TvG Kart Data Logger (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 RachChrono (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). But more on this device later.

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), 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.

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.  

The TvG KDL also sends all the information to a wireless hand held device that can be used by the people watching from the sides. Other than displaying data, the hand held device has no other functionality. But it is always good to impress the viewers with your top speed or with the fact that you did not lift through a corner. J The hand held device has a very long range (approx. 1km). You can extend the range by adding an antenna to the hand held device using the IPEX connector. I also tested the wireless communication inside a concrete building and it works very well through the walls. 

Thank you very much for the opportunity to get sponsored. It really helps us, amateurs, to be able to build these projects. 

Also the quality of the PCBs produced here is awesome. 

• kart
• data
• logger
• wireless
• oled