Question 1

Is Race Studio 3 free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. RS3 is a free download from AiM, with no license, subscription or dongle.

Question 2

What computer do I need?

Accepted Answer

64-bit Windows 10 or 11, and AiM recommends Windows 11. It also needs an Intel i5-class processor or better; see AiM's PC specs page. The more hard drive space for data and videos, the better.

Question 3

Does RS3 run on a Mac?

Accepted Answer

Not natively. Run 64-bit Windows in Parallels or VMware, and share the Mac's Wi-Fi to Windows as an Ethernet connection so device Wi-Fi works.

Question 4

Does it work on ARM laptops or Apple Silicon?

Accepted Answer

Often not reliably. AiM notes that ARM systems usually lack the drivers RS3 needs to talk to devices. Anything outside a regular x86 processor may work, but is not fully supported by AiM.

Question 5

Release or Beta: which should I install?

Accepted Answer

Install the Release unless AiM or your dealer asks you to test a Beta feature.

Question 6

How do I update RS3 and my device firmware?

Accepted Answer

Open Web Updates in RS3, download the new software, then use Update Device with the device connected.

Question 7

Will updating wipe my configurations?

Accepted Answer

No. AiM's installer backs up configurations before changing them, but export a copy yourself anyway.

Question 8

RS3 says it can't download web updates.

Accepted Answer

Make sure you have an internet connection first. The cloud icon at the top of your screen should be blue when connected to the internet. If it is, your firewall or antivirus is probably blocking the AiM server. Allow RS3 through it, then retry.

Question 9

Do I still need Race Studio 2?

Accepted Answer

Only for older out-of-production devices. All current devices use RS3.

Question 10

RS3 doesn't see my device over USB.

Accepted Answer

Try a different data-capable USB cable and port, power the device on, and reboot the computer. Then use the "Device not detected" troubleshooter.

Question 11

How do I connect over Wi-Fi?

Accepted Answer

Turn on the device's Wi-Fi and join its network from the Wi-Fi icon in RS3.

Question 12

Wi-Fi connects but RS3 shows nothing.

Accepted Answer

Antivirus and Windows firewall are the usual causes. AiM lists known issues with AVG, Norton and Windows Defender.

Question 13

Wi-Fi problems after a Windows 11 update.

Accepted Answer

AiM documents specific issues with Windows 11 24H2. Update RS3 to the latest release and follow AiM's 24H2 notes in the RS3 manual.

Question 14

Switching between devices on Wi-Fi is slow on my work laptop.

Accepted Answer

Domain-joined (company) PCs can slow Wi-Fi switching. AiM's manual has a section on the fix.

Question 15

Can I connect my logger to my home Wi-Fi?

Accepted Answer

Some devices can join an existing network instead of making their own hotspot. Check the device's Wi-Fi settings in RS3. This is also an option for larger race teams who have multiple devices to connect to in the pits.

Question 16

Where do I start a new configuration?

Accepted Answer

Go to Configurations → New, pick your exact device model, then set channels, ECU, display and alarms, and transmit it to the device. Pay attention to V1 and V2 devices, as their configurations are different.

Question 17

How do I connect my car's ECU?

Accepted Answer

In the configuration, choose your ECU manufacturer and protocol from AiM's list, then wire the CAN or RS232 lines per AiM's ECU connection document.

Question 18

My ECU isn't in the list.

Accepted Answer

Use the Custom CAN Protocol builder, or ask AiM or TrailBrake whether a protocol exists.

Question 19

How do I add a sensor AiM doesn't list?

Accepted Answer

Create a Custom Sensor with your sensor's calibration (voltage-to-value points).

Question 20

How do I set shift lights and alarms?

Accepted Answer

Set them up in the configuration's Shift Lights and Alarms tabs, then transmit the configuration.

Question 21

What's a Predictive Reference Lap?

Accepted Answer

A lap you load to the device so the live delta compares you to that lap (yours or a coach's) instead of your best lap.

Question 22

How do I add or create a track?

Accepted Answer

Use the Tracks manager. It has AiM's database by country, and you can create a track and send it to your device.

Question 23

Do I need to set a pit lane?

Accepted Answer

Only if you want pit time and laps handled correctly. Set a User Pit Lane in the device or in Analysis.

Question 24

How do I download sessions?

Accepted Answer

Connect the device, open Data Download, select the sessions and download. The files go into RS3's database.

Question 25

Downloads are slow or keep stopping.

Accepted Answer

Move closer to the device, turn off other Wi-Fi networks or VPNs, or use USB.

Question 26

Can I open data a friend or coach sent me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Import their files into RS3 Analysis, either with the left arrow above the session database or by dragging and dropping the .xrk/.xrz file into the Race Studio 3 Analysis database window.

Question 27

How do I export data to CSV or another tool?

Accepted Answer

Use RS3 Analysis's export options. Advanced users can read AiM files through AiM's DLL (Visual Studio/MATLAB). You can also set RS3 to export files automatically on download, in the download preferences.

Question 28

How do I compare two laps?

Accepted Answer

Open a session, select a fast lap and a reference lap, and compare speed and time-delta traces on distance.

Question 29

What should a beginner look at first?

Accepted Answer

Speed trace, time delta and the track map. Find where the delta grows, then check braking point and minimum speed there.

Question 30

What are math channels?

Accepted Answer

Channels calculated from logged data (for example combined G or brake balance). You will sometimes hear them called synthetic channels. Create them in Analysis Math Channels.

Question 31

What's an Analysis Profile?

Accepted Answer

A saved layout of graphs, channels and colors. Load it so every session opens the same way.

Question 32

How do I split the track into sectors?

Accepted Answer

Use Split Divisions in Analysis to set the split points on the track map.

Question 33

My track map looks wrong or offset.

Accepted Answer

Pick the right track from the database or create a new track map. GPS lock at session start matters.

Question 34

How do I sync SmartyCam video with data?

Accepted Answer

Download video and data together, and RS3 Analysis aligns them automatically.

Question 35

My video file is damaged.

Accepted Answer

Import it into Race Studio 3 from a folder that contains the damaged file and its .fof file, and it will be fixed automatically.

Question 36

Which data overlays can SmartyCam show?

Accepted Answer

Any channel the connected AiM logger sends. Choose them in the SmartyCam configuration.

Question 37

Which AiM devices use RS3?

Accepted Answer

All current AiM devices: MyChron, Solo 2/Solo 2 DL, MX series, EVO loggers, PDM, SmartyCam and Open devices. See the compatibility matrix.

Question 38

Can I use RS3 with a racing simulator?

Accepted Answer

Yes. RS3's Simulator Manager can feed sim data (for example rFactor 2) to an AiM device.

Question 39

Is this AiM's official support?

Accepted Answer

No. RaceStudio3.com is an independent TrailBrake resource and is not associated with AiM Sports LLC or AiM-Sportline. For warranty and official support, contact AiM or your dealer.

Race Studio 3 FAQ

Install and update

Connecting your device

Configuration

Downloading data

Analysis

Video and SmartyCam

Devices and compatibility

Getting help