12-04-2016, 05:34 PM
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#701
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Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
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Another exciting day!
This morning I qualified 2nd. Just before the race, the driver on pole decided to start from the back and work his way up to the front, so that moved me to P1.
I got a great start and was able to pull a short gap on the field and led about half of the race. I faded towards the end of the race and finished 4th.
Overall, it was good weekend having reached my near-term goal of keeping up with the group at the front of the pack. Now, I just need to work on staying out front a little bit longer.
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
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12-05-2016, 04:40 AM
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#702
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,466
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thstone
Another exciting day!
This morning I qualified 2nd. Just before the race, the driver on pole decided to start from the back and work his way up to the front, so that moved me to P1.
I got a great start and was able to pull a short gap on the field and led about half of the race. I faded towards the end of the race and finished 4th.
Overall, it was good weekend having reached my near-term goal of keeping up with the group at the front of the pack. Now, I just need to work on staying out front a little bit longer.
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Cheers!
__________________
2003 Black 986. modified for Advanced level HPDE and open track days.
* 3.6L LN block, 06 heads, Carrillo H rods, IDP with 987 intake, Oil mods, LN IMS. * Spec II Clutch, 3.2L S Spec P-P FW. * D2 shocks, GT3 arms & and links, Spacers front and rear * Weight reduced, No carpet, AC deleted, Remote PS pump, PS pump deleted. Recaro Pole position seats, Brey crouse ext. 5 point harness, NHP sport exhaust
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12-13-2016, 10:06 PM
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#703
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Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
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This SD card cost me 3 hours of troubleshooting Sunday! (damn those things are small now!)
After not getting any of the three past races on video, I wanted to finally get to the source of the problem. Previously every time that I thought that I had it fixed, it happened again (and again).
I spoke to Brad Roberts and he said to update everything to the latest firmware and then if its still a problem, its the SD card.
Now, I have great respect for Brad but thought it was weird that an SD card that had worked perfectly fine for two years all of a sudden starts to fail? I had never heard of this - SD cards don't wear out (at least not in this type of consumer application). But, what the heck, I wanted to get this working once and for all.
I started by updating the camera firmware and the configuration app to the latest versions. Easy, breezy.
Next, I configured a test setup that worked the same way that the camera is controlled in the car (the camera is supposed to turn on automatically when 5vdc power is applied through the mini-USB connector and turn off when power is removed. The Traqmate data system supplies the power automatically so the video and data is synchronized).
The camera worked fine for the first two rounds of tests (the camera automatically creates an individual 1.1GB segmented video file roughly every 10 mins. I also started and stopped the camera a few times to re-create track sessions).
Close to the end of the second test, it simply stopped recording and lost all of the configuration data so all subsequent attempts to get the camera to record were fruitless. This is exactly what kept happening at the track. I had to re-format the SD card and re-set all of the config settings to get the camera to come back to life.
The good news is that I was able to re-create the problem and it looks like its either the data card or the camera itself.
Then I swapped the old SD card for a new Patriot 32GB Class 10 card and started re-running the tests. Thus far, I've been able to record almost 50GB of video without any problems.
Testing will continue through the week until I feel confident that it will work. Then I'll do some in-car testing this weekend just to make sure.
I think that I'll smash the old SD card with a sledge hammer just to make me feel better.
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
Last edited by thstone; 10-21-2017 at 08:50 AM.
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12-14-2016, 02:53 PM
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#704
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: austin
Posts: 824
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Flash memory actually does have a wear out time. They are designed to compensate for memory that does wear out by remapping locations and other techniques.
How does flash memory work? - Explain that Stuff
In addition, all semiconductor devices have long term reliability degradation. In the simplest terms, the transistors age and slow down. This is statistically compensated for with increased voltage, but sometimes the increase is insufficient for the aging. Sometimes the wires connecting transistors break down due to electro-migration.
These are all factors that go into the design and working life estimations of electronics
Mike
Quote:
Originally Posted by thstone
This SD card cost me 3 hours of troubleshooting Sunday! (damn those things are small now!)
After not getting any of the three past races on video, I wanted to finally get to the source of the problem. Previously every time that I thought that I had it fixed, it happened again (and again).
I spoke to Brad Roberts and he said to update everything to the latest firmware and then if its still a problem, its the SD card.
Now, I have great respect for Brad but thought it was weird that an SD card that had worked perfectly fine for two years all of a sudden starts to fail? I had never heard of this - SD cards don't wear out (at least not in this type of consumer application). But, what the heck, I wanted to get this working once and for all.
I started by updating the camera firmware and the configuration app to the latest versions. Easy, breezy.
Next, I configured a test setup that worked the same way that the camera is controlled in the car (the camera is supposed to turn on automatically when 5vdc power is applied through the mini-USB connector and turn off when power is removed. The Traqmate data system supplies the power automatically so the video and data is synchronized).
The camera worked fine for the first two rounds of tests (the camera automatically creates an individual 1.1GB segmented video file roughly every 10 mins. I also started and stopped the camera a few times to re-create track sessions).
Close to the end of the second test, it simply stopped recording and lost all of the configuration data so all subsequent attempts to get the camera to record were fruitless. This is exactly what kept happening at the track. I had to re-format the SD card and re-set all of the config settings to get the camera to come back to life.
The good news is that I was able to re-create the problem and it looks like its either the data card or the camera itself.
Then I swapped the old SD card for a new Patriot 32GB Class 10 card and started re-running the tests. Thus far, I've been able to record almost 50GB of video without any problems.
Testing will continue through the week until I feel confident that it will work. Then I'll do some in-car testing this weekend just to make sure.
I think that I'll smash the old SD card with a sledge hammer just to make me feel better.
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__________________
Drivers: '15 Panamera Hybrid (wife's), ' 01 996 GT2, 00 Boxster S, '96 993 Çab/Tip (wife's)
Race Cars: '75 911 RSR Replica & '99 Spec Boxster
mike@lonestarrpm.com
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12-14-2016, 04:53 PM
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#705
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Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
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Quote:
Originally Posted by seningen
Flash memory actually does have a wear out time. They are designed to compensate for memory that does wear out by remapping locations and other techniques.
How does flash memory work? - Explain that Stuff
In addition, all semiconductor devices have long term reliability degradation. In the simplest terms, the transistors age and slow down. This is statistically compensated for with increased voltage, but sometimes the increase is insufficient for the aging. Sometimes the wires connecting transistors break down due to electro-migration.
These are all factors that go into the design and working life estimations of electronics
Mike
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Thanks Mike - good info!
Still strange that the old SD card is problematic since it only got used about 100 times a year. But with that being said, the new SD card is working fine thus far with almost 100GB written/read without any problems.
Lesson learned.
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
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12-18-2016, 05:27 PM
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#706
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Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
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I tested the camera in the car this morning and no joy.
Started working my way thru the system and ultimately found that the TraqDash unit that controls the camera operation was only outputting 1vdc instead of 5vdc. No surprise that the camera wasn't working!
I went to the TraqMate website and found that they announced in July that they were halting production and unfortunately, they appear to be in the process of closing down. The website said they will still provide repairs and support so I sent them a message explaining the problem.
I'd rather not change the data system, so just in case TraqMate can't repair the unit I bought a 12vdc to 5vdc convertor module. I can tie the input to the 12vdc power going to the TraqMate and then wire the 5vdc output direct to the camera (bypassing the TraqDash).
This should fix the problem one way or another.
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
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12-20-2016, 08:22 AM
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#707
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: claremont, ca
Posts: 47
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Tom, I have a traqmate I took out of my car 2 years ago
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12-20-2016, 12:55 PM
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#708
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Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bkovac
Tom, I have a traqmate I took out of my car 2 years ago
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Thanks! PM or text me with what you'd like for it.
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
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12-22-2016, 09:32 AM
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#709
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Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
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There was a recent Spec Boxster racing incident where the 986 engine cover came loose during an incident and allowed fire in the engine compartment to enter the passenger compartment.
Thus, Spec Boxster race cars are recommended to use the 987 metal engine cover that attaches with screwed fasteners to replace the 986 composite engine cover that uses the quick release clips to help prevent the engine cover from becoming displaced in an incident.
The screw is a Torx T30 head.
Here is the OEM parts list:
- 987 engine cover (PN 98751321102)
- Oval-head screw m6 x 16 (PN 99907327902)
- Speed nut M8 (PN 99959186901)
As you can see in the photos, I have everything sitting in my workshop and plan to install next week.
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
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12-29-2016, 10:02 PM
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#710
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Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
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Been working on the data and camera system the past few days...
Unfortunately, TraqMate hasn't been a lot of help. All I get from them is that I need to configure the system properly. Well, I've done that about 15 times and still get the same result - no video!
So, today I installed a 12vdc to 5vdc convertor module. Instead of using switched power, I connected the input to 12vdc constant power and ran it though a dash switch. Then I wired the 5vdc output direct to the cameras (bypassing the TraqDash).
At the same time, I split the output three ways so I can run three cameras simultaneously (one looking forward, one looking rearward, and one looking at me). All three will be controlled (on/off) by a simple dash switch.
This should guarantee video in the future!
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
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12-30-2016, 04:37 PM
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#711
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Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
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Camera install pic's. Cam1 looks forward, Cam2 looks rearward, Cam3 is pointed at the driver.
Bench tested everything yesterday and tested everything in the car today. Lots of video coming at the next race!
Bench testing...
Front and rear cams...
Driver cam... (final mount not installed in photo)
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
Last edited by thstone; 01-01-2017 at 05:50 PM.
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12-30-2016, 04:40 PM
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#712
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Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
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The details for the 987 metal engine cover installation can be found here: Cayman or 987 Boxster engine cover on 986 Boxster
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
Last edited by thstone; 12-30-2016 at 04:42 PM.
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12-30-2016, 06:36 PM
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#713
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On the slippery slope
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Austin and Palm Springs
Posts: 3,796
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Do you ever rest?
Happy New Year
__________________
2004 Boxster S 6 speed - DRL relay hack, Polaris AutoTop DIY
2004 996 Targa Tip
Instructor - San Diego region
2014 Porsche Performance Driving School
2020 BMW X3, 2013 Ram 1500, 2016 Cmax, 2004 F-150 "Big Red"
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12-30-2016, 07:45 PM
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#714
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Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JayG
Do you ever rest?
Happy New Year
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I'll sleep when I'm dead! Lots to do, not enough time to do it!
See you soon.
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
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12-31-2016, 08:16 PM
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#715
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Agoura Hills (LA) So.Cal.
Posts: 1,574
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thstone
Lots of video coming at the next race!
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Very Good.... looking forward to it!!
__________________
1995 Porsche C4 Cab
2016 BMW M2, 6 Speed LBB - ED 7/2016
1997 993 Cab - Sold; 1997 993 Turbo - Sold
2001 Boxster S - Original Owner - 30K Miles -SOLD
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01-01-2017, 10:03 AM
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#716
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: toronto
Posts: 2,668
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More Stone movies is a good thing!
__________________
986 00S
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01-01-2017, 10:15 AM
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#717
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: toronto
Posts: 2,668
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thstone
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Thanks for posting this safety up grade Tom. What is that mysterious black box and strap on your clamshell? I don't think that cover will be popping anytime soon with that serious M8 hardware. We need titanium here!
It looks as if one might be able to mount the speaker box if it is trimmed at the rear edge for the hump. Can't say for sure.
__________________
986 00S
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01-12-2017, 07:45 PM
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#718
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Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jaykay
What is that mysterious black box and strap on your clamshell?
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If I understand the question correctly, that little black box with the wire is my external GPS receiver for the data system and what might look like a strap is a bracket where the fiberglass hard top bolts through the rear window.
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
Last edited by thstone; 02-02-2017 at 05:33 PM.
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02-02-2017, 06:14 AM
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#719
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: SW Okla
Posts: 1,115
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thstone
Editing the video this morning. These images are 1 sec apart.
What did the car spinning do?
What did the car ahead do?
What should I do?
Those couple of seconds seem like a lifetime.
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The way I see it...
__________________
I think I have a Porsche problem...
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02-02-2017, 03:16 PM
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#720
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: toronto
Posts: 2,668
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jaykay
Thanks for posting this safety up grade Tom. What is that mysterious black box and strap on your clamshell? I don't think that cover will be popping anytime soon with that serious M8 hardware. We need titanium here!
It looks as if one might be able to mount the speaker box if it is trimmed at the rear edge for the hump. Can't say for sure.
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Ahhh right; thanks. Did you dyna mat the inside of the covers(s).....too heavy I guess?
__________________
986 00S
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