The Motorsports Electronics Industry

[Apex Speed Technology]

There's been a lot of great response from our posts here, and now that I've become a supporting vendor I thought we would discuss the market a bit. In general, products consist of ECUs, Data Loggers, Video Systems, ABS systems and wiring harnesses. My main goal is to get a conversation going about motorsports electronics and the aftermarket vehicle electronics industry. Historically, there have been 3 players in the business:

1. Manufacturers. Companies like Pectel, MOTEC, GIAC, AEM who sell design, manufacture and sell the products.
2. Independent Tuners. Guys who get hired to tune cars; they might also do a system installation. These are typically individuals who have learned over time the software tools and techniques for tuning engines or doing data analysis and driver coaching at the race track.
3. Installers. These are shops who's primary business is to work on cars. The best of them have an electronics expert on staff who handles things in house, some hire independent tuners, and the worst try to pick their way through it with less than spectacular results.

I used to work for a manufacturer and started our company because of the lack of centralized support and service. Our customers are now mostly 2 & 3 while adding the end-users as lots of these guys are plenty smart enough to install and tune on their own with a little bit of guidance.

Our website is www.apexspeedtech.com and our facebook name is apexspeedtech. I'll start posting about some of the BMW projects we've done over the years. Feel free to ask lots of questions about anything electronics related, we are committed to raising the collective intelligence of the enthusiast community with respect to electronics!

-Neel

[LostMarine]

where does haltech fall in those categories?

[Sticky]

I just want to officially welcome Neel and Apex. Obviously, you guys know he is wealth of knowledge and having him as a vendor here is a great boost (get it? ) for all of us.

You mentioned video systems, do you mean things like a Gopro HD? For recording races/motorsports?

[Itsbrokeagain]

Bout time you guys came aboard

the shop i worked for falls under the 3rd category...i have an AAS degree in Avionics, and since i couldnt get a job after 9/11 i took up mechanics full time and eventually started doing engine management systems wiring and installing.

I was hired as a mechanic but then since my installs were turning out so good and the customers were really happy i became the haltech person in the shop.

[Apex Speed Technology]

where does haltech fall in those categories?

Haltech is a manufacturer. I've been speaking with Mike, a part owner and the US distributor, for years. Good guys.

You mentioned video systems, do you mean things like a Gopro HD? For recording races/motorsports?

We have stayed away from the GoPro as our customers found them bulky and cumbersome. We carry the Replay XD, ChaseCam, Race-Keeper and AIM SmartyCam video products.

For people considering the Go-Pro, I strongly suggest looking a the Replay XD. Its a fully self-contained camera with 110min recording capability, internal rechargeable battery and micro-SD card recording. It costs $189 and is about the size of a roll of quarters. Top level teams in AMA Superbike and Supercross have used them; they're tiny and tough. Check them out here:

http://www.apexspeedtech.com/store/replay-xd

the shop i worked for falls under the 3rd category...i have an AAS degree in Avionics, and since i couldnt get a job after 9/11 i took up mechanics full time and eventually started doing engine management systems wiring and installing.

I was hired as a mechanic but then since my installs were turning out so good and the customers were really happy i became the haltech person in the shop.

You guys in Long Island? I wish I would have known, I was visiting customers in the Bronx, Brookly & Westchester last Thursday & Friday.

-Neel

[DBFIU]

Welcome and I would love to learn more about those systems. I have lots of questions.

[LostMarine]

For people considering the Go-Pro, I strongly suggest looking a the Replay XD. Its a fully self-contained camera with 110min recording capability, internal rechargeable battery and micro-SD card recording. It costs $189 and is about the size of a roll of quarters. Top level teams in AMA Superbike and Supercross have used them; they're tiny and tough. Check them out here: http://www.apexspeedtech.com/store/replay-xd

Damn, thats pretty nice. i think that just made the list for xmas..

[Itsbrokeagain]

Haltech is a manufacturer. I've been speaking with Mike, a part owner and the US distributor, for years. Good guys.


You guys in Long Island? I wish I would have known, I was visiting customers in the Bronx, Brookly & Westchester last Thursday & Friday.

-Neel

Yes we are. Actually the shop I worked for doing that work no longer employs me...I am at camber-toe full time now

[Sticky]

For people considering the Go-Pro, I strongly suggest looking a the Replay XD. Its a fully self-contained camera with 110min recording capability, internal rechargeable battery and micro-SD card recording. It costs $189 and is about the size of a roll of quarters. Top level teams in AMA Superbike and Supercross have used them; they're tiny and tough. Check them out here:

http://www.apexspeedtech.com/store/replay-xd

Thanks, I was considering the Go Pro for my use. Does the replay do 1080p?

How about the sound on the Replay?

[Sticky]

Welcome and I would love to learn more about those systems. I have lots of questions.

Well ask them

[LostMarine]

Haltech is a manufacturer. I've been speaking with Mike, a part owner and the US distributor, for years. Good guys.

We have stayed away from the GoPro as our customers found them bulky and cumbersome. We carry the Replay XD, ChaseCam, Race-Keeper and AIM SmartyCam video products.

For people considering the Go-Pro, I strongly suggest looking a the Replay XD. Its a fully self-contained camera with 110min recording capability, internal rechargeable battery and micro-SD card recording. It costs $189 and is about the size of a roll of quarters. Top level teams in AMA Superbike and Supercross have used them; they're tiny and tough. Check them out here:

http://www.apexspeedtech.com/store/replay-xd

You guys in Long Island? I wish I would have known, I was visiting customers in the Bronx, Brookly & Westchester last Thursday & Friday.

-Neel

I just got one today! It looks great and video quality so far is great. Im gonna use this one for all my secret squirrel stuff though Thanks for the link, its gonna come in VERY VERY handy in a lot of situations