RaceChrono's data video maker (RaceChrono2AVI) takes shape

This is more interesting news for the RaceChrono fan and video maker likewise. This program (RaceChrono2AVI) has taken shape and promise to rival the top race data video premier (TrackVision). It is true that TrackVision have video rendering function for the average Joe for video editing. But most people into digital video will have the software (in my case Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9) to edit the picture. Most video editing software allows picture in picture function, and the rendering flexibility and quality is professional, and far more superior than TrackVision. You can make a video track blog like mine below with race data for instance. Very useful indeed. More in the RaceChrono2AVI forum.

The latest beta utilise data export from RaceChrono beta v1.02.

Here is the final product. Most of the thing can be changed. The background (the RX-8 dash), the rpm gauge, the speedometer configuration, all the lap times and gauges there, track map etc have choices and all are drag and drop. Finally the movie is made by video capturing in real time, so no more touching the screen and let it run.

Picture in picture the video data, result in this!

Latest beta can be download HERE (beta v0.3.22).

Beat the falling dollar - a few goodies (parts)

I got these new Japan made OEM Mazda mats with nice emblem on them. My original one is worn badly, at the same area in the the square of this new one. So this one has a more rough and touch fabric inside the square to combat this problem. I intend to use it though for stability, when I have the interior stripped out I will use this mat so that I won't slip in the car haha.

  

Another box of goodies came the other day. I order this a while ago when the Yen is still 88 to a dollar. So these only cost $800AUD. Now they are over $1000AUD. I got the above rear Autoexe endlink to match the front. Also I have a replacement set of the spark plugs that I have now. As you recall from the last video that I have problem getting up the hill. If the plug are full of carbon and cannot be cleaned, I have a new set to replace them.

  These are rear member joints. They are aimed to stabilize the rear, giving more control. Less flex will surely give me more confident to power out quicker.

Should have order more, only if I knew the dollar is so low now. .

I also ordered a battery relocation kit from RE Amemiya. I got to install them and do more picture then. But these are the current pictures.

These are the water washer tank... I think I need this. At least to use to direct the water to the intercooler or radiator LOL.

Oil catch can, with a let off pipe for drainage. The tube besides it show how much oil there is. I don't think they will be reusable. LOL.

Battery stay for relocation. It is smaller than OEM battery so I will have to get a slimline battery. Odyssey is top choice so far, since D-technique is using it.

Sandown Night Sessions

This is my first night session @ Sandown and hell do I love it. My aim this track day is to work on the sector 4 and 5 of the course.

As you can see the 4th sector (between S3-S4) is the downhill left sweeper towards the Dandenong corner and the final sector is the S bend before the front straight. I have been missing on those areas to improve my times. As my car is not the lightest and not the most powerful, anything that I can milk out of the corners will give me bonus and hopefully later able to hit into the low 31s. I did just that. I gain about 3 10th on the final sector. The 4th sector is nearly equal on time but with the wind I was not able to put some top speed on the car.

I also need to look at the spark plug since it is about closing on the 10000km mark. But I think the power is fine on the front straight and the whole lost of speed is a combination of head wind and lack of power out at Turn 4.

Enjoy the video blog that I just made. If you don't like to be called Vinny (I can change that ). He probably will not see that anyway. There is a lot of improvement in the video software (RaceChrono2AVI since then).

RaceChrono2AVI program - TrackVision for free

If you have played RaceChrono enough, you will love this program. This is the TrackVision for the RaceChrono, and for developer to call it RaceChrono2AVI (download HERE). This program uses the .csv files export from RaceChrono and use it to generate a moving AVI file. All you have to do is to use a movie maker to combine a picture in picture video. I use Sony Vegas Platinum 7.

A few bugs at this stage:

1) I cannot use single lap files. All lap files are used at this stage.
2) The capture does not work in all Windows Themes. I use the Classic theme to reduce the top of the bar and it works perfectly.

*******both the above has been solved and a new beta V0.1.15 has come out (8/10/2008)*********

The end result:

TrackVision demo review

I have eventually downloaded the demo version of the TrackVision and now RaceChrono (beta v1.01 or better) can be used to render and integrate the data into the video file. The demo version allows you to view the files in action but the video cannot be exported or saved. At the moment (RaceChrono beta v1.02), the data that can be used in TrackVision includes speed, rpm, map and position, throttle position, and G meters. This is a screen shot of that. The dashboard is custom made and I have emailed to Antti at RaceChrono for review.

It does give immense versatility to set it up probably, but that means it can only work with one particular model of cars, since there are so many variable to set up. This is the screenshot of the demo, and it is poor quality. The real thing is also subpar as the rendering program is not up to professional standard.

   A forum member, on the other hand, offers to write another program which render an avi format video from the data. The only thing you have to do is to PIP the clip in the main clip. Just like the best motoring mode. Sweet if it is free!

My Q-steer RX-8

It is small and fun, and I can make a F1 course for that and set some record haha. The other is a phone strap.

In action:

Video Blog: TMS Winton Track day

 

This is the video track blog for my track day last Sunday at Winton, organised by Tampered MotorSports. There are so many cars that it is unbelievable. There are 6 groups that means plenty of time and so little track time.I only did 26 laps or so for the whole day. Also they have 20 minutes sessions that most car could not lap continuously due to tyre and brake restrains.

I did a good opening session. When the track temp is going up through out the day, the time falls for everyone. I had my best lap of the day heading in the low 42 before a mistake of overbraking.