TvG Kart Data Logger (v2.1 on the cheap)

My project aims to build a relatively cheap data logger for Karts. And I am talking about all sorts of Karts – 2 stroke, 4 stroke, professional, amateur, single speed or 6 speed.

The professional solutions found today on the market are very expensive for those who consider karting just a hobby. Only the main unit starts form around 300 USD. Then you would have to buy all the sensors.

My project uses the minimalistic design of the Arduino Nano and Arduino Pro Mini to log a lot of data in real time and transmit it via Bluetooth to a phone running the RachChrono app (that can be mounted on the steering wheel of the kart for live info) and via wireless serial communication to a hand held device that can be used by spectators (team or friends).

The TvG Kart Data Logger (TvG KDL) in its current configuration can log acceleration and brake pedal position, RPM (either from an induction sensor mounted on the lead to the sparkplug or from a hall sensor mounted near the magnets on the crankshaft used for ignition),  wheel speed (either front wheel or real wheel), current gear (for shifter karts), ambient temperature (later I plan to add one more temperature sensor for engine), G-forces, and lap time (using the magnetic strips in the track).

The Arduino logs all this data and transmits it 10 times a second to a Bluetooth device running the RaceChrono app for Android (the developer of the app says that in the future the iOS devices will be able to use the Bluetooth connection as well). It sends the data so the app displays all of it in a user friendly interface. Together with the GPS functionality of the RaceChrono app, the system is very robust.  

All the PCBs used for this project were ordered from PCBWay.com. I have had no problem with them or the PCBWay.com team. They are very quick to respond to any inquiries. I got the boards at home within two weeks of submitting the order. Very fast delivery. You can get even faster with a more expensive shipping method.  I recommend PCBWay to all who want to have their PCBs build in a professional manner! I want to tell you how I got my PCBs ordered and built for my project which is a Kart Data Logging system which I named TvG KDL. The system logs acceleration and brake pedal position, RPM (either from an induction sensor mounted on the lead to the sparkplug or from a hall sensor mounted near the magnets on the crankshaft used for ignition),  wheel speed (either front wheel or real wheel), current gear (for shifter karts), and later I plan to add two temperature sensors (one for engine and one for ambient), an accelerometer (for measuring G-forces), and a lap time magnetic sensor. I designed, build (soldered), and tested the whole system myself. The PCBs used were ordered from PCBWay.com.