RaceCapture-Pro MK2

Open Source Data Acquisition and Control

Autosport Labs is excited to announce our latest project: RaceCapture/Pro - a powerful, multi-channel data acquisition and control system for motorsport applications

Impact

RaceCapture/Pro transcends most traditional "Data Logging" systems by virtue of its powerful processor and emphasis on outputs as well as inputs. The ability to perform data acquisition while controlling other devices and systems, coupled with flexible end-user customization offers a unprecedented level of capability.

Significance

While the primary application of RaceCapture/Pro is focused towards race car data acquisition, its powerful processor combined with a wealth of inputs and outputs also makes RaceCapture/Pro a general purpose automotive computer, one capable of handling many different tasks - limited only by your imagination. If the question is "Can RaceCapture do ...?" the answer will likely be 'Yes' and often with little to no external hardware support necessary.

Capabilities

Extreme flexibility comes with a powerful processor and a wealth of inputs and outputs.

Input and Output Channels

RaceCapture offers 25 input and output channels, enough to handle complex logging and control tasks.

• 7 dedicated 0-5v analog input channels
  • Measure sensors or process input from other devices.

• 3 dedicated 0-5v frequency input channels
  • Measure RPM, wheel speed, or any kind of periodic pulse.

• 4 configurable 0-5v analog or frequency output channels
  • Control other systems or even override OEM sensors

• 3 configurable digital channels, settable for input or output
  • Receive input from switches or digital signals; or configure as output and use to activate accessories or drive indicator lamps with on-board 1A self-protected mosfets

• 4 Axis Accelerometer: 3 channel accelerometer module plus Z-axis gyro (+/- 2G per axis, 3G optional)
  • Measure and log 3D G-force in real-time with one of the industry's most accurate accelerometers.
  • Z-axis gyroscope measures yaw/drift in real-time.

• 10Hz GPS module input
  • Add an external GPS module for course mapping
    • Plot location, speed and time. Onboard detection of start/finish line for automatic lap count and lap time

• Auxiliary Serial Port
  • Interface to real time telemetry, bluetooth adapter, dashboard display or other interface

• Digital expansion port
  • A high speed port provides the ability to add CAN bus expansion, more analog or digital channels, integrate specialty sensor hardware such as thermocouple amplifiers, and so on

Logging

• SD Memory card slot for data acquisition
  • Store up to 32GB of logging data

Power

• Powerful 48MHz 32 bit ARM processor
  • Power to perform high resolution logging and running complex, user-defined logic

Input/Output Protection

• 45v protection on all input pins
• Analog outputs protected by auto-resettable fuses
• Digital outputs are rated at 1A with self-protected mosfets
• Over-current protection on 5V reference
• 2A internal switching power supply

Mechanical

• Compact, rugged design
  • Unit measures approximately 4 x 3 inches (100 x 82 mm)
• Easy to use screw terminal block for wiring
• On-board 'action' switch to start/stop logging (or other use)
• On-board Status LEDs

Flexibility

On-board scripting

We embedded the Lua scripting language right on board RaceCapture/Pro; with Lua you can control RaceCapture's behavior at run-time, no firmware programming required.

Some Examples:

• • Activate a warning light when an input threshold is exceeded, such as temperature or pressure, or a combination of both
  • Log data at a higher rate when in range of a particular GPS coordinate, or when some other condition is met
  • Auto-start/stop logging based on speed, RPM, or any other condition
  • Experiment with active aerodynamics by adjusting a wing based on GPS velocity
  • Define logic to control an intercooler sprayer
  • Activate Smoke screens against your competitors :)

Software Connectivity

RaceCapture/Pro will feature software to:

• Customize logging channels
• View Runtime Data
• Edit custom scripting
• Perform data analysis and replay

Infinite Possibilities

• Far more than a data-logging system: flexible Inputs and Outputs coupled with a powerful processor offers endless customization
• Share configurations, tips and ideas with our online community
• Fully Open Source System - Open Standards, Open File format Frequent software updates and end-user customizable!

Board Connections

Images

Rev E board with on-board accelerometer module

RaceCapture/Pro with GPS Module

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