spike.spiegel

I'm interested in getting some sort of data logging or video equipment for autocross use. I know of MaxQData, and have also used the G2X before (GPS+accelerometers). Alternatively (or additionally), I would consider getting a video setup, preferably mounted such that the steering wheel is visible.

I think I know a lot of the pros and cons, but thought I'd post here to see if anyone had any other comments or suggestions.

MaxQData:
Pros: Cheap, PDA makes it easy to quickly compare runs, good software.
Cons: GPS can be flaky. No visibility of of steering inputs/lines.
Accelerometer/GPS loggers:
Pros: More accurate data
Cons: Expensive, harder to view data between runs.
Video:
Pros: Can see steering, lines. Cheap if I use my digital point and shoot.
Cons: No real data in terms of MPH. Hard to compare runs during an event. If I can't figure out a way to mount my P&S, a chasecam could be very expensive.

Ideally, I'd want an integrated video+data logging solution (Anyone have experience with chasecam+gforce module?)

ULLLOSE

iTrader: (1)

I have the MaxQ 5hz, easy to use, easy to compare runs.

We have a G2X in Philips ITA Miata. I have not used it, but once he spent a day to figure it out, he said it was easy.

We just did a video test, and the only system with data was ChaseCam. It is nice to be able to see the data with a picture, but the data is not as detailed as a stand alone system.

ChaseCam w/data http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSOhfPS27WQ

If you are willing to spend more money you can get it all: http://www.victorylanedata.com/products.htm

Really the only piece of data you need is the clock, nothing else matters.

PedalFaster

I have the AIM system Jason linked to above in my road race car. It's a great system, and the analysis software is vastly more powerful than MaxQ's, but you have to pull the data out of the system onto a laptop before analyzing it -- not really practical to do between runs at an autocross.

Likewise, I bought a MaxQ TraQr (their standalone unit that doesn't require a Pocket PC) this year, and it has the same Achilles Heel -- there isn't enough time between runs to pull the data off of the unit.