MoTeC ACL VIM User Manual
MoTeC Central Logging System User Manual
Contents
Introduction ........................................................................ 1
Overview ............................................................................. 2
System Overview ................................................................................................ 2
ACL Advanced Central Logger ........................................................................... 2
Connected Devices ............................................................................................. 4
VIM Versatile Input Module...................................................................... 4
Display Devices ......................... .................. ................................ ............ 4
BR2 Beacon Receiver ............................................................................. 5
SLM Shift Light Module ........................................................................... 5
E888 / E816 Expanders ........................................................................... 5
GPS Global Positioning System .............................................................. 6
PLM Lambda Meter ....................................... ............... ............... ............ 6
Telemetry Radio System ......................................................................... 6
ECU Engine Management Systems ........................................................ 7
Operation ............................................................................ 9
PC Communications ............................................................................... ............ 9
Software .............................................................................................................. 9
ACL Manager .......................................................................................... 9
i2 Pro Data Analysis .............................................................................. 10
Telemetry Monitor .................................................................................. 10
Display .............................................................................................................. 10
Display Elements ..... .................. ................. ................ ............... ............ 11
Display Modes ....................................................................................... 13
Display Formatting ................................................................................. 15
Alarms............................................................................................................... 15
Data Logging .................................................................................................... 16
Overview................................................................................................ 16
Retrieving the Logged Data ................. ................................... ............... 19
Track Map Sensor Requirements .......................................................... 19
Functions & Calculations .................................................................................. 20
Measurement Inputs ......................................................................................... 21
Sensors ................................................................................................. 21
Input Basics ........................................................................................... 22
Input Types ............................................................................................ 23
Auxiliary Outputs ............................................................................................... 27
Communication Ports ....................................................................................... 27
Installation & Configuration ............................................ 29
Wiring................................................................................................................ 29
ACL Central Logger .......................................................................................... 30
Connected Devices ........................................................................................... 32
VIM Input Module .................................................................................. 32
ADL2 & SDL Display ............................................................................. 34
MDD Display .......................................................................................... 35
BR2 Beacon Receiver ........................................................................... 35
SLM Shift Light Module ......................................................................... 36
E888 / E816 Expanders ......................................................................... 37
GPS Global Positioning System ............................................................ 38
PLM Lambda Meter ..................................... ............... ............... ............ 39
Telemetry Radio System ....................................................................... 39
ECU Engine Management Systems ...................................................... 40
ACL Manager Software .................................................... 43
Introduction ....................................................................................................... 43
Computer Requirements ................................................................................... 43
Installing ACL Manager...................................................................... ............... 43
Mouse & Keyboard ........................................................................................... 44
Main Menu ........................................................................................................ 44
Toolbar.............................................................................................................. 45
Online / Offline ...................................................................................... ............ 45
Configuration .................................................................................................... 45
Configuration Files ................................................................. ............... ............ 46
Changing the Configuration .............................................................................. 47
Configuration Versions and Updating ............................................................... 48
Channels ........................................................................................................... 50
Channel List ........................................................................................... 51
Channel Properties ................................................................................ 51
Selecting Channels ................................................................................ 52
Conditions Overview .............................................................. ............... ............ 54
Checking Operation .......................................................................................... 55
Sensor Zeroing ................................................................................................. 56
Details Editor .................................................................................................... 56
Windows Keyboard Use .................................................. 57
Appendices ....................................................................... 62
Appendix A: ACL General Specifications .......................................................... 62
Appendix B: ACL Options Summary ................................. ................................ 63
Appendix C: VIM General Specif ications .......................................................... 64
Appendix D: VIM Input Specifications ..................................................... .......... 65
Analogue Inputs ..................................................................................... 65
VIM Speed Inputs ...................... ................................. ............... ............ 67
Appendix E: Update Rate Summary ........................... ................ ...................... 68
Appendix F: CAN Bus Bandwidth Limit ............................................................. 69
Appendix G: ACL Manager Command Line ....................................... ............... 71
Appendix H: Comms Error Codes ............................................... ............ .......... 73
Appendix I: Ethernet Communications Cable ................................................... 77
Appendix J: ECU to ACL Wiring (RS2 32) ......................................................... 78
Appendix K: CAN Bus Wiring ............................................................................ 80
Appendix L: Wire Information ............................................................................ 81
MoTeC Central Logging System User Manual
Appendix M: Connector Details ........................................................................ 82
Appendix N: VIM Pin List by Function ... ............................................................ 84
Appendix O: VIM Pin List by Pin Number ......................................................... 87
Appendix P: ACL Pin List by Pin Num ber ......................................................... 89
Appendix Q: ACL Case Dimensions ................................................................. 90
Appendix R: VIM Case Dimensions .................................................................. 91
© Copyright – MoTeC Pty Ltd – 2008
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
While every effort is taken to ensure correctness, no responsibility will be taken for the
consequences of any inaccuracies or omissions in this manual.
PN 63028 Rev B, 3 September, 2008
MoTeC Introduction 1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a MoTeC Central Logging System.
This Manual Covers:
• Overview, Operation, Installation & Specifications for the ACL & VIM.
• Overview of the MoTe C ACL Manager software.
Other Manuals
Separate manuals are available for:
• BR2 - Beacon Receiver
• ADL2 - Advanced Dash Logger
• SDL - Sports Dash Logger
• MDD - Mini Digital Display
• E888/E816 - Expander
• i2 Data Analysis Software
Sensor Details
Drawings are available for all MoTeC sensors and can be found on the MoTeC
Resource CD (included) or on the MoTeC website at www.motec.com.au
drawings detail the mounting and wiring requirements for each sensor .
. The
2 Overview
Overview
System Overview
The ACL (Advanced Central Lo gge r) forms the heart of a sophisticated and
highly configurable data acquisition system. The ACL can be connected to as
many as eight VIMs (Versatile Input Modules) to provide measurement of
more than 200 inputs. The ACL can also be connected to a display system
and many other devi c e s.
The system offers simplicity of configuration with most devices in the system
being configured and upgraded from the one software application.
The diagram below shows a typical system consisting of an ACL, two VIMs,
SDL display, SLM shift light module, BR2 beacon receiver, PLM lambda
meter and M800 ECU. The devices all communicate with the ACL via the
2-wire CAN bus.
ACL Advanced Central Logger
The ACL collects data from various measurement devices such as VIMs and
records the data to the large internal memory. It can also control display
devices and collect data fr om devices such as engine management systems,
MoTeC Overview 3
and perform functions such as Warning Alarms, Fuel Prediction, Engine Logs,
Lookup Tables and many more.
The ACL includes 1 gigabyte of logging memory, high speed Ethernet
download, dual CAN bus communications and multiple RS232 ports. The ACL
can log up to 1000 channels at rates between 1 Hz and 5 000 Hz.
Measurement Devices
The ACL uses sophisticated communications technology that allows it to
gather data from a number of measurement devices at high speed and in
perfect synchronisation.
This allows the measurement devices to be located close to the measurement
sources, minimising wiring comple xity and weight. This also provides a
flexible and expandable system where the optimum number of measurement
devices can be used for a particular task.
Options
The ACL has a numb er of options that allow it to be upgraded to perform
additional funct i on s. The options can be enabled at any time by purchasing a
password from MoTeC.
Refer to Appendix B: ACL Options Summary.
Memory Card
The ACL is fitted with a special high temperature memory card which includes
features to protect it against permanent damage during power down. This
card must not be replaced with any other type of card.
The card should not be removed from the ACL.
More Information
Refer to the other sections in this manual for detailed information about
Software, PC Communications, Logging Operation, Input Measurements, and
Installation and Configuration.
Refer to the Appendices for details about Specifications, Wiring and
Dimensional information.
4 Overview
Connected Devices
The following topics descr ibe the basic functions of the main devices that can
be connected to the ACL.
VIM Versatile Input Module
The VIM is a compact and versatile input expander module with 24 analogue
inputs of various types inclu d in g high sp eed, high resolution and differential
types. The VIM also has two digital inputs with programmable trigger levels.
Up to eight VIMs may be connected to the ACL providing more than 200
sensor inputs. The VIMs connect to the ACL via a CAN bus.
The VIM supports many different types of sensors including unamplified
thermocouples and strain gauges.
For more detailed information please refer to the Measurement Inputs section
and the Installati on and Configuration section in this manual.
For detailed specifications please refer to Appendix C: VIM General
Specifications and Ap pendix D: VIM Input Specifications.
Input Summary
Qty Input Description Update
Rate (Hz)
6 Analogue Voltage Fast 5000 12
8 Analogue Voltage High
Resolution
2 Analogue Voltage Special 2000 15
8 Analogue Voltage Differential 1000 15 +sign
2 Speed / Digital 100
500 15
Resolution
(bits)
Display Devices
A display device may be connected to the ACL to allow display of any value
that the ACL calculates, such as lap times, and warning alarm messages.
The ACL supports ADL2, SDL or MDD displays which are connected to the
ACL via CAN.
MoTeC Overview 5
The input and output pins on the display devices are fully accessible
(dependant on the I/O options enabled), with exception of access to RS232
and beacon connection on the digital inputs for ADL2 and SDL.
The update rate and other specifications f or the inputs are the same as when
the display devices are used standalone. Refer to Appendix E: Update Rate
Summary.
An exception is the SDL, where SDL inputs AV1 - AV4 can be logged at up to
1000 Hz. Other Analogue Voltage and Analogue Temperature inputs can be
logged at up to 500 Hz and the Switch, Digital and Speed inputs at 100 Hz.
For more detail please refer to the Display section and the Installation and
Configuration section in this manual.
For other details including specifications and wiring information please refer to
the display's user manual.
BR2 Beacon Receiver
A BR2 Beacon Receiver may be connected to the ACL, which allows the ACL
to calculate lap times for display and to provide lap information for the data
logging analysis software.
Note The BR2 must be connected to the ACL via CAN; the ACL does not
support connecting the BR2 to a digital input on the ADL2 or SDL.
Multiple beacon tra ns mitters may also be used to generate sp lit times.
For more detail please refer to the Installation and Configuration section in
this manual and the BR2 Beacon R eceiver user manual.
SLM Shift Light Module
The MoTeC SLM Shift Light Module can be used for shift lights, warning lights
and other information lights.
The SLM includes 8 LEDs that can be programmed to any colour.
The SLM connects to the ACL via CAN.
For more detail please refer to the Installation and Configuration section in
this manual and the help screens in the ACL Manager software.
E888 / E816 Expanders
The ACL supports two E888 or E81 6 Expanders allowing expansion of the
number of inputs and outputs.
6 Overview
The E888 / E816 connect to the ACL via CAN.
The E888 has 8 x 10 bit thermocouple inputs, 8 x 10 bit voltage inputs, 4
digital inputs, 2 s witch inputs and 8 outputs.
The E816 has 16 x 10 bit voltage inputs, 4 digital inputs, 2 switch inputs and 8
outputs.
Note The E888 / E816 inputs have lower resolution than the VIM inputs and
have slower update rates. Refer to Appendix E: Update Rate Summary.
For more detail please refer to the Measurement Inputs section and the
Installation and Configuration section in this manual.
For other informatio n suc h as wir ing information refer to th e E888 / E816 user
manual.
GPS Global Positioning System
The ACL supports many GPS (Global Positioning System) devices allowing
the ACL to record speed and position information.
This information can be used in the i2 data analysis software to create track
maps, and plot and comp are driven lines.
For more detail please refer to the Installation and Configuration section in
this manual. For other information please refer to the i2 help screens and the
documentation supplied with the GPS.
PLM Lambda Meter
The ACL supports connection to one or more PLMs (Professional Lambda
Meter) via CAN, allowing measurement of the air/fuel ratio on one or more
cylinders.
The ACL also supports lambda measurement via an SDL, ADL2 or Engine
Management System.
Telemetry Radio System
The ACL supports transmission of data via a telemetry radio to a remote
location such as a pit garage. Thi s allows monitoring of the current vehi cle
condition, position on the track, lap times, fuel remaining, laps remaining etc.
The telemetry system provid es three major functions:
1. Real time data that is transmitt ed continuously and can be shown on
graphs, gauges and other displays.
MoTeC Overview 7
2. End of lap data which shows summary information at the end of a lap such
as lap time, maximum temperatures etc.
3. Telemetry analysis which exports the real time data to the i2 analysis
software at the end of each lap which allows norma l analysis of the data
including maths calculations, while the vehicle is still on the track.
Note This feature requires the Remote Logging option.
Other telemetry features include: warning alarms, position of multiple vehicles
on a track map, broadcast data via DDE (Dynamic data Exchange) or via IP
(Internet Protocol).
Note The Telemetry option is required for the basic functionality and the
Remote Logging option is also required for the Telemetry Analysis function.
For more detail please refer to the Installation and Configuration section in
this manual and the documentation supplied with the telemetry system.
ECU Engine Management Systems
The ACL can be connected to most MoTeC ECUs (Engine Control Unit or
EMS Engine Management System) either via CAN or RS232. This avoids
duplication of sensors and allows the ACL to display and log many ECU
parameters.
The update rate depends on how many parameters are transmitted, the
communications baud rate, and if the communications is via CAN or RS232.
For RS232, the typical update rate is about 20 times per second and for CAN
it is about 50 times per second.
For more detail please refer to the Installation and Configuration section in
this manual and the Engine Management System documentation.
MoTeC Operation 9
Operation
PC Communications
The ACL includes an Ethernet port which is used for communications with a
PC. Most modern PCs have an Ethernet port that can be used for this
purpose.
The Ethernet connector on the ACL is the 5 pin Auto Sport connector.
The ACL can be either direc t ly connected to a PC or it can b e c o nne cted to a
network. When conn ec ted to a network, any PC on the network may
communicate with the ACL.
For details refer to the PC Communications topic in the ACL Manager help
system.
Software
The ACL comes with various software applications for managing the ACL and
its connected devices, and for analysing the lo gged data and monitori ng
telemetry data.
The software must be run on an IBM compatible PC running Windows XP or
Vista.
The following software applications are provided:
ACL Manager
ACL Manager is used for configuration, testing, retrieving the logged data,
and for general management of the ACL.
An overview of ACL Manager is included later in this manual. For detailed
information use the ACL Man a ge r help system.
Connected Devices
ACL Manager supports configuration of the following connected devices: VIM,
E888 / E816, SLM, ADL2, SDL, MDD.
10 Operation
Communications Cable
ACL Manager communicates with the ACL via an Ethernet cable. Refer to the
PC Communications section for setup deta il s.
Firmware Updating
ACL Manager is used to update the firmware in the ACL, VIMs and display
devices.
The firmware is field updatable so that new features can be used as they
become available.
i2 Pro Data Analysis
i2 Pro data analysis software is used to analyse the logged data that has
been recorded by the ACL.
For more detail please refer to the i2 Pro help.
Telemetry Monitor
The Telemetry Monitor software is used to monitor the optional telemetry link
and allows viewing of the telemetry data in various graphical formats such as
Charts, Bar Graphs and Dial Gauges. It can also show the vehicles current
track position on a track map and compare the current vehicle data to
reference data.
Alarms can be set to indicate when a particular value, such as Engine
Temperature exceeds a user programmable limit.
Display
A display device can be connected to the ACL which allows display of any
measured or calculated value. The display can also show alarm messages.
Configuration, upgrading and testing of the display device must be done using
the ACL Manager software. Do not use the configuration software that is
normally used with the display device.
Note An SDL will have access to all of the display features normally reserved
for use only with an ADL2. For example, all 3 display modes will be available.
The following description applies to the ADL2 & SDL displays.
MoTeC Operation 11
Display Elements
The display contains a Bar Graph, three Numeric Displays, a Centre Numeric
Display and a Bottom Alpha / Numeric Display.
The display has three main modes of ope ration, Race, Pract i ce and Warm-up.
Refer to the Display Modes section for details.
Bar Graph Display
The 70 segment Bar Graph has a user definabl e range and is typically used
as a tacho, however it can be used t o display any other value. When used as
a tacho it may be c o nfigured to show up to 19000 RPM.
A fully programmable shift point can be displayed, which can also be gear
dependent.
The operation of the Bar Graph can be different for each of the display modes
(Race, Practice and Warm-up). For example a lower range may be used in
Warm-up mode.
12 Operation
Numeric Displays
The three Numeric Displa ys ( Left, Right and Top Right) can be programme d
to display any value, which may be different for each of the display modes
(Race, Practice and Warm-up).
Note Each of the three Numeric Disp la ys has a different number of digits and
is therefore suited to displaying different values. For example the Top Right
display can only show values up to a maximum of 199 and is therefore not
suitable for displaying Lap Times, but is suitable for displaying many other
values such as Lap Number, Fuel Remaining, Engi ne Temperature etc.
The Numeric Displays can show any channel value plus up to two override
values, which are shown each time their value is updated. This is useful for
values that are updated periodically, for example Lap Time. The override
values are shown for a programmable period of time. For example a numeric
display could normally show the Running Lap Time (which is continuously
updating), then be overwritten by the Lap Time for 10 seconds each time the
Lap Time is updated.
Enunciators for some of the common display values are provided above the
Numeric Displays, e.g. ET (Engine Temperature), OP (Oil Pressure).
Centre Numeric Display
MoTeC Operation 13
The Centre Numeri c display is incorporated to show the current gear but may
be used for other purposes.
Bottom Alpha / Numeric Display
The 13-digit Bottom Alpha / Numer i c di sp lay can display up to 20 lines of
information that can be scrolled up or down using the externally connected
buttons. Each of the 20 lines can display up to 3 channel values at a time.
The values shown may be diff er ent fo r each of the three display modes.
Additionally the Bottom Alpha / Numeric Display can show up to four override
values, similar to the numeric displays.
The Bottom Alpha / Num er ic Di sp lay will also show any active alarm
messages, which will override all other values until the alarm is cleared.
Display Modes
The display has three main modes of ope ration; Race, Pract i ce and Warm-up.
The display mode is changed by pressing a button that is wired to the system.
Race Mode
14 Operation
The Race Display is normally used to display minimal information, e.g. RPM,
Lap Time, Fuel Remaining or Laps Remaining.
The bottom display may be used to display additional information as needed.
Practice Mode
The Practice Display is used t o d isplay basic information, plus information to
help the driver improve lap times, e.g. Lap Time, Lap Gain / Loss, Maximum
Straight Speed, Minimum Co r ner Speed or Corner Exit Speed.
The Bottom Display may be used to display additional information as needed.
Warm-up Mode
The Warm-up Display is used to display important engine sensor readings
during engine warm-up, e.g. RPM, Battery Voltage, Engine Temp erature, Oil
Pressure, Oil Temperature and Fuel Pressure.
The Bottom Display may be used to display many other values that may need
checking during warm-up.
MoTeC Operation 15
Display Formatting
Units
The display units can be changed to suit the driver, for example the driver
may prefer to see the engine temper ature in degrees Fahrenheit rather than in
degrees Celsius. This is i n de pendent of the units used for other purposes.
Decimal Places
The number of decimal places can be reduced for display purposes, for
example the engine temperature is measured to 0.1 °C b ut is better displayed
with no decimal places. This is normally done automatically.
Alarms
Alarms are normally displayed on the bottom line of the connected display
device.
The alarms are con trolled by the alarm setup within the ACL. When an alarm
is activated, a messag e is shown on the bottom line of the display and a
warning light can also be activat ed .
The message displayed can include the current sensor reading or the sensor
reading when the alarm was triggered.
The example below shows an engine temperature alarm on an ADL2 / SDL
display.
The alarms remain active until they are acknowledged, either by a driver
activated switch or automatically after a defined period of time.
The warning ala r m l i m its are fully programmable and may include up to 6
comparisons to ensure that the alarms are only activated at the correct time.
For example, an engine temperature alarm may activate at 95 °C if the ground
16 Operation
speed has been above 50 km/h for 30 seconds. The speed comparison
avoids the alarm showing du ring a pit stop due to heat soak. Additionally,
another comparison could be set at a higher temperature to cover all other
situations.
The comparison values can be automatically incremented or (decremented)
when an alarm occurs. For example, the engine temperature alarm may be
set at 95 °C with and increment of 5 °C, so that the second time the alarm
activates, it is at 100 °C. A limit may be set on the number of times the
comparison value is allowed to increment. Also, it may return to its original
value after a period of time, in case the alarm condition was temporary.
The alarms can be depe ndent on the current display mode (Race, Practice or
Warm-up)
Data Logging
Overview
Data logging allows the sensor readings (or any calculated value) to be stored
in the ACL for later analysis on a PC using the i2 Data Analysis application.
Power Supply
Control of the power supply to the ACL is important to maintain the integrity of
the data on your ACL. The ACL file system requires a specific power down
process to ensure the reliability of your data. The ACL should be powered
with permanent power to Pin 2; the ACL’s Permanent 12V pin. Pin 22 is the
Ignition Input Switch which should be used as a sig nal to st art up and shut
down the system. A backup battery can be fitted if required to ensure the ACL
shuts down properly under all circumstances.
Logging Memory
The ACL is fitted with a special high temperature memory card which includes
special features to protect it against permanent damage during power down.
This card should not be removed from the ACL nor be replaced with any other
type of card.
Logging Time
The maximum logging time is dependent on the number of items logged and
the rate at which they are logged. The configuration software will report the
logging time available, taking all these factors into account.
MoTeC Operation 17
Start and Stop Logging Conditions
To avoid logging data unnecessarily, logging can be started and stopped by
user definable conditions. For example, logging might start when the vehicle
exceeds 50 km/h, and stop when the engine RPM is below 500 RPM for 10
seconds.
Note The Start Condition must be true and the Stop Condition must be false
before logging will start.
Memory Filling Options
When the logging memory is full the ACL will stop logging. However there is
an option to cycle through the available memory.
Logging Rate
The logging rate set s how oft en each channel is logged and can be set
individually for each channel.
The rate at which the value s a re logged is very important – the value must be
logged fast enough to record all variations in the reading. If the value is
logged too slowly, the readings can be totally meaningless. For example,
suspension position normally needs to be logged at 20 0 ti m es per second or
more.
However, if a value is logged faster than necessary it will not improve the
accuracy of the logged data, it will just reduce the total logging time available
and increase the logging unload time. For example, the engine temperature
only needs to be logged once per second.
CAN Bus Bandwidth Limit
High logging rates also increase the amount of data that is being
received from the measurement devices which increases the amount of
data on the CAN bus. This can lead to exceeding the CAN bus
bandwidth limit. Refer to Appendix F: CAN Bus Bandwidth Limit.
Note The ACL Manager will warn if the bandwidth is likely to be
exceeded.
Maximum Logging Rate
The maximum logging rate is limited to the update rate of the particular
channel. This varies significantly depending on the source of the
channel. For example, some VIM inputs update at 5000 Hz, whereas
some communications devi ces may only update at 50 Hz. Also some
internal calculations may be limited to 100 Hz.
18 Operation
Update Rate
Each input is measured at a maximum rate which is dependent on the
capabilities of the measuring device and may also vary between inputs on that
device. For example the VIM has some inputs that update at 500 Hz and
others that update as fast as 5000 Hz.
Refer to Appendix E: Update Rate Summary.
Anti-Alias Filter
If a channel is logged at a rate slower than its specified update rate then an
optional anti-alias filter can be applied.
The anti-alias filter i s us ed to average out any variations in the signal between
logged values. This ensures that unrepresentative values are not logged.
The anti-alias filter is implemented by averaging the channel values between
logging events. For example, if a channel has an update rate of 1000 Hz and
it is logged at 100 Hz then the preceding 10 samples will be averaged each
time it is logged.
The anti-alias filter i s nor mall y tur ne d on by default when a channel is added
to the logging list, but may be turned off if required. For normal purposes it is
recommended that the anti-alias filter is left turne d on.
Note For some channels the anti-alias filter cannot be turned on because the
averaging performed the filter would cause incorrect values. This is the case
for on/off channels and channels where the bit values have a particular
meaning, for example error group channels.
Real Time Value (VIM, ADL2, SDL)
For channels that come from a VIM, an ADL2 or an SDL the logging
anti-alias filter also affects the real-time value of the channel. This is the
value that all other parts of the system see, such as the various
calculations.
Note The anti-alias filter is limited to 50 Hz for real time values even if
the channel is logged at a lower rate. For example, a channel logged at
10 Hz will be filtered and updated at 10 Hz in the logging and 50 Hz for
the real time value.
Note Channels that are not logged are updated at 5 0 Hz .
MoTeC Operation 19
Real Time Value (For devices other than VIM, ADL2, SDL)
The real time value from other devices and from internal calculations is
not anti-aliased at the logging rate, ho wever the va lue ca n be anti aliased in the logging.
Phase Shift
The anti-alias filter will cause a phase shift (time delay) of half the
logging rate. For example, a channel logged at 100 Hz is logged every
10 milliseconds, so it is delayed by 5 milliseconds.
For most purposes this time delay is not an issue.
Channels logged at the sam e rate are delayed by the same amount,
which negates this effect when comparing these channels.
This applies to all channels whether they are generated internally from
a calculation or whether they are generated externally from devices
such as a VIM or a display device.
Retrieving the Logged Data
A PC is used to unload the logged data from the ACL. The l o g ged data is then
stored on the computer’s hard disk.
The logged data may be retrieved at very high speed using the Ethernet
connection. Af te r each unload, the user has the option to clear the ACL
logging memory.
The unload may be interrupted part way through if necessary by
disconnecting the comp uter. The partial un load will contain the most recently
logged data and will be stored on the computer’s hard disk. In this case the
ACL logging memory is not cleared and logging will continue as normal at the
end of the existing data. Next time the logged data is unloaded both the new
data and the previously partly unloaded data will be retrieved.
Track Map Sensor Requirements
In order for the logging analysis software to plot a track map the following
sensors are required and must be logged.
• BR2 Beacon Receiver (Note that the ‘Beacon’ Channel must be logged)
• Lateral G force
• Wheel Speed
• Longitudinal G force (Optional: See Below)
20 Operation
A Longitudinal G force sensor should be used if the vehicle has only one
wheel speed sensor. This allows the analysis software to eliminate wheel
lockups which is essential when creating or using a track map.
Alternatively, GPS data can be used to draw a track map in which case the
following sensors are required.
• BR2 Beacon Receiver (Note that the ‘Beacon’ Channel must be logged)
• GPS Latitude
• GPS Longitude
Functions & Calculations
The ACL can perform many other functions and calculatio ns in cluding the
following:
Functions:
• Shift Lights – Cont rols up to 4 staged shift light ch annels.
• Tell-tales – Stores minimum or maximum values.
• Engine Log (Up to four separate engine logs with separate conditions).
• Diagnostics Log (Event Recorder).
For details on these functions refer to the help in ACL Manager.
Special Calculations:
The ACL can calculate and display any of the following:
• Lap Time, Lap Speed, Running Lap Time, Split Lap Times, Lap Number,
Laps Remaining.
• Ground Speed, Drive Speed, Wheel Slip, Lap Distance, Trip Distance,
Odometer.
• Lap Time Gain / Loss – Continuously displays how far behind or ahead the
vehicle is compared to a reference lap.
• Gear Detection.
• Minimum Corner Speed, Maximum Straight Speed and other Min/Max
values.
• Fuel Used, Fuel Usage, Fuel Remaining, Laps Remaining, Fuel Used per
Lap.
MoTeC Operation 21
General Purpose Calculations:
The ACL also provides a numbe r of general purpose calculations including:
• 2D and 3D Lookup Tables
• User Defined Conditions
• General Purpose Timers
• Mathematics
• Bit Combine
• PID Control
The user defined cond it ions or tables can be used to activate items such as a
Thermatic Fan or Gearbox Oil Pump.
For details on all calculations refer to the help in ACL Manager.
Measurement Inputs
The ACL’s external measurement devices have inputs that can be connected
to a wide variety of sensors.
Sensors
Different types of sensors are available to suit different t y pes of
measurements, for exampl e: temperature, pressure, movement etc.
Sensors convert a physical measurement (e.g. pressure) into an electrical
signal (e.g. volts).
Different types of sensors generate different types of electrical signals. For
example most temperature sensor s co nvert the temperature into a variable
resistance which may be measured by an Analogue Temperature input,
however most wheel speed sensors generate a variable frequency signal
which must be connected to either a Digital input or a Speed input.
Sensor Amplifiers
Some sensors may require an amplifier to be connected between their
output and the measurement device input. This will depend on whether
the measurement device supports direct measurement of the particular
type of sensor. For example an ADL2 does not allow direct
measurement of thermocouples wherea s both the E888 and VIM do.
22 Operation
To connect a thermocouple to an ADL2 a MoTeC thermocouple
amplifier may be used. The amplifier measures the very weak signal
from the thermocouple and amplifies it so that it is suitable for
connection to an Analogue Voltage (or Analogue Temperature) input on
the ADL2.
Note Sensor amplifiers normal require power to be supplied to them,
often a regulated 5 volt or 8 volt supply. This means that they cannot be
simply connected to the vehicle battery voltage. The various MoTeC
measurement devices usually have a number of 5V and 8V sensor
supply pins for this purpose.
Amplified Sensors
Some sensors have an internal amplifier to convert the signal from the
internal sensing element to a voltage suitable to connect to an
Analogue Voltage input or in some cases to a Digital input. Many
pressure sensors and crank trigger sensors work this way.
These sensors normally require power to be supplied to them as
described for Sensor Amplifiers above.
Input Basics
Calibration
Calibration is the process of converting the electrical value, for example
voltage, into a number that represents the physical value, for example
temperature.
The calibrations can be selected from a number of predefined calibrations
provided by MoTeC, or they can be entered by the user.
Read Value Feature
Note To use the Read Value feature in ACL manager, a channel must
already be assign e d to that pin and sent to the device (unlike the same
feature in ADL2 / SDL).
Range
Each input will have a range over which it will work. For example some
analogue voltage inputs will work over a range of 0 to 5 volts and others may
work over a range of 0 to 15 volts. Similarly digital frequency inputs will only
work over a certain range of frequencies.
MoTeC Operation 23
Caution Operation outside the specified voltage range may cause damage to
the device.
The various measurement devices will specify the available input range in
their specifications.
Resolution
The resolution is the minimum change that the input can measure. For
example an input that has a 12 bit analogue to digital converter can measure
4096 different steps. If the input has a range of 0 to 5 volts, it will have a
measurement resolution of 0.0012 volts (5 volts divided by 4096 steps).
The resolution will c orrespond to a certain physical change. For example, if
measuring suspension position, the resolution will correspond to the minimum
distance change that can be measured.
For many measurements 12 bits (4096 steps) is sufficient; however there are
some applications where a higher resolution is desirable. In this case the VIM
can be used to measure up to 15 bits (32767 steps), providing enough
resolution for very demanding applications.
The various measurement devices will specify the available resolution in their
specifications.
Update Rates
Each input is measured at a certain maximum rate. The rate is dependent on
the capabilities of the measuring device and can vary from one input to
another. For example the VIM has some inputs that update at 500 Hz and
some that update as fast as 5000 Hz.
See the Data Logging section for de tails on the relationship between logging
rates and update rates.
Refer to Appendix E: Update Rate Summary.
Input Types
The various measurement devices have a number of different input types
which are designed to suit the different types of sensors.
The various MoTe C measurement devices will contain one or more of the
following input types.
Analogue Voltage Inputs
Available on: VIM, ADL2, SDL, E888, E816
24 Operation
Analogue voltage inputs are normally used to measure the signals from
sensors with variable voltage outputs, such as potentiometers, 3-wire
pressure sensors, thermocouple amplifiers, accelerometers.
These inputs can be configured to use several measurement methods
to suit the various types of sensors.
Absolute Voltage The sensor voltage is independent of the
sensor supply voltage
Ratiometric Volt age The sensor voltage is pro portional to the 5 V
sensor supply voltage
Variable Resistance The sensor resistance can be entered directly.
Note The external pull-up resistor value must
also be entered
Converting Analogue Voltage Inputs to Analogue
Temperature Inputs
Analogue voltage inputs can be converted to analogue temperature
type inputs allowing them t o measure 2 wire variable resis tanc e
sensors. To do this, a pull-up resistor needs to be connected from the
input to the 5 V sensor supply.
Note The VIM has pull-up pins to simplify this. The pull-up p ins can be
spliced with the desired analogue voltage input, which will connect an
internal 1000 ohm resistor to that input pin.
Analogue Temperature Inputs
Available on: ADL2, SDL
The analogue temperature inputs are the same as analogue voltage
inputs, except that they have a pull-up resistor connected internally
from the input pin to the 5 V sensor supply.
This allows the analogue temperature inputs to be used with 2 wire
variable resistance sensors such as 2 wi re temperature sens ors and
2-wire pressure sensors.
Some voltage output sensors can be used to connect to the analogue
temperature inputs if they can drive the pull-up resistor w ithout causing
an error in their reading (e.g. MoTeC Thermocouple Amplifier).
Additionally, on/off switch signals may be connected if required.
The analogue temperature inputs have the same measurement
methods as the analogue voltage inputs.
MoTeC Operation 25
Thermocouple Inputs
Available on: E888
Thermocouple inputs are specifically designed for measuring K type
thermocouples.
Note Isolated tip thermocouples are recommended, however in most
cases the E888 will cope with grounded tip thermocouples.
Differential Voltage Inputs
Available on: VIM
These inputs are generally used for strain gauges or thermocouples.
Differential voltage inputs have two input pins which allow them to
measure one voltage with respect to another.
A differential voltage input will read a negative value when its positive
input is less than its negative input.
Differential voltage inputs generally have a programmable amplifier
gain, which allows a small signal to be amplified so that it can be
measured with sufficient resolution. The VIM differential voltage inputs
have a gain range of 1 to 64.
Note While it is possible to measure negative differential voltages
(when the positive input is less than the negative input) both inputs
must be within th e specified common mode voltage range which may
not include negative voltages. In the case of the VIM the common mode
range is normally 0 V to 3 V. However, if the first four or the second four
inputs all have their gain set to 1, the common mode range for the
group of four inputs is 0 to 5 V.
Note Isolated tip thermocouples should be used when connecting to a
VIM, because ground ed ti p th ermocouples could force the inputs
slightly negative, which is not allowed.
Lambda Inputs
Available on: ADL2, SDL
Lambda inputs allow the direct connection of a wide band lambda
sensor.
In the case of the ADL2 and SDL this is a 4-wire Bosch LSM sensor.
Note 5-wire Bosch LSU sensors should be connected via an
appropriate amp li f ier. MoTeC has various solutions available to allow
connection via an analogue voltage input or CAN.
26 Operation
Switch Inputs
Available on: ADL2, SDL, E888, E816
Switch inputs are generally used for the external toggle switches or
press buttons.
Switches are typicall y used to operate features such as Change Display
Mode, Alarm Acknowledge, Fuel Used Reset and other similar
functions. They can also be used to monitor items such as brake status.
Normally the switch inputs have a pull-up resistor connected internally
from the input pin to the 12 V or the 5 V sensor supply. This allows a
switch to be connected between the input pin and 0 V, so that the input
is pulled to 0 V when the switch is closed.
Digital Inputs
Available on: VIM, ADL2, SDL, E888, E816
Digital inputs are identical to the switch inputs, except that they include
the ability to measure frequency, period or pulse width.
Note Not all these measurement methods are available on all input
devices, for example the E888 can only measure frequency.
Speed Inputs
Available on: VIM, ADL2, SDL
Speed inputs are similar to the d igi ta l inputs, except that they can also
be configured to suit variable reluctance (magnetic) sensors such as
some wheel speed sensors.
Because the amplitude of the signal from these sensors varies with
speed of rotation, variable trigger levels are required, which must va ry
with the frequency of the input signal.
The speed inputs can also be used with Hall Effect (open collector
output) type wheel speed sensors.
Note It is possible to monitor the voltage of the input si gnal directly as
well as reading the speed. While not intended for precision
measurement, this is especially useful when setting magnetic sensor
levels, where the measured voltages on the pin can be used to set the
trigger voltages.
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