Find a device that can cost-effectively collect data in the demanding environment of racing cars and is easy to transfer between vehicles.
V Nautiz X6 race data software can be loaded and transferred between vehicles. This improves driver competence and vehicle set-up.
Instant, reliable and accurate performance data and huge cost savings, thanks to the elimination of dedicated racing rugged computers in vehicles.
Handheld never runs out of stories about all the innovative (and sometimes crazy) ways portable technology can be used in different environments. From exploring caves to saving lives, from breeding pigs to prospecting for gold. There are unlimited ways where users want to provide functionality.
This also applies to the interior of the race cars, where the driver, who is adept at using portable technology to improve performance, uses the Nautiz X6 portable rugged Android phablet.
It is hard to imagine a more complex environment for data collection and management. These are naked metal beasts that run in tight formation around a track where a hundredth of a second can mean the difference between the winner and the rest. It is also a place where cockpits are in steamy indoor spaces that vibrate constantly and strongly. From the stands, the cars look as if they are cruising smoothly along the track, but every camera in the car reveals the truth.
So it’s no surprise that a Handheld partner uses one of their devices to help him pursue his passion outside of work. Peter Palotas is the Managing Director of AllTerra Hungary, a sales and support company for geospatial products, drones and LiDAR scanner systems. He is also a licensed autocross and rallycross driver.
“Motorsport is not just Formula 1,” Peter points out. “There are many variations in this sport, as you can race on gravel, in mud, in deserts or even on a mix of asphalt and gravel. This type of racing is very demanding, both for the cars and the drivers. So it’s clear that racing computers need to be robust and durable.”
This challenging combination – fine-tuning the vehicle based on precise data and collecting data in an infernal environment – led Peter to look for a better solution. It also needed all-round mobility. Together, these are three tough asks.
“We were looking for a solution we could rely on in the car,” he says. So he looked for the answer in his own experience with the products. “Our customers need robust and reliable mobile computers – they spend more time in the field than in the office. That’s why we work with Handheld as a strategic partner for field controllers and data collectors. We know the quality, reliability and ease of operation of these devices. We also knew that they could be used for a wide variety of applications, not just surveying.”
For example, in a racing car. Peter’s search did not take too long: the solution was literally in front of him.
“We have found that the best product is a rugged portable phablet Nautiz X6 running Android,” he says. “It’s the perfect rugged unit for us, with long battery life, good camera images and GPS capability. “
Peter combines a Nautiz X6 Android phablet with a special racing software called TrackAddict. The software uses data from the laptop’s internal sensors (GPS, accelerometer) and the camera to accurately calculate the lap time. So, accurate data generation? Check ✔.
What about robustness? The Nautiz X6 data collector proved its worth immediately, says Peter. “I was using an iPhone with the same software before, but after half an hour, it crashed due to vibrations.” Nautiz X6 is tested to military standards for ruggedness and can withstand vibration, drops, dust, water and operate in extreme temperatures. Check for this ✔.
And the need for all-round mobility? “Most importantly, you can move it very quickly from one car to another,” he explains. This is because race computers are usually built into certain cars and record all the necessary information during the race.
Races are just as much won through training and testing as the event itself. When a team works with multiple cars during a race to determine the best settings, it only needs details like top speed, lap time, best lap time and predictive information. The key here is the lap times, where you can see the changes after each lap.
“We particularly like the Handheld solution because we have different types of cars,” he says. “Instead of investing in a wired race control system in every car, the Nautiz X6 can simply be used in any car and swapped out very quickly. It’s an efficient and economical way to compare the times of different cars on the same track.” Here is a third Check ✔.
The attached photos show the installation and use of Nautiz X6 in cars. The photo above shows the interior of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IV with 480 horsepower. The device communicates with the ECU (engine control unit) via BT and displays engine and system parameters (oil pressure, MAP sensor, temperature, throttle level, etc.).
The other two photos show the possibility of using the X6 as a competition computer, but in training. In this context, Peter uses TrackAddict software on the Nautiz X6, which measures speed, top speed, lap time, total number of laps, and performs course mapping using a built-in GPS system and camera.
The combination of work and play has worked perfectly for Peter and his team. Knowing the track record of Handheld devices, he was not worried about whether the Nautiz X6 could withstand the harsh environment. He was also impressed by other aspects of the handheld’s performance.
“The battery life is more than enough for a full day of testing on the track, and data transfer via BT is easy”, he says. “But if I had to pick one thing as my favourite feature, it’s that the Nautiz X6 can broadcast TrackAddict data to the service team at the depot in real time with a GSM connection, so they can see the information instantly – it’s fantastic!”
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They are always available for opinions and explanations:
Handheld Expert: Blaž Lepenik
Mojca Kugler, Fulfilling the need for speed and ruggedness, Handheld
June, 2023
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