Newbie problem - doesn't record anything

[sjcalhoon]

I tired using HLT at an autocross this weekend. Separate start and finish, quite far apart. I set them during the course walk. Pressed Drive, it counted down distance to the start. Pressed video button. Got message that recording would begin at start line. GPS signal was strong. Had iPhone 4 at base of windshield in a good, steady mount. Trigger sensing angle on normal. At end of run, I had nothing -- no files. From reading your FAQ, it seems other people have had this problem, and it was usually GPS signal strength or a bug in the S/W. It sounds like the bugs were fixed some time ago, however, and my signal was excellent.

I purchased Lap Timer Pro on Nov 2, 2012 -- haven't tried it until now. Couldn't tell what version it is, but the sale date should tell you (?). My iPhone 4 is running v. 6.1.2. It has 4.5 G available memory. The auto-X runs were only 45 seconds long. Speed at start line ~ 40 mph, at finish ~ 50 mph. C6 Z06, if that matters. I've used a Race Logic data logger in that same position successfully for years.

I read the Quick Start on the phone, and the instruction manual on line -- found nothing that addresses this issue. (As a side note, your instructions could use more information on what button to press to get to a certain screen. I am finding navigation very difficult.)

I realize this app was designed primarily for Track use, but shouldn't it work for this too? Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks, Stuart

[Harry]

Hi Stuart,

I cannot see an obvious reason why it didn't work. It seems you used standing go triggers (described on http://www.gps-laptimer.de/Trigger_Logik.html in the bottom?). The standing go trigger should bring up a "Staged" button once you are near the trigger and have started your car completely. Have you pressed that Staged button? I'm a bit curious as you write you have passed the starting line at 40 mph... In this case, it is probably better to use a normal go trigger - which fires without a staging process just by driving across the line.

For a user interface description, please check http://www.gps-laptimer.de/User_Interface.html I'm aware LapTimer's huge set of functionality introduces some complexity in its UI too. Any recommendation on a more intuitive approach is welcome!

- Harry

[sjcalhoon]

Thanks, Harry. When I set the Start & Finish, I did not get any window opening up for additional details, so I didn't know what kind of trigger I was setting. On Saturday, it did not ask for the staging status. I went to another Auto-X on Sunday, where we run 2 consecutive laps, both with a running start. I set the Start & Finish at the same spot. Then it started asking me to push the button when I was staged. Didn't know how to make that go away.

Last night I noticed that you have released a new v. 17 this year. Would it make sense for me to just upgrade to that and try again? Seems like mine is not doing everything that it's supposed to.

[Harry]

v17 is not yet live. It does not change the area we are discussing, so this will not help. From your last reply I believe it makes sense to go back to the differences between StandingGo and Go triggers. The first one is used in case timing should start once you start to move. The second one is used when timing should start when you drive across a line. The StandingGo trigger is made up from a position the standing start is expected to happen, and the actual trigger: a rapid increase in speed or lineal acceleration. Once you have arrived at the position, LapTimer will ask you to confirm you are ready to start and shows this Staged button. For regular Go triggers, no confirmation is needed, you just drive across the line.

LapTimer's AX Assistant creates a track set made up from a StandingGo and a Stop trigger. In case you want to change the StandingGo to a Go trigger, simply goto Lap List, scroll to your AX track, select the POIs row, select the StandingGo trigger, and change it to "Go".

- Harry

[sjcalhoon]

OK, found the trigger selection. Couple more questions:
1) Since my auto-X's don't involve standing starts, would I be better off not selecting "Autocross?" Or is that the only way to define your own Start / Finish line?
2) When I define my first trigger at a multi-lap event, should I set it as a Start / Stop? Will this get it to start a new lap each time I cross, just like at the track? Or should I select the Start as a "Go" and then immediately select the Finish as a "Stop" as I do when the S/F are not the same spot?
3) Once I drive it the loop the first time, it should then know the course?

I plan on taking your suggestions and testing the unit in an empty parking lot. I think I'll try without Video first, then try to add video. I'll see how it works and let you know.

[Harry]

AX is simply a term used for ad hoc tracks. Using StandingGo triggers as the default is simply a design decision as it seems to be a common pattern. AX has no other meaning in LapTimer, it is really just this convention. As I understand you run at reasonable speed when crossing the starting line, I'd suggest to switch the initial StandingGo trigger to a Go trigger. Although you may use a StopGo trigger too, it seems it does not make too much sense here. So the procedure is as follows: use the AX assistant to set up the track, set the starting point exactly on the starting line. Afterwards, switch the trigger type to Go - that's all. Please check this page in addition, it has all the details on triggers: http://www.gps-laptimer.de/Trigger_Logik.html

- Harry

[sjcalhoon]

OK, thanks for the great service, Harry.