I’m frequently asked about what data system to buy. The answer to quote Ross Bentley is, “it depends.”
Let’s first look at the high end offerings —
Advantages: Can be hardwired, Can read CAN bus data, Good video quality always synced with data, Video with overlays available immediately without additional work, Dedicated analysis SW for PC (AIM,Vbox) and MAC (Vbox,) Improved accuracy, Customizable
Disadvantages: Cost, May be more data then you need/want, Harder to learn SW
When I’m working with an advanced driver I prefer a full VBOX system or an AIM data system including a SmartyCam. Both of these give us a combination of high quality data and linked video. This lets me do the most thorough analysis and to use side by side videos to show the opportunities for improvement and to plan out the approach. Also for the tracks I visit most often I can pull from a large database of different cars, setups and conditions to ensure we are comparing to best approaches. Vbox can connect to CAN and AIM can connect to CAN or OBDII data in to provide very useful driver input and car condition data.
The main downsides are total system cost ($1500-5000) and install complexity. The PC analysis software (RaceStudio 3) for AIM while very flexible is also has a very high learning hurdle. Probably 10-20 hours to become capable of the basics and 40+ hours for more detailed analysis. There is a real advantage with the customization capabilities for RS3. Everything from customized segment creation and naming to key data reporting unavailable with CircuitTools. My key metrics only available in RS3 are % of lap at WOT, Average Throttle %, Coasting location, Total steering input degrees and a few others. VBox software (CircuitTools) is easier to get the basic level 2-4 hours but does take a while to learn the more complex elements but is very limited in its customization and math channel capabilities. Note; Both companies software can be downloaded and tried before buying, well worthwhile if you plan to use yourself. Both SW options allow creation of automatically stitched together video of an optimum/best lap.
VBOX HD2 Track Package starts at $3500 w/ One camera and an OLED display
AIM SOLO2DL + SmartyCam3 Sport combined start at $1700. Costs are $799 and $899 respectively. (note V2 of the Solo 2 DL now has 25Hz GPS refresh rate)
