G-Timer... a new toy

[HwyCruiser]

I've been looking at these for a while:

http://www.escortstore.com/gtimer.htm

I'm fascinated by electronic gadgets and a couple guys ran with them during Autocross events for the G-Meter function. I finally gave in and picked one up.

They claim to be "amazingly accurate" and are used by auto makers, race teams, and car testers such as Car & Driver ( :rolleyes: ).

I ran up and down a fairly level stretch of back county road a few times to see what the G-Timer's 0-60 times came out for the MM. I read enough of the manual to figure out how the "Timed Run" mode works: Press the "Start" button (it waits for the car to start moving) and then accelerate until you get about 5 miles above the maximum speed you want to measure.

It displays the max speed of each run and seemed accurate by my eye. There's all kinds of neat things this will measure. Acceleration time, HP, 60-0 mph braking distance, 1/4 & 1/8 mile time, and directional g's. Neat toy!

- JD

[Petrograde]

I've been looking at one of those for awhile too. I love gadgets like that!

I'll get one when they make a hardwire kit for it!

[duhtroll]

Petro -

Make your own hardwire kit.

It's really easy. Better yet, go make Radio Shack do it. That's even easier.

-A

[Petrograde]

Petro -

Make your own hardwire kit.

It's really easy. Better yet, go make Radio Shack do it. That's even easier.

-A

As far as I can tell electricity and electronics are basically voodoo, or some sort of witchcraft. :confused:

I can turn a wrench, but here's what I know about electricity:

1. Every month I pay too much for it! :uzi:

2. It hurts when you touch it. :rolleyes:

I'd like to learn it though. I want some custom gauges and other assorted gizmos for my MM, but no one makes what I'm looking for!

Maybe I should use the rest of my G.I. Bill and learn it!

[mrogerc]

Did you get the GT1 or GT2?

And, any regrets in not getting the other one?

[HwyCruiser]

Petro,

The manual talks about a two-wire direct wire remote control cord as an optional acc'y. I'm going to order that and the PC download software and cable. I'm feeling the need to go full geek with this.

Right now I have the 6-ft coiled cord strung to the aux 12V plug in the console. It doesn't seem to want to work in the cig lighter plug. The unit is suction cupped to the instrument cluster in the upper right corner.

The mirror probably has switched 12V to it for the dimmer, so that's where I'll start if I decide to mount it off the upper console. Or maybe above the Volts / OP gauge pod. Making the bracket work is going to be another trick.

Oh boy, another project... I'l post what I wind up doing. It shouldn't be too tough, just a lot of staring and saying "hmm".

- JD

[Petrograde]

Cool JD,..

Please keep us posted! If I were to connect it anywhere, it would prob'ly be the gauge cluster.

[HwyCruiser]

Did you get the GT1 or GT2?

And, any regrets in not getting the other one?

I got the GT2, for the floresent screen and the memory storage and PC download capabilities.

I assume the other one you refer to is the Beltech FX? They look like the same thing, same packaging, only different faceplate. I chose the Passport for it's subdued colors... the Beltech yellow didn't do it for me.

Hey, its got to coordinate. Too much Fab 5 for me I think. :lol:

- JD

[FiveO]

Neat little gadget.

Might have to pick one of these up!

[HwyCruiser]

I figured out where I wanted to mount the G-Timer. Mounting the bracket wasn't that difficult, but I wish I used a little thicker aluminum that the 0.032 stuff I had laying around. If it shakes too much, I'll just do over.

My power adapter also started to work in the cig lighter socket after I cleaned it out a little. I don't know if I'll try hardwiring it since the cord out of the way of everything.

Well, that was pretty painless.

- JD

[jgc61sr2002]

Nice job. :up: :D

[Petrograde]

Nice JD,.. looks like you have some sheetmetal skills. :bows:

.042" might be the thickness you're looking for.

[FiveO]

Thanks for the pics!

Nice sheetmetal work.

If I pick one up...could you make another bracket? :D

[Smokie]

Great device, I would love to know what my car can do 0-60 and be comfortable with the accuracy.

I used an online calculator to calculate my 0-60 based on 1/8 mile ET and MPH. The results were very pleasing but I don't know if I can trust the numbers, so I don't post them as factual until I can use an actual measuring device like yours.:up:

[HwyCruiser]

Thanks!

I'll hold onto the "prototype" I made out of lighter gauge alum. Go get you one, see if that's really where you want it, then send me an e-mail.

Four bends, snip here, snip there and she's done. Cover cost of mat'l (not much) and shipping and you got it.

- JD

[Donny Carlson]

http://www.gtechpro.com/

Anyone have any experience with one of these?

[FiveO]

http://www.gtechpro.com/

Anyone have any experience with one of these?


Does about the same thing.

I have an original GTech. Fun little instrument...doesn't do as much as the newer version or the one listed earlier in this thread.

They're the same price...the Escort and the GTech. Just personal choice I guess.

[HwyCruiser]

The G-Tech looks bigger, neat looking graphics. The RPM gauge through the cig lighter looks interesting and I guess it does things with the info. Hmm.

- JD

[HwyCruiser]

Reading more of the manual, the G-Timer has a "Speed Rollout and 1/4 mile Rollout" setup where it's programmed to ingore the first x inches (default = 12 inches) of travel before it begins timing speed and / or distance times.

I zero'ed out the rollout for speed runs. My thought is the time should be 0 to whatever mph, not 12 inches to whatever mph. It says that the first 12 inches could have a 0.35 sec penalty for a car that accelerates at 0.5 g's. My MM comes off the line well under 0.5 g's, so the penalty would obviously be greater. I haven't been out to see how this effects the initial results yet.

I would think leaving the 12 inch rollout allowance would time a 1/8 or 1/4 mile run accurately, simulating the launch prior to the final timing light.

I wonder if using the rollout feature is a common practice when using these devices. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

- JD

[FiveO]

Just ordered one of these bad boys.

I'll see where I want it mounted HwyCruiser and maybe PM you for a bracket. No problem covering the costs if I need of of those snazzy mounts.


Can't wait!

[Directedby]

Mounted mine in dash and love it.

[BruteForce]

Mounted mine in dash and love it.

Now that is is slick. Did you have a clock there or did you cut a new hole? I have the clock in my dash but may look at a similar position in a bare spot.

[Donny Carlson]

Mounted mine in dash and love it.
I swear that looks GREAT.:up:

[FiveO]

Mounted mine in dash and love it.


Now that is slick.

Instructions?

Pleeeease :)


How did you get such a clean cut in the dash piece?

[FiveO]

Well I finally got around to installing my GT2 tonight.

Very slick little instrument.

I put mine in the direct center of the dash but not in the molding like DirectedBy...that may come later :)

Its just velcroed now...but I'm going to come up with some type of bracket and get it mounted later this week.

I purchased the hard wire kit and optional d/l cable. The hard wire kit is slick and works perfectly.

Later this week I'm also going to wire in a switch so that I don't have to have it on all the time.

I did 3 1/4 runs:

#1 0-60mph 6.12 secs 14.67 @ 96.0 mph

#2 0-60mph 5.95 secs 14.17 @ 100.6 mph

#3 0-60 mph 5.97 secs 14.20 @ 100.3 mph


Three different roads...with the last two being the flatest. I never did like doing runs with my original GTech on the road #1. I also didn't brake torque on the first one.

Actual track times could be interesting!!! :D

[HwyCruiser]

Directedby,

I like where you mounted the g-timer. No problems with the angle? I've got the clock there or else I would seriously consider it.

FiveO,

Those some pretty darn good 0-60's for a stock MM (right?).


BTW, I ordered the d/l cable but the software wouldn't recognize the g-timer when trying to download the data to the PC. It would see it when doing the com port test.

I called tech support and they told me to check the g-timer's software rev by pressing the "g-meter" button and the "up" button at the same time. Rev 14 doesn't seem to want to work with the PC software. I sent the timer back for a software update last week. I can't wait to see what the numbers are now with the new tune and PI TC.


OK, since no one wants to talk about rollout, I'm resetting mine back to default and forget I ever brought it up. :D

- JD

[FiveO]

Directedby,

I like where you mounted the g-timer. No problems with the angle? I've got the clock there or else I would seriously consider it.

FiveO,

Those some pretty darn good 0-60's for a stock MM (right?).


BTW, I ordered the d/l cable but the software wouldn't recognize the g-timer when trying to download the data to the PC. It would see it when doing the com port test.

I called tech support and they told me to check the g-timer's software rev by pressing the "g-meter" button and the "up" button at the same time. Rev 14 doesn't seem to want to work with the PC software. I sent the timer back for a software update last week. I can't wait to see what the numbers are now with the new tune and PI TC.


OK, since no one wants to talk about rollout, I'm resetting mine back to default and forget I ever brought it up. :D

- JD

Not stock... but not majorly modified either.

MMX driveshaft
4.10 gears
Plasma Booster
K&N Panel Filter

PI Torque converter in the garage waiting to be installed...going to Cedar Falls Raceway this Friday for some real track times for a baseline for future mods....PI TC and Kooks coming up.

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL283/1552930/4651240/60458330.jpg

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL283/1552930/4651240/60458322.jpg


HwyCruiser....PM me if you could with a full cost for a bracket like yours. I think your style bracket would work great where my GT2 is mounted.

Include your address and name and I'll send a check out...to include shipping.


Thanks!

[FiveO]

HwyCruiser...just checked and I have Rev 14 also :(

I'll try and d/l things onto my laptop later this week and then call their service department.


Thanks for the heads up on that!


Mark...

[TooManyFords]

I would think leaving the 12 inch rollout allowance would time a 1/8 or 1/4 mile run accurately, simulating the launch prior to the final timing light.

I wonder if using the rollout feature is a common practice when using these devices. Any thoughts?

- JD

Hwy, I have my G-Timer set to use the 12 inch rollout to try to sync it with actual 1320 times.

Also, I see some of you are having problems with the data port deal. I'll have to check to see what rev of code is in mine but I know it works with my laptop. I had to go buy a USB-to-Serial adapter at Radio Shack because my toshiba doesn't have a serial port.

John

[TooManyFords]

Mark, I like how you mounted yours! I guess when you had the dash all apart that is not a hard thing. Do you only need to pull the center trip piece to mount it there?

john

[HwyCruiser]

Mark,

Here's a few pics of the bracket mounted under the radio:

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/1594trim_off-thumb.JPG (http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/1594trim_off-med.JPG)... http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/1594gtimer_left-thumb.JPG (http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/1594gtimer_left-med.JPG)...http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/1594gtimer_right-thumb.JPG (http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/1594gtimer_right-med.JPG)

As you can tell with the trim off, there's nothing to mount the bracket to and line it up center. You could rig something up to bridge the screws on either side since you don't have the trim clock. It does fit pretty good though. I could trim the top some so it isn't so high and you could catch just the top of the g-timer bracket.

Stare at these for awhile and let me know if you want it.

- JD

[FiveO]

JD....

Thats perfect. Could you send me one...?

Pleeeease :D

I'll send you a check...no problem.

John...You do need to remove the trim piece for placement. I also ran the wire for it down through the dash.

You'll see on Friday! Lets hope the weather holds...

[HwyCruiser]

I finally had a chance to try out the G-Timer after having the EPROM upgraded to work with the Vehicle Performance Software (the one I bought had a Revision issue). I thought I'd share what the software does...

The G-Timer stores time/velocity/distance about every 25 milliseconds that is uploaded as a text file which is used by the vehicle performance software.

The other capture shows how you can compare two runs on a time vs. velocity graph. You can really see the effect of the 12" rollout for timed runs when you analyze the raw data.

The software and data cable ran about $25 and I think it was worth it to be able to see all of the data that the G-Timer stores.

- JD

[Dennis Reinhart]

I've been looking at these for a while:

http://www.escortstore.com/gtimer.htm

I'm fascinated by electronic gadgets and a couple guys ran with them during Autocross events for the G-Meter function. I finally gave in and picked one up.

They claim to be "amazingly accurate" and are used by auto makers, race teams, and car testers such as Car & Driver ( :rolleyes: ).

I ran up and down a fairly level stretch of back county road a few times to see what the G-Timer's 0-60 times came out for the MM. I read enough of the manual to figure out how the "Timed Run" mode works: Press the "Start" button (it waits for the car to start moving) and then accelerate until you get about 5 miles above the maximum speed you want to measure.

Here's the rundown after playing around with it a few times:

Run.............#1.........#2. ........#3.........#4
60 mph.......6.13.......6.75..... ..6.68.......5.95
50 mph.......4.65.......5.10..... ..5.05.......4.50
40 mph.......3.37.......3.55..... ..3.57.......3.28
30 mph.......2.53.......2.48..... ..2.50.......2.28
20 mph.......1.35.......1.43..... ..1.50.......1.30
10 mph.......0.35.......0.38..... ..0.38.......0.33
60 ft..........2.25.......2.30... ....2.30.......2.20

The first run I just mashed it. The second run I brake torqued up to 2k and let it go. A little wheel spin but it obviously didn't help the time. The third run I brake torqued a little less and manually shifted... nice chirp but not much better than the second run. It must start timing before the brake is fully released. The last run I let into it half way until the car rolled a few feet and then mashed it. Hey, I'll take that one. Not Billy's 4.25 second 0-60 mph, but we got to start somewhere.

It displays the max speed of each run and seemed accurate by my eye. There's all kinds of neat things this will measure. Acceleration time, HP, 60-0 mph braking distance, 1/4 & 1/8 mile time, and directional g's. Neat toy!

- JD

I have these in stock I will price match any adds

[FiveO]

Sorry JD...gotta tell :)

JD made me one of those mounts and its perfect....right under the radio.

Thanks JD!

[BK_GrandMarquis]

http://www.gtechpro.com/

Anyone have any experience with one of these?
I have one of these. Totally skipped my mind when I autocrossed. I'm gonna try it at my next one. Be interesting to see the info it records.