inexpensive GPS timer/data logger

[rk97]

A friend of mine who 'retired' from trackday riding sent me the data log from his morning commute.

the model he was using was $99 and doesn't track data terribly precisely, but for $150, you can get this model that takes data 5 times a second http://www.amazon.com/Qstarz-BT-Q1000eX-Professional-Vibration-waypoints/dp/B0036ANQ52/ref=pd_sim_e_1

I have no direct basis of comparison for how this stacks up to the Starlane, and XT models, but for $150, I think it's worth looking into!

BT-Q1000eX is an extraordinary GPS Lap Timer with eXtreme 5Hz log speed which enables Q1000eX to log up to 5 times per second providing most accurate measurement of track, speed, and distance. Such characteristic makes Q1000eX very suitable for every kind of extreme sports activity, especially for super moto, road course motorcycles, oval cars, or road course autos. And drivers can also improve their lap time by valuable driving information. Q1000eX GPS lap timer is simple and easy to use. It's stand-alone without the help of other accessories like transmitter are unnecessary. It adopts the GPS technology to log your race and later you can upload your driving information via USB or Bluetooth to PC for the included Lap Timing Analysis software to analyze the data. After manually define the start, finish, and split point on Google Map, you can see the very detailed driving information as following: Avg/Min/Max speed by each lap, Sector time (the time from one split point to another), Split time (the cumulative time from start point to split point), and point current speed. Other than as a GPS Lap timer, BT-Q1000eX is also a very powerful data logger with 8MB memory size able to log up to 40,000 waypoints and long battery life to continuously operate 42 hrs, which give a very strong base to support the huge demand by 5Hz log. It also integrates A-GPS, beeper, vibration sensor. A-GPS can boost the GPS warm start time to less than 15sec, Beeper can notice the device status, and Vibration sensor can smartly save power and recordable waypoints. The included dual software: QTravel and QSports even strengthen the applications of Q1000eX on many aspects, making it become a multi-functional device no matter for lap timer, for navigation, for travel log, or for sports log.

I don't think it will replace a standard lap timer with an LCD display, so combined, you're still talking ~$300 of equipment, but if you have no need for the display (my timer is mounted on my tail anyway), this could replace that as well.

The description leads me to believe you can set your 'split' points on google maps, which is much better than having to press a button on the unit as you circulate the track, even if it is on a warm-up lap.

thoughts?

 

[Thunderace]

I got a used Starlane off eBay for $400. Sold my XT for $125. Total investment is $275. It is every bit worth the extra money to have a good unit. Setting the intemediates is really not a problem on the first lap of the first session. After that, everything is stored neatly and logically. I would just pony up and get a better unit.

 

[jcurtis]

The Starlane is well constructed as well. Mine flew off at T-9 at the Beave. Rode a scooter around at the end of the day and found it. Replaced the batteries and it was up and running.

Agreed on the intermediates. Pretty easy to get set up on the first lap.

 

[NoBull]

Not to mention I have a Starlane for sale...