Easy way to set splits ahead of time

[as147]

Hi folks, I have driven round all the tracks and therefore have files on my performance box SD card. My question is, is there a way to add sectors to this track data from my PC software before going to the track so that I can see my split times as I drive?

I have looked at the manual and it seems to be a complicated affair of pushing many buttons after setting the start finish point (which is race time).

I currently have both circuit tools and performance tools loaded.

Also as the button pressing procedure on the performance box creates a dbox.dsf file and once created it will not overwrite this file how does performance box know to use a different dfs file for each circuit? Does it name them differently?

Thanks in advance of any help.

[Newland46]

Hi as147,

If you have data collected from each circuit already, then you can create start/finish and split files using Performance Tools.

If you load in a data file, you can use the options under the Start/Finish & Splits option to create the points you desire. By using the same options, if you save the S/F information out (but change the save type from .SPL to .DSF) then you can use them with your performance box.

....

Once you have created all of your .DSF files, if you create a folder called 'DSF' on your SD card and put these files in to it, they will each be selectable when you have the card inserted in to your performance box.

Word of warning! If you create such a folder, you must ensure that there is no .DSF file in the DATA folder on your memory card, and there must also not be a .DSF file called DBOX. If there is a DBOX.DSF file present on the SD card, this will automatically be used!

Hope this helps

Newland#46

[as147]

Hi and many thanks for helping me out. I just wanted to confirm I am doing the right thing. I have a .dbn file for each of the circuits that contains just my best time.

I load in the file to performance tools version 1.8.2 (Build 012) and set my splits.
However when I choose "save" I don't get the file type drop down of .dsf

I am using the wrong input file type (you mentioned loading an .SPL file type)?

[Newland46]

However when I choose "save" I don't get the file type drop down of .dsf

I am using the wrong input file type (you mentioned loading an .SPL file type)?

Are you using the save option under the Start/Finish & Splits button?

[as147]

Aha, I see. Many thanks. I have successfully exported my first track. I now have another newbie question if I may.
I have opened a file that has multiple runs around the track. When I set splits all is well until I get to set the third split and it then adds two more splits. I think it has something to do with the fact that I have data that includes multiple revolutions around the circuit. So how do I avoid this issue?

Do create a file with just one run to get past this problem ?

I thought you did it in circuit tools but to get all of the laps identified in the session I have to set the start/finish point and it automatically adds other split sections. When I try to save from the session tab (save current session) it states "DBN files do not support saving of circuit information"

Even if I don't need to save a single lap to a file can you remind me how to anyway as I find this useful anyway.

Thanks for all your help.

[Newland46]

When you set the split, you set a split location from that particular cursor position in your data. If you are experiencing multiple splits I expect that this is occuring in a particularly tight area of the circuit where the track doubles back on itself (i.e. hairpin).

If the gate width under the Start/Finish & Splits button if set too high, a virtual gate created by the split point can span past the actual split point and into another part of the circuit.

You may wish to experiment with the gate width to see if this helps.

Alternatively if you are using Performance Tools you can cut down your data so that is displays a single lap by using the Edit Data button (or shortcuts). Move your cursor to a particular point at the start of a lap and press Shift + X. Then move the cursor point to the same point a lap later and press Ctrl + X. This will cut the data down so it just includes the single lap data. Beware that if you save this file out using the Save button, it will overwrite your original data if you do not change the filename.

Hope this helps

[as147]

Thanks very much. Your comment about overlapping is quite accurate. I think what actually happened in this instance is that the mutiple runs across the circuit produced multiple lines through the track. So when I chose a split at one of these points where multiple runs created a different line at that point they multiplied the number of splits requested. (Just a guess).

Anyway, performing the edit data cut before and after option worked perfectly. I have created the .dsf files on my SD card and I can load them all perfectly.

Now the last thing is how to setup the display on the pbox to show laptime including the splits. I have looked at the manual and it stops short of telling you exactly what to do.

On page 19 under split to split time

There are two different ways of measuring split times. The default is from the start of the lap to the split, the other method is from one split to another. To change between these options, tick or un-tick the option ‘SPLIT TO SPLIT TIME’ in the LAPTIMING MENU.

However my selection shows that ROLLING LAP TIME is selected (is this the start of the LAP to the SPLIT) ?

The manual shows that under the LAPTIMING MENU you should get a list of options however I get these options under the DISPLAY OPTIONS (which makes more sense).
However when I untick ROLLING LAP TIME (currently selected) and try and select SPLIT DISPLAY TIME (assuming this is LAP to SPLIT) the tick does not appear next to it.
I can however select most of the other options i.e. SPLIT TO SPLIT, BIG SPEED AT SPLIT etc

Can you clarify how I set the PBOX to display lap times to splits please.

[Newland46]

To have your current laptime shown you would want to have Rolling Lap Time ticked.

When you cross one of the split sectors, a time from start of the lap to that sector will be displayed. This split time will be displayed for the duration configured in the Split Display Time option. This menu option is not a tick on/off option.

If you prefer a split to split time to be displayed instead you should tick the Split to Split Time option.

Hope this helps

Newland#46

[as147]

Brilliant, many thanks for all your help I reallly appreciate it.

[Newland46]

Your welcome mate

[as147]

Just one last question. I have set the start finish line before the pit exit as is usual with some tracks. My usual method of getting the timing started is to be in lap mode and push the up arrow on he pbox when I think I am close to 7 seconds away from the start finish line.

Now that I have set the splits do I still follow this procedure or do I not need to do anything other than be in lap mode?

[Newland46]

Just one last question. I have set the start finish line before the pit exit as is usual with some tracks. My usual method of getting the timing started is to be in lap mode and push the up arrow on he pbox when I think I am close to 7 seconds away from the start finish line.

Now that I have set the splits do I still follow this procedure or do I not need to do anything other than be in lap mode?

If you push the up arrow when in lap timing mode, this will set a manual start/finish that will overwrite any start/finish split information you have loaded in to the box.

All you need to do is, go in to Lap Timing mode, load in the relevant Splits file you have created for the given circuit, and drive

[as147]

Once again, thanks very much. I will be competing at Phillip Island this weekend and am interested to see how I go. I'll take the netbook to do some analysis and change splits if I need to plus fix any muck ups if there are any.

Its a really good circuit and though it is more suited to the power boys it should still be lots of fun.

[Newland46]

No problem

Philip Island, I definately like the sound of that! I'm a big motorcycle racing fan so very familiar with the circuit (although I have not been in person....yet )

I Know what you mean, thats one long home straight to be giving away power on!

What are you driving?

[as147]

Series 1 Lotus Elise. Infact at the moment my car is featured on the home page of one of the sprint series I am in here http://www.msca.net.au/

You can even see the trusty pbox in the picture

The car is more suited to the twisties such as Winton in Victoria and Wakefield Park in New South Wales

I have seen Motorcycle racing at the island and it's an awesome track in the car and I can only imagine how great it is on a bike.

BTW here is an interesting clip of some of my mates on the island circuit, warning put down any hot drinks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFLjk88HBwg

It even made the news on TopGear http://www.topgear.com/au/car-news/L...kmh-2011-12-05