DL1 quick start guide

[grahamb]

Did someone post or write an article on how to analyse the data from a DL1, some years ago? I've been on their course (3.5 yrs ago) but I've forgotten most of what they said.

Also I cannot add track markers on the map, with a run loaded. All the track marker buttons are greyed out. Latest software is installed. Any ideas?

TIA

Graham

[Clive Austin]

If the check box "Interactive mode" is ticked then you won't be able to add markers. Uncheck it and you should be fine.

Quick start:

Load run data
Add start and end of run markers. Best way is to plot speed and long accel against time and use this to identify start point. Once found click on the blue icon and select add marker at current location. Make sure you select Start of Run marker. Then add finish marker "x" yds after start using the same icon - again ensure you set it as an "end of run" marker.
Add sectors by adding general markers as required. Use the red plus icon then click and drag a marker across the track.
That's pretty much all there is to it unless you are syncing data and video or looking at multiple runs.

Let me know if you ahve specific issues / questions.

C

[grahamb]

Thanks Clive (bows head in shame) I had the track map window reduced in size and it wasn't showing the "interactive mode" check box or label, which low and behold was ticked. Oh for scroll bars.

Is it best to trim every run to remove the stationery piece before the run starts, or can the analysis software do that automatically so all runs are overlayed on top of each other. eg can the overlays be set to automatically sync their starts based on long acc?

[Rob Stevens]

Graham, grrrrr I just can't make it work quickly and reliably, even with Clive's help!

[Clive Austin]

As Rob says the s/w is (theoretically) clever enough to do this for you once you set the parameters so I wouldn't bother faffing about trimming the runs. Even if you do the overlay manually you don't need to trim. Start by adding the start and end of run markers for one run per my last post. Then hopefully other runs that you load will automatically be aligned. There is an algorithm in the s/w which attempts to do this but it is a bit hit and miss. I think it is worth checking the knowledge base on the RT web site to understand how it works before trying to use it. There are some parameters that you can set - namely speed and acceleration trigger levels and a distance that the s/w scans trying to find these. (Data, Laps and Sector Options, Start of Run Marker - these might also be part of your issue Rob). If it does, it aligns. If it doesn't you need to do it manually. This is a fiddle. To do it, zoom in on the start marker area of your track map so that it shows all the runs. Then bring up run manager (under the Data heading). On the first page of this there are 4 arrows that you can use to offset runs in space so that they eventually align. It is a faff but will eventually get you there.

As it happens, I've just sent RT an email raising your problem Rob - I've copied you in to hopefully one of them will be in touch. Can't believe it can be this difficult. They are about to release another Beta build so this might also help with your video sync issue (just a guess though). Stick with it mate - I need your data! Although Mr Aspinall's from Prescott wasn't too shabby!

C

[grahamb]

How do I use MPG video with my DL1. It says in the run manager that I need "RT format video". Does that mean I need to convert MPG to RT format, or is it only compatible with video recorded using their 'video' recorder.

[grahamb]

Looks like v8 of their s/w comes with a conversion tool. Just installed it and waiting to register the software.

[grahamb]

Oh dear. Vsn 8.2 introduces "registration" and I cant get my PC to register on-line as it is sat behind a corporate proxy.

Bum!

Even if I select "30 day trial mode", it says it is a "7 day trial version", and then it locks the application down, to just allow access to the Help submenu.

Avoid avoid avoid v8.2 unless you have a full internet connection without a proxy server in the way.

[Clive Austin]

There is an application which converts MPG to RT's VD4 format. You need to do this so that the analysis software can recognise the video file. The converter is Media to VD4 Converter and it is found in the Race Technology \ Video folder. It is not new for V8 - it was there before in previous versions. Be aware that you will need to buy a video licence if you want to do detailed analysis or hi res / wide screen work.

C

[grahamb]

Originally Posted by Clive Austin

There is an application which converts MPG to RT's VD4 format. You need to do this so that the analysis software can recognise the video file. The converter is Media to VD4 Converter and it is found in the Race Technology \ Video folder. It is not new for V8 - it was there before in previous versions. Be aware that you will need to buy a video licence if you want to do detailed analysis or hi res / wide screen work.

C

Thanks, my v7 failed to install the video elements, even though I re-ran setup and selected them. v8 installed the converter and I've had a quick play. I just cannot run the v8 analysis now that I've removed v7, because of the registration issue.

I'll see if I can find a cache of the v7 setup, remove v8, re-install v7, and see if the converted file works with v7.