Go Kart Computer and Data Logger: 101 Guide For Beginners

I remember that a few months ago when I was at the race track I noticed that some of the drivers had screens on their steering wheels. These screens were small, but they seemed to be providing the driver with some crucial information. I did some research and here’s what I found out.

The data loggers on the steering wheels are either Mychron or Alfano devices. They can be programmed to give the driver information such as their lap times, engine temperature, the engine’s RPM, and much more. This data can help the drivers to improve their performance on the track.

If you want to find out more about these computer systems, how they work, and why you might need one of them for your kart, keep reading to find out!

How to Choose the Best Go Kart Data Logger

There are a few different data loggers for karting on the market. Through a quick search, you’ll find that there are different data loggers for racing karts, dirt karts, and even some that can be fitted to bikes too. While you can use any of these in your kart, you want to be sure that you have the best data logger for your needs and goals. Here’s the process I took when choosing a data logger.

1. Price

The first factor that you need to keep in mind is the price of the data logger. They can become expensive, especially if you’re going with the computers that are more powerful and have more features. Extra features can include different coloured backlighting on screens, tire pressure sensors, wheel speed sensors, and morre. Always make sure to stick within your budget because karting can become extremely expensive, and you don’t want to be wasting money unnecessarily by buying a computer that is out of your budget. Investing in a cheaper data logger will free up some additional budget for other performance parts that will reduce your lap times (such as tires for example).

2. Features

Always make sure to check out the features that are available with the data logger that you want to choose. This is especially important if you’re trying to stick within a specific budget because features can become limited when the price of the computer drops. You need to do thorough research on the computer you have your eye on to make sure that it meets your requirements. Keep in mind that features differ, some computers can be linked with a helmet camera, others can draw up a track map for you, and some can even be used to log incredibly detailed data.

3. Support

Karting data loggers can be incredibly complex, especially since you have to get them installed and running all by yourself. You want to be sure that you have a reliable customer support network that is available to assist you if you have any questions about the installation process. Whichever brand of data logger you’re buying, make sure to always check their customer support contact pages, and you can even contact them beforehand to make sure that they are reliable. You can also do a quick search on YouTube or look through some internet forums to see if there are any guides and troubleshooting tips.

4. Extras

Many karting data loggers come with extras that you can install on your kart. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for these extras because you can buy them separately from your computer. You don’t have to buy everything at once if it’s not ere Some data loggers can give your speedometers that measure your kart’s speed throughout the lap, tire pressure sensors, and even fuel level sensors. 

5. Ease of use

If you’re choosing a karting data logger you want to be sure that it’s easy to use and easy to install. Remember, you’re going to be installing and operating the computer all by yourself, so you will need clear instructions on how to install it properly, and how it works. Many data loggers are plug-and-play with laptops that allow you to download all of your data and review it. Others require more complex processes and software that need to be installed. Make sure you get one that suits your needs best!

6. Reliability

Data loggers need to be reliable! Your kart will be going through all kinds of conditions, from rain to sunshine, to dirt and mud. You want to be sure that your data logger can withstand tough racing conditions. There’s no point in spending a lot of money on a data logger that will break in a couple of months. To check the reliability of a data logger you can check reviews online, or check our comparison between the most common computers in this link.

How Do I Add a Speedometer to My Go-Kart?

Installing a speedometer or data logger onto your kart is much easier than you might expect. It should be said that in order to get the speedometer, you will need to buy an additional sensor in the majority of cases. It’s rare to find a data logger that has the speedometer sensor included in the original package.

The first step is to attach the data logger to your steering wheel. It’s incredibly easy! There is a bolt on the back of the data logger, and all you need to do is unscrew it, for the data logger to your steering wheel between the spokes, and then screw it back in. Make sure that the data logger fits tightly because there will be a ton of vibrations and bumps causing it to loosen over time.

Next, you need to attach the sensor cables. Make sure to follow the instruction manual to see which cable goes where. Most data loggers come with the RPM and engine temperature sensors as standard. When you’ve connected the sensors, make sure to tie down all of the cables as tightly as possible. Any loose cables can be pulled which can cause severe damage if they are caught on anything.

The final step is to just configure the device to your liking! You can choose which language you prefer, the colors used on the screen, the units that the device measures in, and more. The owner’s manual will give you plenty of instructions on how to configure the device too.

What Are the Best Go Kart Data Logger \ Speedometer Brands?

The best data loggers for karting are Mychron and Alfano. If you do a quick Google search, these are the first brands that will show up! You’ll probably also see many drivers at your local track using either one of these brands on their own karts because they are simply the best. We have done a full comparison between the top two data loggers here.

Conclusion

Data loggers are a crucial part of becoming a better karting driver and might be a requirement in case you are taking part in a mentoring program. There are several different brands to choose from, but you need to make sure that you follow the correct steps when choosing the right device for you. These devices are easy to install, and they will give you important insights into how you can improve.

FAQs for Go Kart Data Loggers \ Speedometers