Track Commander User Manual

RLC ENTERPRISES, RACING DIVISION

Track Commander User Manual

This manual should be used for quick reference and on track use for the Track Commander. Perfect for motorcycles, go karts, and race cars.

Copyright Notice. All materials copyright © 2011, R.L.C. Enterprises, Inc., all rights reserved.

Micro Pod and the Micro Pod Logo are Trademarks of R.L.C. Enterprises, Inc.

R.L.C. Enterprises Reserves the Right to Change Specifications without Notice.

Revision 2.5

March 30, 2011

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION

Installation

Booting Up

Getting Around

Indicator Field

Lap Times, Predictive and Split Times

Session Timer/Lap Counter

CHAPTER 2 – USER PREFERENCES

Timing Screen

Display Screen

Files Screen

Logging Screen

Systems Screen

Beacons Screen

CHAPTER 3 – GPS

Setting the Start/Finish Line

GPS Track Map

Creating An Exact Track Map

GPS Lap Timer

GPS Predictive Lap Timer

GPS Split Lap Timer

GPS Autocross Timer

GPS Performance Mode

GPS Connection Time

CHAPTER 4 – RACE LOG FILES

Uploading Race Log Files

Copying Backup Log Files

CHAPTER 5 – STOP LOGGING /

SUMMARY SCREEN

Stop Logging

Summary Screen

CHAPTER 6 – SYNCHRONIZED VI DEO

ChaseCam PDR Camera

Connecting to the ChaseCam PDR

Verify Connection

Verify ChaseCam PDR Recording

Removing Power

Downloading Synchronized Video Log File

Corrupt Synchronized Video File?

CHAPTER 7 – ADDING A DACX

Add An Analog Input Sensor

Select Channel

Select Sensor

Name The Sensor

Units

Sampling Rate

Subtype

Add Sensor

Add A Digital Input Sensor

Select Channel

Select Type of Sensor

Name The Sensor

Units

Sampling Rate

Subtype

Add Sensor

Add An OBD-II Sensor

Select Sensor

Name The Sensor

Units

Sampling Rate

Add Sensor

Delete Sensor

CHAPTER 8 – ADDING WI - FI

Download Wi-Fi Racing App

Password Protecting/ Network Naming

Lap and Predictive Times

Sensor Data

CHAPTER 8 – UPDATING THE TRACK

COMMANDER

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Introduction

First and foremost, thank you for buying our products. You are a valued customer and R.L.C. looks forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with you. In order to help insure your success, we have prepared this Getting

Started Guide for you. Use this step-by-step Getting Started Guide/User Manual to get started for the first time and as a reference during the normal operation of your Track Commander. The Track Commanders have a touch screen for navigation. Simply tap on the screen to make your selection or to get to another screen. We will cover how to get around the unit using only the touch screen in the section below.

Installation

Attach the Track Commander unit to the suction cup mount by snapping it in, RLC Racing logo should be on the top. Now with the unit attached to the suction cup mount, mount the unit to the windshield in a desirable place.

You will want to mount it close enough so you can touch the screen easily when your seat belts are tight, you will need to do this when you set a start/finish line. Connect the GPS unit to the connector marked GPS on the harness. You will want to mount the antenna for the GPS unit on the outside of the car so it is in clear view of the sky. The antenna is magnetized so it is easy to mount almost anywhere. For customers using the 10 Hz GPS unit, we have included a piece of Velcro so you can securely mount your GPS unit anywhere in your car. The 5

Hz GPS is an all-in-one unit and is magnetized so that it mounts to the outside of the car easily, no Velcro is required. We recommend that you place the GPS antenna somewhere on the center line of your car (away from the engine compartment) in clear view of the sky.

Booting Up

To power the Track Commander, plug it into the cigarette lighter. The 5 Hz GPS is powered through the harness of the Track Commander but the 10 Hz needs its own source of power. Depending on your car you may need to turn the car on. Once you have powered the unit, you should see a startup screen (Fig 1). This screen will display while the system is loading for a few seconds and then you will see the driving screen (Fig 2). The driving screen is the screen which you will use during races. The GPS will take about a minute to connect and the screen will change to Figure 3. This screen will be referred to as the Driving screen. You will set the start/finish later.

Figure 1 – Startup Screen Figure 2 – Driving Screen

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Figure 3 – Driving Screen Ready

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Getting Around

Navigating through the different screens of the

Track Commander is easy; simply use the touch screen. To navigate to the different screens, touch the screen and buttons will pop up from the bottom and top of the screen. To select user preferences touch the Main Menu button, to review a summary of your last session touch the Summary button, to change to performance mode touch the

Performance button, and to change to drifting mode touch the Drifting button (must have Dual GPS for this option) (Fig 4).

Figure 4 – Navigation Buttons

Indicator Field

The indicator field is a useful tool for drivers to know whether you are connected to satellites, logging, or if a camera is attached. There will be a ‘5’ or a ‘10’ in the indicator field to indicate which GPS unit you have connected to your unit. In the upper right hand corner there is a GPS satellite bar that lets you know how many satellites you are connected to and it will blink on and off when it is connecting to satellites. The ‘L’ stands for logging and it will turn on when the Track Commander has started logging data and will turn off when it stops logging. The camera icon will turn on if a ChaseCam camera system is connected to the Track Commander. The

‘D’ stands for differential satellite mode. The ‘X’ will appear if a DACX module is connected.

Indicator Field

GPS Satellite

Indicator

Figure 5 –Indicator Field

Lap, Predictive, and Split Times

Lap times are displayed during the race and require no user intervention. Please see the GPS chapter on how to set up the lap timers. Lap times, predictive and split times are flashed on screen and remain on screen for a set amount of time (Fig 6, 7, and 8). Below the lap time is a value that tells you if you were faster (time displayed in red) or slower (time displayed in green) than your fastest lap time. The predictive lap time displays the time

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Ch.1 difference between your fastest lap time and your current lap time at that particular spot on the track. The split lap time displays your time between the markers you set on the track and the time difference between your best time and your current time.

Figure 6 – Lap Timer Figure 7 – Predictive Lap Timer Figure 8 – Split Lap Timer

Session Timer / Lap Counter

The session time and lap counter are displayed on the bottom of the driving screen (Fig 9). The lap counter keeps track of number of completed laps you have made; it will increase every time you cross the start/finish line and complete a lap. Please see the setting the start/finish line section below on how to set the start/finish line. The session time is denoted by the ‘S’ and displays how long you have been on the track and you can figure out how long until the end of a timed race. The session time automatically starts when you reach logging speed.

Lap Number

Figure 9 – Lap Counter and Session Time

Session Time

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User Preferences

To set user preferences you need to be in the Main

Menu screen. To set your preferences, touch the screen anywhere but on the Set Start/Finish button.

Two buttons will appear at the bottom right of the screen. If you accidentally hit the Set Start/Finish, don’t worry you can reset it in the Main Menu screen. Press the Main Menu button and the Main

Menu screen will appear. From here you will set your preferences.

Timing Screen

The Track Commander has 5 different timing modes that you can choose from; it ships from the factory in predictive mode. Touch on the Timing button on the right to set the timing mode on the left (Fig 10).

Ch.2 that particular section of track. Predictive timing does not work while the unit is in autocross mode.

Track Mapping mode is explained later in this manual. This is also where you can reset your fastest lap and the start/finish line. The fastest lap is used in both the predictive and classic lap timing mode.

This is the lap that all times are compared to and is displayed in the Driving screen. If you reset the fast lap you will have to drive a complete lap around the track before the predictive timing will work, you do not have to reset a start/finish line. The Delete All

Data button will delete the start/finish line and the fast lap. You will have to reset a start/finish line and drive a complete lap before predictive lap timing will work. Press either the Exit button if you are done setting your preferences or select another option in the Main Menu screen. When the Exit button is pressed, your preferences are saved and you are taken back to the Driving screen.

Display Screen

The Display screen (Fig 11) allows you to set up the screen the way you want. You can select the screen color, brightness or calibrate the screen.

Figure 10 – Timing Screen

The Timing screen allows you to select which timing mode you want the Track Commander unit to be in.

Predictive Timing puts the unit in predictive mode; you will need to set at start/finish and drive a complete lap around the track before you will receive predictive lap times. Classic Lap Timing mode will only give you your lap times as you cross the start/finish line. Autocross mode allows you to set a finish line, while the start line is based off G-Forces.

Split Timing lets you set a different start/finish so that you can section up the track and only work on

Figure 11 – Display Screen

There are six different backgrounds to choose from.

The Foreground option allows you to either fill or outline the numbers on the screen. Choose whichever one allows you to see the numbers the best. LCD Brightness allows you to choose between day and night mode. Day mode is brighter than night mode. The Touchscreen option allows you to

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calibrate the touchscreen. The touchscreen is already calibrated in the factory but you can choose to redo it if you don’t feel the screen is responding well to your touch. If you calibrate the touchscreen you need to power the unit off and on before the changes will take effect. Press either the Exit button if you are done setting your preferences or select another option in the Main Menu screen. When the

Exit button is pressed, your preferences are saved and you are taken back to the Driving screen.

Files Screen

The Files screen (Fig 12) is where you can see how many logged session files or backup files you have on your unit.

Figure 12 – Files Screen

File Storage shows you how much of the memory you have used and how many minutes you have left to log. The Log Files shows you how many files you have logged, the size of the files, and whether or not you have a USB memory stick plugged into the unit to download files. Press either the Exit button if you are done setting your preferences or select another option in the Main Menu screen. When the Exit button is pressed, your preferences are saved and you are taken back to the Driving screen.

Logging Screen

The Logging screen (Fig 13) is where you set your logging preferences. This is where you will set up

Ch.1 how you want your Track Commander to start and stop logging.

Figure 13 – Logging Screen

Logging Speed is the speed which you want to reach before your unit starts to log data. You don’t want to set it too low so you won’t start logging while you are driving around the pits. We recommend 35 mph. Stop Logging is where you set how long after the car has stopped that you want to stop logging.

The Logging screen is also where you set the

Logging G-Force limit. This setting is used in both the Performance Mode and Autocross Mode. You want to set it low enough so that your car will start logging when it accelerates but not so low that it starts logging when your car barely moves forward.

We recommend starting at 0.2 g. Press either the

Exit button if you are done setting your preferences or select another option in the Main Menu screen.

When the Exit button is pressed, your preferences are saved and you are taken back to the Driving screen.

System Screen

The System screen (Fig 14) allows you to set the time and date so the logged files will have the correct times. If you press the ‘Units’ button a screen will appear to allow you choose either standard or metric units. The ‘Video’ button allows you to choose if you are connected to a ChaseCam or other auxiliary camera.

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Figure 14 – System Screen

This screen also lets you “zero out” your internal 3axis G-Force sensor. Mount the Track Commander as level and perpendicular to the road as you can.

Before you press the tare button to “zero out” the

G-Forces, make sure you are on level ground and not on a hill. It is important to tare the Track

Commander as level as possible especially if you are going to be using the performance mode. You should repeat this procedure every time you relocate the Track Commander. Press either the Exit button if you are done setting your preferences or select another option in the Main Menu screen. When the

Exit button is pressed, your preferences are saved and you are taken back to the Driving screen.

Beacons Screen

The Beacon screen (Fig 15) allows you to set the number of beacons for Predictive lap timing mode.

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You can set up to 99 beacons. For a 1 mile track we would recommend 10 beacons, for a 2 mile track we would recommend 15 beacons, for a 3 mile track we would recommend 20 beacons, etc. These should be considered starting points, please adjust the number of beacons to you your liking. Press either the Exit button if you are done setting your preferences or select another option in the Main

Menu screen. When the Exit button is pressed, your preferences are saved and you are taken back to the

Driving screen.

Figure 15 – Beacons Screen

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GPS

GPS is included with all Track Commanders, and allow you to get exact track maps, lap times, predictive times, and split times. Standard GPS units included with your Track Commander are the 5 Hz, although a 10 Hz model is also available from R.L.C. We recommend that you place the GPS antenna somewhere on the center line of your car (away from the engine compartment or any type of electrical noise), in clear view of the sky, and horizontal or parallel to the sky.

When connecting the GPS for the first time it could take upwards of an hour to lock onto satellites and start transmitting data, due to a significant change of position. When making a connection for the first time make sure the antenna is in clear view of the sky and the cord is completely uncoiled. After the GPS has established a connection for the first time, connecting to satellites can take as little as 5 seconds to a maximum of 1 minute.

The top right of the screen will flash until a GPS connection has been made. To view how many satellites your

GPS unit is connected to, look at the satellite bar on the top right of the screen. When the GPS initially connects, it will only be connected to maybe 4 satellites. As the GPS units stays on it will connect to more satellites automatically. When a differential signal has been locked onto a ‘D’ with a box around it will appear in the upper left hand corner. Also indicated in the upper left hand corner of the screen will be the GPS (5 or 10 Hz), an ‘L’ will appear when you are logging data, and if you have a ChaseCam camera connected a camera icon will appear.

If you would like to verify that the GPS is working and connected properly, you can simply look at the top right hand corner of the screen at the GPS satellite indicator (Fig 16). The GPS satellite indicator has bars, each bar represents a satellite the Track Commander is connected to.

GPS Satellite

Indicator

Figure 16 – GPS Verification

Setting the Start/Finish Line

A start/finish line must be set on your unit so the pop up lap timer, lap counter, and predictive lap timer works properly. You must be moving forward (at least 25 mph) and on the track (not in the hot pits) when you set the start/finish. Usually you set the start/finish line on your first lap around the track. Once the start/finish line has been set, your unit will remember it until you drive a different track and/or set a different start/finish line. This start/finish lap will also be recorded as your base lap for when the unit is in predictive mode. To read more about predictive lap timing, see the GPS predictive lap timer section below.

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To set the start/finish line you need to press the big, green Set Start/Finish button on the driving screen (Fig 3).

When your car passes the spot on the track that you want to mark as the start/finish line press the Set Start/Finish button. Make sure you drive a complete lap around the track so that your base lap for predictive lap timing will be established.

GPS Track Map

GPS is the most accurate & precise way to map a track. Every lap that you take around the track is distinctive and unique. Unlike mapping a track with G-Force, just a single lap will render an accurate map based on your exact line you drove. G-Force requires that you make multiple laps and then the PC software will average your laps and create a track map based on those averages. Each lap will look exactly the same and the data can be off as much as 30 feet! With RLC, each lap will look different because each line you drive around the track is slightly different.

The data that is recorded from each lap is extremely accurate. R.L.C. does not average and compress your data to create a track map; instead our software creates a track map based on each individual lap. The Race Analyzer software creates a generic/default track map based on how much of the track you drove on (Fig 17) in each session. The left side of the track will be the leftmost line your car drove on the track and the right side will be the rightmost line your car drove. The narrower the track means that you drove close to the same line every time you drove that part of the track. Now when you analyze your data on the Race Analyzer software, each lap will appear within the track that was created by your car. The track map that was created is specific to the data for that particular session. Each session will render a different track map because you drive differently every time.

Figure 17 – Track Map

Creating an Exact Track Mapping

R.L.C. offers a track mapping option called Exact Track (Fig 18). A generic/default track map is created with every session but an Exact Track map allows you to see your exact lap lines within the widths of the actual track and you can quickly find your fastest line. You can check R.L.C.’s website or the Pro Race Analysis software to see if an Exact Track map for the tracks you race at have already been created. If you do not find an Exact Track map for a particular race track and you would like to create one please follow the steps on the next page.

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Figure 18 – Exact Track Map Figure 19 – Exact Track Map, Close Up

If you would like to create a new Exact Track map for a track you did not find in the list of tracks we have available then please follow the steps below. You can also send us log files from a track and we will create an

Exact Track map from them. To create a new Exact Track map make sure that you have a differential GPS

lock. You can check to see if you have a differential lock looking at the indicator field in the top left hand corner of the screen and looking for the ‘D’ to be on. If you see the ‘D’ you are locked in, if not give it some more time.

A differential lock will ensure that you get the most accurate track map.

Before

you go out onto the track, like while in the hot pits, press anywhere on the screen to bring up the navigation buttons. Touch the Main Menu button, touch the Timing button, touch the Track Mapping button, the touch the Exit button (Fig 20). A track mapping screen will appear prompting you to press ‘Start’ (Fig 21). Once you are in the track mapping screen, drive out onto the track and place your tires as close to the edge of the track as you can (you choose which side you want to drive first). When you are ready, press the ‘Start’ button; a screen will appear that displays the distance traveled and the distance to the start (Fig 22). Drive the left side of the track. Drive past your initial staring point and then cross over to the right side of the track. Again place your tires as close to the edge of the track as possible and drive the right side of the track. Drive past your initial starting point and press the ‘Stop & Save’ button and the Exact Track Map is saved. The car must travel in the same direction for each lap. If for any reason you want to abort the track mapping press the ‘Cancel’ button.

Figure 20 - GPS Track Mapping Screen

Figure 21 - GPS Track Mapping Screen

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Figure 22 - GPS Track Mapping Screen

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You want to drive around the track as slow as you can. If you have the 5 Hz GPS you want to stay around 20-25 mph (32-40 kph) and with the 10 Hz GPS around 25-30 mph (40-48 kph). The slower that you drive the closer together the GPS samples are, this creates a more accurate and smooth track map. The track map will be one of the log files. Send the log file (.bin) to RLC Racing and they will create the Exact Track map so that you can use it in the PC software. Make sure you include what track it is, the configuration (if there are alternates), website to the track, and any additional information that may be helpful. RLC Racing will use this information and Google

Earth to add rumble strips, buildings, flag stations, bleachers, and any other track characteristics we can see. We will send you the Exact Track map file (.map) and now you can analyze your data within the confines of the actual widths of the track.

GPS Lap Timer

GPS is used to measure lap times instead of a stationary beacon you have to place on the track.

GPS is more exact and it eliminates the need of buying an expensive lap timer. The GPS lap timer is automatically set up once you set the start/finish line, which was covered in an above section. Now your lap time will pop up on your unit every time your car crosses the start/finish line (Fig 23). Also displayed is the difference between you current lap time and your fastest lap time. If your lap time is faster then it will be (-) in red and if the lap time is slower then it will be (+) in green.

Figure 23 – Lap Timer

GPS Predictive Lap Timer

Predictive lap timing is a great tool when you want to try new things at the track and need some instant feedback. When the race logger is in predictive mode, it will inform you of the time difference at that current location on the track between your current lap and your fastest lap (ever), so you know if things are helping or hurting (Fig 24). If you are currently faster than your fastest lap then the time difference will be (-) in red and if you are currently slower then it will be in (+) green. The GPS predictive lap timer is automatically set up once you set the start/finish line, which was covered in an above section.

Figure 24 – Predictive Lap Time

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GPS Split Lap Timer

The split lap timing feature on the Track Commander lets you divide up the track to work on a specific section to get your lap times down. By setting markers, you can section off the parts of the track you want to work on. You can set to two split markers on the track. When the unit is in split mode it will display the time it took to get through the same markers you set and the difference between your current time and your best time (Fig 25). If you were faster than your fastest time then the time difference will be (-) in red and if you are currently slower then it will be in (+) green.

Figure 25 – Split Lap Time Figure 26 – Split Setup Screen

To set the split lap timer, navigate to the Timing screen (Fig 10). Touch the Split button then press the ‘Exit’ button. Another screen will appear (Fig 26) that will allow you to set a split beacon. Press the ‘Set’ button once before and once after the section of track that you want to work on. Now every time you cross the marker the time will start and it will stop when you cross the next marker. Your time will flash up on the screen along with the time difference between your current run and your fastest run.

GPS Autocross Timer

The Autocross mode on the Track Commander lets you start timing without having to set a start line. The Track

Commander does not require a start line to be set because it starts logging/timing using the internal G-forces

(when your car accelerates it starts timing). G-Force limits can be set in the Logging screen (Fig 13). Your first time through the course you will have to set a finish line. Every time you line up to take another turn you will need to touch the screen where the time is to reset the unit. Once the unit has been reset to zero, the Track

Commander is ready for another run.

To place the Track Commander in Autocross mode, navigate to the main menu. Touch the ‘Autocross Mode’ button in the Timing screen. When you exit from the main menu you will see a screen prompting you to set a finish line (Fig 27). Press the ‘Set New Finish Line’ button when you cross the place on the track that you want to be the finish line.

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Figure 27 – Autocross Mode

Now when you accelerate the timer will start and it will stop when you cross the finish marker. Your time will flash up on the screen along with the time difference between your current run and your fastest run. The fastest time will reset every time your unit is powered off.

GPS Performance/Drag Mode

The Track Commander can easily be switched over to Performance/Drag Mode. The Performance Mode allows you to measure your car’s horsepower, acceleration (0-60 or 0-100 mph), deceleration (60-0 or 100-0 mph), ¼ and

1/8 mile times, and max G’s.

To place the Track Commander in Performance mode touch on the screen, you will see two buttons drop down from the top of the screen (Fig 28). Touch on the ‘Performance’ button and the Drag Mode screen will appear

(Fig 29).

Figure 28 – Navigation Buttons

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Figure 29 – Performance Mode Figure 30 – Performance Mode 2

Enter in the weight of your car and select which performance measurements you want to see. Simply touch on the screen in the different areas to change the measurements. Above is another screen shot of more performance measurements (Fig 30). These performance measurements can be selected on the fly (while the car is moving).

All performance measurements will start off of G-Forces which can be set in the logging screen (Fig 13). Once you are done with your run you will need to click on the ‘Reset’ button to reset all measurements. For deceleration measurements a ‘Ready’ indicator will appear in the bottom left hand corner when you have reached the appropriate speed.

When you are done with performance measurements you can go back to the timing screens by touching on the

‘Go Back’ button when the car has come to a complete stop.

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Stop Logging / Summary Screen

Stop Logging

When you are done with your track session and your car has come to a stop, the Stop Logging button will appear on the bottom of the screen (Fig 31). You can either press it to stop logging or let the unit stop logging on its own (you set the time in the Logging screen). It is important for the unit to stop logging

before

power is removed! If you remove power before the unit has stopped logging then you could lose lap information or your log file could possibly become corrupted and you will not be able to play it on the Race Analyzer Software. This is why we recommend direct wiring to your battery.

The next time you power the unit on the fastest lap from the previous session is displayed in the Driving screen and the entire summary of the previous track session can also be viewed in the Summary screen.

Summary Screen

When the unit has stopped logging, the Main

Menu/Summary button will appear at the bottom right corner of the screen. Once you have stopped logging, you can view the Summary Screen (Fig 32) and see a summary of your track session. You can sort your data by lap or by time by pressing LAP or

TIME. Press the up or down arrow buttons to scroll up or down through your lap times. When you are done you can either press the Timing button to go back to the Driving screen or press the Main

Menu button to see the Main Menu screen.

Figure 31 – Stop Logging Button

Figure 32 – Summary Screen

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Race Log Files

Each time you go out on the track the Track Commander creates a logged file session. These logged sessions can downloaded to your PC to analyze the data with the RLC Race Analysis software with the USB stick provided with your unit. To transfer the logged session files from your Track Commander to a PC you only need to connect a USB memory stick, there are no extra cables to attach just the USB stick. Make sure the car is not running before you upload, copy, or delete files from the Track Commander. Each time you offload a log file it makes a copy and stores it in a backup folder on the Track Commander for future use.

Uploading Race Log Files

To transfer a logged session from the Track Commander to a PC you will need the USB memory stick that was included with your Track Commander but also available at your local office store. Insert the USB memory stick into the USB connector coming out the side of the unit. The Track Commander will recognize the USB stick and if there are log files to upload then it will switch over to the Files screen (Fig 33). The Files screen will show you how many log files there are to upload. Touch the Transfer to USB button to upload the log files. With the logged sessions now on your USB stick, you can load them into the RLC Race Analyzer software and study your data. Every time you offload a log file from the Track Commander it will automatically create a backup file. This backup file is stored in a backup file directory on the Track Commander for future use. Please see the section below on how to copy and offload a backup file form the Track Commander.

Figure 33 – USB Stick Plugged In

Copying Backup Log Files

To offload the backup files navigate to the Files screen. Simply plug in the USB stick that was provided with the

Track Commander and touch the ‘Copy’ button under the File Storage section on the screen (Fig 33). Your backup log files will start to copy onto your USB stick. With the logged sessions now on your USB stick, you can load them into the RLC Race Analyzer software and study your data. You can also choose to delete the backup files from your Track Commander by clicking the ‘Delete’ button.

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Synchronized Video

RLC worked closely with ChaseCam to produce the only truly synchronized video. By connecting a ChaseCam

PDR to a Track Commander the data is actually embedded in the video file to create just one file. By embedding the data in the video file we ensure that the data being taken by the Track Commander (speed, track position, lap times, etc.) is in fact directly linked to the video being taken by the camera. Now when you play your synchronized video log file on the PC Race Analysis Software your video, data, and track position are exactly linked. You can click any place on the track and your video and data will all jump to that exact position. Knowing that your data and video are truly synchronized you can analyze your data in more depth than ever before. You can see the exact position you applied the brakes, when you dove into a turn, and when got back on the throttle. Compare this to your fastest lap and you will improve your lap times in no time at all.

ChaseCam PDR Camera

The ChaseCam PDR needs to have its own source of power; again we recommend that you wire directly to the battery, and needs to share the same ground as the Track Commander.

Firmware

The ChaseCam PDR needs to have the latest firmware, version 01.02.12 or higher, installed so that it will properly communicate with the Track

Commander. If you ordered your ChaseCam camera recently from RLC or directly from

ChaseCam it will already have the latest firmware installed. If you ordered from a dealer or it is an existing camera you may want to check the current version on your camera. To check the version number on your ChaseCam PDR, look at the screen while the camera is booting (Fig 34).

If your firmware is an older version then you will need to download the latest firmware from the

ChaseCam website, www.chasecam.com/pdr.update, and install it.

Settings on the ChaseCam PDR Camera

With up-to-date firmware installed on your unit you can now load the pre-defined shortcut option that allows the ChaseCam PDR to work exclusively with the Track Commander. To load this pre-defined option press the Menu button on the ChaseCam

PDR, select the Shortcuts option, select the Data

Acquisition option, then select Data Acq 5 – Chase

RLC (Fig 35).

Figure 35 – ChaseCam PDR Shortcut

The pre-defined shortcut option needs to be loaded so that ChaseCam PDR is set up properly to work with the Track Commander. There are no settings that need to be set on the Track Commander.

Figure 34 – ChaseCam PDR Loading Screen

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Connecting To The ChaseCam

PDR

The Track Commander is set up for synchronized video. If you have the new style harness a standard

Ethernet cable is used to connect the Track

Commander to the ChaseCam PDR (do not use a cross over cable). If you purchased your ChaseCam

PDR from RLC then the video cable was included, otherwise you can either order a video cable from

RLC or from a local office supply store. Plug the video cable into the connector on the harness that is labeled ‘Video’ and then plug into the back of the

ChaseCam PDR (Fig 36). If you have the old style harness then plug the cable that is labeled Video directly into the back of the ChaseCam PDR. When plugging in cables, make sure the car is turned off and there is no power to the ChaseCam PDR or

Track Commander.

Ch.6 time to verify the connection. Start your engine and look at the screen of the Track Commander. When the Track Commander recognizes that you are connected to a ChaseCam camera you will see a camera icon in the top left of the driving screen in the indicator field (Fig 37).

Figure 37 – GLC Indicator

Also look at the ChaseCam PDR. When it is ready to start recording the light on the front will be solid green (Fig 38).

Figure 36 – Track Commander Connected to ChaseCam PDR

With the Track Commander plugged into the

ChaseCam PDR the RLC unit will completely control the camera; it starts recording when the

Track Commander starts logging and stops recording when it stops logging. There are no special settings that you need to do on the Track

Commander, it will automatically connect and control the ChaseCam camera.

Verify Connection

When you successfully set the ChaseCam PDR up and have connected it to the Track Commander it is

Figure 38 – ChaseCam PDR Light Green

Verify ChaseCam PDR Recording

When you have successfully verified that your

ChaseCam PDR is connected to your Track

Commander you need to verify that it is recording properly. The Track Commander will completely control the ChaseCam PDR; it will tell the camera to start recording when the RLC unit starts logging and tell it to stop recording when the RLC unit stops logging. When the L appears in the indicator field in the top left hand corner of the screen, the RLC unit is logging data (Fig 37). Check the light on the front of the ChaseCam PDR, it should be flashing red to indicate that it is recording (Fig 39).

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Figure 39 – ChaseCam PDR Light Red

Removing Power

When you have finished your session and are ready to turn your engine off or remove power you must wait for the Track Commander to stop logging

first! The L in the indicator field will turn off when the Track Commander has finished logging (you set your logging preferences in a section above). Once the Track Commander has stopped logging it will tell the ChaseCam PDR to stop recording, again the light on the front will turn to solid green. If you do not let your Track Commander stop logging before power is removed, you will corrupt your synchronized video file and you will not be able to use it in the RLC Race Analysis Software.

Downloading Synchronized

Video Log File

When you are ready to download the synchronized video log file so you can analyze your data in the PC

Race Analysis software, you do so from the compact flash card in the ChaseCam PDR recorder. It is a

.mpg file that you can play as a regular video file in a

Windows Media Player but if opened in the PC Race

Analysis Software it will contain both the video and the data. You do not have to download the log file from the Track Commander if you don’t want to because the data is already contained in the video file. It is the .mpg file from the compact flash card in the ChaseCam PDR camera that you want to open in the PC software so you have synchronized video file.

Ch.6

Corrupt Synchronized Video

File?

If you find that your camera turned off accidentally while out on the track or you removed power too soon, your synchronized video file will be corrupt.

You cannot open it in the Race Analysis Software but you can still view it as a standard video file.

The log file on the Track Commander can always be used for data analysis, even if the synchronized video file is corrupted. The data (.bin) log file on the Track

Commander only contains the data, not the video.

Use the USB memory stick included with the Track

Commander to offload the log file.

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Ch.7

Adding A DACX

The Track Commander can be turned into a data logger by connecting any one of our Data Acquisition Channel

Expander (DACX) modules. You can add analog and digital channels and/or OBD-II connectivity, please see our website for the different types of DACX modules available. One DACX module can be added to the Track

Commander. The Track Commander will log all data from the sensors and/or OBD-II port. You cannot display the data as you can with our Micro Pod or Pro unit systems, it will only log the data so that you can use the data in the Pro Race Analysis Software. However, you can view the DACX screen to see the real time value of the sensors to check to make sure they are reading correctly. The Track Commander also differs from the Micro Pod and Pro units in that you cannot calibrate your own sensors. It comes loaded with all the RLC sensors calibration files but if you want to add a sensor not in the list then you will have to connect it to the sensor called Volts and record the voltage. Then in the Pro Race Analysis Software you can use the Math Equation creator and apply the proper equation to the sensor and graph the data.

With the power off, connect the DACX module and then power the unit on. When the Track Commander powers up you will notice that you now have a new indicator icon, in the upper left hand corner of the screen which indicates that a DACX module is connected. You can also tell if a DACX module is connected to your Track Commander if the DACX button on the Main Menu screen has a green circle (Fig 40). If the circle on the DACX button is red then a DACX module is not connected (Fig 41).

Figure 40 – DACX Module Connected

Figure 41 – DACX Module Not Connected

To add a sensor to log, navigate to the Main Menu screen by touching the screen then pressing the ‘Main Menu’ button. You will see the DACX button on the top. Press the ‘DACX’ button and the DACX screen will appear.

The DACX screen will show you all the sensors that are being logged by the Track Commander and their value.

You can see that the internal 3-axis G-Force sensor and Car Battery is being logged. These sensors are always logged on the Track Commander. As you add sensors to the Track Commander the DACX Screen will display the sensor along with its value. This screen can be used to verify that sensors are reading correctly. If you have more sensors than can be displayed on the screen the up and down arrow will highlight to let you scroll through the available sensors.

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Ch.7

Figure 42 – DACX Screen

If you purchased one of the DACX modules that offers OBD-II connectivity the OBD-II button will be green.

If you purchased one of the DACX modules that does not have OBD-II connectivity the OBD-II button will be grayed out. If you are done with this screen you can click the ‘Exit’ button and it will take you back to the Main

Menu screen.

When adding sensors to the Track Commander make sure that you have the correct sensor assigned to the correct channel. You cannot edit the sensors and channels the way you can with the Micro Pod and Pro units. If you make a mistake you must delete that sensor and start over.

Add An Analog Input Sensor

To add an analog input sensor click the ‘Add’ button. The Add Sensor screen will appear (Fig 43). If you do not want to add a sensor you can click the ‘Go Back’ button and it will take you back to the DACX Screen.

Figure 43 – Add Analog Input Sensor

Select Channel

Verify that the Channel is correct, it should be ANALOG IN 1. If the channel is wrong then touch the screen where is says which channel it is. The channel will highlight and the scrolling arrows, and will highlight.

Use the scrolling arrows to select which channel you want to assign the sensor to.

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Select Sensor

Once you have verified that you are adding the sensor to the correct channel we need to select which sensor you are adding. Touch the screen where it says which sensor is to be added. Again the name of the sensor will highlight and you will use the scrolling arrows, and to select which sensor you want to add. In Figure

43 we have chosen to add the RLC 100mm Linear (Throttle)(MLS130-100-R-N) sensor.

Name The Sensor

In the space next to Name, is the name of the sensor and how it will appear in the Pro Race Analysis Software. If you are happy with the name you can leave it or you can add your own, in Figure 43 we called the sensor Throttle.

To delete the current name press the arrow until it erases the name. To enter a name press the or button until you get to the desired letter. Once you get to the desired letter press the button. Repeat this process until you spell out the name you want to label the sensor.

Units

When you have selected a sensor it may or may not have units assigned to it. If it does not have units assigned to it touch in the box next to Units and repeat the same process as you did with typing in a name.

Sampling Rate

To select the sampling rate touch the screen next to Rate. The number will highlight. Press the or button to select the sampling rate. You can select either 1, 2, 4, 5 10, 20, 25, 50, or 100 Hz. Sampling rate should be determined by the sensor. For sensors that change quickly like shocks or throttle position you will want to select a higher sampling rate. But on sensors that change slowly like temperature you would want a lower sampling rate like 5 Hz.

Subtype

If the sensor you have chosen to add to the Track Commander has a subtype it will appear next to the Subtype section. Sensors with subtypes include brake pressure sensors, you can have either front (F) or rear (R) brakes.

To change the subtype touch the screen where it shows the subtype. It will highlight. Use the button to select the subtype.

Add Sensor

Double check all of your selections. If they all appear correct then press the ‘Add’ button. The DACX Screen will appear. You will notice that the sensor you just added will also now appear.

Add A Digital Input Sensor

To add a digital input sensor click the ‘Add’ button. The Add Sensor screen will appear (Fig 44). If you do not want to add a sensor you can click the ‘Go Back’ button and it will take you back to the DACX Screen.

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Ch.7

Figure 44 – Add Digital Input Sensor

Select Channel

Verify that the Channel is correct, it should be DIGITAL IN 1. If the channel is wrong then touch the screen where is says which channel it is. The channel will highlight and the scrolling arrows, and will highlight.

Use the scrolling arrows to select which channel you want to assign the sensor to.

Select Type of Sensor

Once you have verified that you are adding the sensor to the correct channel we need to select which type of sensor you are adding. Touch the screen next to where it says type. The type of sensor will highlight and you will use the scrolling arrows, and to select which type of sensor you want to add. In Figure 44 we have chosen to add RPM.

Name The Sensor

In the space next to Name, is the name of the sensor and how it will appear in the Pro Race Analysis Software. If you are happy with the name you can leave it or you can add your own, in Figure 44 we called the sensor RPM.

To delete the current name press the arrow until it erases the name. To enter a name press the or button until you get to the desired letter. Once you get to the desired letter press the button. Repeat this process until you spell out the name you want to label the sensor.

Units

When you have selected a sensor it may or may not have units assigned to it. If it does not have units assigned to it touch in the box next to Units and repeat the same process as you did with typing in a name.

Sampling Rate

To select the sampling rate touch the screen next to Rate. The number will highlight. Press the or button to select the sampling rate. You can select either 1, 2, 4, 5 10, 20, 25, 50, or 100 Hz. Sampling rate should be determined by the sensor. For sensors that change quickly like RPM you will want to select a higher sampling rate.

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Subtype

The subtype of a digital input sensor is the multiplier. For example, we have added RPM and you will have to select a correct multiplier for the logged data to be correct. This will take a couple of tries. If your car shows that your RPM is 800 but the Track Commander is reading 1600 you need a multiplier of 0.5. To change the subtype touch the screen where it shows the subtype. It will highlight. Use the button to select the subtype.

Add Sensor

Double check all of your selections. If they all appear correct then press the ‘Add’ button. The DACX Screen will appear. You will notice that the sensor you just added will also now appear.

Add An OBD-II Sensor

To add an OBD-II sensor click the ‘OBD-II’ button. The OBD-II Sensor screen will appear (Fig 45). Click the

‘Add’ button and the Add Sensor screen will appear (Fig 46). If you do not want to add a sensor you can click the

‘Go Back’ button and it will take you back to the DACX Screen.

Figure 45 – OBD-II Sensor Screen Figure 46 – Add OBD-II Sensor

Select Sensor

To add an OBD-II sensor touch the screen where it says which sensor is to be added. Again the name of the sensor will highlight and you will use the scrolling arrows, and to select which sensor you want to add.

In Figure 46 we have chosen to add Vehicle Speed.

Name The Sensor

In the space next to Name, is the name of the sensor and how it will appear in the Pro Race Analysis Software. If you are happy with the name you can leave it or you can add your own, in Figure 46 we called the sensor Vehicle

Speed. To delete the current name press the arrow until it erases the name. To enter a name press the or button until you get to the desired letter. Once you get to the desired letter press the button. Repeat this process until you spell out the name you want to label the sensor.

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Units

When you have selected a sensor it may or may not have units assigned to it. If it does not have units assigned to it touch in the box next to Units and repeat the same process as you did with typing in a name.

Sampling Rate

To select the sampling rate touch the screen next to Rate. The number will highlight. Press the or button to select the sampling rate. You can select either 1, 2, 4, 5 10, or 20 Hz. Sampling rate should be determined by the sensor. For sensors that change quickly like tach or throttle position you will want to select a higher sampling rate like 10 or 20 Hz. But on sensors that change slowly like temperature you would want a lower sampling rate like 1 or 5 Hz.

Add Sensor

Double check all of your selections. If they all appear correct then press the ‘Add’ button. The OBD-II Sensor

Screen will appear. You will notice that the sensor you just added will also now appear.

Delete A Sensor

To delete a sensor from the Track Commander, select the sensor on the DACX Screen you want to deleted by touching the sensor. The sensor will highlight. Press the ‘Delete’ button. The delete sensor screen will appear asking if you really want to delete the sensor. Press ‘Yes’ to delete or ‘No’ to go back to the DACX screen.

Figure 47 – Select Sensor To Delete

Figure 47 – Delete Sensor

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Ch.8

Adding Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi Racing is an add on feature for the Track Commander. With a simple Wi-Fi kit from RLC Racing you can instantly broadcast the data being logged by the Track Commander directly to an iTouch, iPhone, or iPad. In order to use the Wi-Fi feature you need to get a code from RLC Racing. Please call RLC with the serial number of your Track Commander to get the code.

Plug the Wi-Fi dongle (USB portion of the Wi-Fi kit) into the USB port on the Track Commander. Mount the antenna on the outside of the vehicle. Power the Track Commander on. After the Track Commander has powered up the code window will pop up (Fig 48).

Figure 48 – Enter Wi-F Code

Enter the code you received from RLC Racing. If the code is valid then the red X will change to a green check and the ‘Cancel’ button will change to ‘OK’. Press the ‘OK’ button. You will notice that the GPS satellite in the top right hand corner will change to a Wi-Fi signal, . The Track Commander is now ready to connect to an iTouch, iPhone, or iPad.

Download Wi-Fi Racing App

You will need to go to the Apple store and download the Wi-Fi Racing app, it is a free app. Check your wireless settings on your iTouch, iPhone, or iPad. You should see a wireless network like RLC-XX (the XX will be the last two digits of the serial number). Select that network to connect to. Now launch the Wi-Fi Racing app, you should see the home page (Fig 49).

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Ch.8

Figure 49 – Wi-Fi Racing Home Page

You will see that under Data it will say ‘Waiting’, once it has successfully connected to the Track Commander the

Data will say ‘Receiving’. Now you can watch the drivers data as they are out on the track. You will be able to see their lap times, predictive times, speed, and sensor data.

Password Protecting/ Network Naming

If you want to encrypt your data so that only the people with the password can view your data, you can do so on the Track Commander. Press on the Wi-Fi icon, , in the top right hand corner and a screen will appear (Fig

50).

Figure 50 – Wireless Options Window

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The network name will appear, RLC_XX (again XX will be the last two digits of the serial number). You can choose to rename the network name and enter your own password. To change the network name or enter a password touch in the appropriate space. Use the or buttons to select the desired letter. Once you get to the desired letter press the button. Repeat this process until you spell out the name you want for the network name or you have selected your password. Once you are finished press the ‘OK’ button. The Track

Commander will now reboot so that your selections will take effect. Remember, you now need to enter the password into the Wi-Fi Racing app on the iTouch, iPhone, or iPad. To enter the password press the Settings button on the bottom right hand corner of the app (Fig 51).

Figure 51 – Settings

Enter the password you created on the Track Commander then press ‘Save Passkey’. You should now be able to connect directly to your Track Commander.

Lap and Predictive Times

With the iTouch, iPhone, or iPad is connected to the Track Commander you cannot only view the data and timing live but you can also view any past lap time (Fig 52). While you are viewing the lap times you can also view the predictive times for each lap and the speed through each beacon (Fig 53). By being able to view the predictive times for each lap you can let the driver know what parts of the track you feel they need improvement or what seemed to work best for them.

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Figure 52 – Lap Times Figure 53 – Predictive Beacons For Lap

Sensor Data

While connected to the Track Commander you can also view the sensor data live (Fig 54) or view the high and low value from any past lap (Fig 55). The Wi-Fi Racing application will display all sensors connected to the Track

Commander including the internal 3-Axis G-Force sensor.

Figure 54 – Live Sensor Data

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Figure 55 – High and Low Sensor Data From Past Lap

Ch.9

Updating the Track Commander

Updating the Track Commander is very easy to do. R.L.C. will post all new versions of the firmware at our website under Downloads. These same steps are also posted at the website.

To update the Track Commander first download the latest version of firmware onto your computer. Put the file on a USB memory stick; we included it in your kit for convenience. If you have the new style harness: press and hold the program button on the harness, power the Track Commander on (with the program button depressed), and then release the program button after 5 seconds. If you have the old style harness: plug the two USB ports into each other and then power the Track Commander on.

The Track Commander will come up in Update Mode (Fig 56). (*Note: If it comes up into the driving screen, power the unit off and on again.)

Figure 56 – Update Mode

Once in Update Mode, insert your USB stick. Choose the downloaded file from the file box in the lower right.

Once selected, press the ‘Click To Update’ button. A window will pop up asking you if you want to update, press the ‘Continue’ button. Once the update has started, leave the unit alone until the update is complete.

When the Track Commander is done updating press the ‘Return to Menu’ button. Press the ‘Click To Format

Unit’ button to format your SD Card. *Note: This will reset the unit to factory default settings and erase all log files on the unit, so you may want to copy log files off before updating your unit. Once the format is complete, power off your unit, and power back on normally. If the unit does not come up into the standard software, power off and on once again. You are now updated. (*Note: When you power your Track Commander on for the first time after an update please leave it on for 30 seconds before powering off. There are files that are updating and you need to give them time to do so.)

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