Question |
What kind of things do most people monitor? |
Answer |
The answer to that can depend somewhat on what type of car the recorder is in. Almost everyone is going to want to see the engine RPM and the driveshaft RPM. Driveshaft speed is used to look at tire slippage and also to calculate a slippage ratio between the engine and the clutch or torque converter. After that the selection starts to spread out. Popular items include the exhaust gas temperatures (indicator of rich/lean fuel mixture), fuel pressure (fuel system efficiency), oil pressure (engine problem warning), pan vacuum (engine efficiency or warning signals), along with an accelerometer (G-meter) and battery voltage. From there it just depends on how hungry you are for information. You can start looking at nitrous bottle or fuel pressure, transmission pressure or temperature, brake pressure, manifold vacuum or boost, water/oil/cylinder head temperature, ignition timing, shock travel, event markers, throttle position, lap times, track segment times, track mapping…. well, you get the idea. If it involves pressure, vacuum, temperature, position, travel, event, or RPM, we can help you monitor it. |
Question |
Why should I buy a Racepak data recorder? Why not one of those other recorders I see advertised? |
Answer |
Great question, and one to which we could give you a whole list of reasons as answers. However, we feel that our best endorsements come from our customers. The people who have spent their hard earned dollars and put our equipment to the test. Try this…next time you are at any large race, start taking a close look inside the cars to see whose data recorder everyone is actually using. Pay special attention to those teams who can afford whatever equipment they want, so they only use those that will get the job done for them. If you get the opportunity, see if you can ask them a few questions. Ask them why they use Racepak (overwhelming, most do). Ask them if they have any problems with their recorder or software. Ask if it was difficult to install or learn how to use. Ask if they get the support they need whenever they might need it. Ask if they would buy from Racepak again. While you are at it, why don’t you also go ahead and ask those questions to anyone that may be using some other brand of data recorder. As you might suspect, as we enter the third decade of supplying customers with the finest data acquisition equipment available, we feel we have established a pretty solid reputation, and aren’t afraid of letting our customers speak for us. |
Question |
Why use GPS data? |
Answer |
Reduced Cost • Lap Time In addition, lateral and accel g forces are provided from internally mounted accelerometers, RPM and other inputs are available from externally connected sensors. Easy Installation Real Data Lap Times without the Necessity of Trackside Transmitters or Vehicle Mounted Receiver |
Question |
Is the G2X Pro proven? |
Answer |
While items such as the G2X Pro housing and Display Dash are new products, the internal hardware and software designs are based on our track proven professional series GPS data systems. With multimillion dollar sponsorships depending upon performance, if our professional series race teams rely on the information provided by our GPS data systems, so can you. |
Question |
Who needs data acquisition? |
Answer |
Data acquisition is information. The more information you have, the better you can perform your job. If that job happens to involve something like motorsports, the better informed and prepared racers are the one’s who show up in the winner’s circle most often. Think of data acquisition as an extension of some functions that you are already monitoring, like engine RPM, water temperature, oil pressure, and even fuel level. |
Question | Isn’t data acquisition expensive? |
Answer |
That was true at one time, but not now. The cost of monitoring and recording data has been reduced drastically over the years. Remember the first pocket calculator you bought? It may have cost you over a hundred dollars. Today they give them away for filling your gas tank with fuel or opening a bank account, and the calculators will perform more functions than those that cost a lot. The same holds true with data recorders. Through technology, the prices have come down and the capabilities have gone up. |
Question |
What does a data recorder cost? |
Answer |
That question doesn’t have a quick and easy answer. It is somewhat like walking into a restaurant and asking, “How much is a meal?” Just as the restaurant has a menu full of items, so does data acquisition. To guide you toward an answer would start with deciding which data recorder is best suited to your needs and application. You can start that process yourself by visiting our Application Chart. |
Question |
I really don’t need to make my car any faster. |
Answer |
Ah-ha! Another shortsighted view of the value of data acquisition. True, data recorders were initially used in motorsports to make cars faster, but since then racers have discovered the joys of using data recorders to make their cars more consistent, heading off problems before it costs them a bundle of money, and resolving problems that caused their car to lose the speed it had. |
Question |
I don’t want a full-blown data recorder. I just want to monitor a couple of items. |
Answer |
You are very lucky. It hasn’t been that long ago that data recorders were designed with nothing but large capabilities in mind. Today, again thanks to new technology, we have systems that let you start as small as you would like, and then add from there as your needs or budget dictates. Check out our V-Net systems if you want to see how modular technology has come to data acquisition. |
Question |
What is the G2X Pro? |
Answer |
The G2X Pro is an evolution of our professional series GPS based data acquisition systems, utilized for years in various forms of motorsports. Thousands of on-track laps have allowed us to create an economical data logger that is both rugged and dependable, in a variety of environments. |
Question |
What is the accuracy of the G2X Pro? |
Answer |
Relative Accuracy of GPS Data However, when using GPS signals for track mapping, lap / segment timing and speed, the G2X Pro and Datalink II software provide exceptionally accurate data, which has been tested and verified in years of on track usage. Speed Laptime Track mapping |
Question |
How does the G2X Pro provide timing and track mapping data? |
Answer |
In essence, the GPS data from the G2X Pro allows the user to recreate a GPS plotted trackmap, within the Datalink II software. Following this, the user may then place the start / finish and segment markers at the desired location, around the GPS plotted trackmap. The start / finish and segment markers are GPS plotted points, providing accurate timing data. This “virtual reality” track is saved within the Datalink II software. Track maps may be recalled upon subsequent visits in order to compare lap and segments times between various test / race sessions. |
Question |
Computers scare me. |
Answer |
Well, they can’t be too frightening to you because you are using one right now. The truth is that if you can get this far on a computer you have all the skills you need to use the software that is used with our data recorders. Both are Windows®-based systems that allow you to navigate around by pointing and clicking on icons. To the best of our knowledge no one has ever hit the ‘explode’ button by accident, so stop worrying and start enjoying. |
Question |
Is the vehicle mounted phone GPS used? |
Answer |
NO. The CL1 data box contains an onboard 20 Hz GPS system, along with an external GPS antenna, providing highly accurate data for the D3 app. |
Question |
Can I use any tablet for remote analysis? |
Answer |
Yes. As long as it has working Wi-Fi. We recommend any of the Samsung or Apple products. |
Question |
How does the CL1 Track Day Kit differ from standard data acquisition kits? |
Answer |
Mobile technology and cloud data. Standard data acquisition systems utilize an on board data recorder, be it a data recorder and separate digital dash, or a data recorder dash. Information is saved and downloaded via either a removable memory card or download cable, to a PC. This method is dated, limiting and time consuming, requiring manually moving data files between multiple PC’s for viewing, using 1990’s era windows based software for programming and analysis and more importantly, not taking advantage of the mobility aspect of modern day mobile devices and cloud technology. The CL1 track day kit utilizes a vehicle mount mobile phone, running Racepak’s propriety D3 app and a vehicle mounted CL1 data box, to transmit sensor data via Bluetooth, from the CL1 to the mobile phone, for driver instrumentation, data recording and automatic uploading of live data to an optional cloud account, for remote live on-track and post outing data review, on an internet connected device, anytime, anywhere in the world. |
Question |
So how does the CL1 actually work? |
Answer |
At the very basic level, a CL1 data box is mounted on the vehicle and connected to external sensors (OBD2, temperature, pressure, rpm, etc.). A mobile phone, running the D3 App, is installed in the vehicle. The mobile phone then receives sensor data from the CL1, via Bluetooth, displays pit and race track information for the driver, uploads live data via the cellular service of the phone to an optional cloud account and can also function as a data analysis program, for the driver. |
Question |
Why use a cell phone for this purpose? |
Answer |
Very simple. Modern cell phones are more rugged, have far superior displays, processing power and wireless capabilities than data logging or display devices currently on the market. They are designed for constant abuse by the consumer, have incredible technical capabilities and the costs to duplicate their properties for data acquisition purposes would be astronomical. |
Question |
What is the D3 App? |
Answer |
The D3 app combines instrumentation, data recording, data analysis and device programming into a single location, on the vehicle mounted mobile phone. |
Question |
Why do you call it a data "box" and not a data "recorder?" |
Answer |
The CL1 is merely a collection point for all external and internal sensor data, which is then wirelessly transmitted via Bluetooth, to the vehicle mounted phone running the D3 App. |
Question |
How many data channels can the CL1 input? |
Answer |
20 total. 12 OBD2 and 8 external sensor inputs. There are four external sensor connectors on the CL1, each user programmed as an analog and RPM input. |
Question |
How can I input eight sensors if there are only four sensor inputs on the CL1? |
Answer |
Racepak provides an optional analog/rpm splitter, enabling the input of one rpm, one analog sensor per input. |
Question |
What are the sample rates for the data channels? |
Answer |
User defined from 1Hz to a maximum of 50Hz, per data channel. |
Question |
What is the sample rate for the CL1 GPS? |
Answer |
Up to 20Hz. Remember, the vehicle mounted phone is not utilized for any GPS or internal sensor data. |
Question |
What comes with the CL1 data kit? |
Answer |
The CL1 data box, GPS antenna, three rubber mounting feet, four AA rechargeable batteries, USB charging cable and adapter and RPM harness. |
Question |
How is the CL1 data box powered? |
Answer |
Four rechargeable, Ni-Mh, AA batteries. What about battery life, as I don’t want to charge the box after every session. No need! The CL1 has an advanced energy management plan, which keeps the box in sleep mode until an Engine RPM signal is detected. After a short period of inactivity, the box will return to sleep. A typical track day will use less than 20% of battery life. |
Question |
What about phone battery life, on the vehicle? |
Answer |
The D3 app also contains a sleep setting, allowing the phone to sleep until the CL1 data box awakens (from the tach signal) which then awakens the D3 app and phone. This function is optimized for Android devices, while IOS devices are not optimized for an external wake up signal. Instead, the D3 app can just be quickly tapped, bringing the app from sleep. |
Question |
What sensors can I connect to the CL1? |
Answer |
Racepak offers a complete line of RPM, pressure, travel, temperature and air fuel are available, along with 12 vehicle OBD2 inputs. |
Question |
Can I connect my own sensors? |
Answer |
Yes. If you know the calibration values for your RPM or analog (0-5V) sensors, Racepak offers an unterminated sensor cable (CL1 mating connector installed, no connector on the opposite end) which the user can install the mating connector for their sensors and connect to the CL1. |
Question |
How are sensors programmed? |
Answer |
From the Settings icon on the homepage of the D3 app. remember the phone functions as the data recorder, so no need to “send” programming changes to the CL1 data box. |
Question |
Does the CL1 data box utilize internal G meters? |
Answer |
No. The processing properties of the D3 app and mobile phone provides highly accurate lateral and accel g data. |
Question |
What type of Bluetooth is used between the CL1 and the vehicle mounted mobile phone running the Racepak D3 app? |
Answer |
Low energy Bluetooth (BTLE) as it has proven to be highly robust and dependable in a variety of conditions. Remember, the onboard mobile phone is only receiving data from the nearby mounted CL1 data box, so there is no need for long range Bluetooth capabilities. |
Question |
Do you trust a mobile phone to survive the racing environment? |
Answer |
Yes. Consider the demands placed on a consumer electronic device, which typically lives in our pockets and is subject to constant abuse. Water, heat, cold, sand, dirt. Constantly taken in and out, turned off and on. Subject to continual drops, slips, and g forces and they typically continue to work. |
Question |
Will it work on Android and IOS? |
Answer |
Yes |
Question |
What mobile devices do you recommend? |
Answer |
You can view our mobile specification here. |
Question |
What happens if I do not have cellular service on the phone? Can I still have a cloud account? |
Answer |
Yes. Since the phone functions as the data recorder, all data is stored locally on the phone. If the phone has Wi-Fi capabilities, as soon as the phone can access a Wi-Fi network, data is automatically uploaded to the customers optional cloud account. |
Question |
How much is the cloud account? |
Answer |
It varies by the number of users. The account holder plus two remote user accounts is $9.99 month / $100 year. Up to five remote users is $24.99 month / $250.00 year, while up to fifteen remote users is $99.00 month / $1000.00 year. |
Question |
Why do I need to register the CL1? |
Answer |
In order to associate your CL1 with you, your team and remote users, the CL1 utilizes a unique serial number that must be registered before first use. This not only links your CL1 to your account, but to the vehicle mounted mobile phone, while also securing your account. |
Question |
Where to I register the CL1? |
Answer |
Go to portal.racepak.com and follow the online prompts. |
Question |
Can the Bluetooth fail to connect from electrical interference? |
Answer |
We have not found any issues with connectivity, at this time. |
Question |
Why should I trust Racepak’s cloud service? |
Answer |
Racepak’s cloud service can upload and live stream data and has been tested with thousands of users, with no issues. Our software team has extensive experience in both the gaming and cloud industry, providing the most rugged, reliable and secure motorsports cloud data service, in the industry. |
Question |
Where are the Racepak Cloud servers located? |
Answer |
Racepak’s dedicated servers are located in the United States and hosted by one of the top ten cloud service providers, in the industry. This ensures reliable, 24-7 service with redundant backup and security measures for all your data. |
Question |
Can you lose my data? |
Answer |
While no technology is 100% fool proof, the hosting company selected by Racepak is ranked within the top 10 for cloud providers, servicing a number of Fortune 500 companies. Your data is in good hands. |
Question |
Can more than one person remote view my data? |
Answer |
Yes. Depending upon the optional cloud program chosen during the CL1 registration process, anywhere from 1 to 100 or more can view your data. |
Question |
How can other remote viewers not see my data? |
Answer |
Only authorized remote viewers, with a unique passcode, can access your data. |
Question |
Where do the Google overlay track maps come from? |
Answer |
Racepak has pre-loaded more than 2000 worldwide track maps into our map data base, providing simple and automatic overlay. |
Question |
Do I need to mark start finish when I am on the track? |
Answer |
No, each track map contains the start finish coordinates, providing immediate lap time data to the driver and remote viewers. |
Question |
What starts data recording and uploading to my cloud account? |
Answer |
When the vehicle exceeds 11 mph / 5 ms and Engine RPM is detected, data transmission is initiated. |
Question |
Can I use any phone on the vehicle? |
Answer |
The short answer. Yes. The key area is display brightness, or Nits. A list of technical specifications can be found on this website. |
Question |
Can I use a phone for remote analysis? |
Answer |
Yes, remember the D3 app provides the same analysis functions regardless of the device on which it is installed. |
Question |
Can I use a tablet on the vehicle? |
Answer |
Technically, yes. The challenge is size and mounting. If the table has active Bluetooth, you could pair with the vehicle mounted CL1 data box. You would not have on track live cloud upload, unless the tablet has cellular service. However, once connected to Wi-Fi (such as in the pit area) it will automatically upload data from the just completed outing. |
Question |
What happens if I uninstall the app from the mobile phone? |
Answer |
If a cloud account is active, the data remains saved on the cloud server. If no cloud account is active, then all locally saved data on the mobile phone, is lost. |
Question |
How does the data analysis differ? |
Answer |
As the D3 app is designed for use with mobile devices, all the intuitive actions such as touch, swipe and pinch can be utilized. In addition, the superior resolution capabilities of modern tablets exceeds the capabilities of most laptops and PC’s proving greater detail. |
Question |
Is the same D3 app used for the vehicle mounted mobile phone and the tablet used for remote viewing? |
Answer |
Yes. |
Question |
What can remote viewers see, when I am on the track? |
Answer |
Everything available in the analysis portion of the D3 app. Lap times, lap time differential, track position, speed, engine temperature, graphing of all data channels and track mapping with 3D view capabilities. |
Question |
What is the “3D” track mapping view? |
Answer |
Unlike standard PC software, the use of mobile devices greatly expands and simplifies the data analysis aspect. Standard top view track maps can now be rotated into a 3D format, providing a total different method of viewing data. |
Question |
What about firmware updates? |
Answer |
Automatic. When the vehicle mounted phone and CL1 data box powers up, the CL1 data box is “checked” by the D3 app for the latest software version. If a newer version is detected, it is automatically installed and the viewer notified of the current installation action. |
Question |
Is the D3 app available on Google Play and the Apple store? |
Answer |
Yes. |
Question |
What is the GPS accuracy? |
Answer |
Lap timing is consistently within hundredths or less of beacon or embedded, while driving line data is quoted within less than 1 meter, but typically within a much smaller range. |
Question |
How do I build a track map? |
Answer |
No need. The D3 app and GPS information from the CL1 data box automatically handles all mapping, for you. The mapping data is automatically placed over the google map view along with start finish location. |
Question |
How do I mark start / finish? |
Answer |
No need. The start finish is automatically assigned by the D3 app. |
Question |
What starts data recording and uploading to the cloud? |
Answer |
When the vehicle exceeds 11 mph (5ms) and along with a working tach signal, inputted into the CL1 data box. Can I manually start uploading to the cloud, such as warming up in the pit area, for my engine builder in his shop, to view the data? Yes, the D3 app home page contains a Manual Record icon. When selected, data is streamed to an active cloud account, available for immediate viewing by authorized team members. |
Question |
What if my track is not in your database? |
Answer |
No problem. The D3 app will still utilize Google maps when overlaying driving data. The map will be zoomed out more than if Racepak pre-mapped. Start finish will automatically set at the center of the longest straight. |
Question |
Can I manually start uploading to the cloud, such as warming up in the pit area, for my engine builder in his shop, to view the data? |
Answer |
Yes, the D3 app home page contains a Manual Record icon. When selected, data is streamed to an active cloud account, available for immediate viewing by authorized team members. |
Question |
How does the CL1 Data Karting Kit differ from standard karting data acquisition kits? |
Answer |
Mobile technology and cloud data. Standard data acquisition systems utilize an on board data recorder, be it a data recorder and separate digital dash, or a data recorder dash. Information is saved and downloaded via either a removable memory card or download cable, to a PC. This method is dated, limiting and time consuming, requiring manually moving data files between multiple PC’s for viewing, using 1990’s era windows based software for programming and analysis and more importantly, not taking advantage of the mobility aspect of modern day mobile devices and cloud technology. The CL1 karting kit utilizes a kart mount mobile phone, running Racepak’s propriety D3 karting app and a kart mounted CL1 data box, to transmit sensor data via Bluetooth, from the CL1 to the mobile phone, for driver instrumentation, data recording and automatic uploading of live data to an optional cloud account, for remote live on-track and post outing data review, on an internet connected device, anytime, anywhere in the world. |
Question |
How does the CL1 Junior Dragster Kit differ from standard data acquisition kits? |
Answer |
Mobile technology and cloud data. Standard data acquisition systems utilize an on board data recorder, be it a data recorder and separate digital dash, or a data recorder dash. Information is saved and downloaded via either a removable memory card or download cable, to a PC. This method is dated, limiting and time consuming, requiring manually moving data files between multiple PC’s for viewing, using 1990’s era windows based software for programming and analysis and more importantly, not taking advantage of the mobility aspect of modern day mobile devices and cloud technology. The CL1 Junior Dragster kit utilizes a vehicle mount mobile phone, running Racepak’s propriety D3 app and a vehicle mounted CL1 data box, to transmit sensor data via Bluetooth, from the CL1 to the mobile phone, for instrumentation, data recording and automatic uploading of data to an optional cloud account, for remote data review, on an internet connected device, anytime, anywhere in the world. |
Question |
Where can I find Racepak’s list of track maps? |
Answer |
Support / Available Maps, on the CL1 landing page. |
Question |
What level should I tow in? |
Answer |
The only levels suitable for towing are levels 1 and 2. Only use level 2 if you are towing a light load. Never tow without an EGT gauge or an Attitude monitor. If you want to tow to a higher level, you must make the significant engine and transmission upgrades beyond just a chip in order to handle the increase in power. It’s that simple. Even though the Attitude monitors EGT and will automatically de-fuel to prevent excessive EGTs, you should still only tow in level 1. |
Question |
It seems every product I see advertised claims 100+ horsepower gains, yet when I have driven a friend’s truck that has one of your competitors’ products, the performance just doesn’t seem that good. How come? |
Answer |
When it comes to horsepower claims there are many people in the industry who state horsepower and torque gains using methods that while accurate, are not particularly relevant to what the enthusiast is looking for in an upgrade. |
Question |
What are EGTs? |
Answer |
EGT stands for exhaust gas temperature and is the single most important indicator of how a diesel engine is performing. Unlike a gasoline motor, a diesel motor will continue to make power as more fuel is added. As more fuel is added, heat will be generated until the motor just gets too hot and things start to melt. This is a situation to avoid. Exhaust gas temperature is the ideal measurement of how hot the motor is since temperature fluctuations in the gas are almost instantaneous. You should consider using the Edge Attitude or installing an EGT gauge even if you make no performance upgrades since EGT is such an important indicator of engine load. This is particularly if you tow. |
Question |
Will my Juice work without an EGT probe hooked up? |
Answer |
The module will function normally, however, you will not have the safety feature of monitoring your EGTs and the Juice will not be able to back down EGTs. |
Question |
I hear people talking about pressure boxes and timing boxes. What are they talking about? |
Answer |
There are basically three ways for a box to make more power in a diesel: timing, duration, and pressure. Some boxes just do pressure, some do timing and duration and some do all three. If a box does just pressure, the box is fooling the truck’s computer into thinking it has less fuel pressure than it really does. In response, the computer increases the fuel rail pressure and so when the injectors fire, since there is increased fuel pressure, more fuel is released into the engine and additional power is created. This is the simplest type of power upgrade module and we have found it works very well for most Dodge applications and the Ford 7.3 Powerstrokes, as long as your power gains are limited to less than 70 horsepower. We have found raising fuel pressure on Ford 6.0 and the Duramax puts too much strain on the fuel system and so we do not make pressure boxes for these vehicles. Also, as mentioned, 70 horsepower is about the most you can safely gain in the Dodge and about 50 horsepower is what you can get out of the 7.3 Powerstroke. |
Question |
Will my dealer know that I have installed aftermarket tuning if I return my vehicle to stock first before going to my dealer? |
Answer |
On most vehicles no. Superchips does not leave ghost data or a data footprint. It is highly recommended you return your vehicle to stock prior to going to a dealer for service to avoid any hassles or complications. |
Question |
How do I know I am getting the best price on my Superchips product? |
Answer |
Superchips strictly enforces our MVP pricing policy which sets the price on each of our products in the market. |
Question |
Why do I have to update my tuner before tuning my vehicle? |
Answer |
We want you to have the most up-to-date firmware and tunes in your tuner prior to tuning the vehicle so you can enjoy the latest and greatest features. |
Question |
How often can I change the tuning in my vehicle? |
Answer |
As often as you like. |
Question |
Can I install other modifications on my vehicle? |
Answer |
Superchips tuners are designed for use on primarily stock vehicles. In many cases, however, the addition of a cold air intake, exhaust system or throttle body spacer will improve performance. |
Question |
Can I still use my tow-haul button? |
Answer |
Yes, you can use the tow-haul button as normal as it does not affect Superchips tuning while driving under heavy load. |
Question |
Why don’t you offer to tune for vehicles older than 1999 anymore? |
Answer |
We no longer offer to tune for the older vehicles due to the fact their computers are not as capable or stable as newer vehicles. If you have one of these vehicles, there are many sources that still sell the previous generation Superchips products that do support older model vehicles. |
Question |
Does installing a Superchips tuner void my factory warranty? |
Answer |
Superchips stands behind each and every product. While each dealership can handle warranties in a different fashion, Superchips programs are not designed to take any parameters outside of guidelines or limitations particular OEMs may have. Recently, many dealerships have included paperwork at the time of purchase of a vehicle, to ask the buyer to confirm they will not install aftermarket parts. By the letter of the law (Magunusson Moss Warranty Act), a dealership must prove in a court of law that an aftermarket product has decisively caused the damage to the vehicle under warranty. As a precaution, always remove the tuning before going to a dealer for service. In the event returning to stock before taking to the dealer still creates a warranty issue, the team at Superchips does become involved to remedy the situation. For information regarding denial of warranty coverage, review the Magnuson-Moss warranty act. |