The BimmerWorld View - Garmin shifted the focus here with a more compact kit that greatly reduces clutter. It lost the big screen but all of the data and video is available through their app and can be viewed on a smartphone or tablet. The focus has also narrowed to voice coaching while driving. Although the camera displays timing data and feedback on its small screen, your focus should be on the corners ahead and listening to the coach. Unlike the previous large tablet, a quick check of the Catalyst 2 screen is no different than one for the rearview mirror.
Overview The 2nd-gen Garmin Catalyst is a more compact driver analyzer that packs improved technology into a smaller unit intended for use with the Catalyst app. The 1st gen Catalyst used a remote camera and dash-mounted tablet, which made the cockpit cluttered and busy, especially if you also mounted other accessories like a data logger and phone. All of the Garmin tech is now packed in a single camera unit about the same size as other action cams.
Garmin leverages both their dash camera and GPS technology with the Catalyst. This one unit is mounted to the windshield and includes accelerometers, improved 25hz GPS, and video recording. It uses new more-sophisticated algorithms to evaluate your driving performance and then suggest ways to improve (just like a human coach). Through the display and audio, Catalyst 2 provides a real-time assessment of performance using both gentle suggestions and positive reinforcement. It uses real-world phrases and encouragement, such as "brake less", "apex later", or "keep pushing". Catalyst is perpetually evaluating and assessing your performance so it can optimize your lap. After your session, review track maps on your smartphone or tablet (not on the camera screen). The Catalyst app shows opportunities for improvement as well as "heat map" displays of deceleration, acceleration, apexes, and speeds.
Display & Audio Catalyst 2 uses a 3.0" color TFT screen with an on-cell capacitive touch panel. The screen will only display timing data during your session, including your FTD, last lap, and a real-time delta along with a green-red gradient display. Audio is via a Bluetooth® connection to your ear buds or car stereo. Review track maps, full corner sectors, video, and more analysis in the Garmin app.
Camera The camera records up to 30fps in 1440p HD in a 140° field-of-view. It must be mounted facing forward and centered on your windshield. An on-screen guide will help you align it. It uses an adhesive adapter to stick to the windshield with a adhesive/magnetic mount also included. Power comes from an internal rechargeable battery but Garmin recommends constant 12v power with the cable routed down your A-pillar to the lighter/power outlet.
Coaching The coaching feature on the Catalyst 2 has shifted to real-time audio during your session with a lap status display on the back of the camera. The display is intended to give you a status of your current lap and does not provide real-time video that can be distracting. The timing data can be turned off if it's distracting or not helpful. Catalyst is looking for patterns in your driving to map out where you were fast and opportunities to try a different line, brake less, or carry more speed. It uses real-world phrases and encouragement, such as "brake less", "apex later", or "keep pushing". Through the camera, GPS, and pre-loaded track data, Catalyst knows track limits and optimal lines. From a student/novice perspective you may want to have an advanced driver/instructor set baselines in your car first. This way Catalyst can see the full potential and make recommendations. Catalyst will never make a recommendation that hasn't been previously successful. The only voice currently available is a Siri-like female voice.
Analysis & Review Immediately after a session you can view timing data on the camera display. Video and other data are held in the memory card and can be sync'd via WiFi to the Catalyst app for viewing on your smartphone or tablet. While the camera provides instantaneous lap timing and timing delta, the real lap and corner analysis is in the app. Catalyst 2 compiles all of its data to form a True Optimal Lap. This is your best possible lap using all of the data you provided in your sessions and comparisons with previous laps. True Optimal Lap is determined not just by lap and sector times but by analyzing your best lines through corners and sectors and using the camera feed to identify track limits. Video is overlaid with GPS data but not vehicle OBD data so things like throttle and steering angle are not available but acceleration and cornering forces are. Catalyst retains and backs up your track data* so you can pack in a full weekend of driving with progressive coaching and analysis. As a review tool, Catalyst 2 works best when used as a standalone to review performance and plan adjustments after your session. * The app records and stores your laps and video but requires a subscription to Garmin Vault.
New features available with the subscription include friends and leaderboard lists that let you share your videos and data and view others. You can also post videos to social media, directly from the app.
What's In The Box Garmin Catalyst™ 2 Micro-SD 32gb card Low-profile magnetic mount Adapter for action cam mount Alternate magnetic/adhesive mount discs Polarizer lens cover 4m power cable 1.5m power & data cable Dual USB cigarette lighter adapter
Notes 1. Upon receiving your Catalyst 2, plug in to a home computer and update to the newest firmware. 2. The adhesive mount is basically permanent (like any dash cam). The adhesive is very sticky. The base mount is adhesive with a detachable ball joint on the camera. The optional (and included) magnetic mount may be a better option but the adhesive disc is intended for long-term installation on the windshield. 3. Catalyst 2 is not for autocross use. The AI and video feed do not identify cones and autocross courses don't typically have a shared start/finish line to complete a lap.
