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Well a few days ago i received the GT2 Timer i had ordered. I was not impressed with the item. Luckily i ordered it from Passport and they have a 30 day return policy if you are not satisfied- i will be returning it ASAP. I then started looking into the traqmate.
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As you've discovered, the Traqmate and other data loggers are completely different creatures from the GT2, much more powerful devices. I'm new to data logging but have experience with lap timers on racebikes. There is a wealth of information on other boards.
I looked at GPS and non GPS loggers including the GX2, Race Technology DL1, AIM, Racelogic Vbox/driftbox and chose the Traqmate because it's sufficiently powerful and has good software with an interface I can easily use. I have no regrets so far. It's a lot of fun to use, even just running around town or on my favorite loops.
Another reason I chose the TM is that it seem to have the most market momentum behind it in the sub $1K price range, the manufacturer seems to doing a good job of product updates and maintains an active user forum.
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Is the only difference between the basic and the complete that you get in car information on the little display unit real-time?
Does the data collection draw the track for you when you complete a lap or course? does it know this when you return to the same point again? How does this work in an autocross event when the start and finish are in different locations and the finish is not a full stop?
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The display makes changing menus and logging modes much easier, along with letting you view a session in your car conveniently without having to download the data to a PC. You can also download directly from the Display Unit instead of the Sensor Unit, this gives you more options on where to mount the SU since you don't have to get to it as often. I plan to mount mine under the seat.
The DU also gives you predictive lap features.
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In an autocross or track if you run a different line the second time around, will it draw the new line, or does it use an average line?
My interest in the traqmate is in studying my runs in either an autocross or DE event after the event. Do you consider this data collection system good for this use?
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Depending on how you mount the antenna and the number of satellites the unit can view most say the line is within 3' of accurate, but others have said that it can be as accurate as 18" from line. You can check how many sats it's seeing in the DU.
I can clearly see the difference in line from one lap to the next, even seeing when I moved over to make a pass.
The traqmate won't draw the track's edge outline but there are some on their forum that are logging the tracks' outline by driving two slow laps close to each edge to "trace" and log the track's shape. These outline are can be downloaded from what I read, as can the start/finish coordinates.
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Is it worth paying for the complete system to get instant info in the car? I cant imagine looking at the readout while you are actually driving or even during an event. It seems it would be a distraction. Is the basic system sufficient?
Any other specific info positive or negative would be appreciated. . .
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I think the basic system would be fine. Many loggers don't have a standard display. However, it certainly makes the unit more friendly. You can always upgrade, though there is a slight cost penalty.
Data loggers are fun things to have in the car, hopefully next season I'll be able to put the information to good use instead of just seeing it as just an interesting device or toy, that's the trick with these things, what to do with all the information. It's least important feature is as a lap timer.
