We’ve been using a Timewise “A box” rally computer for many years. It’s what we successfully ran in both our previous Targa campaigns.

At a recent snow rally, though, some folks with app-based rally tools did quite well; well enough that we took a closer look at the tool that had performed best at that rally.

The tool’s development is centered in Spain, and is apparently driven by local demand (which suggests to me that if I were to emigrate, Spain is a place where I could fit in-they must rally a lot).

An interesting feature is that the measurement of distance can be done via GPS. If its measurements were accurate enough, that would reduce the problems of wheel spin and slip that face us with our wheel-driven sensors.

We gave the tool a three-day check out on the recent Nor’wester rally in Washington state. The app’s philosophy and approach are very different than the Timewise’s, and our A-box habits only partially suited the tool-so we were also using the three days to set some new habits.

Aich. The three day test revealed that the tool isn’t ready to supplant the Timewise, or maybe we’re not ready for the tool, or maybe a bit of both. So our rather extensive preparations to be able to run the app in the car had to be excised, and new preparations for running the Timewise installed, quick-sharp.

We’ve done that Timewise install in other cars a couple times before, at least. And both computers can use the same sensors. So we were counting thousandths of miles in the Porsche a full day before the car had to leave on its cross-continent journey. <grimace>