Should I use a standalone module or should I use a connected system based around a PDA, Smartphone or Netbook?
By and large, autocrossers use connected systems with a PDA or Smartphone that rides along in the car. This allows them to review data quickly between runs.
Autocrossers who want a system they can carry in their pocket should consider combining a Quantum™ or Quantum Dot™ with an iPod Touch (or iPhone). Customers who prefer a larger screen or who want video should consider using a netbook.
Road racers generally use a standalone module on the car (MQGPS-TraQr™ or Quantum) and download the data to a netbook. However, road racers who also want a cockpit lap time display should use an iPod Touch (or iPhone) mounted to the dashboard and connected to a Quantum or Quantum Dot.
Any racer who wants integrated video and data will want to use a full VeQtr™ system, which includes a Quantum or Quantum Dot and a netbook that rides along in the car. Dashboard lap times can be displayed on the optional remote LCD.
I have decide I'm just going to get a standalone module. Should I get a TraQr or a Quantum?
The MQGPS-TraQr gives good performance for road racing. It can be used for autocrossing and drag racing, but it is not recommended due to the way its speed trigger works with respect to standing starts. Also, the 5 Hz sample rate is merely adequate for autocrossing - you can miss some transient details.
The Quantum gives excellent performance for all racing types. It has a more advanced speed trigger, and more memory. The 20 Hz sample rate is more than enough to capture fine details on the track. It includes a cluster of internal inertial sensors, including angular rate gyros, for improved detail and accuracy.
For endurance races under six hours, either the TraQr or the Quantum could be used. Over six hours, we recommend the Quantum, because you will need the larger memory. Choose the correct battery type to ensure uninterrupted operation, or hook up a wired power supply to replace the batteries for continuous operation.
Why do I need data acquisition?
Data acquisition ("DAQ" for short) is the secret weapon tuners and racers use to find horsepower gains and improve chassis dynamics, and to fine tune their driving skills. DAQ is a core engineering discipline behind all production vehicle and race car engineering. It gives you the information you need to make good decisions about where improvements need to be made. Some racers will tell you that intelligent use of data acquisition improves performance as much as an engine rebuild or a new set of racing tires. The beauty of data acquisition is that more knowledge makes you faster without actually modifying your car.
What do I need to buy in addition to the basic MQGPS unit?
For the MQGPS-TraQr, you will simply need a Windows laptop or desktop PC you can use to view the data after you download it from the TraQr.
For the Quantum, you can use it standalone or with a Windows netbook, Windows Mobile Pocket PC, iPhone, or iPod Touch.
For the Quantum Dot, a Windows netbook, Windows Mobile Pocket PC, iPhone, or iPod Touch is required, because the Quantum Dot does not have an memory of its own.
See our list of supported devices for recommendations on which Pocket PC/Smartphone or netbook to use.
What's the reason for using Smartphones and netbooks for data acquisition?
Too many racers leave their data tied up in the data acquisition black box. In order to access it, you have to dig out a laptop, download the data, and view it. This is a simple but significant barrier, and as a result many racers put off looking at their data until after the race weekend, when it doesn't do them much good.
In contrast, MaxQData users don't even need to leave the cockpit to review their data. They can get useful information even if they only have five minutes until their next run. This dramatically increases the value of the data.
Which PDA/Pocket PC/Smartphone should I use?
We now support the iPod Touch, which is readily available at local retailers. See here for a list of supported Windows Mobile devices.
I already have a Windows Mobile-based Smartphone or Pocket PC. Is it compatible?
Probably. See here for a list of supported devices.
Can I use my PalmTM or BlackberryTM PDA?
Sorry, Palm devices are not supported, except for those that are based on Windows Mobile. Blackberry devices are not supported.
Why do I want to use GPS for data acquisition?
Simple - you get great track maps that show you where you were on the face of the Earth and at what time. You don't have weird track shapes due to accumulated error like many non-GPS DAQ systems. See the documentation section for more information on using GPS.
How accurate is the GPS track map?
The overall shape of the course is accurate, but differences in line may not be evident. As the constellation of satellites overhead changes, the track map will drift slightly. Due to these inherent limitations in GPS, it won't reliably show you the difference between hitting the apex and missing it by a foot. However, with excellent satellite visibility (more than 8 satellites) and low HDOP values (under 1.2), you can potentially do line analysis.
Will the MQGPS compute lap and segment times from GPS? How accurate is it?
Yes. GPS can give you good lap time accuracy, generally down to a few hundredths of a second. It's not as accurate as a real optical beacon, but it's much more convenient, especially for looking at segment times which would otherwise require may beacons to be placed around the track.
For 1/4 mile drag strip timing, GPS is very accurate. Our testing shows errors of only a few hundredths of a second compared to the track timing system.
Do I need to play with "fudge factors" to get decent looking track maps?
No. Unlike some other systems on the market, GPS gives you track maps without the need for "tweaking" to make them "look right".
Will using a MaxQData system void my car's warranty?
MaxQData systems are used as instrumentation, so it's like adding a boost gauge or navigation system. Adding instrumentation normally does not void any warranties.
Can I measure 0-60MPH, 1/4 mile times, and horsepower?
Yes, and much more.
Can I overlay laps? Can I overlay flight recordings from different drivers?
Yes and yes.
Can I "plot by distance" as well as "plot by time"?
Yes.
Can I see a list of lap and segment times sorted chronologically from fastest to slowest, and then easily jump to a particular lap?
Yes.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
Palm is a trademark of Palm, Inc.