Let's Talk Data Logging (again) - Premium Phone Apps (Harry's, RaceChrono Pro, TrackAddict, & More)

[@PilotoZ]

I bought and tried the three of them as well. You 're absolutely on point for your conclusion, and this is true even at the end of 2020. Lap analysis is superior in both Track addict an RaceChrono Pro. Because of the better analysis layout for analyzing your laps in sync an same window of overlaid video, data graphs, and map with hot zones, RaceChrono is the best hands down. It does all of that comparing to your best lap.

[@ajsutton4715]

I use track addict and I do agree its pretty good for it being free. The one thing I HATE is trying to export. There's a pro version of the actual app for iphone and after a session, iPhones can simply export video with overlay to their phone gallery and can share it easily. For whatever reason android does not have this option. I have to go home, fire up laptop, open race render software, connect phone to laptop, transfer file to laptop, create video in race render, save it, then transfer THAT file back to phone. So fkn annoying. And the GPS speeds were spotty for me too, as well as the pit lane problem. It sounds like Race chrono pro is the better option For me. I just want to record a session, save it to my phone and upload it. Didnt know race chrono existed until i came across this video lol thanks

[@LapoftheWorld]

It's weird that TA is so sensitive to GPS signal considering they're all theoretically referencing the same data from the same device (in my test). No idea why that is, but it's definitely a thing. So far, I continue to have no complaints about Race Chrono Pro after another event earlier this year.

[@ajsutton4715]

@@LapoftheWorld I kno right. It's definitely inconsistent, kinda annoying too, especially after a decent session. I heard external GPS can fix it but like you , its not that serious for me to shell out an extra 150 bucks lol

[@rightpedaldown9346]

Thanks for another great video! I tried track addict and as you said the gps was weird. It would show that I was off track or went down pit lane instead of the straight. That made it difficult to use it for diagnosing and to make improvements between sessions. I tried the race chrono as I was frustrated with the track addict, and really liked it. The very easy to read times while at speed made me more confidant on track due to less time with eyes on it. After one session, I bought the race chrono pro version. I have not used the video , but as you said I can upload without external software. I really enjoy these style videos and hope you continue them.

[@LapoftheWorld]

Thanks for the additional data-point on the GPS issues as that could I'm sure vary by device. An external GPS could fix that and provide better time resolution....but again, I've found with RaceChrono (and Harry's) it shouldn't be *mandatory* for good results.

[@DiegoLopez-fn4ml]

Good video, I really like racechrono pro myself. ODBII overlay is very nice

[@LapoftheWorld]

I hope to experiment with the OBDII functionality on my other car once it's track ready. Eventually I'll break down and just wire up the NSX for data.

[@EliseAutoXr]

Good stuff. I like Trackaddict as it works well with Bluetooth ODBII and high speed GPS modules.

[@LapoftheWorld]

Thanks, and that's good to know. I plan to eventually get a GPS for higher fidelity traces. Which GPS module do you run?

[@EliseAutoXr]

Hey Richard, it is the Qstarz BT-Q818XT for GPS and OBDLink LX for ODBII info

[@LapoftheWorld]

@@EliseAutoXr Thanks! I might think about the OBDII plug for when I inevitable take the Gallardo to a track The NSX is OBD0, so I'd have to do something less straight forward there.

[@3one6tv]

Great video! Just wondering what suction mount do you use your front window (inside)? Thanks!

[@LapoftheWorld]

For the phone? Nothing special, but it gets the job done (not sponsored/affiliated): www.amazon.com/iOttie-Universal-Holder-iPhone-Samsung/dp/B00JRGOKQ8/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rp_c_1_5/133-2556237-0500436?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00JRGOKQ8&pd_rd_r=2386b267-6158-4fe0-890a-3766e5e37659&pd_rd_w=tnwmY&pd_rd_wg=abL0i&pf_rd_p=b1bfe359-2fd4-467d-b6e5-960dee9202b3&pf_rd_r=BQTF84DNN66K8EE7RQY1&psc=1&refRID=BQTF84DNN66K8EE7RQY1

[@ericbwolf]

I would be curious to see how well each works with a bluetooth external GPS.

[@LapoftheWorld]

One of those is on my shopping list, but I wanted to at least narrow down the app selection first. Historically, the app I'm replacing (due to obsolescence) was within the same 10th as my transponder when running both in TT events back in the day. The good ones extrapolate/interpolate pretty well.

[@mattinthehat22]

The Jehovaring - rofl with eyes rolling. I'm learning so much from watching your videos as I approach my first ever track day... just hoping my local small track is in the database. And, since I'm only interested in lap times, not video, I'm going with RaceChrono. Edit: Won't it be kewl (if not available now, maybe with 5G) to have a full "F3" display (cars ahead/behind) from iRacing by syncing all lap timers currently on track while also showing delta in red & green to best lap (current session, day, all time, etc)?

[@LapoftheWorld]

The good news is with RaceChrono (or TrackAddict) it's not too hard to program in a new track in the app. It will let you place GPS marker at the start/finish and also at any sectors you want to designate which is really all that's necessary. To your edit, I want the augmented reality windshield overlay that they did for that Forza Motorsport marketing demo a few years ago where the sim racer was running Road Atlanta in the game against the pro driver on the real-life track in real-time.

[@alahad4723]

Great video. With RaceChrono, I have two questions: do you think an external GPS (like a Garmin GLO) adds to the accuracy or the phone GPS is fine? Also, is a bluetooth OBD reader viable to send data to Racechrono (ECU, gear-shifts, rev limiters etc.)?

[@LapoftheWorld]

Personally I've compared an older version of racechrono to an actual transponder and purely on lap time it was never more than a few hundredths off. The GPS at 10hz would make your speed and path data way smoother though. I think all of these, including racechrono can accept input from a bluetooth OBD dongle, but I haven't tried that as my NSX is pre OBDII.

[@garagecedric]

I know you didn't have a decent speed trace here du to 1hz gps. but one of the most important part of the loggers, data analysis is not really mentioned here. And also export options, since you might want to compare your logs to other people in circuit tools, serious racing or similar. Hope you get that 10hz puck so we can get a new review. Ill stick with race chrono for now :)

[@LapoftheWorld]

Thanks for the feedback! GPS puck is on the list. Also another round of reviews is somewhere in the idea bucket for sure. I will add the data analysis piece and see if I can find someone with more experience with that to give some expert opinion.

[@angelsegovialopez1787]

Great video, thx!!! My doubt, do I need a cellular phone with GPS to run these apps? I have a Xiaomi without GPS

[@LapoftheWorld]

@@angelsegovialopez1787 you'd need some kind of GPS, either a phone or connecting to a separate GPS dongle via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[@ultrapaiva]

Good video but not a fair comparison because there is a pro version of TrackAddict for iPhone. I understand you use Android but it would be nice to be emotion about it somewhere in the video.

[@LapoftheWorld]

Point taken and I'll be perfectly honest, I didn't know it existed when I made the video. The vanilla TA site and information don't/didn't make any mention of a pro version at the time, though I see it's existed since ~2017. Just to speak to it briefly in case someone gets this far in the comments though, I'm not sure it would have changed anything unless the Pro version fixes the derpy GPS issue. If they sorted that out, then even the free version with race render would be a very hard value proposition to turn away from.

[@mikelemmon1153]

Ah .. I forgot to ask, what mount are you using for your phone .. the Panavise, with TrackAddict causes a lot of vibration...and noise.. in the videos

[@LapoftheWorld]

I'm currently using a Ram Mount x-grip. It's very stable/secure. The one pictured in this video was just a highly rated Amazon special that definitely overachieved its station.

[@TigerStar999]

so the raceChrono Pro is the version that can record both data and video correct? I think the free version just records data. I was looking to record video at the same time.

[@LapoftheWorld]

Correct. You need the Pro version of RaceChrono to do video with that product line.

[@Declan4253]

Thank you, Richard. Very helpful. Don't you love Summit Point, by the way? I think it is a great small track. I go with the Porsche Club (PCA), but maybe I should go with other clubs. I pay like $600 for two days which seems pretty steep.

[@LapoftheWorld]

Summit Point definitely was a fun track. PCA is also a great organization to drive with, but with that said, it never hurts to shop around if you're not tied to a series for some reason. Price-wise, I'm not sure what's included these days with PCA, but I think Chin, for example was $499 for summit last year, so it's not way out of the ballpark.

[@Declan4253]

@@LapoftheWorld Yeah, after I posted the reply I checked pricing and kind of arrived at the same conclusion. I could save some, but not a whole lot. Thank you again for what you are doing. I look forward to following your adventures and hope I can say hello in person at a track event some day.

[@LapoftheWorld]

@@Declan4253 I'm looking forward to getting back to adventuring hopefully just a bit later this spring. My goal is to a bit better job, going forward, at saying where I'm going with more notice in case folks want to sign-up and hang out. Hopefully see you out there at some point!

[@FinalDriveTV]

Very informative video. I want to be able to export GPS data, OBD2 data and video from a GoPro. I think that leaves me with TrackAddict vs Harry's. Is that correct?

[@LapoftheWorld]

As in control a GoPro from within the timing app? If so, while I haven't used the functionality to speak to it's effectiveness, I can confirm Race Chrono Pro does appear to have the option to connect via wifi to earlier Hero models or via bluetooth to a Hero 9. (as well as options to input from GPS and OBDII and possibly other wireless sensors).

[@FinalDriveTV]

@@LapoftheWorld I was thinking of doing what you showed (GPS data overlay on the video shot on GoPro) but I also wanted to add OBD2 data such as throttle and rpm to the video overlay.

[@lobbyrobby]

Does track addict record the audio from the phones microphone? I'll be taking my car to a track next summer (my very first time) and I'd like to record it and show my dad and also add a video to KZbin. Is it worth buying a gopro and an external mic? My car sounds great and I think really good exhaust audio would make the video better.

[@LapoftheWorld]

Track addict does record audio through the phone. However the biggest thing I fight with in-car video is audio quality due to wind noise. Most modern phones will take decent video, but an external mic with a wind sock / "dead cat" placed somewhere that doesn't get buffetted much (down near the base of the windshield seems to work in many cars) would go a long way to making things sound good. Either way test your setup on the highway and see if you can still hear someone talking in the cabin with the windows down at 70mph or if all you hear is "whoosh".

[@lobbyrobby]

@@LapoftheWorld thank you

[@beniek12377]

Which verision of Harry's Lap Timer i need to buy if i want only check my 0-100 and 100-200 time? I just bought Rookie Edition and i can't find this. Please Help me.

[@LapoftheWorld]

It looks like of these three apps TrackAddict is the only one that has a drag racing mode that could double as a performance meter for acceleration. With Harry's, a google search suggests it *might* be in the Grand Prix edition, but the same search found a post from 2014 where Harry himself said "don't hold your breath" for 0-60 / 0-100 timing. Please do further research before purchasing. Good news, TrackAddict is free if it's compatible with your phone. otherwise 'performance meter' seems to be a good key phrase if you want to search for other more focused-on-acceleration apps.

[@burnfitnesstrainingllc8491]

What dash mount do you like for your phone?

[@LapoftheWorld]

I've been using a Ram Mounts x grip. Super secure for track driving. Admittedly a little hard to extract your phone so slight hassle for casual use.

[@RobHTech]

Anyone know what software/app/logger I can use with a Gopro 10 to overlay the telemetry into the Gopro video/audio? One that works on any roads, not just known tracks. RaceChrono + Gopro 10 + microphones + external GPS unit (?), ? but then do I need a separate program for doing the overlay?

[@LapoftheWorld]

With the caveat that I haven't used the features myself, I know RaceChrono Pro has the option to slave a GoPro to the app and the 10 is listed in the menu. (as well as external OBDII dongles and GPS receivers). You'd probably want your external mic hooked to the GoPro via media mod or whatever options the 10 has. Not sure if/how this will end up with overlaid video possibly accessible in the app(I haven't tried it), but it would at least sync everything for you so it would be easier to run through race render or dishware.

[@LapoftheWorld]

RaceChrono will let you do point to point like you would for a hill climb. I suspect you can use it to just open log with no "lap" designed, but again, I haven't tried it.

[@RobHTech]

@@LapoftheWorld ty

[@milesquesnel2821]

Thank you for this!

[@LapoftheWorld]

Thanks for your view and comment! Hope you found it helpful.

[@joshuamcmanis488]

So I’m just confused, I prefer to keep it all on my phone. Which app does not need a rendering software? I guess I’m just looking for the app that will record video and data and then will export to either my camera roll or be saved within the app itself. (Money is not a factor so I would like your recommendation as you seem to be well informed on the ins and outs of each app)

[@LapoftheWorld]

If you don't care about sharing it off the phone, then all three will generate overlaid video in the app. As far as exporting from the app (still via phone), in theory all will do it. That said, on my Motorola Z2, I've had the best luck with RaceChrono Pro with respect to generating an already-overlaid file I could easily push from the phone to social media with nothing in between. Harry's does have a feature to share directly to KZbin/Insta/FB from within the app, but again getting the data synced in the app was a PITA (though this may be the best pick for an iphone). RaceChrono doesn't seem to be able to export already-overlaid video (it will export just raw video though). 'Hope that helps!

[@joshuamcmanis488]

Lap of the World so in theory just saving overplayed video in my camera roll for future reference would be easiest to do with Harry’s or with race chrono

[@LapoftheWorld]

@@joshuamcmanis488 Correct. RaceChrono has to be the Pro version to do video. Harry's I think most versions (all cost money) will do that.

[@utoobia]

@@LapoftheWorld....What about current TrackAddict Pro version? Can it export the video, WITH OVERLAYS, directly to KZbin from the phone? And do you need to tap into the car computer somehow to get the tachometer overlay? Thanks for the vids. I’m really not interested in having to nerd out with this stuff. Want to keep it simple.

[@LapoftheWorld]

​@@utoobia I can't experientially speak about the 'pro' version of TrackAddict as it appears to be Apple-only at this point, but reading the blurb on the App Store, it implies that, although you can VIEW the overlaid video on your phone, you can only export to RaceRender....or at least I wouldn't buy it expecting otherwise. To get the Tach/brake/throttle data you'd need a bluetooth OBDII "dongle" (assuming your car is a '96+ model) same for any app. Just for the record, I can verify that both RaceChrono Pro and Harry's will export already-overlaid video pretty much wherever you want. 'Hope that helps!

[@johnsteele4797]

how do you get around the go pro chaptering issue at 4mb and then having to stitch all the clips together?

[@LapoftheWorld]

Race-render at least will usually pick up on that if the files are in the same directory and ask if you want to import as a single video. Since the chapters are seamless, you can manually do the same thing with general video editing software as well, it's just a little more fiddly.

[@johnsteele4797]

@@LapoftheWorld dont I know it, total pain in the arse, thanks.

[@FSX239]

Which would you recommend for Autocross?

[@LapoftheWorld]

I haven't tried using any of these for autocross. That said, I was able to create point-to-point "tracks" (i.e. start point different from finish point with optional sectors) pretty easily with racechrono and track addict. Harry's again was a bit of a pain when trying to do this. If you're taking it seriously there is also Solo Storm which is an app dedicated to autocross and hillclimb style events. It is $$$ though so not same price category. In any case given the margins in autocross I'd recommend pairing any app with a dedicated GPS recover to get the accuracy down to at least 10ths.

[@ajl0426]

Two years after you posted this video, do you still have the same opinions?

[@LapoftheWorld]

I may repeat my experiment this year with a few more contenders, but as of now, I'm still using RaceChrono Pro for data gathering and largely Race Render for making overlays. I still consider TrackAddict my solid runner-up and I still have no inclination to try Harry's again.

[@ajl0426]

@@LapoftheWorld I have searched but could not find the answer so I figured you might know, my phone gets GPS speed data and displays it while looking through the phone's data, but Race Render barely shows any speed. I looked through the settings but I could not find anything, ideas?

[@ajl0426]

Duh, I did not change vehicle speed setting from automatic to MPH

[@LapoftheWorld]

@@ajl0426 hmm. I haven't run into that. My only suggestion might be to check the properties of the speedo display tool in RR and make sure it's not set funny or measuring some fractional multiple?