October 03, 2008
Mitsubishi EVO X
With today's release of Race Studio 2.30.09, the ECU connection was added for the Mitsubishi EVO X, a much anticipated protocol.
Now with a simple two wire connection, a nice set of 15 channels are available from the car's high speed CAN data bus.
- Available Channels
- Engine RPM
- Speed
- Speed, Front Left
- Speed, Front Right
- Speed, Rear Left
- Speed, Rear Right
- Pedal Position
- Throttle Position
- Throttle Position, Input Drive by Wire
- Brake Switch
- Engine Temperature
- Mass Air Flow
- Turbo Pressure
- Steering Angle
- Steering Speed
Documentation is forthcoming, for those anxious to get started, you can tap in to the high-speed CAN-bus at the connector to the left of the clutch pedal, which connects through the differential control unit (see photo below). This protocol will work with the AiM MXL, MyChron3 XG Log, MyChron3 Visor, the EVO3 Pista and Pro, and the soon to be released AiM EVO4.
Posted by Mike Jaynes at 11:16 PM | Comments (0)
July 28, 2008
Vista 64-bit Workaround
Getting AiM, and many other companies, USB drivers to install on the 64-bit version of Windows Vista seemed about impossible. However, AiM Sports technician, Scott Jessup found a workaround.
Scott writes...
A built in feature of Windows Vista 64-bit operating systems is to automatically disable the installations of all device drivers that are not digitally signed. Unlike Windows XP, there is no way to disable this ban from within the OS. This has posed a problem for us attempting to install the AiM USB drivers.
The typical error message that will tip you off to this situation is that Windows has found the correct driver, however, it is not digitally signed, and therefore will not be installed. (Note: I’ve personally run into this issue many times, but not once has the customer read back to me the error message verbatim, therefore, I went down many incorrect paths attempting to install the driver...all of which failed miserably.)
After searching the internet for a possible workaround, it appears that many owners of Win Vista 64 were extremely upset with this “protection”. The results were a myriad of hacks to disable the Digitally signed device driver ban. I was slightly apprehensive about hacking into the customer’s registry unless I knew what the ramifications were. The last thing I wanted to do was create more problems after getting our driver installed.
As it turns out, Microsoft actually listened to their customers and made for a “one time per use” disable option in the Boot Menu. This selection can be accessed by repeatedly typing “F8” while the computer is booting up. (I found that hitting it about once a second was enough to access the Safe Boot menu.)
Once the safe boot menu appears, you will find a selection that temporarily disables the Digitally Signed driver protection. (The next time the PC is booted, the protection will be enabled again automatically.) Select this and then continue with the boot. Once fully booted, now continue with the driver installation as normal.
Note: The following issue proceeded once I had disabled the protection. I’m not sure if it was due to my many unsuccessful prior attempts to install the driver or if it is standard procedure. Once I attempted to install the driver, everything proceeded as normal until an error message popped up stating that Windows could not find “AIM_USBdrv10_01.sys”. The destination for this file is C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers. So, I copied this file into this location and reattempted the driver installation. This time the driver installed 100% without a hitch and continued to work flawlessly throughout the remainder of the week while I was there.
Posted by Mike Jaynes at 05:39 PM
June 25, 2008
Race Studio 2 on a Mac [Update]
[This article is an update to the one originally published in March of 2007]
An increasingly common tech support and pre-sales question is "Does your software run on a Mac?" The short answer is Yes, on Intel based Macs. I use it every day, both on my iMac and my MacBook Pro. The long answer is…
...there are a couple ways to run Race Studio 2 on your Intel Mac, both require you to buy a full version of Windows (XP recommended). Buying a full version of Windows XP can be a bummer for your wallet with a retail price of $299 for XP Pro ($269.99 at Amazon
What about Vista? Well, with articles like 'Man gets Windows Vista to work with printer' published just last week, I can't with good conscious, recommend Windows Vista at this time. Though Race Studio 2 is now Vista compatible, all installations are not without some hiccups. I suggest getting a copy of Windows XP before Microsoft yanks it off store shelves.
Once you have a license for Windows, there's two possible ways to install it, and a third option that uses both. The first method is made possible by Apple with a piece of software called Boot Camp. Boot Camp was a free beta download with Mac OS X Tiger (10.4), but it's now included in Leopard (10.5). In Leopard you'll find the Boot Camp Assistant in your Applications:Utilities folder. Apple's Boot Camp allows you to partition your hard drive and install Windows XP (or Vista). Boot Camp allows you to then boot in either Mac OS X or Windows. When you boot in Windows, you are using a "real" PC with your Apple hardware, no strings attached.
The second installation method takes advantage of a technology called virtualization made possible by Apple's switch to Intel processors. This method requires a additional virtualization software. There are now two players in this space; Parallels Desktop
Amazon can save you money on either (both currently $39.99 through promotions):
- Buy VMware Fusion
- Buy Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac
Have Your Cake and Eat it Too
The third installation method, uses both Boot Camp AND Parallels or Fusion. You'd install Windows under Boot Camp first, then install either Fusion or Parallels - which will allow you to boot from your Boot Camp Windows partition will in Mac OS X. Using both like this is has the greatest benefit. Allowing you to either boot as a "real" PC when needed, and allowing you to boot under virtualization but still access the same Windows installation. This is how I will do any future installations, because the only issue I have ever had under virtualization is with firmware updates. For these rare cases, I will boot under Boot Camp - otherwise I will always use virtualization.
Whatever solution you go with will run Race Studio 2 just fine, and having Windows can be handy for those little apps that will just never make it to our beloved Mac platform. That and those damned web sites, the few that remain, that only work with Internet Explorer (I'm looking at you ADP). It's a no-brainer for web developers testing in different web browsers and OS's.
If you need any help, please call me.
Michael Jaynes
AiM Sports, LLC
(800) 718-9090
Posted by Mike Jaynes at 06:15 PM
April 01, 2008
Race Studio 2 Tutorial
Our very own Trey Shannon has written a tutorial on using the horsepower and torque curve analysis tool, named RPM Analysis, in Race Studio 2. View the PDF here (right-click to download).
Posted by Mike Jaynes at 08:05 PM
March 04, 2008
Loud Pedal, Part 3
The third and final installment of Data Acquisition: What Racers Need to Know written by Roger Caddell of Victory Lane Data is now available in the latest edition of Loud Pedal. If you missed part one or two, you can click the respective links below.
Loud Pedal Feb 08, Data Acquisition: What Racers Need to Know - Part 2
Loud Pedal Jan 08, Data Acquisition: What Racers Need to Know - Part 1
Posted by Mike Jaynes at 02:58 PM
February 12, 2008
Loud Pedal, Part 2
The second installment on using and understanding data acquisition written by Roger Caddell of Victory Lane Data is now available in the latest edition of Loud Pedal. Click the link below for part two. If you missed part one you can click the second link below for it.
Loud Pedal Feb 08, Data Acquisition: What Racers Need to Know - Part 2
Loud Pedal Jan 08, Data Acquisition: What Racers Need to Know - Part 1
Posted by MyChron Mike at 04:22 PM
February 08, 2008
Math Channels
In the PDF below you will find the how's and how to on understanding and writing Math channels in our RaceStudio2 software. Trey Shannon here in our Virgina office has written this paper in order to assist our users in the proper compliation and insertion of the Math channels into our software. If you find that you have questions please feel free to give us a call.
MyChron Mike
Posted by MyChron Mike at 09:47 AM
January 08, 2008
Loud Pedal
Roger Caddell of Victory Lane Data has wriiten a 3 part series on data acquisition. It will be featured in Loud Pedal which is the official publication of the Sports Cart Club of America's Oregon Region. Click the link below for the article and check back for upcomming articles.
Loud Pedal, Data Acquisition: What Racers Need to Know - Part 1
Posted by MyChron Mike at 01:36 PM
December 24, 2007
Data Analysis Seminar
Roger Caddell of Victory Lane Data will be presenting a seminar dedicated to Race Studio2 data analysis in the Seattle Tacoma WA area January 19th 2008. Click on the link below for more information and sign up instructions.
Posted by MyChron Mike at 11:12 AM
December 20, 2007
Analyze Data - How To
On Track Sessions
The first few issues of On Track Sessions, a series of data analysis how-to's, in what is to become a series of such, have been published with more are on the way. There's some great information within these documents!
Oversteer and Understeer Analysis 2.2 MB PDF
Understeer and oversteer are analyzed utilizing an MXL Pro with GPS, 4 shock sensors, a steering angle sensor, front and rear brake pressure sensors, a longitudinal accelerometer, a lateral accelerometer, a gyro, 4 speed sensors, and all engine parameters from the MBE 992 ECU connection.
Full Control of Your Engine - with an LCU-ONE 2.7 MB PDF
The purpose of this MyChron4 test was to determine the effectiveness of using a Lambda sensor, often referred to as an Air-to-Fuel ratio sensor or a wide-band sensor, on two-cycle engines. While Lambda has proven the best way to tune 4-cycle engines, to the surprise of many, it's not only effective but proved to be the best way to achieve and maintain proper carburetion on 2-cycles as well. The Bosch LSU 4.9 sensor used by the AiM LCU-ONE digital lambda controller does not foul or "poison" in 2-cycle exhaust like other Lambda sensors do. Look for a follow up to this issue for some great detail on using EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature) in conjunction with Lambda for tuning a carburetor in the best way possible.
GPS for Kart Chassis and Engine Analysis 3.5 MB PDF
Using a MyChron4 and GPS, this document illustrates how to use GPS to aid in chassis setup and even engine tuning. The data is from a 60cc kart engine with a required 18mm exhaust restrictor. Data from three separate sessions are analyzed.
Posted by Mike Jaynes at 03:56 PM
December 14, 2007
Winter Storage Tip
With the official start of winter just a week away many racers throughout the country are putting their karts away to wait for warmer weather. One item which many times gets overlooked during winter prep are the batteries in your MyChron. Its best to remove the batteries when storing your kart for an extended period of time as alkaline batteries can fully discharge over time and this can lead to leaking acid and damage to your gauge.
MyChron Mike
Posted by MyChron Mike at 03:08 PM
July 26, 2007
Beacon Finder !!
No, this is not a remote control key-finder like device to help you find your beacon you might have left trackside - it's MUCH better than that!
Lap beacons are easy and affordable to replace, missing or erroneous lap times are not. Until now... Beacon Finder is a $10 shareware application written by a long time AiM customer named James Hakewill — and it's brilliant!
I think know you'll find it invaluable.
Beacon Finder is lap time reconstruction software that will correct almost any lap time problem within your data; multiple beacons, missing beacon hits, no beacon out, infrared receiver on the wrong side of the car, doubled up laps, and more. James' nifty little software app uses speed, distance, and lateral acceleration data from a single known good lap to accurately recreate otherwise missing or erroneous lap times.
If you've ever had even just one session where you did not receive lap times because your infrared lap receiver was on the wrong side of the car, or there was no beacon out, or whatever reason — download Beacon Finder now. Even if you've never had a problem, download it anyway because the first time you need it, the ability to recover your lost lap times on the spot is priceless. You can fix old data as well as any future lap time problems that may occur. The $10 shareware fee is a no-brainer.
The interface is friendly and the documentation is complete. Head over to James' site and get a copy. I personally will not go to the track again without this software.
Michael Jaynes
AiM Sports, LLC
Posted by Mike Jaynes at 12:57 AM | Comments (0)
June 08, 2007
Spacebar Trick in RS2
Here's another Race Studio 2 analysis tip that I often find people aren't aware of. Use the SPACEBAR to hide and unhide the Measures and Laps window. This is a great efficiency tip that allows you to maximize your screen for plotting graphs, and viewing charts and reports. This feature is also smart, so when you do hide the Measures window, channel tags appear directly on your graph. The channel tags show the values for the enabled channels so you can still scroll through your data and know the exact channel values at the cursor. I use this tip every day.
Michael Jaynes
Posted by Mike Jaynes at 07:03 AM | Comments (0)
June 05, 2007
Snap On, Snap Off
Due to the beacon shift function not working in the current version of Race Studio 2 (I was told this will be fixed in the next release), I had my first go at making a screencast with Camtasia this morning to illustrate to a customer how the snap on/off feature works and how it can be used to accomplish the same thing.
Beyond the temporary shift of data for alignment purposes, there are many other uses for this feature, and from my weekends at the race track, very few know about this feature. Other uses come from wanting to line up linearized data based on something other than time or distance, brake pressures, and steering angle for example.
In any case, this 35 second full screen video shows the basics of the Snap ON/OFF feature and how to turn it on and off.
Michael Jaynes
Posted by Mike Jaynes at 10:31 PM | Comments (0)
June 04, 2007
Vista USB Driver Install
While Windows Vista is not yet officially supported by AiM Sports, this document will aid you installing the AiM USB driver on Windows Vista. This procedure has been tested on Windows Vista Business version and Windows Vista Ultimate version.
Posted by Mike Jaynes at 08:55 PM | Comments (0)
May 08, 2007
Attention 4-Cycle Racers!
One cable, RPM and Power
A little known secret to the MyChron4 is it's ability to not only get a perfect RPM signal by connecting directly to a 4-cyle coil, but also to use excess power from the coil to completely power the gauge while the engine is running. This greatly increases the internal 9V battery life since the internal battery is only used for downloading or on screen data review while the engine is not running.
Straight to the Source for Perfect RPM Readings
The perfect RPM signal cannot be overlooked. Oval racers, in particular, know the importance of getting accurate low and high RPM readings. The difference in these two numbers, highlighted by the MyChron4, is critical in getting a good setup — there is no better indicator.
A Secret No More
Perfect RPM's and greatly extended battery life is no longer a secret, it's a $30 cable that plugs into the expansion port of your MyChron4.
Posted by Mike Jaynes at 08:50 PM | Comments (0)
March 01, 2007
Race Studio 2 on a Mac
An increasingly common tech support and pre-sales question is "Does your software run on a Mac?" The short answer is Yes, on Intel based Macs. I use it every day, both on my iMac and my MacBook Pro. The long answer is…
There are a couple ways to run Race Studio 2 on your Intel Mac, both require you to buy a full version of Windows XP (Vista is not yet fully supported by Race Studio 2). Buying a full version of Windows XP can be a bummer for your wallet with a retail price of $299 for XP Pro ($269.99 at Amazon
Once you have a license for Windows, there's two suggested ways to install it, and a third option that uses both. The first method is made possible by Apple with a, currently free, piece of software called Boot Camp. Apple's Boot Camp allows you to partition your hard drive and install Windows XP. Boot Camp then allows you to boot in either Mac OS X or Windows XP. When you boot in Win XP, you are using a "real" PC with your Apple hardware, no strings attached.
The second install method takes advantage of a technology called virtualization made possible by Intel processors. This method requires a additional program called Parallels Desktop. This happens to be the method I use, and for a lack of better terms, Parallels Desktop rocks! The Parallels solution not only allows you to install Win XP, but about any other OS you'll find. I have Win XP, Vista, Ubuntu Linux, Sun Solaris 10, and Free BSD all installed. The Parallels solution does not require a reboot to change OS's, the OS opens up within it's own Window in Mac OS X. Better yet, Parallels offers full coherence with XP and Vista, which means you can drag and drop between Windows and Mac OS X, copy and paste, mount and unmount CD drives, and more. Parallels creates virtual hard disks when installing a new OS, and these HD's are dynamic in size, so you'll always have access to you entire unused Mac HD. You can download a full working demo version of Parallels from their site, or buy it for $79.99. Or, you can save $14 on Parallels at Amazon.
The third installation method, uses both Boot Camp and Parallels. You'd install Windows under Boot Camp first, then install Parallels which will allow you to access your Boot Camp Windows installation as a virtual HD. Using both like this is probably the safest in terms of compatibility, but I haven't had a need.
Whatever solution you go with will run Race Studio 2 just fine, and having Windows can be handy for those little apps that will just never make it to the Mac platform. That and those damned web sites, the few that remain, that only work with Internet Explorer. It's a no-brainer for web developers testing in different web browsers and OS's.
If you need any help, please call me.
Michael Jaynes
AiM Sports, LLC
(800) 718-9090
Posted by Mike Jaynes at 07:21 PM
Calibration
In my day to day conversation with our customers one of the largest number of questions I get pertains to incorrect track mapping. And my response to this question is one which is met many times with a look of confusion and the reply of well I didnt know I had to calibrate the accelerometer.
Accelerometers require a calibration process to insure that you get the best possible data for a proper track map. In the MyChron3 Gold and Extreme gauges this calibration is done by first of all having the kart at the track sitting level and then conbnecting your USB cable to the gauge. Once that is done you will need to open Race Studio2 and go to system manager, look for the calibration button and click on it. Now click on the button which reads Accelerometer Calibration, now that same button will read Accelerometer Calibrated. The last step will be to click the Transmit Calibration. Once this has been transmitted your gauge is ready to go.
The MyChron4 calibration is done through the menu by first pressing the Menu button, now go to Control Panel, now System Setup, once in System Setup scroll down to Calibrate Acc, once selected just push the MEM/OK button and the gauge will read Calibrating while it performs the function. Once it reverts back to the previous screen you are ready to hit the track.
A couple of items to check prior to your outing which pertains to both gauges. The logger box must have the wires pointing front or rear and not sideways. If your logger box is mounted to the front fairing it should be as solid as possible to prevent excessive side to side movement. Be sure that your speed sensor is functioning and that you have input the correct tire circumference. Last but not least make sure you have good batteries in your gauge. If you follow all the above steps it will help to assure that you will get the proper data the first time out.
AiM Sports
Posted by MyChron Mike at 12:22 PM
January 25, 2007
GPS Easter Egg
Whoa! Scott Jessup found and "easter egg" in the new RS2 software - he pointed out a hint of what's to come, double right-click ads the 3rd dimension or z-axis to the GPS map. Right click and hold allows you to move the map in all three dimensions.
Posted by Mike Jaynes at 11:43 PM | Comments (0)
January 22, 2007
AiM GPS + Google Earth
A new menu item under the File menu in RS 2.21.18 is Export KML File.
This, as the name implies, exports the GPS coordinates of your race session to a .kml file. For those not familiar with .kml, it's an XML file format used by Google Earth. The results, well... See for yourself:
For those not familiar with the track, it's Barber Motorsports Park.
Posted by Mike Jaynes at 02:07 PM | Comments (0)
October 17, 2006
Save Money
On last minute flights. This is a very cool site which I have personally used a couple of times when I needed to travel on short notice. I have purchased flights along with a car and saved a ton when used within lets say a week of departure.
MyChron Mike
Posted by MyChron Mike at 03:00 PM | Comments (0)
September 27, 2006
Winter Storage
Fall has begun and the racing season is starting to wind down. In many parts of the country this means no more racing until spring. In preparation for the upcoming winter and storage of your racing gear, one item many times overlooked is your MyChron.
The only precaution needed to be taken for winter storage is the removal of your batteries. What happens to batteries which remain in your gauge for extended periods of inactivity is that they will slowly but surely discharge. When the voltage drops below .7 volts they produce hydrogen gas which which will force caustic chemicals through the US Goverment mandated safety caps.
The result of this will be that next spring you will get ready for your first outing and your gauge may not turn on. You will install new batteries but it wont help. So to save yourself some cash and aggravation take a couple of minutes this winter and remove those batteries.
MyChron Mike
Posted by MyChron Mike at 01:14 PM | Comments (0)
August 29, 2006
Migration Guide for Race Studio 2
We've published a guide to migrating files in Race Studio 2. The guide explains how to move files from one computer to another, how to backup and reinstall your files (if you upgrade your computer) and how to email Race Studio files (to your engine builder, for example).
Download the Migration Guide for Race Studio 2 (PDF, 330 kb)
Posted by aimsports || erik at 06:39 PM | Comments (0)
May 25, 2006
RPM Clip Installation Instructions for Kart Racers
A clean RPM signal is key to good performance from your MyChron. To get a clean signal, it's important that the RPM lead be installed correctly to pick up a strong signal from the plug wire. If you click the image below, an enlarged image will load, which you can print out. Before using the new plastic clip, be sure to cut off the old metal clip.
MyChron Mike posted a few more tips on Bob's 4cycle.com recently:
"A couple of installation tips to insure the best RPM signal with your MyChron. Do not run the RPM lead in any type of tubing, it should be run right along the frame rail.
Take care not to overtighten the tie wraps. If your lead is too long don't coil it up, just cut the tach end to length. At the tach end make sure that the lead loops through the two small holes and then extends out about 1/2 inch and then use a small tie wrap to keep it snug.
If you're using the metal clip be sure that it doesn't contact the head shrouding or anything metallic as this can cause low or erratic RPM's. On any motor be sure to wrap the lead around your spark plug lead 2 or 3 times before clipping it on and use a small tie wrap to keep it snug against the spark plug lead.
If you are using the new plastic clip its very important to pull the RPM wire about 4 inches through one side of the clip, then wrap the wire around your plug lead a couple of times and then back through the opposite side of the clip."
Posted by aimsports || erik at 03:45 PM | Comments (0)
February 06, 2006
Did you know....
That with our exclusive Oval firmware you can see on one screen all your pertinent information and lap by lap RPM "drop" which will tell you when your chassis has come in or when it has gone away. If you dont have it we can update any MyChron3 no matter how old for just a small return shipping charge. If your gauge was purchased in the past year it features dual firmware and with just a phone call we can get the Oval firmware turned on. Call or email now for instructions on how to get the most from your MyChron before the upcoming season gets into full swing.
MyChron Mike
Posted by MyChron Mike at 10:07 AM | Comments (0)
January 23, 2006
Why do batteries explode?
We sometimes receive a gauge for repair which has damage resulting from battery acid leaking on the LCD and circuit board. In doing a bit of research I have found that all batteries sold here in the United States have plastic safety vents designed to release the buildup of hydrogen gas. This buildup of hydrogen gas is caused in part by the batteries being discharged below the common threshold of 0.7 volt. As an alkaline AAA battery drains down they become less and less alkaline which creates excess hyrdogen gas. This buildup then eventually triggers the safety vent to release caustic potassium hyrdoxide which can damage your gauge.
Two recommendations, first of all buy good quality alkaline batteries from a store which will have good turnover rate on its merchandise. This assures that you are getting the freshest batteries. Secondly if youre going to store your gauge for the winter or an extended period of time remove the batteries.
Posted by MyChron Mike at 11:54 AM | Comments (6)