How To: Overlay GPS Data onto Video

Foreword:
I have created an Excel file from scratch that automates every step to help you. Below you will find two links to my GoogleDocs. One is for the Excel file which has macros in it. It’s currently set up to handle 20 laps worth of data which should be plenty for any track day. If you need more then just start mimicking what I have and add additional lap tabs. Or ask me and I'll modify the file.

The second file in my GoogleDocs is the RaceChrono2AVI (RC2AVI) software that I use to animate the data. Download and install this program.

Purpose:
This setup will work with any bike and any car. It's completely wireless and only uses your Android phone and a bluetooth GPS receiver that is the size of a key fob. Thefore you can log just about anything at any time without hassle.

Background:
I wanted a cheap way to get the data overlay and was willing to put in some time and effort in order to save some coin. I found that with four programs I could accomplish what I wanted as long as I put in some effort in the beginning. Those programs are:
- Trackmaster; this is what logs all of the data. Trackmaster is available for Android phones on the market.
- My Excel File; to manipulate the data
- RC2AVI; this animates the manipulated data and saves it as an .avi file
- A video editor; I chose Corel VideoStudio ProX3, but you can use whatever you want. ProX3 can overlay up to 6 additional video tracks over the main video track so 7 video feeds in total.

My template
Before you convert any data do this:
- Rename your logged file from Trackmaster to "Trackmaster Export" and have both that file and my template open at the same time. If it's not named exactly that then the automated template will not work.

After you convert your data using my template
Right click on the .csv file and choose Open With -> NotePad. When the file opens in NotePad it’ll look like a giant brick of number with commas. In the first few lines of this file you will notice that there are a lot of extra commas. Remove all the extra commas so that there is only one comma at the end of each line. I haven’t figure out yet why this happens, but it doesn’t occur in the rest of the data. Save your changes after you remove the extra commas.

RaceChrono Software
Open the RC2AVI software. Load whatever “config” you want and choose either kmh or mph. Then click the “…” button to the right of the long white box to load your data. Go to your desktop and select the .csv file you just saved the changes to. Choose your starting lap and ending lap. Check the box for “record avi.” Now click play and let it run. FYI: do not put your mouse inside of the box outlined in yellow as it will see and record the mouse. Same thing applies for other windows. It also applies if you lock your computer. Just let it sit there and record peacefully.

Edit the video
You now have your .avi data file recorded. Just use your video editing software and match up the two video feeds. Done.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Enjoy…

I doubt I will ever use this but I appreciate all of your effort.

You might want to post up all of your screen shots as well in here since this going to be a stickied write up

FML....I just got word from the Trackmaster developer that they are in the process of creating an addon for this program that will export the data to the RC2AVI format. LOL oh well, I guess it was fun to play with Excel for awhile.

damn man, well this makes a great tool incase trackmaster falls through. Thanks dude. I can't wait to try this out.

FYI, I've modified my template file. I also edited my OP because the template file is now 100% automated from start to finish. Makes it super fast to pump out the data.

Hey Dunc, what version Trackmaster are you using? Did you have to purchase the Bluetooth GPS Service as well?

I just downloaded the latest 2.4 version updated while I was putting the finishing touches on that new automated spreadsheet back on the 11th. I built the capability in the spreadsheet to work with both the car & motorcycle setups that are available in this new version. Yeah I bought the bluetooth addon. It's pretty much necessary for what we are doing unless you don't mind jerky playback.

I haven't used 2.4 yet, but I will be tomorrow when I go back to the track again. I'm going to log all my sessions this time instead of just 1 or 2 in the afternoon like usual.

Just throwing this out there...now I'm proud! He just released an update that exports to the RC2AVI file. I haven't tested it at all but I'm definitely curious to see how it looks compared to my version. But I actually made it onto his "user guide" section. Feels like an accomplishment haha.

Trackmaster - User Guide

Congrats Dunc!

Will definitely use this if it comes out for the iOS