Windshield Dyno: The Beltronics GX2. Test Comparison and Review

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Roadfly Magazine

•	Issue Eleven Table of Contents

•	Past Issues Index Roadfly Magazine

Issue Eleven
March 30, 2004


•	Live, From Detroit, It's the 2004 NAIAS!
•	Detroit Auto Show Awards
•	Keeping things in Balance
•	60 Seconds with Henrik Fisker

•	Windshield Dyno: The Beltronics GX2
•	Nissan Altima Facelift
•	WORK Wheels Introduction

•	Cadillac Merchandise
•	Not The Record To Be Proud Of
•	Open Wheel Racing in the USA: Big Changes
•	Bear Market in the Auto Business?

Coming Next Issue

•	NYC Auto Show

Windshield Dyno: The Beltronics GX2, continued

THE PACKAGE

If you're expecting something big and clunky, you'll be disappointed with this accelerometer. The Beltronics Vector Pro GX2 is compact, measuring only 5-1/2-inches "long" by 1-1/2-inches "tall" and 1-1/2-inches "deep." It mounts to the windshield by way of three very robust suction cups and an adjustable, drilled aluminum bracket. The entire assembly weighs just under five-ounces, including the bracket and suction cups.

Once powered (by way of a 12-volt, cigarette-lighter plug) the GX2 lights-up with a bright, 2-line vacuum fluorescent display that's easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The large push buttons on the unit are easy to use and the menus are easy to navigate. Thoughtful features with the GX2 include the 6-foot coiled power cord that terminates into a RJ-11 (telephone-style) connector and the "remote control" buttons that are built-in to the 12-volt adapter.

CALIBRATION AND USE

The true beauty of a quality accelerometer lies not in the packaging or the marketing, but rather, in its ease of use. And to that extent, the Beltronics VectorPro GX2 is the easiest accelerometers to operate that we've ever tested. Calibrating the device requires nothing more than a level surface on which to park your vehicle and a finger that's capable of pushing a button that's marked "Calibrate." Simple. Best of all, the unit remembers the calibration settings even if the power is disconnected - calibration is a one-time ordeal, unless you decide to move the mounting location (or transfer the unit to another vehicle).

Ok. The unit's attached to the windshield and calibrated, so what's next? Press the start button, wait for the unit to tell you it's ready and mash the gas pedal. That's it? In effect, yes. The GX2 is one smart cookie - it can determine if you're conducting 0-60 runs, quarter-mile tests or any variation thereof. The intelligent accelerometers automatically record all run data until you either: (a) stop accelerating, (b) travel a 1/4-mile, (c) your run lasts longer than 30 seconds or (d) you press the start/stop button again.

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