RaceCaptureTrack MK4

Quick Start Guide

Overview

RaceCapture/Track MK4 is our latest generation motorsports telemetry system

Connecting the Hardware

Mounting

To ensure optimal performance, mount the RaceCapture system on a flat, level surface within the vehicle, with the round M8 connectors oriented toward the front of the vehicle, and USB connector / rubber antenna cover pointing towards the rear of the vehicle.

This orientation aligns with the factory calibration of the internal accelerometer and gyroscope.

See the guide for remapping the IMU channels for alternate mounting orientations.

Additional Notes:

• Mount the unit in a concealed, protected area of the vehicle, away from direct heat sources and moisture.
• Use hook-and-loop (Velcro) fasteners or other suitable mounting methods to secure the unit in place while allowing for easy removal if needed.

Connectors

The RaceCapture/Track MK4 is equipped with the following connectors located on the rear panel of the module:

• M8 6-Pin Female Connector (CAN1 / CAN2 / Power)
• M8 4-Pin Female Connector (CAN1 / Power)
• SMA Antenna Connector (L5_GNSS, LTE)

Positioning the Antenna

Secure the antenna to the RP-SMA connector on the RaceCapture/Track MK4 module. Tighten the connector to 5 - 6 in-lbs, slightly beyond finger-tight, to prevent it from vibrating loose during vehicle operation.

Caution: Do not overtighten the connector, as this may damage the SMA threads or the internal connection.

• Mount the antenna on the roof of the vehicle using the supplied magnetic base.
• Maintain a minimum separation of 3 feet (1 meter) from other transmitting antennas (e.g., cellular, FM/AM radio) to reduce signal interference.
• You can also place it on the dashboard, with an unobstructed view of the sky or on the rear parcel shelf, under the back window.

Note: Non-roof mounting may reduce GPS signal strength and tracking accuracy compared to optimal placement.

Powering up the Module

The RaceCapture/Track MK4 can be powered using the following methods:

USB Power (USB Type-C)

You may power the device via the USB Type-C port using any of the following sources:

• A computer USB port
• A USB car charger
• A USB battery pack

This method is ideal for quick setup, bench testing, or configuration.

Vehicle Power via OBD-II (CAN1 / Power)

Alternatively, you can power the module using the vehicle’s OBD-II port by connecting through an OBD-II to M8 4-Pin Female Connector.

Note: Ensure that the chosen power source provides a stable 12V supply as required by the device for accurate sensor feedback.

Installing the RaceCapture App

Windows / MacOS / Linux

• Get the latest version of the RaceCapture app from the Downloads Page.
• Connect your RaceCapture to your computer with the USB cable,
• Start the RaceCapture app.
• The RaceCapture app will launch the first time setup wizard.

Android / iOS

For downloading Racecapture app, please click on the images below.

On Raspberry Pi

More advanced users can run the RaceCapture App on a Raspberry pi for a more dedicated dashboard experience.

• Learn more in the Raspberry Pi Guide

Connecting to RaceCapture System Dashboard

• After powering up RaceCapture/Track MK4 with 12v or via USB power (computer or USB power source) and Installing the Race Capture App.
• Go to your device’s WiFi settings and connect to the RaceCapture/Track MK4 WiFi access point.
• Note: The default WiFi access point is open (no password). You can configure a password and enable encryption later under Setup > Wireless in the RaceCapture app.
• On Android devices, you can also pair via Bluetooth using the default PIN 123456. This can also be changed later in Setup > Wireless.
• Once you've linked the Bluetooth or WiFi (Mobile), or USB (Windows or OSX) launch the RaceCapture app.
• Launch the RaceCapture app to begin configuration. The app will automatically start the First-Time Setup Wizard to guide you through the initial setup process.

First Time Wizard Setup

The RaceCapture app will guide you through a brief automated setup and tour. During this process the connection to RaceCapture/Track MK4 will be verified.

Settings configured during the first-time setup can also be accessed later via the Setup section of the RaceCapture app.

Note: To re-run the first-time setup, launch the RaceCapture app without connecting to the device. Then navigate to the setup screen and press the First-Time Setup button.

Configure System Presets

Select the preset configuration matching the data system you have

Select Favorite Race Tracks

• Select the tracks you will typically race at so RaceCapture can auto detect the track location and calculate lap times.
• This is an important step to ensure you get valid data and lap times for your telemetry session.
• Note: Only select the one-track configuration per race track, to ensure the correct track is auto-selected.
• If you don't see your track listed, Please Submit Your Track!

Configure Telemetry Streaming Key

Enter your unique Streaming Key in the Device ID section to enable live telemetry on Podium.

Note: If you do not have a Streaming Key, you can obtain one by logging into podium.live. After setting up your Device ID, the platform will generate a Streaming Key specific to your device.

Configure WiFi Connection and WiFi Telemetry

After exiting the setup wizard, go to Setup / Wireless. Scroll down and perform the following steps:

• Enable both WiFi Support and Client Mode.
• Enter your Hotspot's SSID and password into the client setup to connect the device to your wireless network for telemetry streaming
• Then, at the bottom, turn on "Enable WiFi telemetry"

Wi-Fi Operating Modes

RaceCapture/Track MK4 support multiple Wi-Fi operating modes to accommodate different configuration, connectivity, and telemetry use cases. Firmware version 2.23.3 introduces significant improvements to Wi-Fi reliability and connection behavior across all supported modes.

Wi-Fi Operating Modes

Access Point (AP) Mode

In Access Point (AP) mode, the device creates its own Wi-Fi network. The RaceCapture app connects directly to the device’s access point.

• Simple, direct connection between the app and the device
• Does not require an external hotspot or router
• Provides stable app connectivity
• Internet access is not available unless bridged through another device

This mode is useful when operating without external network infrastructure or when a direct connection is preferred.

AP + STA Mode (Access Point + Station)

In AP + STA mode, the device operates simultaneously as:

• A Wi-Fi access point for the RaceCapture app
• A Wi-Fi station (STA) connected to an external hotspot for internet access or telemetry uplink.

When operating in this mode:

• If the station is connected to a hotspot, telemetry and internet services can be routed through the hotspot.
• If the station is actively searching for a hotspot, brief pauses in access point traffic may occur while Wi-Fi scanning is in progress.

Note: During hotspot scanning, short interruptions in app communication are expected behavior.

Recommended Setup (App Connected to Hotspot)

For the smoothest real-time telemetry performance, the recommended configuration is:

• The RaceCapture app connects to the same hotspot as the device
• The device operates primarily as a Wi-Fi station
• The internal access point is not used for app communication

This configuration minimizes Wi-Fi scanning activity and provides the most stable telemetry operation, especially in dynamic or congested wireless environments.

For instructions on updating firmware, see the Updating Firmware section below.

LED Status Indicators

The RaceCapture/Track MK4 features status LEDs that provide a visual indication of the system’s current state:

LED	Function
CAN	Indicates activity on the OBD-II / CAN bus network. Blinks when data is being received from the ECU or sensors.
GPS	Indicates GPS status: Slow flash: Searching for satellite lock Rapid flash: GPS lock acquired
Error	Illuminates when the system encounters an error. Check the RaceCapture app logs for details.
Power	Illuminates when the unit is powered via 12V or USB.
Telemetry indicator	Indicates when real-time telemetry is actively broadcasting

Real-time Telemetry Setup

This section explains how to configure your device to stream live telemetry data to the Podium cloud service so it can be viewed remotely using the Podium app or the Podium website.

Overview

Three components are used when working with live telemetry:

• RaceCapture App : Used to connect directly to the device for configuration and local dashboard viewing.
• Podium App : Used to view live telemetry and previously recorded sessions in the cloud.
• Podium Website : Provides web access to the same telemetry data available in the Podium app.

Step 1 : Configure WiFi Connectivity

• Open the RaceCapture app and connect to your device.
• Navigate to Setup from the main screen.
• Click Read to load the current configuration.
• Select the Wireless tab.
  • Configure the following settings:
    • Enable WiFi Support
    • Enable Client Mode
    • Enter the SSID and password for your hotspot or WiFi network

Note: The hotspot must support 2.4 GHz WiFi. Many hotspots default to 5 GHz, which is not supported. If necessary, configure your hotspot to allow 2.4 GHz operation. For testing purposes, you may use your phone’s hotspot to confirm the connection is working correctly.

• Enable WiFi Telemetry at the bottom of the Wireless settings.

Step 2 : Configure the Telemetry Streaming Key

To stream telemetry to Podium, you must enter a Telemetry Streaming Key.

• Open the Podium website.
• Navigate to Settings → Devices.
• Select your device from the list.
• Copy the Streaming Key shown for the device.

Return to the RaceCapture app:

• Navigate to the Telemetry tab.
• Paste the Streaming Key into the Telemetry Streaming Key field.

Step 3 : Configure Streaming Behavior

For testing or continuous streaming Enable Background Streaming. This causes the device to begin telemetry streaming immediately after power-up. If Background Streaming is disabled, telemetry streaming will begin only when the system starts logging based on its configured trigger (typically vehicle speed, but other channels such as RPM may be used). This helps prevent unnecessary telemetry transmission when the vehicle is powered but not actively driving.

Step 4: Apply Configuration and Reboot

Click Write to save the configuration to the device.

Reboot the device by either:

• Power cycling the unit, or

• Navigating to Setup > Firmware > Reboot.

Step 5 : Verify WiFi Connection

After rebooting:

• Navigate to System Status > WiFi.
• Confirm the WiFi Client is connected to the hotspot.

Step 6 : Confirm Telemetry Streaming

If telemetry streaming is active:

• The blue telemetry LED on the device will blink.
• This indicates the system is transmitting telemetry to Podium.

Viewing Live Telemetry

Podium Website

• Open the Podium website.
• Navigate to Events.
• Locate the automatically generated live event for your device.
• Open the event to view live telemetry data.
• You should see real-time channel updates such as:
  • IMU motion
  • G-forces
  • Sensor values

Podium App

The Podium app provides a richer telemetry viewing experience.

1. Open the Podium app.
2. Navigate to Events > Live Events.
3. Select your device.

From here you can:

• View live dashboards
• Switch dashboard views
• Monitor individual telemetry channels

Dashboards can be:

• Selected from built-in presets
• Custom created and saved
• Shared by the community

Track Detection and Lap Timing

For automatic lap timing, ensure your track is added in Podium.

1. Navigate to Racetracks.
2. Add the tracks where you typically race.

When the system detects a known track, Podium will automatically enable:

• Lap timing
• Lap-based telemetry analysis

This allows session data to be viewed and analyzed in the context of laps.

Comprehensive Setup Guide

Data System Cable Connection

M8 4-Pin Female Connector (CAN1 / Power)

The M8 4-pin pigtail connector is a standard interface used for CAN bus communication and power input.

Pin	Connection	Notes
1	CAN low	White
2	Power	Red, 9-24v / 1A (~12W)
3	CAN high	Green
4	Ground	Black

M8 6-Pin Female Connector (CAN1 / CAN2 / Power)

Pin	Connection	Notes
1	CAN 1 Low
2	CAN 2 Low
3	CAN 2 High
4	Ground
5	CAN 1 High
6	Power	9–24V / 1A (~12W)

Note: The raw CAN pigtail wiring is intended for advanced or custom CAN integrations and is not required for standard OBD-II vehicle connections.

M8 CAN Bus to OBD-II cable

The RaceCapture/Track MK4 connects to the vehicle’s data network using the M8 CAN Bus to OBD-II cable, which is included with the RaceCapture/Track MK4 kit. This cable allows RaceCapture/Track MK4 to interface directly with the vehicle’s OBD-II diagnostic port, enabling access to CAN bus and OBD-II data.

Connection Steps

1. Plug the M8 connector end of the cable into the CAN port on the RaceCapture/Track MK4.
2. Connect the OBD-II connector end to the vehicle’s OBD-II diagnostic port (typically located under the dashboard).
3. Ensure the connection is secure before powering on the system.

Once connected, RaceCapture/Track MK4 will automatically communicate with the vehicle’s CAN/OBD-II system

M8 CAN Bus to OBD-II Cable specifications

The M8 CAN Bus to OBD-II cable has a length of approximately 2 meters and uses a right-angle OBD-II connector. The cable also supplies power to the RaceCapture/Track MK4 with a supported input range.

Vehicle compatibility

Most vehicles from model year 2008 and newer support CAN communication over the OBD-II port. Some vehicles from model years 2006–2007 may provide early CAN support. Vehicles from 1996–2005 typically do not support CAN over the OBD-II port. In these cases, an OBD-II Classic adapter is required. Get the OBDII Classic adapter

Connecting Data to your Racecapture

RaceCapture/Track MK4 simplifies integration by providing preset channel mappings for a variety of supported ECUs and CAN enabled sensor systems. These mappings ensure compatibility and reduce setup time.

OBDII

During the First-Time Setup Wizard, you can select your OBDII preset, if you’re integrating with your vehicle’s OEM data. Additional default channels (e.g., RPM, TPS, coolant temperature) may also be preloaded, depending on the system selected.

CAN Channel Mappings

You can also connect your aftermarket ECU and CAN enabled sensors to your system, tapping into up to 100 CAN sensor channels. You can verify, edit, or remove CAN channel mappings at any time by navigating to: Setup > CAN Channel Mappings in the RaceCapture app From this section, you can:

• View currently active channels
• Modify channel parameters (e.g., CAN ID, offset, formulae)
• Remove unused or duplicate channels
• Add custom channels manually if needed

Full CAN Bus Integration Guide

For advanced configurations or unsupported systems, refer to the Full CAN Bus Integration Guide.

Lua Scripting and Virtual Channels

RaceCapture and Podium uses the standard, lightweight Lua scripting language, used as an extension / customization language for many software applications.

• For Custom Modification you can refer to Lua Scripting Guide for detailed instructions and examples.

CAN Bus Configuration

To configure the CAN bus settings:

• Open the RaceCapture app and navigate to Setup > CAN Bus.
• Set the Baud Rate to match the specifications of your connected data system (e.g., 500 kbps, 1 Mbps).
• Ensure that termination is enabled if RaceCapture/Track MK4 is at one end of the CAN bus.

Note: Proper baud rate configuration and bus termination are essential for stable and accurate CAN communication.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

RaceCapture/Track MK4 support direct reading of compatible Bluetooth-based TPMS sensors. These sensors broadcast tire pressure and temperature data wirelessly and can be read by the device without any additional TPMS receiver hardware. Unlike older 433 MHz TPMS systems, which require a separate in-vehicle receiver module, Bluetooth TPMS sensors communicate directly with RaceCapture/Track MK4.

System Overview

• TPMS sensors use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
• No external TPMS receiver box is required
• Sensors wake up automatically when a pressure change is detected
• Tire pressure and temperature data are available in real time

Supported Features

• RaceCapture/Track MK4 support upto 16 TPMS sensors
• Sensors can be assigned to wheel positions:
  • Left Front
  • Right Front
  • Left Rear
  • Right Rear
• Multiple sensors may be registered per wheel position
• Sensors can be quickly reassigned when swapping wheels or tire sets

Registering TPMS Sensors

1. In the RaceCapture app, navigate to Setup
2. Select TPMS
3. Select Register Sensor.
4. When the sensor is detected, add it to the sensor list.
5. Assign the sensor to the appropriate wheel position.

Each sensor is identified by a unique sensor ID and signal strength indicator.

Sensor Identification Notes

Each TPMS sensor supports an optional short text note that can be used to identify a specific wheel or tire set (for example, wheel type or tire model).

Driver ID and Heart Rate Sensor Setup

Driver ID

• Utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to automatically identify the driver in the cockpit.
• Each driver is assigned with a unique BLE-enabled device, which the system detects and associates with a registered driver profile.
• Enables real-time attribution of telemetry data (e.g., RPM, throttle position, engine temperature, g-forces) to the correct driver without manual input.
• Especially useful in endurance racing formats with multiple drivers sharing the same vehicle.

Heart Rate Monitoring

• Supports real-time heart rate monitoring when using a compatible heart rate sensor.
• Compatible with any device that implements the Bluetooth Heart Rate Profile (HRP).
• Verified devices include generic BLE heart rate monitors such as the CYCPLUS HRM
• Provides a critical layer of biometric insight by capturing drivers’ physiological responses during sessions.

Note: Not currently compatible with most smartwatches (e.g., Garmin, Apple Watch), as they typically use proprietary protocols that do not expose standard heart rate services.

Setup Instructions

• Ensure your RaceCapture/Track MK4 system is upgraded to the latest firmware and the latest version of the RaceCapture app is installed.
• Open the app and navigate to Setup > Driver ID.
• Enable both Driver ID and Heart Rate options, then click Register Device.
• Register each Bluetooth device one at a time.

Important: Only power on one device during each registration to avoid incorrect pairing.

• After all devices are registered, press the Write button to save the configuration.

To Verify:

• Power on each registered Bluetooth device individually.
• The Driver ID field in the app should update automatically to reflect the active device.
• If a compatible heart rate monitor is in use, the system will also display the heart rate indicator alongside the Driver ID.

Bluetooth Connectivity

RaceCapture/Track MK4 support Bluetooth connectivity for communication with the RaceCapture app. Bluetooth can be used as an alternative to Wi-Fi for device setup, configuration, and telemetry access.

Overview

• Bluetooth provides a direct wireless connection between the device and the RaceCapture app
• No external networking hardware is required
• Bluetooth is typically used for initial setup or when Wi-Fi is not available

Default Bluetooth Password

By default, Bluetooth connections use the following password:

• Default Bluetooth password: 123456

Note : Older RaceCapture systems used a default Bluetooth password of 1234. Newer systems use 123456 by default.

Connecting via Bluetooth

• Power on the RaceCapture/Track MK4
• Under your phone/tablet's Android Settings, navigate to the Bluetooth section.
• Select the option to pair a device. Your phone/tablet will search for available devices.
• Once the RaceCapture device is found, select it to pair.

Changing Connection Type

• The connection method can be changed within the RaceCapture app:
• Open the RaceCapture app.
• Navigate to Setup → App Preferences.
• Select the desired connection type (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi).
• Return to the main screen and reconnect using the selected method.

Note : The Bluetooth password can be changed from within the device configuration settings in the RaceCapture app.

RaceCapture App & Podium General Information

RaceCapture App & Podium General Information

Racecapture

• See the RACE CAPTURE APP GENERAL INFORMATION for a full understanding of using the app and setting up your system

Podium

• VISIT THE GUIDE ON USING PODIUM which includes a video tour of the essential features.

Telemetry and Logging Setup

On Board Flash Memory Logging

• Enable automatic logging under Setup > Automatic Control.
• Logging can be triggered based on a specific channel, Speed is commonly used as a trigger.
• Note: After your session, log files will be available on the SD card. These files can be imported into the RaceCapture app for analysis, or into spreadsheet tools. Refer to the log file format documentation for compatibility details

Buffering Telemetry to Flash Memory

• To ensure no data is lost during temporary network dropouts, PodiumConnect can buffer telemetry data to the SD card.
• When a network connection is unavailable, the system stores telemetry locally, and once reconnected, it bursts the stored data to the Podium platform.
• This buffering covers approximately one lap (~3 minutes) and is ideal for tracks with intermittent network coverage.

Accessing Flash Memory for Log File Transfer

Your system logs data locally in addition to live telemetry streaming. These logs can be accessed by mounting the system as a USB flash drive.

To enable USB drive mode:

• Ensure the system is connected to your desktop or mobile device via USB cable.
• Navigate to Setup > Firmware.
• Press the Switch to USB Drive Mode button to access stored log files directly.

Important Caveats:

• App connectivity will be temporarily disrupted if using a USB connection (Windows, macOS, Linux).
• The system must not be actively logging or broadcasting telemetry when switching to USB drive mode.
  

To exit USB drive mode and resume normal operation:

• Fully power cycle the system by disconnecting both USB and 12V power.

Formatting Flash Memory:

• Connect the system to your desktop or mobile device.
• Navigate to Setup > Firmware.
• Press the Format Flash Storage button.

Firmware and Software Updates

Below are the steps for updating your firmware.

Backing Up Configurations

Updating firmware can cause your RaceCaptureTrack MK4 to be restored to factory settings. Before updating firmware, save your settings to a file. Steps:

• Connect to RaceCapture/Track MK4 using the RaceCapture app - using USB, or WiFi.
• Navigate to Setup and press the Read button to read the current settings from your system.
• Press Save to save your settings to a file. These will be later restored after firmware is updated.

Updating Firmware

• Download the latest RaceCapture firmware from Firmware
• Unzip the archive to a location on your computer
• Connect RaceCaptureTrack MK4 via USB (Windows or OSX only)
• In the RaceCapture app, navigate to Setup and press the Firmware menu option.
• Press the Update Firmware button
• Navigate to the RaceCaptureTrack MK4 firmware you unzipped. The file will end with the extension '.ihex'. Example: PodiumConnect_2.15.2.ihex
• Press Open

The firmware update process will begin, and will complete when the gauge is 100% After re-connecting, the firmware version should be updated in the connection message at the upper right-hand corner.

Restoring Settings

• Navigate to Setup and press Open.
• Select the previously saved settings file, and open the file.
• Press Write to write the settings back to PodiumConnect.

Mounting and dimensions

STEP file for mounting pattern

Download : File:RCT-Mk4 enclosure solid for mounting pattern.zip

Dimensions

Dimensions of main body (not including connectors): 94 x 61 x 16mm (3.7 x 2.4 x 0.63in)