Racepak G2X User manual

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................... 1
DESIGN AND OPERATION SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................... 2
WHY GPS? .............................................................................................................................................. 2
G2X DATA LOGGER ................................................................................................................................2
DISPLAY DASH......................................................................................................................................... 2
DATALINK SOFTWARE............................................................................................................................. 2
ITEMS CONTAINED IN THE G2X PACKAGE............................................................................................... 3
G2XPRESS INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................ 4
MOUNTING OF G2X AND COMPONENTS................................................................................................... 5
DISPLAY DASH PROGRAMMING ............................................................................................................... 6
INITIAL RUN INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................... 7
DOWNLOADING DATA ............................................................................................................................. 7
BUILDING A TRACKMAP........................................................................................................................... 8
SEGMENTING A TRACKMAP ..................................................................................................................... 8
STANDARD INSTALLATION............................................................................................................... 9
G2X CONNECTION INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 9
MOUNTING THE G2X MAIN UNIT .......................................................................................................... 10
Direction........................................................................................................................................... 10
Location ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Temperature...................................................................................................................................... 10
Electronic Interference ..................................................................................................................... 10
Movement.......................................................................................................................................... 10
GPS ANTENNA LOCATION AND MOUNTING PROCEDURES..................................................................... 11
GPS antenna mounting for stock bodied vehicles............................................................................. 11
GPS antenna mounting for open wheel vehicles............................................................................... 11
Connection of the GPS antenna to the G2X...................................................................................... 11
G2X POWER AND TACHOMETER WIRING .............................................................................................. 11
G2X POWER AND TACHOMETER WIRING .............................................................................................. 12
Power Connection............................................................................................................................. 12
Tachometer Connection.................................................................................................................... 12
Compact Flash Card Installation..................................................................................................... 12
Mounting the G2X Display Dash...................................................................................................... 12
PROGRAMMING AND SETUP UTILIZING THE DISPLAY DASH............................................ 13
SETUP MODE #1..................................................................................................................................... 14
Display Brightness Adjustment......................................................................................................... 15
Reset Dash to Factory Default Settings............................................................................................ 15
Tach Pulse per Two Revolutions of the Engine................................................................................ 16
Engine RPM Source.......................................................................................................................... 16
Progressive Shift Light RPM Step..................................................................................................... 17
Shift Light RPM Level....................................................................................................................... 18
Speed Source..................................................................................................................................... 18

Gear Indicator Ratios....................................................................................................................... 19
GMT Hour Offset.............................................................................................................................. 19
GMT Hour Offset.............................................................................................................................. 20
Units of Measure............................................................................................................................... 20
Set Default Real-time Display........................................................................................................... 21
SETUP MODE #2.................................................................................................................................... 22
Auto Calibrate Engine RPM Pulse Count ........................................................................................ 23
Auto Calibrate RPM 2 Speed............................................................................................................ 23
Auto Calibrate Gear Indicator.......................................................................................................... 24
Accelerometer Orientation................................................................................................................ 24
OPERATION .......................................................................................................................................... 25
G2X STATUS LED’S.............................................................................................................................. 25
PWR LED.......................................................................................................................................... 25
CARD LED........................................................................................................................................ 25
GPS LED........................................................................................................................................... 25
GPS LED........................................................................................................................................... 26
ACQUIRING SATELLITES ........................................................................................................................ 27
SETTING THE START /FINISH LINE......................................................................................................... 28
RECORDING DATA ................................................................................................................................. 29
DISPLAY DASH MODES.......................................................................................................................... 30
DISPLAY DASH PHYSICAL FEATURES..................................................................................................... 31
REAL-TIME DISPLAY MODE................................................................................................................... 32
REPLAY LAP DISPLAY MODE................................................................................................................. 33
SETUP MODE.......................................................................................................................................... 33
DATALINK SOFTWARE INSTALLATION INTO THE USER’S PC........................................... 35
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................................... 35
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION..................................................................................................................... 36
COMPACT FLASH CARD READER INSTALLATION ................................................................................... 36
GETTING STARTED WITH THE DATALINK SOFTWARE........................................................ 37
DATALINK ONLINE HELP....................................................................................................................... 37
G2X_DEMO RUN DATA FILE................................................................................................................. 38
THE G2X_CONFIG CONFIGURATION FILE................................................................................. 39
SETTING THE DEFAULT CONFIGURATION:.............................................................................................. 39
WORKING WITH THE G2X_CONFIG CONFIGURATION FILE .................................................................... 40
Modifying the Data Logger Setup..................................................................................................... 40
Adding New Devices to Your G2X Data Logger .............................................................................. 44
MAKING THE INITIAL RUN DATA FILE....................................................................................... 49
TRANSFERRING DATA............................................................................................................................ 49
SESSION DIALOG WINDOW .................................................................................................................... 50
MAP SELECT DIALOG WINDOW............................................................................................................. 50
TRACKMAP CREATION (CLOSED COURSE -OVAL &ROAD RACE)......................................................... 52
TRACK MAP CREATION (OPEN -AUTOCROSS,SOLO &HILL CLIMB) .................................................... 54

ADD MAP SEGMENTS............................................................................................................................. 56
ADD INSIDE /OUTSIDE TRACK -OPTIONAL ........................................................................................... 57
LOADING GPS TRACK MAPS ................................................................................................................. 58
OPENING A LAP AND GRAPHING DATA...................................................................................... 60
OPEN A LAP ........................................................................................................................................... 60
DISTANCE MODE GRAPHED DATA......................................................................................................... 61
SPEED AND SEGMENT REPORTS ............................................................................................................. 62
OVERLAY (GRAPHING)MULTIPLE FILES ............................................................................................... 63
ADVANCED FEATURES OF THE DATALINK SOFTWARE....................................................... 65
RUNLOG PAGES -DATA COMPARISON IN REPORT FORMAT................................................................... 65
ASSIGNING REFERENCE AND MAIN FOR RUNLOG DATA COMPARISON.................................................. 66
GRAPH SCALING EXPLAINED ................................................................................................................. 66
GRAPH SCALING VALUES CHANGED PER CHANNEL .............................................................................. 67
CHART SCALING SETS............................................................................................................................ 68
CREATING GRAPH SETS FOR DISPLAY -QUICK GRAPHS........................................................................ 69
HOW TO DETERMINE THE CURRENTLY GRAPHED AND ACTIVE CHANNEL............................................. 70
AVERAGING DATA USING THE AVERAGING CURSOR ACTION ............................................................... 70
GRAPHING DATA FROM AN ENTIRE RUN................................................................................................ 72
ZOOM COMMAND .................................................................................................................................. 72
VIEWING REAL TIME DATA (TELEMETRY) ON YOUR PC .................................................... 75
SETTING UP THE G2X REAL TIME TELEMETRY PARAMETERS................................................................ 75
ENTERING THE DATALINK TELEMETRY FILE PARAMETERS................................................................... 76
STARTING A TELEMETRY SESSION ......................................................................................................... 77
FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS..................................................................................................... 79
TROUBLESHOOTING......................................................................................................................... 81
GPS RELATED ....................................................................................................................................... 81
ENGINE RPM RELATED ......................................................................................................................... 81
SETTING START FINISH WITH DISPLAY DASH RELATED......................................................................... 82
MOUNTING OF THE G2X DATA LOGGER RELATED:............................................................................... 82
SERIAL CABLE RELATED: ...................................................................................................................... 82
COMPACT FLASH CARD RELATED: ........................................................................................................ 82
TRACK MAPPING RELATED:................................................................................................................... 83
TRACK SEGMENTED RELATED:.............................................................................................................. 83
MY PC CAN NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE G2X VIA THE SERIAL CABLE RELATED:.......................... 84
DOWNLOADING DATA RELATED:........................................................................................................... 84
BUILDING AN OPEN COURSE TRACK MAP RELATED:............................................................................ 85
G2X BOAT CONFIGURATION FILE SUPPLEMENT.................................................................... 86
OPENING THE G2X_CONFIGBOAT FOR USE........................................................................................... 87
PROP INFORMATION............................................................................................................................... 88
PROP SPEED ........................................................................................................................................... 88
PROP SLIP .............................................................................................................................................. 88
ACCEL TIME RUNLOG INFORMATION..................................................................................................... 89

G2X DEMO............................................................................................................................................. 91
PC SCREEN RESOLUTION SETTINGS....................................................................................................... 91
OPENING THE G2X_DEMO RUNFILE...................................................................................................... 92
ADJUSTING THE SCREEN SECTIONS........................................................................................................ 93
ADJUSTING ON-SCREEN FONT SIZE ....................................................................................................... 94
OPENING A LAP...................................................................................................................................... 95
GRAPHING A DATA CHANNEL................................................................................................................ 96
VIEWING DATA IN DISTANCE MODE...................................................................................................... 97
GRAPHING MULTIPLE FILES (OVERLAY) ............................................................................................... 97
REMOVE A DATA CHANNEL FROM THE GRAPH AREA (ERASE).............................................................. 98
DATA COMPARISON IN REPORT FORMAT (RUNLOG PAGES) .................................................................. 98
ASSIGNING MAIN /REFERENCE FILE SETTING ....................................................................................... 99
SEGMENT TIME DATA COMPARISON.................................................................................................... 100
CLOSING A FILE ................................................................................................................................... 100
ADVANCED FEATURES OF THE DATALINK SOFTWARE......................................................................... 101
Channel Grid Display..................................................................................................................... 101
Average / Minimum / Maximum Channel Values........................................................................... 101
Understanding Graph Scaling........................................................................................................ 102
Changing Scaling Per Channel ...................................................................................................... 102
Creating Chart Scaling Sets............................................................................................................ 103
Predefining Graph Sets for Display................................................................................................ 104
Graphing Runfile vs. Lapfile Data.................................................................................................. 105
Zoom Command.............................................................................................................................. 106
RUNLOG PAGES ................................................................................................................................... 107
Session Page ................................................................................................................................... 107
Weather Page.................................................................................................................................. 107
Create GPS Track Map................................................................................................................... 108
Add Map Segments.......................................................................................................................... 108
Lap Zoom........................................................................................................................................ 109
Map Report ..................................................................................................................................... 109
Segment Report / Segment Compare / Speed Compare.................................................................. 110
Tire Temperature / Pressure Calculator Page ............................................................................... 112
G2X INSTRUCTION MANUAL UPDATE SECTION.................................................................... 113
G2X INSTRUCTION MANUAL UPDATES –VERSION 2.7B...................................................................... 114
Chassis Scaling Runlog Page ......................................................................................................... 114
Delta (Difference or Slip) Math Channels...................................................................................... 115
Exporting the Start / Finish Position Runlog Page ........................................................................ 116
Tire Data Runlog Page................................................................................................................... 117
TrackVision Export Runlog Page ................................................................................................... 117
G2X INSTRUCTION MANUAL UPDATES –VERSION 2.8A..................................................................... 120

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your purchase of the G2X, Racepak’s easy to use GPS equipped data logger. As with any
technical item, the product is easy to use, only if the manual is easy to understand. With that thought in
mind, we have created a manual that provides an orderly process to the installation and usage of the
G2X. This manual covers the basic installation and use of the G2X data logger and DataLink analysis
software.
Thanks again for your purchase. We will be looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Tip: Installation and first time usage of the G2X will be much easier if the demo run, along with
the entire installation manual is read and utilized. While the G2X and Datalink II software is
very user friendly, it requires practice. Attempting to install the G2X, download a run and work
through the Datalink II software, without reading the manual, will cause frustration for the user.
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DESIGN AND OPERATION SPECIFICATIONS
The G2X was created to provide an economical and easy method to obtain data that was previously
available only when utilizing a standard sensor and wire data system. The combination of the G2X and
Display Dash is designed to be an intuitive package, which provides data according to the action of the
vehicle.
Why GPS?
The use of GPS signals provides track mapping, lap times, segments times and MPH. This eliminates
the need for tripods, multiple trackside transmitters, onboard beacon receiver and wheel speed sensors.
All those items are replaced by simply installing the GPS antenna on the roof of the vehicle.
G2X Data Logger
•Compact Flash memory provides over 30 hours of GPS data logging when used with a 128MB
card.
•Memory card capable of storing single or multiple runs, which are date and time stamped.
•Logging automatically starts when vehicle exceeds 25 MPH.
•Logging stops when vehicle is stationary for greater than 30 seconds.
Display Dash
•Provides ability to set start / finish line at any point on the track.
•Provides lap number and time data.
•Provides vehicle data such as MPH, Engine RPM, voltage and 2 axis accelerometer.
•Vehicle information automatically is displayed when vehicle is moving.
•Lap time and number is automatically displayed each time the start / finish line are crossed and
when the vehicle comes to a stop.
DataLink Software
1. Provides ability to create GPS track map with start / finish and segment times.
2. GPS maps can be saved and utilized any time the vehicle returns to the same track location.
3. GPS maps provide lap and segment times that can be compared to previous data recordings.
4. Provides information in both graphical and report format.
5. Allows overlaying of multiple laps.
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Items Contained in the G2X Package
1) G2X Data Logger
2) GPS antenna and cable
3) Display dash and cable
4) 12V power / RPM cable
5) Cigarette lighter adapter pigtail
6) Three wire pigtail (power/ground/engine rpm)
7) Compact Flash memory card
8) Serial Communication Cable
3

G2XPRESS INSTALLATION
To assist the customer in becoming quickly familiar with the installation and on-track
use, the G2Xpress Install Guide was created. While this guide provides all the basic
information required for use, review of the remainder of the complete G2X Instruction
Manual is highly recommended, before first time use of the G2X.
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Mounting of G2X and Components
Data Logger Orientation
1. Direction of travel: The data logger must be mounted with the X in the G2X logo
towards direction of travel.
2. Level front to rear and left to right: Attempt to mount as close to level as possible.
It is not necessary to be dead level, but consistently mount the same, each time.
3. Easy Access: Remember, it will be necessary to access the compact flash card for
downloading data and attaching the serial cable if updating the setup of the data
logger. Hiding the logger typically creates problems for the user.
Power: 12-18 Volts / 1 amp draw
1. Cigarette Adapter: The easiest way to obtain power, with no tach input.
2. Red, Black and Yellow Pigtail: Enables user to install switched power to the G2X
and obtain a tach input (yellow wire) for dash display and data analysis.
Engine RPM (tach input tips)
1. Signal requirement: 50% duty cycle, 5-18 volt square wave signal. This is typically
the type of signal provided by an aftermarket ignition.
2. Late model vehicle tach signal: Depends upon the vehicle. Some have tach outputs
that are compatible with the G2X. Related information can typically be found
using an online search relevant to your vehicle.
3. GMR Sensor: The GMR sensor is the best option to obtain a tach signal for
coilpak, coil on plug or diesel vehicles. Use of the GMR sensor requires a Power
RPM Cable (Racepak PN: 680-CA-PWR-4P).
GPS Antenna
1. Unobstructed view: Mount the antenna on top of the vehicle or in a location that
will not block signal reception. The dash, trunk lid or hood is acceptable locations.
Avoid Electrical Interference: Avoid mounting the antenna or routing the cable
near ignition components, tach wires, radios or even vehicle mounted cameras. If
the GPS is working when the vehicle is stationary or at idle, but loses satellite data
when the vehicle accelerates, electrical interference is the culprit.
Display Dash
1. In reach of driver. Driver will need to access dash to set start finish, review laptimes or
toggle through display channels.
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Display Dash Programming
The display dash is designed to be intuitive, providing data according to the needs of the
user. The following provides an overview of the dash functions
Programming Options
Mode 1: Setup functions for when the vehicle is not moving, such as brightness.
Mode 2: Setup functions that require a moving vehicle, such as gear ratio (engine RPM vs. speed).
Entering Programming Modes
1. Mode 1: Press left button for two blinks of red shift light LED’s.
2. Short press of right button advances settings (example: brightness from 01 to 02).
3. Short press of left button advances to next function.
4. Long press of left button (three blinks of red shift light LED) saves and exits.
Programming Mode 2 uses opposite buttons. Right button enters and left button advances
Factory Setting for Left and Right Display
Left: Engine RPM Right: GPS MPH
Enabled when vehicle moves or engine starts (with engine RPM input).
Changing what is Displayed on Left and Right Side of Dash
If no engine RPM is connected, vehicle must be moving to change display.
1. Short press of left button advances through Lap#, Disp1, Disp2.
2. Short press of right button advances through L. Time, DSP3, L. Diff.
3. Disp1, Disp2 and Disp3 channels may be programmed by user.
Setting Start Finish for Dash Laptime Display
1. Vehicle must be moving. Try to not exceed 40 mph before setting.
2. Press Left dash button for three blinks of the red shift light LED’s.
3. Release the button when the message Set SF appears.
4. Within 30 seconds of the Set SF message, press the left button once.
5. Laptime and Lap number will display for 5 seconds, each time start
finished is passed. Dash then returns to default display settings.
Reviewing Lap Time and Lap Number
1. When vehicle stops and all data is written to memory card, lap number
and lap time data will be available for review.
2. Right button advances forward one lap at a time.
3. Left button reverses backward one lap at a time.
Clearing Lap Time and Lap Number from Dash
Lap time and lap number data is automatically cleared from the dash, when the
vehicle returns to the track and exceeds 25 mph.
6