DATALINK
SOFTWARE
Regardless
of which data recorder you will be using, or the type of racing you compete
in, the information you collect will only be useful if it can be quickly and
easily understood. For that reason the ultimate success of any data acquisition
system lays squarely on the shoulders of the software.
Without
question Racepak’s DataLink family of software programs are the finest available
to motorsports. DataLink has earned the reputation of being easy to learn,
user-friendly in terms of working within the programs, and above all, capable
of quickly and clearly providing you with the information you need to achieve
success. Topping this off is the proven reliability of DataLink.
Because
of the importance of the software, Racepak/CSI made the commitment to design
and write it’s own software in-house. The years we have devoted to this endeavor
has proven worthwhile because today more racers rely on Racepak data recorders,
and our DataLink software, than any other.
An
enormous amount of thought and work has gone into designing the DataLink software.
Writing software programs that are useful to racers, whether they are a drag
racer, oval track racer, or road racer, as well as those gathering data not
associated with a race vehicle, requires years of development. Through this
process we have arrived at four levels of DataLink. Each level is designed
to provide a variety of tools to satisfy the diverse requirements of all users,
regardless of their type of racing. All four levels, along with a quick overview
of their features, are shown below. Keep in mind that each successive level
of DataLink contains the features of the level it supercedes, while adding
other functions to increase it’s capabilities.
This
screen view shown above is typical of the screen you will see when using the
DataLink Data Analysis software. If you have spent any time using a computer
you will already be familiar with many of DataLink’s Windows®-based navigational
tools and the online help feature. Displaying additional channels or files,
or maneuvering around the program, is simply a matter of point-and-click on
the icons. An extensive easy-to-understand instruction manual, along with
the online help, is included with all DataLink Data Analysis programs.
Before
taking a look at the individual levels of DataLink, check out some features
that are common to almost all levels.
Graphs:
With the DataLink graphs you can quickly see what your
car is doing. Clicking on a channel button allows you to illuminate the graph
line for that respective function, and you can illuminate as many functions
at once as you desire. The different colors of each graph line help you identify
each function at a glance. Graphs can be expanded or compressed, or you can
zoom in for a full screen view on any area of interest.
Numeric
Values: When moving the vertical
cursor bar across the graph the numeric values of each monitored function,
at the cursor’s position, will be displayed alongside its channel button.
These values are present whether the channel’s graph line is displayed or
not.
Timeline:
DataLink relates all functions to a timeline. This permits
you to pinpoint exactly when an event took place. Each program version lets
you establish a ‘zero’ or ‘start’ point for the timeline. For example, this
zero point might be opening of the throttle, the first revolution of the driveshaft,
or some other identifiable event. The graph screen contains a small window
that displays the time, to the 1/1000th of a second, from the zero point to
the cursor location. Simply place the cursor on any event you see, and you’ll
instantly know when it occurred.
Overlay
Files: All DataLink programs, except
File Viewer, have the ability to overlay the graphs from multiple files. This
gives you the ability to quickly compare any recording against another. Diagnosing
the results of tuning changes or driving techniques becomes instantly obvious.
Searchable
Database: DataLink Lite, Standard,
and Pro each provide a unique and useful tool, a searchable database. This
permits you to search and recall files based on known information. For example,
you could ask the program to recall all files that contain information recorded
when the temperature was between 85°F and 90°F, or runs from a specific track.
Oval
Track and Road Race Features: DataLink
users who need to compare laps will appreciate the comparative features that
have been included. With this software you can do individual lap analysis,
track segment analysis, track mapping, track sectioning and split beacon support,
x-y plot capabilities, distance mode on X axis, and histogram support. You
can create a track map of all circuits you run from the information you will
generate.
Log
Book: DataLink has more record keeping ability then a trailer
full of notebooks. For starters you can keep track of run times, weather data,
track information, or whatever information you care to note in the Comments
section. The higher level programs contain detailed logging of engine, tune
up, and conditions data. With DataLink Pro you can create your own customized
log book pages and use the math functions to automatically perform tedious
fuel system or segmented time calculations.
Downloading:
There are currently two methods
of transferring the recorded data from your onboard recorder to your PC. The
standard method is with a serial cable that is connected between the recorder
and the computer. The second method is via a data cartridge. With this method
you use a cigarette pack-sized portable cartridge to transfer the data between
the recorder and the PC, eliminating the need for the serial cable. Data Cartridges
can transfer the data at a faster rate. You can use a data cartridge with
all recorders except the V50.
Video:
Racepak offers you something no other company currently
offers, the ability to integrate video into your data acquisition. With this
option, which requires the use of the DataLink Pro software, you can input
visual images right onto your DataLink screen for true ‘show-and-tell’ data
acquisition. This system allows the use of a remote or onboard camera to capture
video and incorporate it right alongside your other recorded data. The high
speed video provides images beyond those visible to the human eye, and as
already led to some exciting and unexpected discoveries. For technical and
pricing information on the video system please contact the Racepak Technical
Department.
THE
FOUR LEVELS OF DATALINK SOFTWARE
DataLink
File Viewer Software
File
Viewer is an entry level program for use with V-Net V50 Playback / Download
module systems only. It gives you the ability to upload data from your V50
system to your PC and view the data both numerically and graphically. It will
also permit real time viewing on your PC screen of up to ten channels of information
being collected by your V-Net system on a dynamometer-style graph and gauge
display. All functions being monitored by the V50 system can be graphed one
at a time or simultaneously. Special channels are included to provide clutch
and transmission slip curves when the appropriate sensors are installed in
your onboard system. Only one file at a time may be viewed with the DataLink
File Viewer program. The program also contains a generic racer’s run log.
DataLink
Lite Software
This
is the base program used with all Racepak data recorders. In addition to the
real time and recorded functions provided by File Viewer you gain the ability
to overlay multiple runs simultaneously on the computer screen. DataLink Lite
provides an expanded logbook for monitoring your vehicle, run, and weather
data. A typical downloaded DataLink Lite screen view (as shown above) contains
three panels. The top panel contains the file tabs and channel buttons for
selecting the functions you wish to display on the screen. Alongside each
channel button there is a display of the numeric value of the channel coinciding
with the screen cursor location. In the center panel is the graph display.
These graphs are displayed with a timeline across the bottom and the scale
value along the left edge. The bottom panel contains the tabs to access other
pages related to the file being displayed. You would use these tabs to access
such items as the logbooks.
DataLink
Standard Software
With
this version of DataLink you gain access to all math channel support. The
math channels provide the ability to create your own channels that display
information derived from a combination of other collected data or known data.
For example, you can create channels that display total wheel or driveshaft
turns, shock rates data in inches per second, or, if you have a G-meter and
a front wheel RPM sensor, you can integrate speed and distance traveled. The
combinations of potential graphs are nearly endless.
DataLink
Pro Software
The
Pro version of DataLink adds full access to the Racer’s Logbook area of the
software. The user can create custom run log pages including calculation spreadsheets,
x-y plots, histograms, gauges, and much more.
Minimum
System Requirements: DataLink software
is a graphics program. As such it requires a lot of computer speed and memory.
We strongly recommend the following as minimum requirements for your computer
when using the DataLink software.
200 MHZ (Pentium II) CPU.
200 MB of available hard drive space.
64 MB of RAM
One available RS-232 serial port or USB to serial adapter for connection
to PC or laptop.
Monitor and video card capable of displaying
1024 x 768 pixel resolution.
Windows® 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista (32 bit version) or NT operating
system.
If using the data cartridge download --
Windows® 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista (32 bit version) and one available USB port
The purchase of a DataLink data analysis program includes a licensing agreement. All DataLink programs are licensed to the recorder on which they are to be used. They are not licensed to an individual, nor are they transferable between systems. Due to the customized nature of each software program for the recorder on which it is used it is highly suggested that when purchasing or selling a data recorder that the software be regarded as a component of that particular recorder.
Software
and Download Components, V-Net Systems Only:
(See
the individual pages of this site covering the Pro II and
Pro I-A recorders for pricing of software for those applications.)
| DataLink Software Kits (includes CD disc, licensing disc, manual, and serial cable download). | |
| DataLink File Viewer Software Kit | 890-DL-FV |
| DataLink Lite Software Kit | 890-DL-LITE |
| DataLink Standard Software Kit | 890-DL-STD |
| DataLink Pro Software Kit | 890-DL-PRO |
| Software Upgrades (to move up to a higher level from an existing DataLink
Windows®-based program). |
|
| Upgrade DataLink File Viewer to DataLink Lite | 890-UG-FVLITE |
| Upgrade DataLink File Viewer to DataLink Standard | 890-UG-FVSTD |
| Upgrade DataLink File Viewer to DataLink Pro | 890-UG-FVPRO |
| Upgrade DataLink Lite to DataLink Standard | 890-UG-LITESTD |
| Upgrade DataLink Lite to DataLink Pro | 890-UG-LITEPRO |
| Upgrade DataLink Standard to DataLink Pro | 890-UG-STDPRO |
| Data Cartridge Download Kit, using 1 Megabyte cartridge | 890-KT-CART1 |
| Data Cartridge Download Kit, using 2 Megabyte cartridge | 890-KT-CART2 |
| Data Cartridge Download Kit, using 4 Megabyte cartridge | 890-KT-CART4 |
Data cartridge download is not available with V50 record/playback modules.