A
GUIDE TO USING THE
With the introduction of Racepak’s Windows®-based DataLink software program the ability to manage acquired racecar data took a giant step forward. This new program has given users the ability to manipulate their on-screen data in a manner, and with an ease, never before available. Consequently, racers have fallen in love with DataLink. However, in order to insure the highest degree of usefulness, as well as trouble free operation of your Racepak data recorder and the DataLink software, there are some general guidelines that should be followed.
There are a lot
of similarities between computers and racecars. One is that both thrive on
power. The more power each have, the better they perform. As a sophisticated
graphics program DataLink consumes a lot of computing speed and memory. For
that reason we strongly suggest that before setting up your computer for use
with the DataLink software that you take the time to read the following minimum
system requirements. Adhering to these guidelines will guarantee maximum
performance out of your system:
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) controls the speed portion of your computer. In the last half of the 1990’s the speed at which computers were able to process information grew at an unbelievable rate. This increased speed led to their ability to run programs such as DataLink. Although DataLink will operate on some computers with a slower than 200 Megahertz processing rate we consider the result to be less than acceptable. If you computer was purchase before about 1997 it may fall below this suggest minimum. It may be time to upgrade.
The hard drive
of your computer is where the information is stored to run the DataLink program
and retain the data files you will generate. A minimum of 200 Megabytes is
suggested, but the more you have, the better.
RAM is Random
Access Memory. Consider RAM as a storage compartment where your computer can
keep information that it is currently using, such as newly loaded data from
your onboard recorder before it is saved to the hard drive or older files that
you have recalled for comparison purposes. Once again, 64 Megabytes of RAM
should be sufficient, but if you like to keep a lot of programs running in the
background of your computer, the bigger the better.
Once again we
get into another of those abbreviated computer terms. But admit it, CD/ROM is a
lot easier to say than Compact Disc/Read Only Memory. We are sure that by now
most of you make use of music CD’s, and this requirement just makes use of the
same technology. The CD/ROM drive will be used to load the DataLink system onto
your computer hard drive, the same way your music CDs pump out your favorite
tunes on that long drive to the racetrack.
It will be
necessary for the computer you use to have an available RS-232 serial port.
These ports are the type commonly used for connecting devices such as a mouse.
You won’t want to give up your mouse, so make sure your computer has another
available serial port at your disposal. If your computer does not have an available serial port you can use an USB to serial adapter. If you will be downloading your
recorded data from the onboard logger with a serial cable it will be connected
to this port. If you will be monitoring your car and displaying the information
on your computer screen in real time, such as during warm ups in the pits, the
serial cable will be connected to this port.
The monitor you
use will be important to the satisfaction and results you achieve with you data
acquisition system. This is one case where bigger is truly better. The larger
the monitor screen the easier it will be for you to work with the software
program. Spotting those small details in the graphs, while sharing the screen
view with three of your closest friends, is easier when the screen is big. We
suggest you purchase the largest size monitor your budget and/or trailer will
permit.
Just as
important as the screen size is the quality of the picture being displayed.
DataLink is optimized on a screen that is capable of 1024 X 768 pixels. That
pixel count means that you will get a full screen view and the highest
resolution picture. The cost of these monitors is not much more than those of
lesser size and resolution. If cost becomes an issue get those three friends of
yours that want to watch to chip in on the bill.
We are often
asked whether we recommend a desktop or a laptop computer. Although you can use
DataLink on either, our preference is with the desktop models. Although much
can be said for the portability of a laptop, overall the time you spend on your
computer will be better served with a desktop, especially one with a large
screen. There are other issues that separate the two styles of computers, such
as the higher cost of the laptop, and the time and cost of repairs should they
become necessary, but if you want of opinion, invest in a good late model
desktop computer and monitor and put your worries to rest.
When using the
optional Data Cartridge system to download information to a computer care must
be taken to insure that the computer is compatible with the cartridge. Depending
on the age of the desktop computer it may have one of two different types of
receptacles to accept the cartridge, either an I/O board or a USB port.
Older computers
(pre-1998) were not equipped with USB ports. These computers must use the I/O
board method of accepting the data cartridge. In order for the I/O board to be
installed in the computer there must be an available ISA slot in the
computer. These are not to be confused with a PCI slot. Once the I/O board is
installed in the computer a special cable will be used to connect the data
cartridge and I/O board. Data cartridge kits for these computers include the
I/O board and cable. Computers using the I/O board must use a Windows® 95, 98,
NT, or 2000 operating system.
Late model
computers make use of the newer style USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports to
connect peripheral components. Computers with USB ports do not require the
installation of an I/O board. When purchasing a Data Cartridge Download System
for a USB equipped computer the kit will include an adapter that mates the data
cartridge directly to the USB port. These computer must use a Windows® 98, ME,
2000, XP, or Vista (32 bit version) operating system.
Downloading to a
laptop computer with a data cartridge can only be accomplished when the laptop
is equipped with a USB port. If your
laptop does not have a USB port you must use the serial cable method. Laptops
using a data cartridge must use the Windows® 98, ME, 2000, XP, or Vista (32 bit version) operating system.
They cannot use Windows® 95 or NT. You should also make sure your laptop screen
is capable of at least 1024 X 768 resolution.