PTIONS ....................32 XCHANGING NFORMATION WITH RAQMATE Connecting to Traqmate.........................32 ............................33 CREEN SU Basic Settings – These appear only when connected to a Traqmate Basic Unit....33 User Data Screen ..........................34 IO Data Screen ............................35 Session Upload Screen..........................37 ............................37 NALYSIS OOLS Dashboard .............................37...
Traqmate was designed by racers and is great for getting the first or last second out of your lap times. It is also great for the track day enthusiast who wants to record their day, play it back with their video, analyze their performance to get the most out of their car, and do a little bench racing with their friends.
Traqmate Features Drop and Go – Stick a Traqmate in your car, turn it on, and collect data all day long. No sensors required. Replay Your Day – Upload the data into Traqview. See your car on the track and your performance on the virtual dashboard.
Display Unit, in which case it is entirely remotely controlled. When used alone (Traqmate Basic), the Sensor Unit has a single red button on the front panel for ON/OFF and for entering and exiting data recording mode.
For an added dimension, the optional TraqStudio allows simultaneous synchronized playback of data and video. Traqview is your single point of contact for everything in the Traqmate System. Use it to upload data from Traqmate, analyze the data, configure Tracks, Drivers, Vehicles and optional Sensors, change the Sampling Rate, and even download future software and feature upgrades into your Traqmate.
Quick Guide – Let’s Collect Some Data You just bought a Traqmate Complete and you want to try it out. This is as simple as it gets. First, install the software. Put the CD in your drive and follow the directions. For most users it is seamless.
Choose a Driver Location and enter: C:\Program Files\Track Systems\USB NOTE: When you launch Traqview and attempt to connect to the Traqmate, if the USB port is not automatically recognized you will be prompted for the COM Port number. Choose AutoConnect and the software will find the right port.
Figure 2 - Traqmate Basic Connections Sensor Unit Installation The Traqmate sensor unit may be mounted using a variety of methods depending on the following factors: 1) How permanent is the desired mount, 2) where is the preferred mounting point, 3) will the SU be connected to a Display Unit (DU).
Traqmate Basic Installation If the SU is going to be used in a configuration without the DU (Traqmate Basic), it is desirable to have access to the SU for downloading the data once it has been stored. Similarly, if a laptop is going to be used to download the stored data without removing the SU, the unit should be placed in a convenient and accessible location.
In all installations, the SU must be supplied with a power source at all times it is in operation. For Traqmate Complete, the DU can receive power via the DIN extension cable from the SU or via the USB cable when connected to a PC for uploading sessions.
Traqmate Basic System Description Traqmate Basic is the easiest form of data acquisition. You can literally just Velcro the unit into a car and get very sophisticated results in a matter of minutes. Data is stored in Flash memory inside the Sensor Unit and can be downloaded through the COM serial port on the front panel of the unit.
System Description Traqmate Complete builds on the Traqmate Basic simplicity to add immediate feedback to the driver in the form of lap times and other information on a Display Unit (DU). It also provides more visibility and control of the collected data and useful tools for vehicle performance tuning. The DU provides complete control capability allowing the Sensor Unit to be remotely mounted.
Traqmate is in the menu system. The icons are shown in the upper right corner of the display. The READY icon (open circles) indicates the Main Menu PDR is ready to record.
GPS signal is acquired. If this takes more than a minute, check your antenna connection and ensure that the antenna has a clear view of the sky. Once Traqmate has GPS signal, it will check to see if there is a Start/Finish position stored for the current track. If not, you will see Figure 12 - Recording a Start / Finish Location Proceed around the track until you reach the Start/Finish line.
Using the Predictive Lap Timer If you are like many Traqmate users, once you have the graph, you will wonder how you did without it. The real-time feedback on your driving is there whenever you need it and can be used in several ways.
Lap Timer. For very long courses (> 5 miles), you may want to spread out the updates. If you choose the wrong setting, Traqmate will run out of intermediate storage and your Predictive Lap Timing will not be accurate at the end of the lap. The default MED setting is good for any lap under 5 miles in length.
The concept for this mode is very similar to Lap Timing except that there is a separate Start and Finish. Once you have set the Start and Finish, Traqmate retains those positions for future use at that track and Traqview will use them for analysis.
May 31, 2008 Traqview Analysis and Configuration Program Traqview is the source for configuring, uploading, and analyzing data from your Traqmate. After installation, you can launch the program from the Windows Start Menu or a desktop icon. TraqStudio includes all Traqmate functionality, along with video integration so that you can play back data and video together and save video files with overlayed data graphics.
User Setup – connects to Traqmate to setup user information Unit Information – connects to Traqmate to change user information Firmware Update – connects to Traqmate to update SU or DU firmware Driver Setup – opens the setup window to select graphs and laps Session Tools –...
Traqview can be tailored to your individual needs through the Tools/Options menu. This menu screen will allow you to change the default path to your Traqmate files so that sessions uploaded from the Traqmate and File Opens from your PC hard disk will begin in a known location.
There are three types of files that Traqview uses: .tqm files are compressed session files that come right from the Traqmate, .tqs files are compressed analysis files which are saved from Traqview, and .tqc files are firmware update files for the Traqmate Sensor Unit and Display Unit. Opening Files Traqview can open .tqm or .tqs files using the File Open menu directive or by double-clicking on a...
May 31, 2008 Exchanging Information with Traqmate In order to tune Traqmate to your personal needs, there are several settable options in the Traqmate unit. In Traqmate Basic, these are configurable through the Traqview program. In Traqmate Complete, the same options are configurable through Traqview and many are also configurable through the Display Unit menu system.
Note – Enter anything you like. This only appears in the Traqview screen. To save the information in the Traqmate you must click on the Save Unit Info button. SU Basic Settings – These appear only when connected to a Traqmate Basic Unit.
IO Data Screen Figure 25 - IO Data Screen This screen looks complicated but that is only because the Traqmate inputs are very flexible. You only need this screen if you have a TraqData, TraqTach, or TraqSync input device. Enable Tach – You must put a check in this box to display and record the RPM. You also must set the # of Cylinders value in the User Data/Vehicles menu.
Figure 26 - Session Upload Screen This screen will show all the sessions that are currently stored in the Traqmate. From this screen, you can upload the sessions to your PC or erase them. If you do not erase the sessions, they will stay in the unit.
(windows) where the data can be presented. Some drivers may have options not available to others depending on the inputs with which their Traqmate is equipped. Click the corresponding square to add that driver to a form. ‘All’ will add all eligible drivers to a form.
Traqmate Complete, the Start / Finish Line will transfer over if it was previously set in the Display Unit. In Traqmate Basic, you must set the Start / Finish line manually by grabbing the Start / Finish Icon (it will turn into a checkered flag) and dragging it to the new location.
(rally and autocross). This is a great way to get the Start/Finish coordinates from previously recorded data in order to enter it into a Traqmate before returning to that track. It also shows the Elevation changes over the track, the elevation at the Start and Finish, and the Track Length.
Display Unit. Of course, you can also change the Start and Finish lines in Traqview or set them in the case of a Traqmate Basic. To enter Rally Mode, press the icon shown with the yellow closed circuit track.
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You may save the new orientation as a .tqs file. Time Zone Sometimes the user forgets to set the time zone in the Traqmate so that recorded data shows up with the wrong time. This can be corrected for each driver using the Time Zone utility. This is very useful when replaying a race (see Race Replay Mode) where one of the drivers has a different time zone setting.
OR enter the Tire Size and Final Drive Ratios. The first method is best if you already have data collected. The second is best if you are setting up the Traqmate before data collection. Figure 41 - Gear by Distance Graph...
For Traqmate Complete, the SU is programmed through the DU so you plug it into the DU with the DIN Extension Cable. Plug the DU into the USB port on your computer. Ensure that you have a good connection with the DU.
After your track session, take the Traqmate and ChaseCam compact flash card to the computer. Upload the Traqmate data and open it in TraqStudio. Plug your CF card into a USB reader on your PC. Select the video graph option (in Setup) and tell it where your video is located.
If you hook up something wrong, you risk damage to yourself, your vehicle, and your Traqmate. If you do not have electrical knowledge, get help from your Traqmate dealer or a friend with the proper experience. Digital Inputs Digital Inputs are straightforward.
For distributor-less ignition, you can use a low voltage coil-on-plug signal. If you are operating Traqmate on vehicle power, there is only one connection required. If you are operating on battery power (not recommended for TraqTach or TraqData), you must connect the TraqTach terminal labeled ‘GND’...
May 31, 2008 Hooking up a ChaseCam PDR100 (TraqCam Setup) The Traqmate can be used to control the recording on a ChaseCam digital video recorder. This requires either a TraqSync ChaseCam interface or a TraqCam cable that connects the ChaseCam PDR100 to a TraqTach or TraqData digital input/output device. With TraqSync, the recorder will be automatically powered up and down.
To operate, make sure the ChaseCam PDR100 is ready to record (power, compact flash card, and camera). The PDR-100 will power up shortly after the Traqmate is turned on. It will turn off shortly after the Traqmate is powered down. If you manually power off the ChaseCam, Traqmate will power it back up again to ensure readiness.
Using Traqmate for Analysis This section will serve as a tutorial for using the Traqmate Data Acquisition System for analysis of drivers and vehicles. There are many ways to use the data and these are only a few methods. It is always best to experiment to find the specific areas of interest for your situation.
Traqmate User Manual V2.10 May 31, 2008 Vehicle Performance Comparison Traqmate can measure many performance capabilities of the vehicle, including acceleration, braking, and lateral grip. Acceleration and Braking A good way to evaluate horsepower is to draw segment on a straight part of the track between shift points and in the brake zones.
There is nothing fun about going off-track or spinning. That is why we take safety very seriously at Track Systems, and we hope you do as well. Please operate your Traqmate in a safe manner by ensuring that your Traqmate is securely fastened in the vehicle and that you only look at the DU screen or SU front panel when you are in a position to do so.
Traqmate User Manual V2.10 May 31, 2008 And finally, when you are replaying your day with your track buddies, Traqmate makes a great storyteller. During the extensive testing of the Traqmate System we had our share of bumps along the way. We thought we would share a couple of our best off-road excursions.
Share & Compare – Traqmate.com Traqmate.com is your source for information, support, and upgrades. There you will find news, events, forums, tips, ideas, and new products to make your Traqmate the most valuable tool in your gear bag. Exchanging Laps If you register at the Traqmate website, http://www.traqmate.com, you are eligible to download...
Windows Vista Home or Premium Warranty Information Track Systems warrants to the owner of this Traqmate GPS Data Acquisition System that it is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 180 days from the original date of consumer purchase.
Theoretical Best Lap (TBL) – Best combinations of segment times from a session TraqData – Analog, Digital and RPM input interface TraqPaq – Traqmate Battery Pack TraqSync - ChaseCam interface module that connects Traqmate SU to ChaseCam PDR for synching TraqTach – RPM input interface Traqview –...
How Accurate is GPS? Traqmate is equipped with a form of differential GPS known as WAAS. A WAAS-capable receiver can give you a position accuracy of better than three meters (10 feet) in absolute terms over a large span of time.
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