TvG Kart Data Logger v4.0

TvG Kart Data Logger v4.0

Here is a video showing some of the functionality of my project.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxGiBHLMiP4

I am Pintea Mihăiță from Romania. I am a hobbyist in electronics. As you can probably figure out, I like karting. In fact I have a 125ccm KZ2 Shifter kart. With my project I aim to build a cheap data logger for Karts. (2 stroke, 4 stroke, single speed or 6 speed karts)

The professional solutions found today on the market are very expensive for those who consider karting just a hobby.

My project uses the minimalist design of the Teensy 4.0 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 or could be placed in the pocket for data logging only) and via a NRF24L01+ module to a hand held device that can be used by spectators (team or friends up to more than 500m away) to read the data. Also, the data is shown on a 2.42” oled display that can be mounted on the steering wheel and which has shift lights.

Data logged/transmitted:

·        Acceleration pedal position

·        Brake pedal position

·        Steering wheel position

·        RPM (from an induction sensor mounted on the lead to the spark plug)

·        Wheel speed (either front wheel or rear wheel)

·        Current gear (for shifter karts)

·        G-forces

·        Lap time (using the magnetic strips in the track)

·        Heart rate (BPM)

·        GPS position

The Teensy 4.0 microcontroler logs all this data and transmits it to a Bluetooth device running the RaceChrono app for Android. It sends the data so the app displays all of it in a user friendly interface and can be later used for analysis. Together with the GPS functionality of the RaceChrono app, the system is very robust. It also has the functionality of a ‘walkie talkie’.

All the soldering was done manually by me (except for the prefabricated modules) and all the PCBs were ordered on PCBWay.com.