Record video and telemetry together

Build the source map first

Do not assume the camera exports its IMU, the phone app records the phone’s highest possible GPS rate, or a CAN connection automatically supplies every desired vehicle channel.

A dependable two-device setup

1. Mount the camera rigidly. Keep it clear of driver sight lines, airbags and controls. Follow circuit and governing-body rules.
2. Position the GNSS antenna. Give it a clear sky view; avoid burying it under metal or a known signal-blocking windscreen.
3. Record orientation. Photograph the logger installation so sensor axes can be reconstructed later.
4. Choose sustainable video settings. Test heat, storage and power for longer than a normal session.
5. Acquire satellite lock before recording. A warm-up in the paddock is better than discovering the first lap has no position data.
6. Start every recorder and create a sync cue. A visible clap, sharp vehicle event or identifiable start-line crossing can help.

Synchronisation expectations

A GNSS log normally has satellite-derived time. A camera may use a user-set clock and start the video stream after the record button is pressed. Aligning start timestamps alone may leave an offset; clocks can also drift during long recordings.

GPS time alignment

Potentially strong when both sources store trustworthy UTC/GPS timestamps.

Audio / visible cue

Good manual method when the same abrupt event appears in video and sensor data.

Start-line alignment

Useful fallback; precision depends on video frame rate, GNSS rate and line definition.

Automatic vendor sync

Convenient but device/app dependent; verify rather than assume.

Post-session checklist

• Open every video chapter and confirm audio.
• Check that GPS begins before the first useful lap and contains plausible speed/position.
• Check logger orientation and motion signs.
• Export a non-proprietary copy where available.
• Preserve original files and record firmware/app versions.