AiM Sports - Support - Tips, Tricks, Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ

Check to be sure you have latest firmware and software update. We are continually improving our products and these updates are posted to the website. Product updates can be downloaded here.
Ensure you have a fresh set of fully charged batteries correctly installed in your product (if it is battery-powered).
Read the product manual to ensure you are using the product correctly. Product manuals and installation guides can be downloaded here.

What can I do to make things go smoothly on race day?

Practice using your MyChron before race day. If possible, run some laps on a practice day when you have time to test things out and get used to how the units work.
Practice downloading your data and become familiar with how everything runs.
If you download a software or firmware update, be sure to do a practice run and download your data to ensure the update is functioning correctly.
Always use a fresh set of batteries on race day and keep plenty of fresh spares on hand. The price of a few batteries is low compared to losing the data from a championship run.
If your unit will be in storage for a few months or longer (say at the end of the season), remove the batteries to prevent damage to the unit from deteriorated batteries.
Ensure you have fresh batteries in your trackside beacon and check the batteries often throughout the day.
Check that your optic receiver is mounted securely and pointed to the correct side of the track so it can read the beacon.

Is it possible to upgrade the MyChron3 Plus to the Gold version with G sensor?

Currently, we do not offer an upgrade program that would allow you to swap out your Plus for a Gold.

I heard about a firmware update for oval kart racing. What is it and how do I get this update?

The Oval Kart firmware is an additional software module that allows your MyChron3 to display data in a format preferred by oval track kart racers, including RPM drops for each lap. Click here to learn more about the Oval Kart firmware update.
If you bought your MyChron since 2003, there is a good chance you already have the Oval Kart firmware update. All you need to do is activate the Oval Kart mode. Click here to find out more.

I am a racer looking for sponsorship, will AiM Sports sponsor me?

AiM Sports is committed to supporting motorsports and fostering fair, competitive, inexpensive, and exciting race opportunities for racers of all ages and experience level. To that end, AiM Sports sponsors race series, race classes, sanctioning bodies and race organizations, allowing our resources to benefit the greatest number of racers. Therefore, AiM Sports does not sponsor individuals or race teams. See our News section for information on some of our sponsorship activities.

Using Your MyChron

I was at the track and was not seeing lap times or digtal tach readings on the display. The RPM sweep and the temp display were working. There were other karts using the same beacon without any problems. I took the beacon and moved it in front of the pick up and still no results. What is wrong?

You accidentally had the Best Lap Time View selected rather than the Digital RPM view which you are accustomed to seeing. This is a very common mistake made by new users. It is easy to switch to the correct view.
All MyChron 3 kart units show analog RPM, temperature(s), and lap time/number. (See the display diagram below).
However, the area in the upper right of the screen (currently showing the Digital RPM value of 14050) is configurable to show one of four displays. By default, Digital RPM is selected and displayed, but by repeatedly pressing the “On/View” button, Best Lap Time, Speed, or Battery Voltage can be substituted. (Note: Speed only is available on Plus and Gold models and Battery Voltage is only available while the engine is off.)

Installation Tips and Tricks for Sensors

I am getting erratic RPM/tach values on my MyChron (kart models), how do I fix this?

Inspect the where the metal clip connects to the RPM cable. We have seen several instances where the solder connection from the wire to the clip was broken, yet the heat shrink covering the junction actually held the two together. If this is the case, contact your local dealer to obtain a newer style rpm lead clip. Click here to read more about the new style RPM clip, introduced in January 2006.
Spiraling the RPM cable around the plug wire will always help in getting a good RPM signal. We also recommend running the RPM cable along the chassis, not enclosed in anything, as much as possible. Doing so actually creates a sort of capacitor, whereas you physically have metal chassis, then the RPM wire shielding, then the actual copper conductor, and this helps ensure a clean rpm signal.
Take care not to overtighten tie wraps. If your lead is too long don't coil it up, just cut the tach end to length. At the tach end make sure that the lead loops through the two small holes and then extends out about 1/2 inch and then use a small tie wrap to keep it snug.
If you're using the metal clip be sure that it doesn't contact the head shrouding or anything metallic as this can cause low or erratic RPM's. On any motor be sure to wrap the lead around your spark plug lead 2 or 3 times before clipping it on and use a small tie wrap to keep it snug against the spark plug lead.
If you are using the new plastic clip its very important to pull the RPM wire about 4 inches through one side of the clip, then wrap the wire around your plug lead a couple of times and then back through the opposite side of the clip. Click here to read more about the new style RPM clip, introduced in January 2006.

Where is the best place to connect power to the active rpm filter?

Connect straight to main power switch, do not connect to the ignition switch. We’ve found that the constant on and off power from the ignition can damage active RPM filters over time. An active filter will create a clean square wave out of a noisy rpm signal.

What's the best way to mount a pressure sensor?

Mount a short piece of brake line to the engine block then connect the sensor on the opposite end, secure the sensor with zip ties to provide strain relief. This is good for both MSI and VDO pressure sensors. Do not mount the pressure sensor directly onto the engine block as the vibration will shorten the life of the sensor.

Is it possible to reconfigure the channels on a MyChron3 Plus Kart gauge to read other sensors beyond temperatures?

On the MyChron3 Plus Kart gauge you cannot reconfigure the analog channel inputs. They have been pre-set at the factory to only monitor temperatures. If you have a MyChron Plus Auto or Moto version, then the analog channels can be configured to sample a wide range of sensors including pressures, steering angle, throttle/brake position, Lambda O2, etc.

Race Studio Software Tips

I am installing the latest software release using Windows XP and getting a warning from Windows not to install and cancel installation. What do I do?

Continue the installation by clicking "Continue Anyway", this is a normal warning from Windows XP whenever new USB drivers are being installed.

Until recently I have been downloading my data without a problem. However recently when I have downloaded session data to my laptop, when I enter the info to catalogue each download on the individual tests it has accepted them all but when I come to reopen them to read the data it is saying that "File name exceeds maximum length : 39: characters, please rename such a file to open it." It has an "okay" button to click which I have done and then I have tried every avenue I know to rename this file with a shorter name without success. Consequently I cannot open these files and use all my data and I need it urgently.

Open RS2 Analysis. Find the bad file. Right click on it and select "Remove Test". (Note: This will simply remove it from the database and not permanenetly delete it from your hard drive).
Shut down Analysis and then right click on the Start button. Select Explore.
Navigate to C:Program files\Aim\Data. Inside the Data folder, you will find the bad test in triplicate. (Example: if you had saved a test under the name of "Main", then you will find in the Data folder, three instances of "Main". You will find a Main.drk, Main.bak, and Main.dat).
Rename all three files with the new name. (Ex: 1st Main.drk, 1stMain.bak, 1st Main.dat).
Open Analysis. Select "Import Test". Navigate to the C:Program files\Aim\Data directory. Find your newly named test. Double click on it to insert it into the database.
Now you will be open the data as you have always done before.

In Race Studio I get the error "ERROR opening recordset in AIM Database 'C:\Program Files\AIM\Database\Configs_20500CLI.MDB', Return code: -1, Too few parameters. Expected 3. State: 07001,Native:3010, Origin:[Microsoft][ODBC Microsoft Access Driver]".

The best way to clear up this problem is to uninstall the software using MS Add/Remove Programs, then delete the entire AIM directory (with exception of the DATA and TRACKS folders). This way there is no question about any other remaining files left behind. A fresh install afterwards should clear up the problem. Be sure to use the most recent version of Race Studio (available for download here).

I am having USB / downloading related problems in Race Studio, Drag Analyzer or Light Analyzer.

Click here to read a detailed procedure on how to properly configure USB downloading with your software.

I recently downloaded a software/firmware update and now I am having USB problems.

Click here to read a detailed procedure on how to properly configure USB downloading with your software.

What are the minimum requirements for a laptop to run Race Studio 2 and interface the gauges?

The single most important requirement is a factory-built USB port, not one enabled through an additional card or adaptor.
If the laptop has a built in USB port, then the RAM, HDD, OS, etc will be sufficient. There is no need to spend a lot of money on a new top of the line laptop, there are many used laptops that will work great and save you money. Many racers buy an older, cheaper, used laptop and use it exclusively as their track computer.
If you can afford it, get a Pentium 3 or better processor and at least 129 MB of RAM and you should be in good shape. Look for a rugged, durable case and screen, as the track environment is not kind to laptops.

How do I move my Race Studio 2 files to a new computer? How do I backup and reinstall my Race Studio 2 files? How do I email Race Studio 2 files to others?

Download the following guide "Migrating Race Studio 2 files" (PDF 330 kb).

Advanced Racing Data Acquisition Techniques

I'm have trouble with track mapping. What should I do?

Ensure your tire diameter is measured accurately and input correctly in Race Studio. The track mapping feature depends on the accuracy of this value to function correctly.
Is your MyChron installed correctly on the vehicle? The MyChron must be installed so that the leads plugged into the panel are facing either towards the front or the rear of the vehicle. This way, the internal accerlerometer (G-sensor) can measure the turning forces (lateral acceleration) which is needed to create the track map.
If the leads are pointing to the driver's left or right, then the internal accelerometer is aligned along the longitudinal plane. Now the MyChron is monitoring the G forces created during acceleration and braking. Whereas this is interesting information, it is worthless for track mapping.
Ensure your unit is 100% calibrated, ideally before every session. You can use Race Studio to do the calibration.

Where can I download track maps?

Due to past confusion, AiM Sports does not offer track maps. One of our dealers, Victory Lane Data, has a selection of track maps available for download on their site. AiM Sports cannot guarantee the accuracy or usefulness of these maps.

I accidentally set up the split number wrong (I put 1 instead of 0), is there a way to correct that in the log file to display the right log?

Unfortunately, once the numbers of splits have been entered into the MyChron, there is no way to alter any recorded data after the fact. You can adjust the setting in the MyChron but it will only affect subsequent tests.

I 'm having trouble setting up the gear position indicator on a MyChron3 Plus or Gold for a shifter go kart. Do I need a special sensor for this?

No sensor is needed. The MyChron3 can determine and display the correct gear from the RPM and other data. The MyChron3 does need to be calibrated in order to determine the correct gears for your kart's setup. Click here to learn how to calibrate your MyChron and how to use the gear display.