Laptimer options

[RichieRich]

I have been using Harry's Laptimer and I really like it for the overlay feature on my gopro footage but at my last track event, I exploded my phone when I low sided. Is there a way I can leave my phone in the pit area and purchase an external gps sensor of some sort to put on my bike? or any other good options?

Thanks!

 

[Crispietogu]

I have been using Harry's Laptimer and I really like it for the overlay feature on my gopro footage but at my last track event, I exploded my phone when I low sided. Is there a way I can leave my phone in the pit area and purchase an external gps sensor of some sort to put on my bike? or any other good options?

Thanks!

I was using race Chrono with qstar gps receiver while my phone is in my suit. The qstar will connect to satalites faster and better compared to phone

 

[Gravisman]

Most modern action cameras (e.g. garmin, GoPro) have gps built in and you can use tools like RaceChrono Pro to turn the GPS data into lap times. As far as dedicated lap timers go, AIM Solo 2 seems like the nicest, but it costs the same/more than a nice action camera.

 

[fufo47]

I have been using Harry's Laptimer and I really like it for the overlay feature on my gopro footage but at my last track event, I exploded my phone when I low sided. Is there a way I can leave my phone in the pit area and purchase an external gps sensor of some sort to put on my bike? or any other good options?

Thanks!

Sylvain Guintoli has the best video about this. Seems that a brand new GoPro is the easiest way... I use Harry's as well and put my phone on the ram mount X-Grip on the handlebar and an Otterbox case for my phone. Have highsided and phone has survived so I'm sticking to it.

Not a racer I just use it to have a benchmark on whether or not I'm improving so I'm not to worried about it not being extremely accurate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkoIRbljee0

 

[dtrides]

My track suit has a cell phone pocket in the hump.
I have the RaceChrono app on my phone and plan to try it out next time I am at the track.
DT

 

[easter bunny]

My track suit has a cell phone pocket in the hump.

What's the point of that? To have it on you in case they need an ICE contact? Or do you just mean there's an open space in the hump for a water bottle where you can keep it?

 

[RichieRich]

Ok thanks for the input.

I just purchased an old Iphone 5 and a dual electronics xgps160. I am not sure yet if I can run the secondary iphone without cell service/sim card but I figured I could hotspot my phone to get it setup and give it a try. I had my phone in my rear seat compartment last time. Next time I think I will try keeping it on me, just wish my suit had a cool pocket like that.

 

[dtrides]

What's the point of that? To have it on you in case they need an ICE contact? Or do you just mean there's an open space in the hump for a water bottle where you can keep it?

It is a space designed just to hold a phone.
Having your phone running Race Chrono app, punch in your local track, let's say, Thunder Hill East CCW , it will map out your lap times, set up and measure splits, etc.
I know some of the new bikes have that kind of telemetry built in (and more!) but sadly, not my 03 sv650.

 

[easter bunny]

It is a space designed just to hold a phone.

I guess that's a thing now. Probably makes sense since everyone owns a phone. But it's just data logging and not on track feedback. I bought a used XT Racing (sadly now out of business) GPS lap timer for my old bike and just zip tied it to the dash. Works fantastic. Just got a new used Starlane for the new bike and it came with a plug for the factory harness.

 

[ViperThreat]

I'd be interested to see how accurate these cellphone apps are. From what I understand the tick rate on the GPS for cellphones isn't as good as proper laptimers.

 

[RichieRich]

I Have used that app laptimers for quite a while and I think they work pretty well. They overlap the gopro footage pretty close. I dont think they are off more than a second or 2 max. And I will be trying out the external gps unit this weekend to see how that works.

 

[stangmx13]

I'd be interested to see how accurate these cellphone apps are. From what I understand the tick rate on the GPS for cellphones isn't as good as proper laptimers.

the GPS chip is good enough. but its difficult/impossible to get the OS to let you crank the chip up that far. the OS would rather save battery. the laptimer apps work with external GPS modules that connect through BT to work around this.

most people just breakdown and buy the cheapest AiM lap timer once they start caring about accuracy. but even those arent perfect. my AiM laptimes are never exactly the same as the timing loops at the track. id say usually they are within 0.1s. thats more than good enough for anyone not racing or for practice. for actual racing, we have timing loops.

 

[Starpower]

Got an old iPhone 5 w/o SIM and mounted to the bars with the rubber "X" strap that many holders use to secure it and then a tether on it. Also run Harry's with a Emprum GPS dongle (+/- 5') I get excellent timing. +/- 5' @ 140 mph = +/- .024 sec. good enough for me! Whole package for under $200.