AIM SmartyCams are here!

Well, at least one still is. I didn't realize we received them sometime in the last couple of weeks - not until we sold them all accept for this last one did I get a chance to see the improved version! Don't worry, more are on the way - hopefully this one doesn't get sold so I get a chance to try out this new gadget.



As you can see, an external GPS antenna option is now shipped standard, including a dedicated connection port (Read our past post for all the improvements). I'm not certain as to the supposed firmware upgrades that were promised, but should get to test this in the next few days. I'll keep everyone updated!

AIM SmartyCam Update

Just finished hanging out with Chad & Cameron from AIM USA. One of the longer conversations was regarding the SmartyCam.

Good news first: If all goes well, we should be seeing these guys by the end of the month. Hopefully there's more accuracy in that statement then we normally see in this industry!

More good news: The version we're due to receive is the 3rd version of this camera with several improvements:

• Externally mounted GPS antenna is now optional. Prior versions relied on an internal antenna that proved to loose its signal in some environments (it is sitting INSIDE the car after all!)


• Improved video - the quality of the video recording has always been on the low side in the eyes of AIM USA. Their complaints have been heard, and the chipset supposedly greatly improved.


• True Data-logging abilities - the data and video will both be recorded separately and importable into AIM's Race Studio software. Before this update, the data recorded into the unit could only be embedded in the video feed and not viewable for outside analysis.

I'm sure there are other updates that are less significant. AIM is proving itself to be a company that is continually tinkering with and bettering its product. Now that I think about it, the only bad news is the wait - I NEED to start playing with one of these right now!

AIM's New (Sort of) SmartyCam

Although AIM's SmartyCam has been floating around for a little over a year, we're finally going to start seeing more of them at the track. The nifty camera system/data acquisition system has been available in Europe for quite sometime, and a few models have been floating around stateside. However, AIM has been admittedly working out some firmware kinks, but are finally ready to increase distribution in the U.S. market.



We should be seeing our first shipment of these by the end of next month (February). If you haven't seen them in person yet, the SmartyCam is pretty neat. The device - which fits in the palm of your hand - handles both Data Acquisition and video duties. But don't be fooled - that little space is enough to record a nearly HD quality 720x400px resolution, while processing a GPS track-map, 3D accelerometer data, and lap-timing data.

At $999.00, the device isn't exactly cheap. But when considering the price of a video camera AND separate data acquisition hardware, it may be the perfect solution for the up and coming racer.

Click here for more details

AIM Sports MyChron Light TG Lap Timer

We've carried AIM for a little while for our Karting market - their Mychron 4 Data Acquisition is, as most karters know, the Data Acquisition unit to have. I recently had a chance to sample AIM's simple lap timer, the MyChron Light TG. With a clean design, compact size, and competitive price, I figured it was worth looking into.



The basic design is simple, and proven to be much more accurate then just a stop-watch: An infrared beacon sits trackside; each time the car passes, a receiver connected to the timer senses the beacon and stops/resets the timer. The feature list is what is most impressive. Up to 1200 laps, 50 individual tracks, and 5 split times - all recorded on non-volatile memory (your data is not erased when the batteries die). The data can even be downloaded to the PC (cable not included), making this a bare-bones data acquisition unit of sorts. The large display is versatile, with a number of different settings (laps, qualify, race) and even a handy graph comparing your lap times.

At $249, the MyChron Light is still more expensive then the tried & true Longacre Hot Lap Timers. It was also designed for motorcycle use, resulting in a receiver that is less then 2-feet long. We mounted the unit in Brian's car and had him do some laps around the building. The receiver worked great mounted in the windshield, allowing the timer to be close to, and seen by the driver. EDIT: We've discovered that the units sent to us were incorrect! A car specific model is available with a much longer 8 foot cable. This, obviously, is the only model we plan to stock.

Despite the minor complaint, we are pretty unanimous in thinking that the Mychron Light is a nice and simple lap-timer that doesn't break the bank. Which is why we're going to start stocking it!

Available in both a 6v and 12v versions. The 12v version requires an external power-supply, but has the gorgeous blue back-lit display.

Click here for more info