That couldn't be further from the truth. Housed within each of the connectors are circuit boards and a microprocessor, which are the brains of the V-Net. It is these mini-computers that process the signals from each sensors, performing signal conditioning and attaching identification tags to every sample's signal, that then allows the signal to travel on the V-Net cable without getting lost or mixed up with the other signals traveling simultaneously on the cable. This is also one reason why, when adding a sensor to your system, you will not need to return the recorder to the manufacturer for the upgrade. When you plug a new sensor and it's connector module onto the system, the module informs the recorder and its software of its arrival.
There are two critical aspects of datalogging-data compiling and data display. Data compiling or retrieval is executed by the sensors and hardware of the system and is a pretty straightforward set of events. Data display is the ability to organize and configure the data in a manner that will allow the data to be properly utilized. A tuner must understand the meaning of the data if he is to make informed decisions regarding changes. The success of data display comes down to software, pure and simple. Racepak has made certain that its software delivers all the hardware promises. The company made a commitment years ago that they would develop and control its software in-house, and that commitment has paid off. Nearly two decades of working hand in hand with racers has produced a software package that is user friendly, yet contains all the tools one will ever need.
The Racepak DataLink data analysis software is a Windows(r)-based program that is available in four levels of sophistication.
The base version is called DataLink File Viewer and it is only used with the utilitarian V50 systems. Think of the V50 and File Viewer as a get-your-feet-wet system and software. File Viewer will supply the user with all of the usual on-screen graphs displaying numeric and timeline information that most people use, along with a logbook section for recording the vehicle/track/weather/run data.
All other recorders (V100/ V300/V500) will be delivered with the next higher version of software, which is called DataLink Lite. This software contains all the features of File Viewer, plus some other helpful tools. For example, Lite has the ability to overlay one graph upon another for comparison purposes. It also has an expanded logbook section. Another big plus is the ability of DataLink Lite to display real time data on a computer screen. This means the user can connect a data recorder to a laptop or PC and display up to 10 gauges and bar graphs of events as they are actually happening. This dynamometer-style screen is very useful when warming a car in the pits.
The next higher version of DataLink is the Standard version. Once again this option gives the tuner all the features of the lower versions plus more. Standard allows full access to all math channels so the user can create graphs using a combination of known and/or acquired information. As an example, one could create a graph that combined the front wheel rpm (acquired data), with the tire circumference (known information), to display either speed or distance traveled.
Finally there is DataLink Pro, which opens up a whole list of options, such as full access to the logbook where log pages including spreadsheets, x-y plots, histograms, custom display gauges, and much more. It is possible to upgrade to any higher version of Racepak currently offers V Series recorders in four levels. This span of recorders, each their various capabilities and customizable nature, is the reason is able to tailor systems fit virtually anyone's requirements or budget. The simplest of the V-Net systems is called a V50. It is aimed at the budget racer who may only want to look at a limited number of functions, for example the engine RPM and drive shaft RPM to check on his torque converter performance. This unit has no preinstalled sensors, so the user can attach just the sensors he wants or needs.