GPS data logger (skiing, trackdays etc)

[glade]

Last year i tried to buy a Navman ski tool off ebay but when it arrived it didn't work.

Today I found this...

Ski-log (http://skilog.co.uk/) for £99. (demo video here) (http://skilog.co.uk/downloads/w3.WMV)

Which appears to be this GPS datalogger on ebay (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/i-Blue-747-Bluetooth-GPS-Data-Logger-32-Ch-Aviation-PDA_W0QQitemZ150190292913QQihZ005QQcategoryZ156954 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) with a different logo.The ski-log product also appears to have a UI designed specifically for skiing and easy interface with google earth.

I went a bit mad last night and bought the ebay datalogger.

I have already found some aviation websites and a gps visualiser that can create tracks in google earth, but software suited to skiing/trackdays would be better.

Anyone got any experience with GPS datalogging?

Any good software I could use with it?

[the white rabbit]

I just use my 2610 or eTrex as a logger more than anything else. The Garmin software interfaces with Google Earth. I am not certain you can overlay logs on normal Earth without subscribing, unless the logger comes with software. Having said that progs like GPSBabel can often convert logs into formats that might. I can overlay on Arquet mapping, Memory Map and G Earth but there is sometimes a bit of jiggery pokery. What format does in log in?

[glade]

Don't know what format, but i definately need to find out... I assume it will just give a CSV file.

I've found a site that does FREE software for track analysis. Looks pretty good in their marketing bumph. Question is if i can import the data from this datalogger.
http://www.race-technology.com/main_analysis_software_2_37.html

[the white rabbit]

Default: GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC; Optional: VTG, GLL need to look and see what will handle those I suppose. Or does it export in other formats?

[glade]

i wasn't sure if that was an output from the gps sensor, not the data logger?

[the white rabbit]

Do GPSW do this one? If so look at the specs on there I would before I buy on ebay. In fact they may do loggers for not much more.

[glade]

I got the GPS datalogger last week... seems pretty good. certainly gets an accurate track.

Here is a track of me driving accross town. Its bang on all of the roads in google earth.
Track accross town (http://www.1webspace.biz/timmartin/test-track.kmz)

Using excel i can chart height and speed etc. Everything that the £100 ski software does really.

I'm pretty pleased that I have saved a bit of cash and that I can get the unit to do what I want... the unit is even sensitive enough to work inside my factory... Time and motion studies might get interesting ;)

[arenalife]

Do these devices and software compensate for height as well as distance? If it doesn't factor in height changes they can't be very accurate.

For example, if you skied 1.4 linear miles down a 45 degree slope, as the crow flies that would only appear to be 1 mile, giving you a lower speed reading.

[glade]

it logs height above sea level, so I assume so.

[gettin2dizzy]

Might seem like a silly question. But why on earth would you want to log your skiing? Can't you look at a piste guide?

[Blue_SV650S]

Why not buy a proper GPS that logs??

I’ve had a Garmin Gecko

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=220

Logs 10,000 data points (you can set interval, but at 1/sec that is 2.8hrs recording.

You then use map point? And can view it on a map and export as CSV file …

The advantage of getting a GPS that logs too is that … well you can use it as a GPS if you get lost, not just a pile of electronics recording you going up and down a mountain trying to find your way home!! :D

£60 on ebay ... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Brand-New-Garmin-Geko-201-GPS-Navigation_W0QQitemZ190154543891QQihZ009QQcategory Z156955QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

[Blue_SV650S]

Note: you will need a cable to connect it to your PC, but they are only ~£15 on ebay ... so for £75 all in you have a little GPS&Logger 8) Map point was the OE mapping software when I got mine (~3yr ago), but I am sure you can communicate with it with it with 3rd party (free?) stuff these days where it has been round for a while now ... .

[drefraser]

Might seem like a silly question. But why on earth would you want to log your skiing? Can't you look at a piste guide?

Because you can then be faced with the crushing realisation that your 90 mph flat out down hill run was actually at 25 mph.
I'm going to stick to making it up in the bar afterwards.:takeabow:

[glade]

Might seem like a silly question. But why on earth would you want to log your skiing? Can't you look at a piste guide?

Just a bit of fun really. I can also use it in the car or on the bike for track days.

I have to admit, it is a bit unnecesary (sp?).

[glade]

Why not buy a proper GPS that logs??

I’ve had a Garmin Gecko

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=220

Logs 10,000 data points (you can set interval, but at 1/sec that is 2.8hrs recording.

You then use map point? And can view it on a map and export as CSV file …

The advantage of getting a GPS that logs too is that … well you can use it as a GPS if you get lost, not just a pile of electronics recording you going up and down a mountain trying to find your way home!! :D

£60 on ebay ... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Brand-New-Garmin-Geko-201-GPS-Navigation_W0QQitemZ190154543891QQihZ009QQcategory Z156955QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem


Too late, got it now!

This holds ~100,000 points so can easily get a whole day's worth of data on it.

I'm sure it'll provide some amusement for a while.

[tigersaw]

Or buy a bluetooth GPS for under £30, and use your phone as a logger, tomtom etc.

[glade]

Or buy a bluetooth GPS for under £30, and use your phone as a logger, tomtom etc.

this is a bluetooth GPS with logger built in. When I get my next phone it will definately be a consideration!

[Blue_SV650S]

free software to extract data from geko 8)

http://www.manfred-fuchs.de/download_e.html

extracts to CSV (and has its own mapping). Works, just tried it with mine .... sweeeet :)

So a Geko and a cable and you are away!!!

Unless you already have purchased the aforementioned logger that is :oops:

[glade]

Thats a good little program!