Pi Omega Data Logger FAQ
Q: Is GPS better than a traditional Beacon?
A: It can be more convenient, but only if your GPS signal is not interrupted. Both lap timing methods can be used at tracks that have bridges to insure your lap is never lost. GPS is also less prone to error due to weather conditions and track placement like traditional IR transmitters. However, IR Beacons are more accurate to the .01 sec. resolution.
Q: Is GPS accurate for vehicle speed?
A: It is suitable for overall speed, but not for analyzing actual wheel speeds.
Q: What are the benefits of measuring more than one wheel as a speed reference?
A: Monitoring wheel speed can also provide important data in the event of a wheel lock up, wheel slip, and speed difference between two or more wheels.
Q: How do I determine a logging frequency for a given channel?
A: The logging frequency, usually measured in units of Hz, should be relative to how critical the channel is for gathering data. I.e. Most engine temperatures are stable enough to log as slow as 1 Hz (1 time per second), whereas dampers should be logged at a minimum of 250 Hz for a sedan, and as high as 1000 Hz for a Formula car. Ultimately, your logging capacity of your system should be considered while determining how many channels to enable and their given frequency for your application.
Q: How do I determine to use GPS or G-Load to create a track map?
A: G-Load (both lateral and longitude acceleration) are usually preferred for creating a more accurate picture for vehicle behavior. With a minimum of 2 axis G-Load the data engineer or driver can determine when the vehicle is in a condition of braking, direction of acceleration, and cornering forces. Systems that support a third axis for vertical acceleration will provide behavior relative to elevation changes and downforce. However, GPS is suitable for simply providing the driving line of the vehicle relative to the track.
Q: How can I use Math Channels for basic analysis?
A: If your system supports Math Channels, you can benefit from using even basic functions to get the most data out of your system. The premise of using Math Channels is to provide derived data from multiple inputs. I.e. A vehicle fitted with damper potentiometers can use vehicle speed as a reference to derive effectiveness of the aero components by monitoring suspension compression over speed.
Q: What are the benefits of using sector times, or split times, from lap to lap?
A: This tool allows for a driver to understand in real-time if they are driving a faster line than the previous lap in a given section of the track. The dash can be set up to literally display a time difference in each sector, as well as the cumulative difference from lap to lap. This is a valuable tool for qualifying.
Q: Can I customize the dash display to my preference?
A: Temps can be viewed in degrees F or C, speed in MPH or KPH, PSI or Bar for pressures, rev counter bar graph, shift lights, outing speed, Pit Page, and alarm warnings can all be determined by the end user.
Q: What if I forget my laptop or cannot access it at the track?
A: The Omega unit can display a Tell-Tale of lap times, max engine speed, max vehicle speed, as well as pressures and temps right on the dash itself without having to download after a session. For actual data analysis, you will need a laptop to use the Toolset and Toolbox programs for reviewing more complex data and track maps.