No,you don't have to carry your computer. If you check the help section in the SEPST it will tell you how to pu it in the Record mode. I can't remember how it is done. I do remember that you can turn it on/off with the button on the VCI while riding. That is once you're in the record mode set up with the program. I believe when the light is blinking it is recording, but could be a solid light. Once in record mode look at the light,see which it is. When you push the button the light will change. I never turned my bike off until I was through recording. Then you can hook up your laptop, turn bike Ign. and run/kill on and download.
tourbox