View Categories

Setup Track Map

Loading a Track Map Configuration #

  • Navigate to Edit > Map Config > Load Map Config in the RaceRx menu bar. This action will open the Config folder.
  • Search for the desired track. Track files will have a .rmap extension. While some maps are included by default, it is advisable and beneficial to create and set up your own maps.

Create New Map #

When going to a new track it is important to setup RaceRX in advance when internet access is available.

  1. From the main menu, click Edit > Map Config > New Map Config to reset the track markers and image.
  2. Open your browser and go to Google Maps. Locate the track you want to create.
  3. Once you’ve found the track, right-click near the center of the track and left-click on the displayed GPS coordinates. This will copy the GPS coordinates to your clipboard.
  1. Return to RaceRX and go to Edit > Map Config > GoTo GPS. In the pop-up window, press CTRL + V to paste the coordinates into the text box, then click OK.
  2. You’ll be prompted to enter a zoom value. A good starting point is 16. (Larger numbers zoom in, smaller numbers zoom out. Each whole number represents a doubling in zoom.)
  1. Once the new track image loads, you may notice that parts of the track are cut off or that the image is too small/large. You can make small adjustments by right-clicking on the GPS panel where you’d like the new center to be, then clicking Center Map Image. You’ll have the option to adjust the zoom level again.
  2. Repeat the last step as needed until the track image is properly aligned and fits well.

*Feature improvements are planned for track setup

Track Markers #

Understanding Markers #

Markers are crucial elements in the RaceRX system, they are line segments that are strategically placed on the map to trigger specific telemetry events based on the car’s interaction with them:

  • Crossing a Marker: When the car crosses a marker, it signals specific events. For instance:
    • Start/Finish Marker: Indicates the beginning or end of a lap.
    • Sector Marker: Marks the start or end of a sector, which is used for detailed performance analysis.
  • Non-crossing Events: If the car passes nearby a marker without actually crossing it, no event is triggered. This feature ensures that only deliberate crossings (like those at start/finish lines or sector divisions) are logged, avoiding false data capture from adjacent paths such as pit lanes.

Placement Precision #

  • Accuracy: It is crucial that markers are placed precisely. The line should cross the entire track or lane, extending slightly beyond on either side. This extension compensates for potential inaccuracies in GPS data, ensuring reliable event triggering.
  • Pit Lane Proximity: In tracks where pit lanes are close to racing tracks, ensure that pit in/out markers do not extend near the racing track. Incorrect placement could result in unintended pit events being triggered as the car passes each lap, skewing data and causing confusion.
  • Start/Finish Marker: If possible, attempt to extend the Start/Finish Marker such that it also crosses pit road. This will help separate your pit in/pit out times.

Definitions of Markers and Sectors #

Markers and sectors play vital roles in monitoring and analyzing race performance. Each type of marker serves a specific function:

  1. Start/Finish Marker:
    • Function: Triggers the start or end of a lap.
    • Data Captured: Records the time for the final sector and the overall lap time. This marker is crucial for accurate lap timing and performance analysis.
  2. Pit In/Out Markers:
    • Function: Initiates a Pit in Event when the car enters the pit lane.
    • Data Captured: Automatically starts a pit timer capturing several details:
      • The exact time the car crossed into the pit.
      • A running count-up timer showing the duration of the pit stop.
      • A 5-minute countdown timer to monitor and manage pit stop duration.
    • Pit Out Event: Exiting the pit stops all timers and records the Pit out time, providing a precise measure of pit efficiency.
  3. Sector Markers:
    • Function: Placed at various intervals along the track (not including the start/finish line) to segment the track into smaller parts.
    • Data Captured: Records the time taken to traverse each sector. This data is essential for analyzing performance across different sections of the track, helping drivers and teams identify areas for improvement in speed and handling.

Marker/Sector Setup Instructions #

Marker Setup #

  • Right-click on the desired location on the map to bring up the marker menu. This will be the center point of your new marker.
  • Choose the type of marker you wish to set (start/finish, sector, pit in, pit out).
  • A dot appears at the chosen location, with a draggable line extending from it. Adjust this line to the correct position across the track.
  • Confirm the placement by left-clicking; to cancel, right-click and the marker setup will be aborted.
Map Right Click Menu
Start finish and pit in and out markers.

Sector Setup #

Setting up sectors is crucial for analyzing detailed segments of the racetrack to improve driver performance and strategy. Sectors are marked similarly to other types of markers, but with a few key distinctions:

  1. Numbered Markers:
    • Identification: Each sector marker is numbered to facilitate sequential placement and data analysis.
    • Order: It is imperative that sector markers are placed in numerical order according to the direction of travel on the track. This ensures that the timing and analysis reflect the actual progression of the vehicle along the course.
  2. Placement Guidelines:
    • Strategic Positioning: Choose locations that represent significant segments of the track for detailed analysis, such as turns, straights, or changes in elevation.
    • Accuracy: Ensure that each marker is correctly positioned to cross the entire track width, extending slightly beyond each side to accommodate potential GPS inaccuracies and to capture the vehicle as it passes.
  3. Using the Map Interface:
    • Interactive Setup: Right-click on the map at the desired location to place a sector marker. A menu will appear allowing you to select and place the sector marker.
    • Adjustment: Once placed, you can adjust the marker by dragging the line to span across the track accurately. Confirm the placement by left-clicking, or cancel by right-clicking to remove the marker setup.
  4. Sequential Check:
    • Verification: After placing all sector markers, review their order and positioning to ensure they accurately reflect the track’s layout and the race direction. Incorrect placement or sequencing can lead to flawed data collection and analysis.

Recommendations #

  • Essential Markers: At minimum, set a start/finish marker. For tracking sector times, add at least one sector marker. If pit stop times are irrelevant (e.g., in sprint racing), omit pit markers.
  • Marker Adjustments and Removals: If a marker is misplaced, simply place a new one and the old marker will be removed.
  • Sector Adjustments and Removals: Sectors must be placed in the same order that the car will drive through them on the track. Use the “Move Sector” and/or “Remove Sector” to make necessary adjustments.
  • Direction of Travel: If a track operates in both CW and CCW directions you will need to make separate map files for each direction.

Caution #

Do not add; move or remove markers while the car is actively on track as this can lead to inconsistencies in recorded lap and sector times. Always make such adjustments only when the car is off the track.

Preparation Tips #

An internet connection is required to generate new satellite images. Be sure to set up the map and all markers before the race day if internet will be limited at the track.

Powered by BetterDocs