Good morning everyone, if you had to make a choice and could only choose one or the other would you pick a data logger or a weather station for bracket racing. I want both but it just not in the cards for me. I feel the weather station would benefit me more but what do you think? Thanks racers

You can do what I did. Get both, but not at the same time. I'm just now putting a data logger in my car, after having it since 2014. The weather station was the first thing I got, and it made a world of difference for me. I could tune the car and get it to repeat, until the weather changed. Then it was back to square one. Having the weather station provided me with that info so I could note that data with my tuning data...make a world of difference. One thing I'd get if you get the weather station first is prediction software. I originally got an Altronics weather station, but after a few years they quit making and supporting it. My buddy got a computec and the difference between it and mine were night and day. I have Crew Chief Pro software that works perfectly with the computec station. Computec also has it's prediction software with the weather station, and I use both as a comparator tool. For my stuff, that was the best money I ever spent. I'm only adding the data recorder now because as I'm going faster, getting things right is harder when you have to guess....

So, I'd consider the weather station first, with prediction software, and data recorder later. I think that would benefit you more at first, but that's just my thoughts on it....

Alta Lab Weather Station and a Crew Chief Prediction Program.

The data logger tells you what happened after a run, the other items can predict what will happen before a run.

Bob

If only one I would go data logger. You can always use air density online for weather and if like compare to few other racers to get feel for accuracy. They list most every drag strip in US. Cost zero.

That way you get both. Neither is wort **** in good whirlwind without a good run log. I am sure few will disagree. There is not such thing as too much data . Now there can be bad decision on how to use it. Not apple to apple but I know of three times when my records saved our butt with funny car after bad weekend of just crap and getting backed into one run to qualify. Data is king in my opinion which with a penny added may be worth 2 cents.

Then go buy best weather station can afford later for more data

That is a tough question but I think I would have to go with Weather station. When the weather changes your car is going to change and you need to know what weather is doing and how much it effects your car.

If you are having trouble with your car or pushing envelope the Data logger can be very important. It will tell you if you spun at the hit or when you shift. It can tell you what your water, oil and transmission temperatures are. That can help you with consistency and find possible problems. Mine has O2 sensors on all 8 cylinders which is very helpful with mechanical injection. I know if a nozzle is getting clogged or any other issue. Monitors your oil pressure.

Bottom line is I think a good weather station is a requirement and as you go faster the data logger becomes more and more important.

Data logger providing you read it properly and use it to make proper adjustments. Weather app for phones is free

My ECU with full DA of “everything” it controls and anything else it can monitor is absolutely the Best (and most) money I’ve spent.

I agree with Big Steve, a phone app can give you most of what you need at your racing location for free and I use one for reference also. An inexpensive log book (I like Summits) can show you how to dial based on some previous runs and notes.

My guess is that you want to go least expensive, and are possibly computer challenged. If yes, I’d recommend purchasing a handheld unit.

Randy's stuff is fairly inexpensive and software is simple to use.
Start with basics, Engine RPM and voltage are standard, get a driveshaft sensor, oil pressure, water temp and trans temp to start with. You can always add more later

https://www.rpmperf.com/

there are several good weaher apps on line and free,the use the closest airport normaly and are accurate.cars running 1/8 are usually pretty consistent,if not a datta logger can help decipher that

quote:

Originally posted by Big Steve:
Randy's stuff is fairly inexpensive and software is simple to use.
Start with basics, Engine RPM and voltage are standard, get a driveshaft sensor, oil pressure, water temp and trans temp to start with. You can always add more later

https://www.rpmperf.com/

^^^^I like to call the RPM unit "old man easy" Worth every penny you spend on it.

Id recommend a weather station/hand held ET predictor, such as a Computech.

Clark

quote:

Originally posted by 329L:

quote:

Originally posted by Big Steve:
Randy's stuff is fairly inexpensive and software is simple to use.
Start with basics, Engine RPM and voltage are standard, get a driveshaft sensor, oil pressure, water temp and trans temp to start with. You can always add more later

https://www.rpmperf.com/

^^^^I like to call the RPM unit "old man easy" Worth every penny you spend on it.

THIS..

Dave

Pretty simple answer,, if your car is good/consistent then get a weather station/run prediction software. If it's a mess then get a data logger, a weather station and run prediction software will be useless in this case.

quote:

Originally posted by TOP38:
Pretty simple answer,, if your car is good/consistent then get a weather station/run prediction software. If it's a mess then get a data logger, a weather station and run prediction software will be useless in this case.

^^^ Thats great common sense advice right there^^^

Much good advice. I wouldn’t commit to anything until you’ve run a dozen laps. I think DA is a wise investment even if only a Grid 7730. Serves two purposes.

In 1999 I bought a not working Altronics PA2 handheld for cheap. Sent it in and was repaired and firmware updated for the return postage cost. I’ve used this at the track for 25 yrs. My racing combination (gearing, tires, fuel map, engine runs, ect) changes enough that my paper log book is my reliable predictor.

In November 2024 I purchased a brand new Altronics PA2 on sale. Looks and works exactly the same as the older model but has a lighted display that is easier to read, especially at night. The new one is all digital and the older isn’t. Left both of them side by side in the garage and they read almost the exact same to within 20’ DA . I was impressed.

Thanks Guys, that's why I put the question out there. I knew I would get really good feedback.
LC

quote:

Originally posted by Big Steve:

quote:

Originally posted by TOP38:
Pretty simple answer,, if your car is good/consistent then get a weather station/run prediction software. If it's a mess then get a data logger, a weather station and run prediction software will be useless in this case.

^^^ Thats great common sense advice right there^^^

I'm gonna say X3 on this one.

Also, like Markemark, I have had an Altronics PA2 handheld weather station for 25 years. Everyone knows the more good runs you enter in a W.S. the better they get at predicting, especially over a wide range of weather conditions. Mine allowed me to win a nice pot of money on a Dial for Dollars "off the trailer" deal, putting me .001 over my dial.

I am a believer in logbooks, but unless you have those entries in a spreadsheet or database that you can use a Search function in a hurry, digging for a logbook entry that matches whatever your track conditions are, while the PA announcer is hollering for you to get to the lanes for your final round can be a challenge.

Another thing - Yes, you can find phone apps and websites that show the weather at airports, nearby towns, etc. How often are they updating their data? If you find yourself at one of those tracks where DA can change 1000' plus in a few minutes, nothing will track those changes at your location better than a weather station.

Air density online is supposedly at track locations. I will say it differs for local tracks that would have same air port for info. Piedmont is 18 miles from house. I have checked site and my stuff at house and whine close always slight difference. For ****s and giggle did check one day at track and was almost dead on/Plus pulled up report for Greensboro air port and was different.

Can not 100% say it is not based off air ports just does not seem to match up . Hell with alky being less sensitive to air changes it works. Most of top alcohol field have both and use ADO in staging lanes for last minute changes. Not saying one is hand is not better since doubt anything close will tell you what it is in spot you are standing.

quote:

Originally posted by wideopen231:
Air density online is supposedly at track locations.

From their FAQs

How accurate is the weather data for each track?
Basic weather data comes from either the National Weather Service or Visual Crossing Weather and, as such, is very accurate. However, the closest weather station to each track can vary in distance from a mile or two up to 20-30 miles. Additionaly, the weather data is updated hourly (sometimes less in certain locations). Please note, however, that the track elevation, latitude, and longitude are always taken from the track’s location and not from the weather station’s location. If you need to calculate density altitude with custom weather variables, there is a free air density calculator you can use instead.

drag racing weather app is a good one seems to have most tracks and other venues.even had fuel tech location in it