Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the DL1 PRO and the DL1 MK1/2?
The DL1 PRO is a complete redesign of the DL1. It uses the same GPS receiver, accelerometer, and gyro, but pretty much everything else has been changed. It now operates with SD card instead of CF, it has a much more powerful processor, more analogue inputs, output drivers, dual serial ports.
Specification
| DL1 MK2
| DL1 PRO
|
GPS
| 5Hz, 20Hz optional
| 5Hz, 20Hz optional
|
Analogue inputs
| 8
| 12*
|
Frequency inputs
| 4
| 4
|
Accelerometers
| 3 axis
| 3 axis
|
Serial ports
| 1
| 2
|
CAN ports
| 0
| 1
|
USB ports
| 0
| 1
|
6G accelerometer option
| yes
| yes
|
Input voltage
| 10-15v
| 9-24v
|
Reference output
| 5v 50mA
| 5v 500mA x 2
|
Output drivers
| 0
| 0.5A low side driver x 4 *
|
Memory card
| Compact Flash, up to 1GB
| SD or SDHC, up to 32GB
|
Enclosure
| Extruded aluminium with carbon fibre front and back panels
| CNC machined aluminium case, with rubber sealing grommets for USB and SD card
|
Auto start / stop
| Limited to analogue inputs and speed
| Can use any channels of data
|
RPM input
| High and low level inputs
| High and low level inputs
|
Gyroscope
| Optional
| Optional
|
- some features share pins on the connector, so not all can be used at the same time.
- Not all features are standard
What is the maximum g-force/speed that can be measured?
The standard DL1 is configured for a maximum of 2g acceleration, 6g is a factory option. The maximum measurable speed is about 1000mph.
How often do you get GPS speed updates?
The GPS system calculates speed every 200ms (5 Hz), however this data is combined with the data from the accelerometers to calculate speed 100 times every second with very high accuracy.
How often do you get GPS position updates?
The GPS system calculates position every 200ms (5 Hz), however this data is combined with the data from the accelerometers to calculate position 100 times every second with very high accuracy.
How accurately is speed measured?
With average GPS reception, speed accuracy is about 0.1mph (or 0.1% if greater) when you are just driving along at fairly constant speed, and about 0.2mph (or 0.1% if greater) during fast accelerations or braking. The only exception is at very low speeds (under 10mph) where the error increases to about 1mph. Do not be fooled by exaggerated claims from other manufacturers… this is as good as it gets! In contrast, a standard wheel speed pickup is only accurate to about 4% at constant speeds, and under high accelerations or braking, the error increases up to about 20%.
How accurately is position measured?
With good GPS reception, positional accuracy is about 3m (CEP).
What happens to the data if you drive under a bridge/tunnel/trees etc?
Because speed and position are calculated from both the GPS data and accelerometers, even if the GPS data “disappears” for a number of seconds, you won’t be able to tell from the data in the software. Only if GPS data disappears for an extended time (20+ seconds) will the data start to degrade noticeably.
Where can I buy it?
Check http://www.Race-Technology.com for an up-to-date list of stockists
Is it upgradeable?
The DL1 PRO is upgradeable in a number of ways; please check http://www.race-technology.com for an up-to-date list of options. Software and firmware updates, including new features, are freely available as we introduce them.
How much data can you log to an SD card?
The DL1 logs about 25MB of data per hour, so for a 8GB card you could get up to about 2 weeks of data
Will it work with any SD card?
Whilst we cannot guarantee that the DL1 PRO works with all SD and SDHC cards, we have successfully tested many makes and sizes of SD cards, we haven’t yet found one it won’t work with.
Is it easy to use?
The DL1 PRO has one button to start and stop logging, how much simpler could we have made it? We have kept the software as simple as possible whilst making it as flexible as we can to ensure that you can do what you need to with it. As with all computer programs, the first time you use it there is a lot to take in - after you've become familiar with it, you will be able to analyse data quickly and efficiently.
What specification of computer is required?
As with most programs, the analysis software will run on just about any PC with windows 2000 or later – however, the faster the PC, the faster the program will run. The main restriction is the memory required for long runs; typically we recommend that your PC has an absolute minimum of about 30MB of memory installed for each hour of data loaded. The PC also requires some means of downloading the data from the SD cards, there are many options available – normally a USB reader is most convenient.
Is the DL1 PRO reliable and well made?
The DL1 PRO is absolutely class leading in terms or component quality, build quality and reliability – this is a very high quality professional instrument, entirely designed in-house and manufactured in England. The unit carries the normal 12 month guarantee against manufacturing defects.
What options does my DL1 PRO have installed?
To find this, open the DL1 PRO configuration software, connect to the DL1 PRO through the USB port in the usual way to read the configuration data, then go to Options / Logger options. The list of available and enabled options will be displayed:
Can I add extra options to my DL1 PRO?
All options except for the Gyro can be added by a software update file. If you wish to purchase any options please see here for the list of options and prices.