Beltronics Vector FX2 VPC VEHICLE PERFORMANCE COMPUTER

Beltronics Vector FX2 VPC VEHICLE PERFORMANCE COMPUTER

Vector FX2 is the fast, easy way to learn the facts about vehicle performance. It measures acceleration (0-60; quarter mile times and more), cornering, horsepower and G-Force. Vector FX2 stores up to ten runs in memory and can easily download results to a PC or Palm. The high-tech, ultra-bright vacuum fluorescent display readily confirms all information. An absolute must for every car enthusiast!

What exactly does the Vector FX2 do?

In the "Timed Run" mode, the Vector FX2 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.

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.

Is the Vector FX2 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.

How does the Vector FX2 work? How is to install?

The Vector FX2 works 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. 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 Vector FX2?

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 Vector FX2 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 Vector FX2 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 Vector FX2?

Models produced since July 2004 can be configured by the user to display English or Metric units.

How does the Vector FX2 know the speed and distance?

The Vector FX2 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 Vector FX2 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.