Case Study: RaceCapture/Pro
The following blog post is a case study into the device RaceCapture/Pro, a powerful, multi-channel data acqusition and control system for motorsport applications.
Description
The RaceCapture/Pro has a powerful processor for data logging. It puts an emphasis on outputs as well as inputs and has on-board Lua scripting that allows for custom behaviours to be defined.
 |
| RaceCapture/Pro |
The RaceCapture/Pro uses high frequency 10 Hz GPS for accurately tracking your position. There is a precision 3 axis digital accelerometer used to measure G-forces in all directions and a yaw sensor to measure car rotation and detect over/under steer conditions. There are sensor inputs to measure such things as engine temperature, brake position, boost pressure, wheel speed, RPM and much more. There is a hardware expansion to add future OBD-II and CAN interface upgrades.
On the RaceCapture/Pro, there are connectivity ports that connects an optional real time telemetry expansion that streams the race car data to the Internet, enabling monitoring from the pits. In addition to this, there is software available which allows hardware settings to be configured, as well as performing analysis on the race data. Future expansions to the device include a Bluetooth add-on to connect an android based dashboard, and a predictive lap timer.
Scripting
The Lua scripting language is embedded right on board the RaceCapture/Pro. With Lua the RaceCapture's behaviour at run-time can be controlled. No firmware programming is required. Examples of what can be done with Lua scripting are listed below:
- Activate a warning light when an input threshold is exceeded, such as temperature or pressure.
- Log data at a higher rate when in range of a particular GPS coordinate
- Auto-start/stop logging based on speed, RPM, or another condition
- Experiment with active aerodynamics by adjusting a wing based on GPS velocity
- Define logic to control an intercooler sprayer
- Intercept and remap an OEM sensor
Software
RaceCapture/Pro features software to
- Customize logging channels
- View runtime data
- Edit custom scripting
- Perform data analysis and replay
The software is a fully open source system with open standards and open file format. There are frequent software updates and it is end-user customisable.
Real-Time Telemetry
RaceCapture/Pro has a cellular telemetry add-on, RaceCapture/Live, that allows race car performance and stats to be viewed in real time via a pre-paid T-Mobile SIM card. The data streams directly to the cloud to the RaceCapture website and is viewable from anywhere.
 |
| RaceCapture software |
The features of the real-time telemetry are as follows:
- View vital stats from anywhere with an Internet connection
- Plan your racing and pit strategy based on ral data
- Share lap times and GPS location with the team's fans
- Built-in sharing to Twitter and Facebook
- Track and record lap times
- Replay and analyse previous events
 |
| Review Lap Statistics |
Technical Specifications
I/O CHANNELS
RaceCapture offers 25 input and output channels.
- 7 dedicated 0-5 V analog input channels - measure sensors or process input from other devices
- 3 dedicated 0-5 V frequency input channels - measure RPM, wheel speed, or any kind of periodic pulse
- 4 configurable 0-5 V analog or frequency output (PWM) 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 acis, 3G optional) - measure and log 3D G-force in real-time with a very accurate accelerometer, Z-acis gyroscope measures yaw/drift in real-time
- 10 Hz GPS module input - add an external GPS module for course mapping
- Auxiliary Serial Port - interface to real time telemetry, bluetooth adapter, dashboard display or other interface
- Digital expansion port - high speed port provides the ability to add CAN bus expansion, more analog or digital channels, integrate speciality sensor hardware such as thermocouple amplifiers and so on
LOGGING
SD memory card slot for data acquisition. Stores up to 32 GB of logging data.
POWER
48 MHz 32-bit ARM processor. Contains enough power to perform high resolution logging and running complex, user-defined logic.
I/O PROTECTION
- 40 V protection on all input pins
- Analog outputs protected by auto-resettable fuses
- Digital outputs are rated at 1 A with self-protected mosfets
- Over-current protection on 5 V reference
- 2 A internal switching power supply
MECHANICAL
- Compact rugged design - unit measures 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
 |
| Example Sensor Connectivity of RaceCapture/Pro |
Cost
The RaceCapture/Pro costs $399.
Advantages of the Device
- Real time telemetry
- Can share data via Twitter and Facebook
- Customisable scripting built-in
- Open-source
Disadvantages of the Device
- Have to buy a SIM card for real-time telemetry
References
