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Operating Instructions
TrackPro is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. Once
you start TrackPro and begin driving, you don't need to do
anything. TrackPro automatically records your laps as you
drive. Then, when you're done driving, you can review the
results.
1. Mount the iPhone
Secure your iPhone in a mounting device on the windshield in
landscape orientation with the screen facing the back of the
vehicle. To get the best possible GPS accuracy, it's
important that your iPhone be securely mounted with an
unobstructed view of the sky.
2. Time Laps
Go to the
"Timer" tab. TrackPro will automatically identify your
current track and show the GPS accuracy in a red, yellow, or
green indicator. For best results, wait until it's green
before beginning your session. Begin accelerating, and the
lap timer will automatically start once you've reached 30
mph. The lap timer will automatically record lap times every
time your vehicle crosses the start/finish line. The lap
timer will automatically stop when your vehicle has stopped
for at least 1 minute.
3.
View Results
Go to the "Results" tab and
select your current event (the first event in the list).
From there you can view all the sessions and laps for your
event. By touching the arrow on any given lap, you can see
what your GPS track looked like. And by touching the marker
pin you can see what speed you were recorded at that point.
FAQ's
How accurate is the TrackPro app?
We have run hundreds of laps in testing at various tracks in
the U.S. and Canada and on average we have achieved greater
than 0.1 second level of accuracy. Typically within .03
seconds when compared to a beacon or transponder. There are
several things that can affect the accuracy: weather, iPhone
battery level, and the mounting position of the iPhone in
the car.
How do I mount my iPhone to get the best
reception?
We have found
the best location is low in the windshield of the car where
the phone has a clear view of the sky. This significantly
improves reception compared to anywhere else in the car.
There are various mounts that
work for mounting your iPhone. We offer a number of mounts
and accessories that we feel work best with the TrackPro.
These mounts and accessories can be purchased
here.
Can I
mount my iPhone inside the car away from the windshield?
Not really. The roof of the car
blocks the GPS signal from reaching the receiver in your
iPhone. We have done extensive testing in various closed-top
race and street cars and have found that the best place to
mount the iPhone is in the front windshield.
Why
will the timer screen rotate in one direction?
During our testing we have found
that the direction the iPhone is facing substantially
affects the quality of reception of the GPS signal. We have
locked the timer screen into the position that we have found
offers the best GPS reception.
Why
isn't my track automatically identified? / What if my track
isn't on the official tracks list?
We have an extensive database of
tracks in the U.S. and Canada. However, new tracks are being
built all the time and we may have missed your favorite
track.
If your track isn't in our
database, then it will not be identified automatically. If
that happens, you can create a custom track that will allow
you to record and save your lap times. After creating your
custom track, you can also use the "Submit As Official
Track" button to send your track information to us. We will
review the coordinates you have sent and, once approved, add
your track to the official track database.
In future updates we will add
regions outside of North America to the official tracks.
Feel free to submit these tracks outside of North America so
that we can create this database.
Do I
have to sync my iPhone to get track updates?
No. When you start the TrackPro
application, it will automatically check our website to make
sure that you have the latest track data available.
Can I
export my lap times?
Yes, you can email the data from
your iPhone. The data will be exported in an easy-to-read
timing sheet as well as in CSV format so that you can open
it in other desktop applications.
Does my iPhone need to be plugged in?
We have found that TrackPro is the most consistent and
accurate when plugged into an external power source.
Click here for recommended accessories. However, as long
as there is at least 50% power remaining in your battery
there is no need to plug in your iPhone while on track. It
is recommended, however, that you recharge your device in
between sessions to achieve the best results.
Is TrackPro suitable for Karting or short track racing?
Unfortunately not at this time.
Most kart tracks don't have enough space between the front
straight and other parts of the track to allow for limited
horizontal GPS resolution of the iPhone. We will continue to
work on the application to be suitable for use with karting
and short tracks. This will change as external GPS devices
become available for the iPhone/iTouch suitable for mounting
on a kart.
Will
there be updates for this app?
Absolutely. Based on feedback
from our pro drivers who are continually testing the
TrackPro lap timer, and that of our customers, we will
update any errors not related to hardware. We have taken
every step to provide an application that works
consistently, predictably, and intuitively.
That said, we're also human and
we may have overlooked something. We appreciate any feedback
you have. In the "More" tab under the "Help" section you'll
find an option for emailing your data to us so that it can
be diagnosed and corrected in a future update.
Why
did TrackPro miss a lap?
Now and again TrackPro will miss
a lap. This error is mainly due to the accuracy of the GPS
receiver within the iPhone and signal strength. In certain
conditions the horizontal accuracy of the GPS falls outside
the parameters we have set for the start/finish line for
your track. Under normal circumstances—clear skies, fully
charged battery, and proper mounting of the iPhone—missing a
lap should not happen frequently.
If you are experiencing multiple
missed laps (more than a couple a session) it could be that
the GPS coordinates we have for your track are off. If that
is the case, you can create a custom track and enter your
own start/finish coordinates which will override the
existing coordinates. If that solves the issue, please send
us your coordinates (using the "Submit As Official Track"
button) so we can verify and update the coordinates on the
official tracks list.\
Can I use the TrackPro at
other than official tracks?
Yes, by setting up a custom track by following the template
provided you can add any number of tracks to your phone.
How can I test my setup
without going to the track?
You can set up a custom track anywhere, even your street can
be set up this way. Simply go to the "Tracks" tab and select
custom. Follow the prompts and you now have a track to test
your phone's location in the car and you can familiarize
yourself with how the TrackPro works. (Please follow all
traffic laws and do not let your testing distract you from
keeping yourself and your community safe.)
How do I find a suitable
bracket to mount my iPhone in the windshield?
We are adding accessories for purchase such as brackets, GPS
enhancers, and power cords as they become available directly
to our website. Click here to
see our current list of items available for you to purchase.
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