Accelerometer & G‑Force Guide
AiM Accelerometer & G‑Force Sensor Guide
This guide explains how the AiM accelerometer and G‑force sensors work, what the data means, and how to use it for kart setup and driver improvement with MyChron 5 and MyChron 6. This information is tailored for kart racers in New Zealand and Australia.
What the accelerometer measures
The accelerometer inside the MyChron measures:
- Longitudinal G‑force (braking & acceleration)
- Lateral G‑force (cornering)
- Chassis stability
- Driver smoothness
Why G‑force data matters
G‑force data reveals how the kart behaves dynamically. It helps identify:
- Braking efficiency
- Cornering grip
- Chassis flex and balance
- Driver inputs and smoothness
- Tyre performance and degradation
1. Longitudinal G‑force (Braking & Acceleration)
Longitudinal G‑force shows how hard the kart accelerates and decelerates.
Braking G‑force
- High peak G: strong braking performance
- Inconsistent peaks: driver inconsistency
- Sharp spikes: rear locking or unstable kart
Acceleration G‑force
- High exit G: strong traction
- Low exit G: poor line or wheelspin
- Flat G trace: bogging or gearing too tall
2. Lateral G‑force (Cornering)
Lateral G‑force shows how much grip the kart generates in corners.
What good lateral G looks like
- Smooth rise into the corner — clean turn‑in
- Stable peak G — consistent mid‑corner grip
- Smooth drop on exit — controlled release
What bad lateral G looks like
- Jagged trace: oversteer or driver corrections
- Low peak G: understeer or low grip
- Sudden drops: sliding or rear instability
3. Using G‑force for kart setup
G‑force data is extremely useful for diagnosing setup issues:
Understeer indicators
- Low lateral G in mid‑corner
- Large steering angle with low G
- Slow G‑force rise on turn‑in
Oversteer indicators
- Jagged lateral G trace
- Sudden G‑force drops mid‑corner
- High G on entry, low G on exit
Braking setup indicators
- Rear locking: sharp G spikes
- Front locking: slow G rise
- Soft pedal feel: low peak G
4. Using G‑force for driver coaching
G‑force data is one of the best tools for improving driver technique. Compare:
- Braking consistency
- Corner entry smoothness
- Mid‑corner stability
- Exit traction
- Overall smoothness
Faster drivers typically show smoother traces and higher, more consistent G‑force peaks.
5. Typical G‑force values for karts
| Condition | Typical G‑Force |
|---|---|
| Braking | 0.8–1.2 G |
| Cornering | 1.5–2.2 G |
| Acceleration | 0.3–0.6 G |
Maintenance tips
- Ensure MyChron is mounted firmly
- Check for vibration issues
- Verify calibration in RaceStudio
- Inspect wiring for damage