Some newbie questions

[Leo Cortina]

Since a few days I'm the proud owner of a PerformanceBox. Before taking it to the track on Saturday, I have a few questions.

1) With the Box in simple laptiming mode, what happens when I drive off the track after a session has ended? Will it go on counting? Can I somehow turn it off without erasing the lapcount and best time from the screen?

2) I have registered the Box on the website. What extra functions will the code enable? I've already upgraded to the latest firmware and software, and everything that's in the manual seems to be functional already, or am I missing something?

3) It will be used in a racecar - no cigarette lighter. Can I hook it up to the 12V battery directly?

4) Can I use any GPS antenna (TomTom etc.) to improve reception?

Thank you in advance.

[TommyBoy72]

1) With the Box in simple laptiming mode, what happens when I drive off the track after a session has ended? Will it go on counting? Can I somehow turn it off without erasing the lapcount and best time from the screen?

It plots very little data as a footprint on the car (128mb is probably good for a few days). That extra data doesn't hurt and is VERY easy to cut out post processing and will not effect your lap timing function.

2) I have registered the Box on the website. What extra functions will the code enable? I've already upgraded to the latest firmware and software, and everything that's in the manual seems to be functional already, or am I missing something?

I don't know about this, I unlocked mine.

3) It will be used in a racecar - no cigarette lighter. Can I hook it up to the 12V battery directly?

Yes, but I would put an inline fuse.

4) Can I use any GPS antenna (TomTom etc.) to improve reception?

Yes, just check the connector is the same. I don't recall the type, I have SM-A stuck in my head for some reason.

Mike is very good about answering these so I'm sure you'll get the info I couldn't provide from him.

[Mike Broadbent]

Mike is very good about answering these so I'm sure you'll get the info I couldn't provide from him.

Thank you Tom.

I do like it when other users answer questions though - makes this forum worthwhile.

2) I have registered the Box on the website. What extra functions will the code enable? I've already upgraded to the latest firmware and software, and everything that's in the manual seems to be functional already, or am I missing something?

Entering the enable code unlocks two functions (Lap Timing and Power Mode) that don't do anything until you've put the code in; in addition no data will be logged to the card until this has been done. If you've upgraded the software and entered the code then you're good to go.

4) Can I use any GPS antenna (TomTom etc.) to improve reception?

Yes - as long as they have a 3M-MCX connector (SMA is a screw-on type, not plug-in like an MCX).

And Tommy's other answers are spot on - welcome to the DriftBox Forum

[Leo Cortina]

Thanks guys, all clear now.

I'll just keep the PB running between sessions.

Meanwhile I've tried (and bought) an old type TomTom external antenna. On the box it says 'for TomTom GO 510, 710, 910 and ONE'. Fits very snugly.

[Mike Broadbent]

I'll just keep the PB running between sessions.

Read my post #7 in this thread - if you want to safely close a file at the end of each session it's easily done