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 connectors oriented toward the front. This orientation aligns with the factory calibration of the internal accelerometer and gyroscope.
- 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.
Note: If it is necessary to install the unit in an alternative orientation (e.g., vertical, on-edge, or upside down), ensure it is rotated in clean 90-degree increments relative to the vehicle’s primary axes. Avoid mounting the device at an arbitrary angle, as this can affect sensor accuracy. For non-standard orientations, remap the accelerometer and gyroscope axes in the Setup menu to reflect the installed position.
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)
- RP-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 Podium Connect Micro to your computer with the USB cable,
- Start the RaceCapture app.
- The RaceCapture app will launch the first time setup wizard.
Android / iOS
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 1234. 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"
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 |
| 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. |
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) |
The RaceCapture/Track MK4 supports plug-and-play OBD-II connectivity along with dual CAN bus network support, enabling seamless integration with both OEM and aftermarket ECUs.
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
