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=777059

These were just released 3 days ago. I will double check the specs and report back.

ETA is February.

[Amnizu]

Go Pro 3 $199 + iphone 4 or ipod touch $199 + race render software $35 + Harry's Lap Timer $19.99 = $453 for the same functionality + 720p at 60 FPS.

Optional upgrades:

Kiwi wifi ODBII $149

Wifi connects to your iPod or iPhone and logs available ODBII port data such as RPM, Throttle position, Gear and Wheel MPH.

More accurate blutooth GPS, $95 bucks.

Upgraded GPS sampling speed and accuracy over the integrated iPhone or iPod GPS.

I run this setup at autocross and track days. Its great because its portable, can easily move between cars, I can use the go pro for other purposes like Karting, I already have an iPhone, and best of all no wires.

Only downside, you have to export the data from Harry's lap timer via email or USB and copy the Go Pro video file to your laptop or PC for processing.

IMHO, I'd rather process the video and save the data myself than pay an extra 400 to 500 dollars to have the device do it for me and be locked into their overlay configuration. Also, this setup allows you to add multiple cameras, up to 4 I believe.

[Richard@M-World]

Thanks for your insights. I definitely agree that smart phones are great alternatives to a SmartyCam - that's what I started out with. And like you said, it all depends on a driver's preferences and budget.

Here are some benefits from a dedicated device like the SmartyCam:

1) No post-processing needed - everything is ready to go when you park your car on the SD card. No post-processing needed. To many of our customers, time is the most valuable and that's why they chose SmartyCam.

2) Operating stability - track days can get hot, especially during summer under the sun. The SmartyCam is designed for harsh operating environments like this, with an operating temperature range from -4 to 140 degrees F. It is also designed to work under high G loading and constant vibration so that it will be stable throughout your runs.

3) Accuracy - with a 10Hz GPS and dedicated processors to analyze data, AiM has tested its GPS systems to be accurate within 0.0015 seconds.

The technology is widely available for wireless sensors and data logging, but AiM chose to use hardwired connection because wireless connection will inherently introduce lag, which isn't desirable for data logging and lap timing where the smallest fraction of a second matters.

4) Number of data channels - while OBDII connection gives you a dozen or so channels, AiM's CAN connection gives you up to 28 channels of data for the 1M. They can also be overlaid on videos on-the-fly.

RPM
Throttle Position
Speed, Indicated
Speed, Real
Wheel Speed, LF
Wheel Speed, RF
Wheel Speed, LR
Wheel Speed, RR
Steering Angle
Clutch Switch
Brake Switch
Brake Pressure
Brake Pressure, LF
Brake Pressure, RF
Brake Pressure, LR
Brake Pressure, RR
Engine Coolant Temperature
Oil Temperature
Outside Temperature
Manifold Absolute Pressure
Gear (requires calibration)
Acceleration, Long (non-GPS calculated/directly from a car's on board sensors)
Acceleration, Lat
Fuel Injection
Gyro
Distance
Fuel
Battery

In sum, I think you can't go wrong with either products. It's just a matter of your preferences.