After 2 full seasons of research, SPS/Solotime has selected what we feel is the best Data Logger for autocross and trackday use, the Race Technology DL-1.  He ability to record on a inexpensive Compact Flash (CF) and one button recording were the main features that we found to be most useful in our extensive testing.  Combined with a powerful, east to customize software package makes the DL-1 a hard to beat data logger for the mid priced market.

The DL1 is a state of the art, highly robust, compact "black box" data logging system. Put in the simplest terms, it stores a wide range of vehicle data for later analysis on a computer - the system does not include an in-vehicle display.

The DL1 is suitable for use in cars, boats and on bikes. The DL1 is also widely used in industrial testing.  It's compact size and one button operation make it perfect for autocross and track use.

Cutting edge features of the DL1 include: Built in 10Hz GPS receiver, digital accelerometers, compact flash memory, 8 12bit analogue inputs, dual RPM inputs, 4 wheel/shaft speed inputs, lap beacon input, serial input for ECU/OBDii data,  output to drive a dashboard, video overlay system or a telemetry link (options).

There are a variety of accessories available for the DL1 such as a remote start/stop button, compact flash cards and compact flash card readers.

• Built in GPS. The new GPS unit is based on our own high accuracy GPS3 technology and calculates position and speed 10 times every second. This is easily the fastest, most accurate GPS system available for under $1500. The measurements from the GPS and accelerometers are combined to calculate very high accuracy positions and speeds at 100 times a second.
• Built in accelerometers. Built in 2-axis accelerometer with 2g full scale (optional 10g full scale).
• Logging to compact flash memory. Compact flash memory is robust, economical and ideal for use in data logging products. The advantages of using compact include incredibly fast download times (using a suitable card reader) and huge storage capacities.
• 8 analogue inputs. The DL1 has 8 very high accuracy analogue inputs. All the inputs are 12-bit accuracy (4096 different levels), 3 of the external inputs have a maximum input of 12v, the remaining 4 have a maximum input of 5v.
• 2 RPM inputs. The DL1 has 2 RPM inputs, only one of which can be used at any one time. One input is designed to be connected to "high level" sources, such as the HT leads or the ignition coil. The other input is designed for low level signals such as a feed from the ECU.
• 4 wheel/shaft speed inputs. The DL1 features 4 totally independent wheel/shaft speed inputs. These can be used to measure the speed of all four wheels, or slip ratios across a torque converter for example.
• Serial data (RS232) input. The serial port can be configured to accept data from an external source - possible examples are data from the engine management unit, OBDii or CAN data (with a suitable adapter)
• Serial data (RS232) output. As well as logging the data to compact flash it is also available from the serial port. We are already working on a dashboard which will accept and display this data.
• Lap beacon input. For some applications it is desirable to use a lap beacon, so we have included a dedicated input for it. This channel can also be used as a general-purpose digital input if required.
• Small and tough. It's the most compact logger in it's class, at just 110mm x 75mm x 30mm (4.3" x 3" x 1.2") it can be fitted into the smallest single seater, motorbike or go kart. The DL1 is housed in a 2mm thick aluminum enclosure and carbon fiber end panels for very high impact resistance, we even use stainless steel screws!
• Simple operation. A single button to start or stop logging, it's as simple as that! If the button is inaccessible from the drivers seat then a remote button and status indicator can be added if required.
• Power supply requirements. The power supply to the DL1 data logger can be taken directly from the vehicles 12v supply, or it can be powered from it's own battery if required. The power supply is smoothed and regulated within the DL1 ensuring its performance is highly robust and stable.
• Testing. Very high reliability is ensured by calibrating, temperature testing and vibration testing each unit on an individual basis. Autosport applications make tremendous demands on electronic systems and we take great care to make sure our products are up to the task. All the connections to the units are vibration proof, high strength, screw terminals to ensure that connections do not fail at the critical time. Nothing is indestructible - but the DL1 comes close!
• Powerful. The 2 processors in the DL1 are the very latest generation RISC processor that features both higher speed operation and flash upgradability - so as we add new features to the DL1 you can upgrade yours to the latest specification for free.