- What are the new Performance Timer Accelerometer products?
- The Performance Timer Accelerometer Vehicle Performance Computers evaluate your vehicle's performance by measuring its acceleration, horsepower, cornering and braking forces.
- What exactly do the Performance Timer Accelerometers do?
- The products have two basic modes:
In the "Timed Run" mode, the Performance Timer Accelerometers 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 Performance Timer Accelerometers continuously measure and display the acceleration, braking, and cornering forces your car is producing.
- Why would I want one?
- The Performance Timer Accelerometers provide an easy, fun, accurate way to measure your car's performance. If you tune or modify your car, the Performance Timer Accelerometers let you measure how much your vehicle's performance and horsepower have changed. For drag race, autocross, track event
or road race enthusiasts, the Performance Timer Accelerometers can measure your vehicle's performance as you change components, set-up, or driving styles.
- What is the difference between the two models?
- The Vector FX1 sells for $99.95, and 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 Vector FX2 sells for $179.95. It has an ultra bright blue vacuum fluorescent graphics display that adds additional options for displaying G-Meter information. It stores 10 runs in internal memory, and with the optional cable and software 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 Performance Timer Accelerometers measure 5.5" W x 1.7" H x 1.4" D.
| Feature Comparison |
Vector FX1 |
Vector FX2 |
| Acceleration Time |
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 runs |
| *Requires optional cable and software |
- Are Performance Timer Accelerometers 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 Performance Timer Accelerometers work? How hard are they to install?
- They 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 Performance Timer Accelerometers 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 Performance Timer Accelerometers?
- 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 Performance Timer Accelerometers be used on motorcycles?
- We have done no testing on motorcycles. The cornering G-force reading will definitely not work, due to the way motorcycles 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 Performance Timer Accelerometer 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 Performance Timer Accelerometer?
- Vector FX2 models produced since July 2004 can be configured by the user to display English or Metric units. The Vector FX1 has no Metric display option.
- How does the Performance Timer Accelerometer know the speed and distance?
- The Performance Timer Accelerometer 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 Performance Timer Accelerometer that performs calculations only once per second. We'll also assume that our car can accelerate with a force of 0.45G.
An acceleration of 1 G means that car would accelerate at 32.2 feet per second per second, which is about 22 mph per second. (That means, from a standing start, after one second, the car would be going 22 mph. After two seconds 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 at 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 Performance Timer Accelerometer tracks speed and distance during a timed run. Remember, in actuality, the Performance Timer Accelerometer continuously measures G-forces, and makes these calculations hundreds of times each second.
- Do you ship Performance Timer Accelerometers outside the United States?
- Puerto Rico and the Canada are the only places we ship Performance Timer Accelerometers to outside of the United States, but we do not accept those orders online due to special shipping considerations. If you require shipment to Puerto Rico or Canada, please call us at 866-468-0322 to place your order.
- I changed some settings on my Accelerometer, or someone changed them for me. My Accelerometer no longer seems to work properly and I'd like to reset it to the factory defaults. Is there an easy way to do that?
- To reset the factory defaults from the Accelerometer 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 Accelerometer 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.
- I purchased the optional software and download cable for my GX2, but I do not have an available serial port. Can I use a USB port and a USB to serial adapter?
- We have tested the model GUC232A USB to Serial adapter from IOGEAR, which can be used to connect to an available USB port. After installing a USB to serial adapter, you will need to know the number of its COM port. Navigate to the Windows Device Manager, select "Ports" and note the COM port number assigned to the adapter.
Launch the Vehicle Performance Tools application and select the Serial Connection tab. Then select "Show Serial Communications Activity." Click on the COM port that matches your USB adapter COM port number. If you have a G-Timer connected to the COM port and it is turned on, the Vehicle Performance Tools software will
confirm that it sees a working FX2 on the COM port.
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