Troubleshooting GoPro OBDII Interface with TrackAddict: Recording Issues and Fixes

Many авто enthusiasts and track day participants are leveraging the power of GoPro cameras combined with OBDII data logging to enhance their driving videos. By overlaying real-time performance metrics onto your GoPro footage, you gain valuable insights into your driving and vehicle performance. One popular application for this is TrackAddict, an app that allows you to integrate GoPro cameras and OBDII data. However, users sometimes encounter challenges when setting up their Gopro Obdii Interface with TrackAddict. This article addresses common issues and provides solutions based on a real user experience.

A user recently shared their experience setting up a GoPro Hero 3+ with TrackAddict, encountering a couple of frustrating issues. They were aiming to use the external camera control feature to start and stop their GoPro recording automatically when using TrackAddict for segment timing. Let’s delve into the problems they faced and explore potential solutions that can help you achieve seamless GoPro OBDII integration.

Understanding the Setup

The user’s setup involves several key components working together:

GoPro Hero 3+: The action camera capturing the video footage, windshield mounted.
GoPro WiFi: Used to connect the GoPro to the TrackAddict app for camera control.
GoPoint BT1A Bluetooth OBDII Adapter: Provides the OBDII data to TrackAddict, connected via Bluetooth.
iPhone 4 with TrackAddict: The device running the TrackAddict app, controlling the GoPro and logging OBDII data.

The goal is for TrackAddict to automatically start and stop GoPro recording based on driving activity, triggered by OBDII data and GPS.

Diagnosing the Recording Issues

The user reported two main problems:

Inconsistent Start of Recording: Sometimes the GoPro would start recording, but then stop shortly after, indicated by the ExtCam icon flashing blue and reverting to green in TrackAddict.
“Failed to start video recording!” Error: An error message appeared on the TrackAddict app stating, “Failed to start video recording! Please check your device’s settings and ensure that this app has access to use the microphone.”

Let’s address each of these issues and provide troubleshooting steps.

Inconsistent Recording Start

The inconsistent recording start seems to be related to the GoPro WiFi delay. WiFi communication introduces a slight delay, and TrackAddict might be initiating the recording command before the GoPro is fully ready to record via WiFi control.

Possible Causes and Solutions:

WiFi Delay: GoPro WiFi can have a delay of a couple of seconds. TrackAddict might be starting the segment and sending the record command too quickly.
- Solution: Ensure a slight delay between starting the segment in TrackAddict and beginning to drive. Give the GoPro a few extra seconds to establish a stable connection and recording status.
App Settings: Incorrect settings within TrackAddict could also contribute to inconsistent recording.
- Solution: Double-check the TrackAddict settings, specifically in the “More Options” section:
  - “Camera Control” should be set to “GoPro.”
  - “Video” should be set to “Video Off” if you only want to use the external GoPro camera.
  - Experiment with “GPS Enhanced” setting to see if it improves start consistency.
GoPro Connection Stability: A weak or unstable WiFi connection can lead to dropped commands and inconsistent behavior.
- Solution: Ensure the GoPro is close to the iPhone to maintain a strong WiFi signal. Minimize potential interference.

Microphone Access Error

The “Failed to start video recording!” error message pointing to microphone access seems misleading in the context of external GoPro control. It’s possible this error message is a generic fallback within TrackAddict and not directly related to the microphone when using external camera control.

Possible Causes and Solutions:

App Permissions: Although seemingly unrelated to external camera control, it’s worth checking if TrackAddict has microphone permissions enabled in the iPhone’s settings. Sometimes app permissions can have unexpected side effects.
- Solution: Go to iPhone Settings > Privacy > Microphone and ensure TrackAddict has microphone access enabled. Toggle it off and on again to refresh the setting.
Software Glitches: Temporary software glitches within the app or the iPhone’s operating system can sometimes cause unexpected errors.
- Solution: Force-close the TrackAddict app and restart it. Restart the iPhone to clear any potential temporary issues.
App Version and Compatibility: Using an older version of TrackAddict or an outdated iPhone operating system might lead to compatibility issues.
- Solution: Ensure TrackAddict is updated to the latest version available in the App Store. Consider updating the iPhone’s operating system if possible (though the user is on iOS 7.1.2, which is quite old and might be a limiting factor).

Step-by-Step Setup and Troubleshooting Guide

Based on the user’s experience and the potential solutions, here’s a refined step-by-step guide to setting up GoPro OBDII interface with TrackAddict, incorporating troubleshooting tips:

Mount GoPro: Securely mount your GoPro camera in your desired location (windshield, roll bar, etc.).
Enable GoPro WiFi: Turn on WiFi on your GoPro and ensure it is discoverable.
Connect iPhone to GoPro WiFi: On your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and select your GoPro’s WiFi network. Verify that it’s connected.
Pair OBDII Adapter: Plug in your Bluetooth OBDII adapter (GoPoint BT1A in this case) into your vehicle’s OBDII port. Ensure it is paired with your iPhone via Bluetooth settings if required (some adapters pair directly through the app).
Open TrackAddict and Configure Settings:
- Launch the TrackAddict app.
- Verify OBDII and GPS status are green (connected).
- Check that “Extcam” status is green, indicating GoPro connection.
- Go to “Settings” (gear icon).
- Navigate to “More Options.”
- Set “Camera Control” to “GoPro.”
- Set “Video” to “Video Off” (or your preference).
- Review other settings like “GPS Enhanced” and “Stabilize” as needed.
Select Segment Mode: Choose “Segment Mode” in TrackAddict.
Start Recording (with a slight delay):
- Tap the “Record” icon in TrackAddict. Wait a few seconds (3-5 seconds) before starting to drive to allow the GoPro to initialize recording.
- Observe the “Extcam” icon. It should turn blue when recording starts.
Drive and Monitor: Drive your segment as usual. Monitor the “Extcam” icon to ensure recording remains active (blue).
End Segment: Tap the “Settings” icon to end the segment and stop recording.

By following these steps and considering the troubleshooting tips, you should be able to effectively use your GoPro OBDII interface with TrackAddict for capturing performance data and enhancing your track day videos. Remember to check app permissions, ensure stable WiFi and Bluetooth connections, and allow for slight delays in WiFi communication for reliable GoPro recording control. If issues persist, consulting TrackAddict support or GoPro support might provide further assistance.