This tutorial assumes that GoPro cameras are configured to be controlled over Bluetooth. In upcoming versions of RaceChrono, this will always be the case (Wi-Fi control is removed). Wi-Fi is still needed for the camera preview and for accessing media files on the cameras.
Before continuing with this tutorial, please familiarise yourself with how to record video with the internal camera . Recording works the same way with all cameras, but some additional steps are needed to setup up external GoPro cameras and access recorded videos on them.
Pairing
To control your GoPro camera with RaceChrono, it must be paired with your phone over Bluetooth. Pairing can be done in two ways:
- Install Quik, the official app for GoPro, and use it to pair your camera, or
- Let RaceChrono to do the pairing.
In this tutorial we’ll do the latter. In case you have trouble getting your camera paired, please try pairing it with Quik app instead.
Camera configuration
- In RaceChrono, go to Settings and tap Add camera.
- Select your GoPro model from the list.
- Turn on your GoPro camera.
- If the camera hasn’t been paired already, it needs to be put into the pairing mode now. On GoPro, navigate to Connection > Connect Device > Quik App. On older GoPros the path may differ slightly, for instance: Connect > Connect new Device > GoPro App.
- Your GoPro should now appear on the list (with its Bluetooth “GoPro xxxx” name, not the user configurable Wi-Fi name).
- Select your GoPro.
- Start a new RaceChrono session and switching to the camera preview screen to finish the pairing.
- Select Pair on the Bluetooth Pairing Request.
- Pairing completed! RaceChrono will now connect to your you GoPro, and the GoPro will exit pairing mode.
- Allow RaceChrono to join the Wi-Fi network of your GoPro for the preview to work.
Recording videos using your GoPro camera
- Turn on your GoPro camera.
- In RaceChrono, start a new session and switch to the camera preview screen. RaceChrono then starts connecting to your GoPro camera.
- Grant the permission to join the camera’s Wi-Fi network when prompted. Wi-Fi is needed if the camera preview is enabled.
- All enabled internal and external cameras are used for video recording. You can enable/disable a camera by tapping the camera icon (see below) in the camera preferences box.
- You can enable/disable camera preview by tapping the preview icon (see below). The preview is turned off automatically when recording is started.
- Tap the red camera button on right side of the screen to start recording video. Your GoPro should now start recording video. Tap the button again to stop.
- After recording your session, open the session and go to Videos > Add files to download the videos from your GoPro and import them into your session.
- If RaceChrono is unable to synchronise imported GoPro videos automatically (no embedded GPS data), it can be done manually: Select Link after… for the video you want to synchronise, then select the automatically created sync point that marks the time when the camera started recording.
Troubleshooting
- Make sure you have Bluetooth enabled on your phone – all supported GoPro models are controlled over Bluetooth. Wi-Fi is used for camera preview and for accessing media files on the camera.
- Make sure your GoPro is properly paired with your phone. To redo pairing: forget the GoPro device on your phone’s Bluetooth settings, and on your GoPro (Preferences > Wireless Connections > Reset Connections), and then pair again.
- If you’re having trouble connecting, or maintaining connection to your camera, please make sure you have “Connect Wi-Fi automatically” setting disabled. The automatic connection can be tricky, and does not always work reliably. When this setting is disabled, you’ll need to manually connect to your camera’s Wi-Fi before starting a new session.