RaceCapture App User's Guide

The RaceCapture/Pro V2 firmware and app represents a major upgrade to the capabilities of the original RaceCapture/Pro system.

BETA STATUS

This software is currently in beta for those who wish to test new features.

Currently supported platforms:

• Windows: currently supported
• Linux: currently supported by running from source
• OS X: experimental support - USB interface fails to communicate (possible driver issue)
• Android: port scheduled
• iOS: port scheduled

Downloads

Get the latest firmware and app from the Downloads Page

Discussion Forums

In the spirit of sharing and collaboration, please post all of your questions / testing results / feedback in the community forums.

RaceCapture V2 App/Firmware Discussion Forum

Warnings

Please heed these warnings:

• Expect it to fail suddenly
• Expect it to not record or transmit data correctly
• Expect it to save or read configuration data incorrectly
• Expect to have to re-create your configuration data after updating firmware

However, with your testing and feedback, we'll quickly transition to full production status for all of the big features we've been working on.

What's New

Check out some kickass new features:

Multi-Platform, touch oriented application

Capable of running on Windows, OS X, Linux, iOS and Android, the new RaceCapture app will ultimately combine RaceAnalyzer and the current Mobile app into a unified configuration, dashboard and analysis solution.

With this beta/preview release the RaceCapture app will initially support configuration for RaceCapture/Pro system running the V2 firmware. Dashboard and then Analysis features will follow to make the official application launch.

Automatic Track Detection and configuration

The RaceCapture/Pro firmware supports automatic track detection and configuration, supporting up to 40 of your favorite race tracks.

When RaceCapture/Pro is powered up and GPS locks on, the system searches for a track within a 2 mile radius. If one is found, the start/finish line and sector points are automatically configured, enabling lap, sector and predictive timing features without having to alter configuration.

The latest race track configurations can be automatically downloaded and synchronized from http://www.race-capture.com via the application. If your track is not in the list, email us at [email protected] and we will work to get it added.

Automatic configuration can still be disabled and manual start/finish and sector points can be defined.

Multi-Sector Timing

We've expanded timing from a single split point to up to 20 sectors, enabling true sector based timing. The sector timing information are exposed as two additional channels:

• sectorTime - indicates the time of the last completed sector
• sector - indicates the last completed sector

Separate Start/Finish Lines

Not yet implemented To enable auto-x/rally/hillclimb scenarios we've enabled the ability to define a separate start and finish line.

The beginning of a lap is triggered by the combination of a start point which defines the general area where the race car is staged, and a launch detection algorithm combining a speed and g-force delta threshold.

The completion of a lap is detected using the conventional GPS target detection mechanism.

Predictive Lap Timing

Status - Experimental

A new predictive lap timing algorithm augments current 'lapTime' channel with a new channel called 'predTime'.

Once a lap is completed, the data is used as a model to predict the next, ongoing lap. The predicted time sample rate is configurable up to the native GPS data rate.

Streamlined Sensor and Channel Configuration

Channel configuration has been simplified where possible with additional default settings that make sense. Automatic channel configuration wizards will help auto-calibrate things like throttle position, fuel level and and steering angle sensors.

CAN bus expansion

A single CAN bus channel is supported using the CANx expansion module, which plugs in to the expansion port next to the green terminal block.

The CAN feature can be configured with a variety of standard baud rates.

CAN send and receive commands are made available via Lua scripting and can be combined with the Virtual Channel feature.

OBD2 support

Enabled via the CANx module, standard OB2 PIDs can be queried and mapped to RaceCapture channels along with other sensors.

Due to the design of the OBD2 protocol, individual channels (PIDs) are requested sequentially, so individual channel rates decrease based on the number of channels enabled.

(insert OBD2 configuration here)

Virtual Channels

A virtual channel (aka 'Math channel') can be used to derive new channels from existing channel values. Examples include:

• Detecting gear based on RPM and speed ratios
• Turbo intercooler efficiency by calculating the difference between inlet and outlet temperature probes
• A calculated 'engine load' indicator by integrating RPM + Manifold Pressure Sensor value.

Lua Scripting CAN bus API

Channel Filtering

Analog, Timer and Accelerometer channels feature an adjustable dampening filter that allows you to smooth out sensor readings as needed. Examples of this use:

• Filtering accelerometer readings for rough environments
• Averaging fuel level readings to compensate for fuel tank slosh

Channel Customization

The concept of a channel has been formalized into a set of universal system level channels where min/max and unit labels can be customized. Additionally, user-defined channels can be defined for special purpose channels.

Improved Lua Scripting

Lua Scripting stability, error recovery and logging has been improved.

• Use the print() and println() to print out log messages which will show up in the scripting view. Great for debugging.
• If a wayward script somehow crashes the firmware, the RCP watchdog will fire and start up RCP in safe mode, illuminating the red LED and bypassing script execution. Then, you'll have a chance to make fixes.
• Functions have been streamlined and normalized for consistency. Additional Lua functions have been added to support virtual channels, OBDII and CAN bus messaging.

Improved log timing accuracy

The core sample rate tick is now derived directly from the system's crystal-backed oscillator, making log file sample rates much more accurate.

Upcoming Features

The following upcoming features will bring the analysis features from RaceAnalyzer and the dashboard features from the current RaceCapture Android app into a unified experience for RaceCapture/Pro.

Dashboard

The dashboard view will feature most, if not all,, of the same informational views as the current RaceCapture mobile app, including:

• Multi-gauge dashboard view
• Lap Time view showing last, predicted, best time and delta from best
• Raw channel monitoring view to show all known channels in a list
• Lap Time + real-time accelerometer + gyro view

Analysis

The analysis mode will feature the ability to analyze data on a lap by lap basis, with the ability to compare different laps.

• Line charts showing channels over distance, with the ability to combine multiple channels into a single chart
• GPS plots showing the line taken in reference to the center line of the track map
• Sector times for each part of the track

Installation

Note, installation of the V2 firmware will disable the configuration functions of RaceAnalyzer. You will still be able to use analyze data from the RaceCapture/Pro log files until the analysis features are ported over to the new app.

Before continuing, save your old RaceCapture/Pro configuration to preserve any sensor calibration data. You will need this later when re-entering the calibration data into the new app

• Note, Due to the significant changes in the firmware, the RaceCapture .rcap configuration files are not compatible with the new configuration file format

Firmware

To start, install the latest V2 beta firmware from the downloads section. Follow the flashing instructions in the file. After flashing, unplug / replug RaceCapture/Pro and verify the USB device is recognized.

• Windows: Check under Device Manager for a RaceCapture/Pro device under the Ports section.
• Linux: When plugged in, a CDC-ACM device should show up. Check it by issuing the dmesg command; typically it will be /dev/ttyACM0

(screenshot of firmware flashing progress)

Application

Install the beta RaceCapture app after downloading the setup package from the downloads section.

Running

The RaceCapture app will search for a compatible RaceCapture/Pro on all of the available ports. If it is found, the configuration will be automatically read.

Editing Configuration

You can edit the RaceCapture/Pro configuration by entering the configuration view by touching the top level icon or accessing the sidebar menu.

Reading / Writing / Saving / Opening configuration

Use the icons in the lower left of the configuration view to read / write configuration data from the controller as well as save / load configuration files.

When reading the configuration, the progress bar at the top will show activity. After making a change, be sure to write back the configuration to RaceCapture/Pro.

Auto track detection

To enable automatic track detection and configuration, select the Race Track / Sectors option in the left menu. Touch the "+" icon at the bottom to select tracks to add.

• Note: For the first time running you will need to download the latest set of race tracks by touching the cloud icon in the lower right corner of the app.

Search for your favorite tracks by name and add them to the list.

GPS Configuration

You can select a common sample rate for GPS related channels, up to the limit of the sensor (10Hz).

• Note: Leave the Position, Speed, Distance, and Time of Day channels enabled for accurate analysis.

Analog Channels

Configure analog sensors using this view.

Enable a channel by selecting a channel name and sample rate, then configure the mapping scheme:

• Raw value
• Simple linear scaling
• Interpolated map

Most sensors are configured in map mode to compensate for non-linear response, like many temperature sensors.

• Note Channel #8 is fixed as a battery input channel and should not be changed.

Pulse/RPM Sensors

Configure RPM / Timer / pulse channels using this view.

Enable a channel by selecting a channel name and sample rate, then configure the channel options:

• Channel Operation Mode: RPM, frequency, or pulse period
• Clock divider: This specifies the operating range for measuring the pulse. This is typically left at 128.
• Pulse Per Revolution / Teeth Per Wheel: This specifies the number of pulses representing a complete revolution of the wheel.
  • For RPM mode This value is typically set based on the number of cylinders and the number of coil packs used on the engine

Digital In/Out

Configure the 3 digital input / output channels using this view:

Enable a channel by selecting a channel name and sample rate, then configure the channel options:

• Mode: Set the channel to input for reading digital on/off sensors, or output to use the channel in output mode to control a device.

Accelerometer/Gyro

Configure the Accelerometer / Gyro with this view. Edit channel mappings, orientation and zero levels.

• Not yet implemented User interface for zeroing accelerometer/gyro channels.

Pulse/Analog Out

Up to 4 PWM / analog output channels are available for controlling devices - LEDs, motors - or sending signals to other systems.

Enable a channel by selecting the channel name and sample rate, then configure the channel options:

• Output Mode Select either Frequency / Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) mode or analog output mode. Note, to enable analog mode you also need to flip the hardware dip switch on the RaceCapture/Pro main board.
• Logging Mode Select either logging the frequency or the analog output voltage.
• Startup Duty Cycle The default duty cycle when the system starts up.
• Startup Period The default startup value for the pulse period. A larger number means individual pulses are spread further apart.

CAN Bus

Enable the CAN bus interface and baud rate using this screen.

OBD II

You can create OBDII channels and query standard OBD2 PIDs over a compatible OBD2 CAN bus link.

Note OBD2 is only supported for ECUs that support the CAN bus protocol. The mandatory requirement for CAN support is 2008, but some vehicles implemented it earlier. Research your year/make/model to confirm.

To add an OBD2 channel, click the + sign at the bottom of this configuration page and select the channel you wish to log.

Important The sample rate you select is the logged sample rate, not the actual sample rate of the data. Due to the limitations of the OBDII protocol, channels are queried sequentially in a request/reply fashion. Therefore, as more channels are enabled the effective individual channel sample rate is reduced.