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.

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. DataLink Pro is required when using data recorder equipped with GPS.

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.

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 PRO1A recorders
for pricing of software for those applications.)

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 (includes cartridge and USB cartridge reader).