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Questions & Answers


GT1	GT2

What are the new G-Timer products?
The G-Timer Vehicle Performance Computers evaluate your vehicle's performance by measuring its acceleration, horsepower, cornering and braking forces.

What exactly do the G-Timers do?
The products have two basic modes:
In the "Timed Run" mode, the G-Timers measure your vehicle's acceleration and braking forces during a brief timed run, and calculate acceleration times (including 0 to 60 mph times, quarter mile times and speeds, and 60 to 0 braking time and distance). After you make a one-time setup with your car's weight, the unit can also calculate horsepower.

In the "G-Meter" mode. the G-Timers continuously measure and display the acceleration, braking, and cornering forces your car is producing.

Why would I want one?
The G-Timers provide an easy, fun, accurate way to measure your car's performanc. If you tune or modify your car, the G-Timers let you measure how much your vehicle's performance and horsepower have changed. For drag race, autocross, track event or road race enthusiasts, the G-Timers can measure your vehicle's performance as you change components, set-up, or driving styles.

What is the difference between the two models?

The G-Timer GT1 offers a complete set of performance screens, It has a 32-character backlit LCD display, and saves the most recent timed run in memory.

The G-Timer GT2 has an ultra bright blue vacuum fluorescent graphics display that adds additional options for displaying G-Meter information. It stores 10 run in internal memory, and with the optional cable and softwre even has the capability of downloading data to your laptop, Palm, or PC. It also includes a "remote control" power cord that lets you select modes and start timed runs without having to reach the buttons on the main unit.

Both G-Timers measure 5.5" W x 1.7" H x 1.4" D.

Feature Comparison	G-Timer GT1	G-Timer GT2
Acceleration	Yes	Yes
1/4 Mile Time	Yes	Yes
Braking Distance	Yes	Yes
G-Force	Yes	Yes
Basic G-Meter Function	Yes	Yes
Advanced G-Meter Function	No	Includes race monitor with friction circle and brake testing
Horsepower	Yes	Peak and average
Display Type	LCD backlit	Vacuum fluorescent (blue)
Power Cord	6' coiled cord with standard plug	6' coiled cord with remote control
Data Download Capability	No	Yes*
Memory	1 run	10 run

	* Requires optional cable and software

Are G-Timers hard to operate?

We've designed-in the same intuitive "one-button operation" and industry-leading performance that our radar detectors are known for.

For a timed run, just press the "Start" button, then accelerate whenever you are ready. At the end of your run, the results are shown automatically. For the G-Meter mode, just press the "G-Meter" button.

How do G-Times work? How hard are they to install?

The work by sensing the acceleration forces, using miniature internal solid-state sensors. There is no connection with your car's speedometer or tachometer.

No installation is required. The G-Timers simply plug into your vehicle's lighter socket, and mount to the windshield with the included suction cup mount.

What is the accuracy of the G-Timers?

For most vehicles, the readings will be within 100 milliseconds "out of the box," and within 50 milliseconds after fine-tuning setup items for the specific car.

Can the G-Timers be used on motorcycles?

We have done no testing on motorcycles. The cornering G-force reading will definitely not work, due to the way motorcycle lean into turns. The acceleration, braking, and timed run modes may work, providing the motorcycle does not lift its front wheel during acceleration.

How many axis accelerometer does the G-Timer use?

After extensive testing, we are using a 2-axis accelerometer, and have found that to be as accurate as a 3-axis system in every respect.

Is there a Metric version of the G-Timer?

The G-Timer uses English units of measurement and has no Metric display option.

How does the G-Timer know the speed and distance?

The G-Timer tracks acceleration forces over time, and from this continuously calculates speed and distance. For accuracy, it tracks all these items approximately 200 times per second.

Here's a simplified explanation of how the system works:

For this simplified example, we'll assume a G-Timer that performs calculations only once per second. We'll also assume that our car can accelerate with a force of 0.45G.

An acceleration 0f 1 G means that car would accelerate at 32.2 feet per second, which is about 22 mph per second. (That means, from a standing start, after one second, the car would be going 22mph. after two second it would be going 44 mph, etc.)

In our example the car accelerates at 0.45G, which is about 10 mph per second.

So, let's look at the 1st second of our timed run: We were going 0 mph at the beginning of that second, and we were going 10 mph at the end of that second. So our average speed during that second was 5 mph. We can then calculate how far the car went: 5 miles per hour = 26,400 feet per hour = about 7 feet per second.

So after the 1st second, we've traveled 7 feet, and we're going 10 mph.

Now let's look at the 2nd second of our timed run (remember, we're still accelerating at 10 mph per second): We were going 10 mph at the beginning of that second, and we were going 20 mph at the end of that second. So our average speed during that second was 15 mph. We can then calculate how far the car went, which turns out to be about 22 feet.

So after 2 seconds, we've traveled 7 + 22 = 29 feet, and we're going 20 mph.

Now let's look at the 3rd second of our timed run: We were going 20 mph at the beginning of that second, and we were going 30 mph ar the end of that second. So our average speed during that second was 25 mph. We can then calculate how far the car went, which turns out to be about 37 feet.

So after 3 seconds, we've traveled 7+22+37 = 66 feet, and we're going 30 mph.

This is a simplified way to see how the G-Timer tracks speed and distance during a timed run. Remember, in actuality, the G-Timer continuously measures G-forces, and makes thes calculations hundred of times each second.

I changed some setting on my G-Timer, or someone changed them for me. My G-Timer no longer seems to work properly and I'd like to reset it to the factory default. Is there an easy way to do that?

To reset the factory defaults from the G-Timer setup mode (reached by holding down the G-Meter button), press the Start button repeatedly until you reach "Fact Default?", then press the up arrow to select that option. The G-Timer can also be forced into the factory default mode by holding down three buttons, plugging in the power cord, and then releasing the buttons. If you're not ambidextrous, you may want to have a friend plug in the power cord while you are holding the buttons! The three buttons to hold down are the up arrow, the down arrow, and G-Meter.