Frequently Asked Questions

  • What data plan do I need for Sentinel?

    • Sentinel V3 has two 5G modems which each require an active SIM card to stream video from the device.  
    • It is recommended that you utilize SIM cards from DIFFERENT carriers to avoid having the same dead spots on track.  
    • Sentinel has partnered with US Mobile and likely provided inactivated SIM cards along with your Sentinel V3 unit (in the HARD case).  Please see this page for details on plans and activation.
    • If you have an existing relationship with a major carrier (Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile) you can add an additional line to your account with a PHYSICAL SIM card (also known as a pSIM).  
      • Make sure that the line you add has PRIORITY DATA 5G access
    • If you don't have two provider relationships, you can activate one or more of the US Mobile SIM cards to provide one or more lines of PRIORITY data access.

  • How much data will I use per weekend?

    • The rule of thumb is about 2GB/hour.  
      • For sprint racers thats about 8GB / weekend 
      • For endurance racers thats about 40GB / weekend
    • With a pay by the gig service @ US Mobile your cost estimate for an enduro weekend is $80, and about $8 for a sprint race weekend (in data access fees)

  • What format are the files on the MicroSD card?

    • MPEG Transport Stream (MPEG-TS)
    • H.265

  • What are the recommended streaming settings?

    • Customers with Sentinel V3 with bonded network connections should start with
      • 1080P / H.265 
      • 3.5 mbit
    • Sentinel running over SRT will auto-adjust the bitrate downwards to try and maintain a stable connection, however if network performance is very bad and you still see a ton of breakup lowering the target bitrate should help.

  • What is the difference between RTMP and SRT

    • RTMP is a TCP based connection protocol that does not allow for automatic bitrate adjustment.  It is the default way services receive streaming video.
    • SRT is a UDP based protocol that provides feedback on network conditions to Sentinel allow it to automatically adjust bitrate based on conditions.  
    • SRT is available to all SVN subscribers (V3 customers get 1 year of SVN for free)
    • SVN receives the stream over SRT and repackages it to send onward to YouTube.

  • How do I create custom video overlays for Sentinel

  • On the supplied DTM cable how can I tie in my CANBUS data?

    • White is CAN-High
    • Green is CAN-LOW

  • Can I plug my radio communications into the Sentinel?

    • You will have to adapt your radio output to reflect the TRRS wiring, and may need to raise or lower the input volume with an external mixer.
      • The audio input jack is TRRS
        • Tip - Left channel OUTPUT
        • Ring - Right channel OUTPUT
        • Ring - Ground
        • Sleeve - MIC

  • How big of a MicroSD card does Sentinel support

    • Tested to 1.5TB

  • How can I setup Sentinel to stream to my YouTube channel completely HANDS OFF?

    • Follow this guide here

  • Can I use my existing cameras?  

    • No, but in the Sentinel V3 kit you have 3 high quality Global Shutter cameras included.  

  • What is the latency of the stream?

    • If viewing through YouTube latency can be as high as 30-40seconds
    • If viewing through your SRT link latency can be as little as 0.9S
      • This depends on how much network caching you run and the quality of your own internet connection

  • Can broadcast teams use my vide?

    • You need to provide the broadcast team with your public facing SRT link (which can be found on Raceday area of the iOS/Android app)

  • Can I send streams to multiple platforms?

    • Yes, but you will require a service like CASTR.IO to do so

  • Do I have to create a new YouTube link every day?

    • Yes, unless you have it configured to broadcast to your default streamkey

  • How easy is Sentinel to move between cars

    • The Sentinel PRE-Wire kit is sold HERE to make it easy to move a single brain from car to car.  
    • The PRE-Wire kit comes with all the mounts, antennas cables and cameras you need.

  • Can Sentinel V3 be used in an open cockpit car or in wet conditions?

    • While customers have had success with this the potential for high velocity water intrusion into the camera may make this risky
    • The Sentinel brain is NOT IP65-67 sealed but is resistant to splash but NOT high velocity water.  Port covers are required and it is recommended to cover the SIM card slots and screen with painters tape for wet races

  • How long does installation take

    • Sentinel V3 can be installed in as little as 30 mins for an experienced installer
    • Estimate 1 hour for a first time installation