G-Timer... a new toy

[HwyCruiser]

I've been looking at these for a while:

http://www.escortstore.com/gtimer.htm

I'm fascinated by electronic gadgets and a couple guys ran with them during Autocross events for the G-Meter function. I finally gave in and picked one up.

They claim to be "amazingly accurate" and are used by auto makers, race teams, and car testers such as Car & Driver ( ).

I ran up and down a fairly level stretch of back county road a few times to see what the G-Timer's 0-60 times came out for the MM. I read enough of the manual to figure out how the "Timed Run" mode works: Press the "Start" button (it waits for the car to start moving) and then accelerate until you get about 5 miles above the maximum speed you want to measure.

It displays the max speed of each run and seemed accurate by my eye. There's all kinds of neat things this will measure. Acceleration time, HP, 60-0 mph braking distance, 1/4 & 1/8 mile time, and directional g's. Neat toy!

- JD

[Petrograde]

I've been looking at one of those for awhile too. I love gadgets like that!

I'll get one when they make a hardwire kit for it!

[duhtroll]

Petro -

Make your own hardwire kit.

It's really easy. Better yet, go make Radio Shack do it. That's even easier.

-A

[Petrograde]

Petro -

Make your own hardwire kit.

It's really easy. Better yet, go make Radio Shack do it. That's even easier.

-A

As far as I can tell electricity and electronics are basically voodoo, or some sort of witchcraft.

I can turn a wrench, but here's what I know about electricity:

1. Every month I pay too much for it!

2. It hurts when you touch it.

I'd like to learn it though. I want some custom gauges and other assorted gizmos for my MM, but no one makes what I'm looking for!

Maybe I should use the rest of my G.I. Bill and learn it!

[mrogerc]

Did you get the GT1 or GT2?

And, any regrets in not getting the other one?

[HwyCruiser]

Petro,

The manual talks about a two-wire direct wire remote control cord as an optional acc'y. I'm going to order that and the PC download software and cable. I'm feeling the need to go full geek with this.

Right now I have the 6-ft coiled cord strung to the aux 12V plug in the console. It doesn't seem to want to work in the cig lighter plug. The unit is suction cupped to the instrument cluster in the upper right corner.

The mirror probably has switched 12V to it for the dimmer, so that's where I'll start if I decide to mount it off the upper console. Or maybe above the Volts / OP gauge pod. Making the bracket work is going to be another trick.

Oh boy, another project... I'l post what I wind up doing. It shouldn't be too tough, just a lot of staring and saying "hmm".

- JD

[Petrograde]

Cool JD,..

Please keep us posted! If I were to connect it anywhere, it would prob'ly be the gauge cluster.

[HwyCruiser]

Did you get the GT1 or GT2?

And, any regrets in not getting the other one?

I got the GT2, for the floresent screen and the memory storage and PC download capabilities.

I assume the other one you refer to is the Beltech FX? They look like the same thing, same packaging, only different faceplate. I chose the Passport for it's subdued colors... the Beltech yellow didn't do it for me.

Hey, its got to coordinate. Too much Fab 5 for me I think.

- JD

[FiveO]

Neat little gadget.

Might have to pick one of these up!

[HwyCruiser]

I figured out where I wanted to mount the G-Timer. Mounting the bracket wasn't that difficult, but I wish I used a little thicker aluminum that the 0.032 stuff I had laying around. If it shakes too much, I'll just do over.

My power adapter also started to work in the cig lighter socket after I cleaned it out a little. I don't know if I'll try hardwiring it since the cord out of the way of everything.

Well, that was pretty painless.

- JD

[jgc61sr2002]

Nice job.

[Petrograde]

Nice JD,.. looks like you have some sheetmetal skills.

.042" might be the thickness you're looking for.

[FiveO]

Thanks for the pics!

Nice sheetmetal work.

If I pick one up...could you make another bracket?

[Smokie]

Great device, I would love to know what my car can do 0-60 and be comfortable with the accuracy.

I used an online calculator to calculate my 0-60 based on 1/8 mile ET and MPH. The results were very pleasing but I don't know if I can trust the numbers, so I don't post them as factual until I can use an actual measuring device like yours.

[HwyCruiser]

Thanks!

I'll hold onto the "prototype" I made out of lighter gauge alum. Go get you one, see if that's really where you want it, then send me an e-mail.

Four bends, snip here, snip there and she's done. Cover cost of mat'l (not much) and shipping and you got it.

- JD