How It Works

Getting Started in 3 Simple Steps

1

Grant Permissions

Allow access to your device's motion sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) and location (GPS) for accurate tracking.

2

Mount Your Phone

Securely mount your phone in your vehicle where it won't move during acceleration. A dashboard or windshield mount works best.

3

Start Tracking

Hit "Start Run" and accelerate. We'll automatically track your speed and calculate your times in real-time.

The Technology: Sensor Fusion

Our 0 to 60 timer uses advanced sensor fusion technology to combine data from multiple sensors in your phone for more accurate measurements than GPS alone.

📡 GPS (Location)

Provides absolute speed measurements by tracking your position over time. GPS is accurate for sustained speed but can have a slight delay in updates (typically 1-10 Hz).

📱 Accelerometer

Measures acceleration forces in real-time at high frequency (50-100 Hz). Detects changes in speed instantly but can drift over time without GPS correction.

🧭 Gyroscope

Tracks device orientation and rotation. Helps filter out non-forward acceleration (like turning or phone movement) for more accurate straight-line measurements.

Why Sensor Fusion?

By combining GPS and accelerometer data, we get the best of both worlds: the instant response of the accelerometer with the long-term accuracy of GPS. This hybrid approach provides more reliable measurements than either sensor alone.

How Measurements Work

0-60 MPH Timer

When you start a run, the timer begins when the system detects you're moving from a stop (typically above 2-3 mph to avoid false starts). The timer stops the moment you reach 60 mph. The elapsed time is your 0-60 time.

0-100 MPH Timer

Similar to 0-60, but measures the time to reach 100 mph. This test requires more space and is best performed on a track or closed course.

Quarter Mile Timing

Uses GPS to track distance traveled. The timer starts when you begin moving and stops when you've traveled exactly 1/4 mile (1,320 feet or 402 meters). Your trap speed (speed at the finish line) is also recorded.

Custom Speed Intervals

You can set any start and end speed to measure specific acceleration ranges, like 30-70 mph for highway passing performance.

What You Need

Device Requirements

iPhone: iPhone 6s or newer with iOS 13+. All modern iPhones have the required sensors.

Android: Android 8.0 or newer with GPS, accelerometer, and gyroscope. Most phones from 2017+ are compatible.

Permissions Required

Location (GPS): Required for speed measurements and distance tracking. We need "Allow While Using" permission.

Motion & Orientation: Required for accelerometer and gyroscope data. On iOS, this requires explicit permission; on Android, it's typically granted by default.

Testing Environment

Clear GPS Signal: Best results in open areas with clear sky view. Avoid tunnels, parking garages, or areas with tall buildings.

Straight Path: Perform tests on straight roads or tracks. Turns can affect accuracy.

Safe Location: Always test in a safe, legal location. We recommend closed courses or drag strips.

Secure Mount: Use a quality phone mount. Any phone movement during acceleration will affect accuracy.

Data Processing

All processing happens locally on your device in real-time. We don't send your location or performance data to any servers. Your privacy is protected, and the app works even without an internet connection (after initial load).

The sensor fusion algorithm continuously:

Reads GPS position and speed updates
Monitors accelerometer data at high frequency
Filters out noise and non-forward acceleration
Combines both data sources for optimal accuracy
Calculates speed, distance, and elapsed time
Detects when target speeds or distances are reached