Introduction
The Aerosensor Lap Logger is software that lets a coach monitor data from the ACS Connect IQ app trackside.
The Garmin device running the Connect IQ app transmits lap data continuously via an ANT dongle, enabling a connected computer to display and record results in real time. This immediate feedback helps coaches make quick, informed decisions before the rider leaves the track. The lap end data flow is as follows:
Aerosensor takes roughly 3 seconds to send lap end data after receiving lap trigger because of the lap averaging process.
Important notes
- When testing multiple riders in the same session, only one Aerosensor should be powered on. The Aerodrome sends lap triggers to the first Aerosensor it detects after each lap, so having multiple sensors active can cause conflicts.
- The Lap Logger receives data from all ACS apps in range, so only one Garmin running the ACS app should be used during testing. Multiple Garmins can confuse the logger and result in inaccurate data. The lap logger will warn you if it detects multiple Garmins running the ACS app.
Installation
- Compatibility: The software currently runs on Windows only
- Download: Available under the "Live lap viewer" section at: https://aerosensor.tech/pages/downloads
- ANT+ Dongle Required: For example, the Garmin dongle: https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/10997 Other manufacturers offer similar devices at varying quality.
- Optimal Reception: Use a 2m USB extension cable to place the dongle higher up for better signal quality.
Operation
- Launch the Application
- From the Start menu, search for ANT_Lap_Logger or use the desktop shortcut. A main window will appear.
- Choose a Save Location
- Click Browse and select a folder to store the log files.
- Connect the Sensor
- Click Connect and confirm that “Sensor opened” appears.
- In the Messages window, if the ACS app is open on the Garmin, you should see incoming data packets.
- If no data appears, click Close then Open to reset the connection.
- Packet Details: The first byte is the packed ID, and each complete lap message has three packets starting with “0,” “4,” and “8,” ending with the lap number. Lap data only appears once all three packets have been received.
- Start a Run
- Click Reset to clear previous data from the LapData grid.
- Enter the run description in the Description field (editable anytime before stopping the log).
- Click Start log to begin recording data.
Note that if there are laps already showing in the lap logger it will give you the option to delete them all. If you want to keep them simply click “No” and these previous laps will be recorded to your log file also.
- Monitor Lap Data
- As each lap arrives, use the Flag checkbox to include or exclude laps. The session data displays the average of all flagged laps.
- End the Session
- Click Stop log to save the data and close the log file.
- Access the Log File The log file is a simple .csv format, which can be opened in Microsoft Excel. The delimiter used is user-definable. See Settings section for further details.
Popout window
Click the open popout button in the main window to open a separate window with larger format text. This can be helpful if you need to see key data from a distance, for example if you as the coach want to stand by the start/finish line and shout out lap times to the rider.
Settings
Application settings can be edited from the File->Settings menu:
- Number of laps to use for calibration: On an indoor velodrome we find that after a few laps the rider can start to generate their own tailwind. Bit like a spoon stirring a cup of tea. We recommend a value of 5 which will just use the average of the first 5 laps to calculate the aero calibration factor.
- Automatically apply average calibration Select this option to automatically apply to the calculated calibration factor to display a corrected CdA value (CdACal). If not selected CdACal will equal CdA.
- CSV file separator Choose between “,” and “;” which the logger will use as a delimiter to separate fields in the csv log file. Some locales (such as Germany) use a comma by default as the decimal point. In these locales only “;” is available.
Status indicators
- Connection Options are:
- Closed: ANT USB device connection is not opened. Click “Open” under “Garmin connection”.
- Not receiving: Connection to ANT USB device is open but no data is being received.
- Receiving: Data is being received from the Garmin. Note you do not need good reception for the entire lap, only for a couple of seconds or so minimum.
- “Multiple Garmins!”: Multiple Garmin bike computers running the ACS app are within range. Please turn off the ACS app on the Garmin not in use.
- Latest lap: Lap number of most recent complete lap.
- Lap data: Each lap requires 3 “packets” of data. These packets are sent 8 times in sequence.
- Lap Status: When the Garmin is first turned out it sends packets with no data. These laps are marked as “Invalid”.
