Kaaz Corporation, manufacturer and supplier of limited slip differentials for street performance and racing across the globe, recently entered the world of automotive electronics with the debut of its visual data logging system dubbed the Race Monitor. The Race Monitor is designed as a true plug-and-play unit that allows the end user to capture video footage on the racetrack while recording data in real time. Although the Kaaz Race Monitor is deceptive in appearance with its simple box layout construction, this unique data logging system allows users to continuously monitor and record vehicle speed, engine revs, lap time, acceleration and deceleration and lateral g-force while driving or drifting on the track. The Race Monitor's video output source can even be connected to a car's TV or navigation screen, enabling the driver to view lap times without ever having to leave the comfort of the car.
The main body of the Kaaz...
The main body of the Kaaz Race Monitor uses a series of easy-to-install plugs that can be attached in less than a few minutes time. The main cable connector feeds the cigarette power adapter, speed pulse and tach output wires, CCD camera power supply and communication cable connector. Installing the GPS harness clip and lap time sensor connector can be easily accomplished without the aid of any tools. Race Monitor owners can use the supplied lap time sensor or connect their own P-LAP II/III personal timing system.
While you rumble around your favorite track, the data-logged information is automatically processed through the Race Monitor and overlaid to a video camera (used as a recording device only) to replay at a later time. Although the Race Monitor isn't a true data logger system-it doesn't use specialized software and cannot be connected to a laptop or PC computer-its monitoring of real-time data through the Race Monitor and into your portable camcorder offers detailed information for drivers trying to improve driving technique or check the balance and condition of the car during heated runs. Included within the kit is a state-of-the-art Sony 27-megapixel CCD camera that works in conjunction with the video camera provided. The palm-sized CCD camera allows the unit to be mounted in virtually any area of the vehicle's cabin, ranging from the rollcage to a harness bar mount.
Obtaining a 12-volt source is as simple as plugging the provided power cord into the cigarette lighter. For the more hard-core enthusiasts who have removed their cancer-causing apparatus, they can use the direct connection method by cutting and splicing the power and ground cables on the cigarette plug cord to tap directly into the IGN or ACC power supply.
The supplied dipswitches located...
The supplied dipswitches located to the left of the box can be set to accommodate your vehicle and owner's preference. Dipswitches one to three are modified when the speed and tach signal is custom tailored for a specific make and model of a vehicle. Positioning switch six changes the acceleration display range (1.5 to 2 g's) dependant on car specs and running conditions. Switch seven changes the language from English to Japanese, while switch eight changes the setting when lap times are measured by one of three points (depending on a circuit that requires three-point measurements).
While the Kaaz Race Monitor has been successfully designed to work with factory ECM and a majority of stand-alone units, the only stand-alone system that poses any problems is the A'PEXi Power FC. The Power FC displays a different signal that renders the Race Monitor incompatible at the moment. Kaaz engineers are currently in the process of engineering the Race Monitor to make the two communicate. The Kaaz Race Monitor is sold as a complete kit that comes with the monitor unit, GPS antenna (used in cars without a speed input wire to the ECU), CCD camera, lap sensor, PLAP II/III adapter cable, zip ties, wires, connectors and detailed instructions.
Kaaz Corporation, manufacturer and supplier of limited slip differentials for street performance and racing across the globe, recently entered the world of automotive electronics with the debut of its visual data logging system dubbed the Race Monitor. The Race Monitor is designed as a true plug-and-play unit that allows the end user to capture video footage on the racetrack while recording data in real time. Although the Kaaz Race Monitor is deceptive in appearance with its simple box layout construction, this unique data logging system allows users to continuously monitor and record vehicle speed, engine revs, lap time, acceleration and deceleration and lateral g-force while driving or drifting on the track. The Race Monitor's video output source can even be connected to a car's TV or navigation screen, enabling the driver to view lap times without ever having to leave the comfort of the car.
Monitoring parameters requires...
Monitoring parameters requires the end user to tap into the ECM speed (blue) and tach (yellow) signal using the wires provided with the kit. Using the provided T-taps, locate the proper signal output and crimp both wires onto the main cable harness. The '06 CT9A Evo that we installed the Race Monitor on required us to tap into pin 45 for tach output and pinout location 80 for the speed sensor. Another option for those who own an OBD-II vehicle is to purchase the optional communication cable that simply plugs into the OBD port to detect both engine speed and tach signal from the connector.
Position the Race Monitor...
Position the Race Monitor body on a flat surface toward the center of the vehicle, like the transmission tunnel. Powering up the unit will emit a sound for five seconds. During that time the acceleration sensor is automatically calibrating. If for whatever reason the unit isn't horizontally mounted, the system will send off a series of blinks to let you know that the unit must be remounted and rebooted.
Using the GPS antenna allows...
Using the GPS antenna allows the vehicle owner to accurately monitor the vehicle speed without having to tap into the pulse signals from the vehicle, assuming the track has the necessary equipment already implemented. The GPS unit required us to place the magnetic unit onto the doorsill due to the aluminum roof structure of the Evo.
While you rumble around your favorite track, the data-logged information is automatically processed through the Race Monitor and overlaid to a video camera (used as a recording device only) to replay at a later time. Although the Race Monitor isn't a true data logger system-it doesn't use specialized software and cannot be connected to a laptop or PC computer-its monitoring of real-time data through the Race Monitor and into your portable camcorder offers detailed information for drivers trying to improve driving technique or check the balance and condition of the car during heated runs. Included within the kit is a state-of-the-art Sony 27-megapixel CCD camera that works in conjunction with the video camera provided. The palm-sized CCD camera allows the unit to be mounted in virtually any area of the vehicle's cabin, ranging from the rollcage to a harness bar mount.
Obtaining a 12-volt source is as simple as plugging the provided power cord into the cigarette lighter. For the more hard-core enthusiasts who have removed their cancer-causing apparatus, they can use the direct connection method by cutting and splicing the power and ground cables on the cigarette plug cord to tap directly into the IGN or ACC power supply.
While the Kaaz Race Monitor has been successfully designed to work with factory ECM and a majority of stand-alone units, the only stand-alone system that poses any problems is the A'PEXi Power FC. The Power FC displays a different signal that renders the Race Monitor incompatible at the moment. Kaaz engineers are currently in the process of engineering the Race Monitor to make the two communicate. The Kaaz Race Monitor is sold as a complete kit that comes with the monitor unit, GPS antenna (used in cars without a speed input wire to the ECU), CCD camera, lap sensor, PLAP II/III adapter cable, zip ties, wires, connectors and detailed instructions.
The Sony manufactured CCD...
The Sony manufactured CCD camera is included with the Race Monitor kit. It is smaller than the size of your palm. A separate video recorder unit is required to data log the driver's run and record designated parameters when used in conjunction with the Race Monitor kit to carefully analyze driving data after you complete a lap or run session. The Race Monitor can also be connected to an aftermarket head unit display screen that you can use to monitor and improve your previous lap times while driving on the track.
Although the CCD camera is...
Although the CCD camera is small in size, its 27-megapixel design with built-in microphone offers superior playback when analyzing your run to improve your driving skills. The lightweight camera can be mounted virtually anywhere within the cabin space. We've found many who already take full advantage of the Race Monitor by mounting the camera on their rollcages, custom headrest brackets and harness bar setup.
Positioned in the upper left-hand...
Positioned in the upper left-hand corner of the recorded display screen is the acceleration crossbar graph that shows real-time simulation of the g-forces generated from back acceleration, back braking and both sides. The built-in accelerometer is an invaluable tool for any driver looking to improve driving techniques because playback will show key pointers like braking too early or hard into the turns or unstable exiting out the turns. The acceleration display has a display ranging from 1.5 to 2 g's.
The vehicle lap time is a...
The vehicle lap time is a vital tool when collecting data to improve your driving skills. Using the Race Monitor and lap time sensor can display your best lap time, previous lap time and current lap times all at the same time. Recording real-time lap data is an important feature for those who plan to attack the fastest lap records of the day at time attack events rather than waiting for the towers to print out your lap results. Shown above is a screen capture taken of the Kaaz Race Monitor.
While using your camera monitor...
While using your camera monitor or onboard TV monitor you can custom tailor the display positioning of the acceleration indicator by pressing the "Select" button to reach the "Display Position Settings" menu. Press the "Set" button to move the indicator to either the left or right side. Press the "Select" button to position the indicator and hit "Set" to return to the setup screen. Select "Return To Normal Operation" and press the "Set" button to finish your positioning.
It's a good assumption that...
It's a good assumption that the track you've driven on has the necessary magnetic strip embedded into the asphalt that's used for GPS and lap time tracking. The Kaaz Race Monitor uses the magnetic strip to enable the GPS and lap sensor to work in harmony while leaving you with the luxury of not needing to adjust speed and rpm. The lap sensor was securely mounted to the undercarriage using 3M tape and a flat contact surface, which in this case was the Evo's carbing side brace. If for some reason the road course you plan to race on doesn't have the magnetic strip, the Race Monitor will require you to manually calibrate speed and rpm. Using the directions on the screen, calibrate the engine rpm by pressing the "Select" button. Press the "Set" button when you have successfully stabilized the engine rotation to a specified 3,000 rpm before exiting out the menu. Your speed must also be calibrated when the vehicle hits 40 kmh.