CarTrack : Car Performance Monitor - iPhone / iTouch

[CarTrack]

Hi,

I'm working with a group of people creating a Car Performance Tracking application called CarTrack for the iPhone / iTouch. The application is available now in iTunes : http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=292869920&mt=8.

Here are some of the features:
- Real-time performance display: speed, forward and sideways acceleration monitor, top g-force of the run, time passed
- Auto-stop test runs: 0-60, 0-60-0, 0-100, 0-100-0, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 1/4 mile
- Unlimited test run: monitor performance for as long as you wish
- Zoomable (to 3x) performance graphs: Speed, Acceleration, G-forces (front, back, right and left), Horsepower, Distance traveled
- Results reported in metric units (km/h, meters) or imperial units (mph, yards) as you desire
- Results can be saved for later review
- Memory for details of different cars
- Customizable interface, 5 themes included
- Uses the built-in accelerometers of the iPhone or iPod Touch
- Fix your iPhone or iPod Touch in your car in any way you want
- High accuracy, boosted by a full calibration routine
- Free updates with new features
- Currently on introduction sale at HALF PRICE $ 2.99

You can see more information at our website : http://www.cartrackapp.com/

Here is a screenshot of the VW theme in action:

Note: When using the software it is very important that you take time to calibrate your device before recording (both the Device and In Car Calibrations). Along with this please ensure you have a secure way to mount or fix the device in the car.

We are working hard on updates suggested by the current users.

Please post any comments about the application here or email us directly for Technical queries on CarTrackApp@gmail.com

Regards,
Richard.

[jamie_pyrite]

Wow, this reall sounds special! Do you have a writeup on the science of how all this can be calculated merely from an accelerometer? I'm intrigued!

Unfortuantely, I'm a HTC man myself, so can't try this app out.

[CarTrack]

Hi,

It depends how much you want to know We're a group of people that got together on the iPhone forum Hackint0sh. You can see the forum thread here (that's over a year old) where various people have contributed ideas which resulted in CarTrack : http://hackint0sh.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16443

The basics behind the application are:
Step one: Calibrate the device, so the software knows the default parameters of the accelerometer (each one is manufactured very slightly different).
Step two: Mount the device in the Car and run the In Car calibration. This tells the software which direction is forward.
Step three: Choose your Run Type (eg: 1/4 mile, 0-60, 0-60-0 etc)
Step four: Hit Start and accelerate (At this point the software reads the accelerometer values and queries the changes 100 times per second. Our calculations work out where you are, where you've come from and how fast. Based on this we can work out speed, acceleration, g-force, distance etc. Then based on the parameters you enter about your car (drag coefficient, frontal area, drivetrain loss, weight etc) we can also work out an approximate realtime Horsepower value.
Step five: The software will automatically stop at the desired Run Type (eg: at 60 if you choose 0-60) or just press Stop
Step six: These runs can be saved (for different cars) and compared together on the detailed graphs afterwards.

Note: It is important to note that due to the calculations being based from the accelerometer the application will only be accurate on a flat surface.

Please visit our website for more information and plenty of screenshots : http://www.cartrackapp.com/

Thanks,
Richard.

[Martz]

Looks like a clever piece of software. Only available on iPhones though?

[CarTrack]

Yes, the software is only available on the Apple iPhone or Apple iPod Touch (all device versions - so long as you have the software upgraded to 2.0+)

[Thom89]

Ive just downloaded this app, looks good so far! best of all its not crashed my Iphone!! just done the calibration sequence, and now need to get in a car tomorrow to finish it off, so will let you know... if it works as good as it looks, then I cant wait!
one question, will it work for motorcycles?
Oh yeah, one more question, does it need to be laying down flat in my car?
Thanks
Tom

[Saint Steve]

But dont you need a car that will do 60mph in the 1st place 

sorry couldnt resist!.

great looking product and all i need now is a ipod touch!!.

Let us know who it goes thom89

[Komenda]

I might try this, I've downloaded a couple of other Apps and the accelerometer does seem pretty sensitive in the iphone, only a bit of fun anyway.

[CarTrack]

Ive just downloaded this app, looks good so far! best of all its not crashed my Iphone!! just done the calibration sequence, and now need to get in a car tomorrow to finish it off, so will let you know... if it works as good as it looks, then I cant wait!
one question, will it work for motorcycles?
Oh yeah, one more question, does it need to be laying down flat in my car?
Thanks
Tom

Hi,

You can mount the device in any position.

Just run the In Car calibration once in place.

Please remember you'll see the best results on a flat surface.

Let us know how you get on or if you have any questions.

It would probably too tricky to keep in the same position on a bile.

Thanks,
Richard

[Greenouse]

Wow  That does sound good! Getting an iPhone for crimbo so will get this then