Aim SoloDL laptimer, datalogger and analysis
 

I had a PM asking me how I liked my Aim SoloDL so decided to post some info here.

In summary, I like it... the software is not perfect, but it allows some very useful analysis if you have the time to spend on it. I have not hit any limit on the number of parameters it can log at a time. If you are considering buying one, then I would suggest grabbing the Race Studio software here: AIM Software Download Area and having a play with it.

I mount it via a suction cup RAM mount in the center of the windshield. It stays put and can be used to view lap times, delta's or data such as intake and coolant temps whilst out on track.

Here is what I can log on my S2 sport. The ones in grey don't work. It might be because I don't have traction control and so am missing the relevant sensors. I do wish there was a way to get brake pressure though (I have abs after all...)

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-a...Rx8s2sport.jpg

Here is what you can select for an S1:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P...aimSoloRx8.jpg

Here's a shot of the data analysis, looking at time gained through a corner, in this case by picking up the throttle earlier compared to the previous lap:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6...s_analysis.jpg

Channels report (a good place to check max temps and rpms after a session):

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u...els_report.jpg

Here's an example of what you can do with the data and a copy of Racerender. This is in my civic last year, I have not had a chance to get any good video in the RX8 yet. EDIT: some RX8 video here: https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-racing-...-video-247264/

One thing I miss in the RX8 is that I don't get any reading for brake pressure:


If you just want to make videos and have an iPhone, you should also look at harry's lap timer with an OBDII bluetooth adaptor. You can also add an external bluetooth GPS receiver to get similar accuracy to the AIM solo. On android, the apps I have come across are trackmaster and torque.

Thank you for putting this together, blu3dragon!

I get good data off of Harry's LapTimer + PLX Kiwi Wifi + Dual XGPS (5Hz) but you're limited to a few fixed OBDII parameters and data analysis is rudimentary at best compared to what you have shown here. I've looked at AIM for some time as I like being able to read data directly from the PCM but their MXL offering just looks outdated. The SoloDL seems to have been designed in the 21st century.

I was looking at buying one, but then an AiM MXL Pista display presented itself and I went that route instead, still have to wire it in, hopefully in the next week or two

i just got solo DL and smartycam HD. hooked them up to my 06 S1, and used the CAN_J60N_RX8 protocol and was I able to pickup steering angle sensor and BRK_SW2. sucks i cant get water temp. also would be nice to get both TSP and ETPS so i can see the delay of the ETPS

Four years later, just getting to it .... :rolleyes:

You should be able to get ECT for water temp. I'm also able to get both TPS and ETPS. This is on a 2004 (s1):

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...983f1416f8.png

Aim solo DL configuration for 2004 RX-8

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...bc47d4c7ab.png

Aim solo DL channels report for 2004 RX-8

is the S1 ecu CAN protocol? I thought it was.
I was looking to buy the new SOLO 2 DL and they have one version for OBD1 and one for CAN/RS232. Then i checked out the manufacture protocol list from Aim and it says S1 is OBD2 and S2 is CAN.

http://www.aim-sportline.com/downloa...II_eng_117.pdf

Edit: looks like Im mistaken, it's proprietary CAN. so should i get the obd2 version or the CAN/RS232 version

Sounds confusing... The RX-8 does have a CAN bus, but it is accessible via the obd2 port. I believe the different versions of the AIM solo just come with different cables to allow you to hook it up and you should get the Solo 2 DL with obd2 cable. Then come back and let us all know how it works :-D

I have a solo DL with obd2 cable and it works well. I actually select the later "MAZDA - CAN_J60N_RX8" protocol even though I have a 2004 as it gives a few extra things that work and are not available if you select "MAZDA - RX8".

I spoke with Aim expert and he said the RX8 can send CAN data through OBDII port, so go with the OBDII version. Just need to configure the Aim to read CAN data instead of OBDII.

I have the AIM Solo2DL and had to do it this way too. I'm missing brake data, but I can create a Math Calculation to use forward g's to tell AIM I am on the brakes. I have the OBDII cable and it's nice cause it powers the Solo2DL and my SmartyCam.


Anthony
Golden Rotor Racing & Rental

nice Glen video. i'm heading there this weekend with NASA, but i wont have my car. so has anyone been able to get the brake channel. i had solo DL before and wasn't able to get the brake channel either.

i figured out how to get the brake signal through AiM solo DL and integrated into the smarty cam video on the S1. you have to use the S2 09+ protocol. it wont capture brake pressure but it will capture brake signal, basically on/off, probably for brake light switch. it's in the Brake 2 channel. In your AiM export tab on the DL setup, set the Brake Pos to Brake 2 channel. Then in your smarty cam setup, for the brake display, set the value to 0 min to 1 max.

also, your rpm signal will be 4x higher than actual rpm. so you'll have to create a match channel for rpm and multiply signal by .25 . then in your smarty cam setup, use the match channel for rpm.

the S2 09+ protocol also pulls data like steering angle and AFR which i also display on the smarty cam.