Aim Smartycam User manual

SMARTYCAM
User Manual

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User Manual
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Dear Customer,
SmartyCam, the new camcorder with data overlay, descends from the great AIM
experience in developing data acquisition systems, mainly for motorsports applications.
SmartyCam allows to review racing performances on PC or TV, merging crystal clear
images with graphical data coming from integrated GPS and three-axial accelerometer, as
well as from ECU (Engine Control Unit from here onward ECU) or from an AIM logger: that
is why SmartyCam can be used in any situation, on any sort of vehicle.
Acquired data can be overlaid to frames in a great variety of formats, configurable by the
user. On a Micro SD card hours of movies/sounds/data can be saved: ratio is
approximately 1 Giga = 1 hour.
It is recommended to periodically check www.smartycam.com for software and/or firmware
updates or – recommended option – subscribe the www.smartycam.com newsletter to
receive all updates in real time.
Warning: this user manual is regularly updated. All new versions can be found on
www.smartycam.com. Please make sure your manual is the latest version
available: the issue number of each manual is reported on the top of the page.

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INDEX
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 1 – SmartyCam: kit and optional items........................................................................................... 5
1.1 – SmartyCam kits ............................................................................................................................................................................5
1.2 – ECU bridge kits.............................................................................................................................................................................5
1.3 – SmartyCam optional items: cables and external microphone.................................................................................................6
Chapter 2 – Data sampled by SmartyCam stand alone/slave..................................................................... 7
Chapter 3 – SmartyCam connections............................................................................................................ 8
3.1 – Connecting SmartyCam stand alone..........................................................................................................................................8
3.2 – Connecting SmartyCam in Slave expansion mode with ECU Bridge .....................................................................................9
3.3 – SmartyCam in Slave expansion mode with AIM loggers........................................................................................................10
Chapter 4 – SmartyCam battery charging................................................................................................... 11
4.1 – Battery charging via USB ..........................................................................................................................................................11
4.2 – Battery charging via connector ................................................................................................................................................11
Chapter 5 – SmartyCam configuration........................................................................................................ 12
Chapter 6 – How to use SmartyCam............................................................................................................ 13
6.1 – “Battery and Memory Status” field...........................................................................................................................................13
6.2 – How to switch SmartyCam on/off .............................................................................................................................................14
6.3 – “Online” status (or mode)..........................................................................................................................................................14
6.3.1 – “SETTINGS” option..............................................................................................................................................................15
6.3.1.1 – Accelerometer calibration: “ACCEL CALIBR” option ........................................................................................................15
6.4 – How to record videos.................................................................................................................................................................16
6.4.1 –Manual recording ..................................................................................................................................................................16
6.4.2 –Automatic recording..............................................................................................................................................................17
6.5 – SmartyCam recording support .................................................................................................................................................17
Chapter 7– Downloading data and viewing SmartyCam videos............................................................... 18
7.1 – Downloading data.......................................................................................................................................................................18
7.2 – Viewing SmartyCam videos ......................................................................................................................................................18
7.2.1 – Viewing SmartyCam videos on the PC................................................................................................................................18
7.2.2 – Viewing SmartyCam videos on the TV ................................................................................................................................18
Chapter 8 – SmartyCam Maintenance......................................................................................................... 18
Appendix “A” – Technical specifications................................................................................................... 19
Appendix “B” – SmartyCam Pinout............................................................................................................. 20
Appendix “C” – SmartyCam cables Pinout ................................................................................................ 21
Appendix “D” – ECU Bridge Pinout............................................................................................................. 24
Appendix “E” – SmartyCam with external power ...................................................................................... 26
Appendix “F” – Connection scheme with AIM loggers............................................................................. 27
F.1 – SmartyCam – ECU Bridge connection scheme.......................................................................................................................27
F.2 – SmartyCam – MXL connection scheme...................................................................................................................................29
F.3 – SmartyCam – EVO3 connection scheme.................................................................................................................................32
F.4 – SmartyCam – EVO4 connection scheme.................................................................................................................................36
F.5 – SmartyCam – MyChron4 connection scheme.........................................................................................................................39

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0INTRODUCTION
SmartyCam features three different working modes.
Stand alone: for non-motorsport applications or for motorsport applications whenever
there is no Engine Control Unit (ECU) nor AIM data acquisition system (from here onward:
logger).
Slave connected to the vehicle ECU: for motorsport applications to sample data out
coming from the ECU without possibility (or need) to sample data coming from additional
sensors. In this case an ECU Bridge is required.
Slave connected to an AIM logger: for motorsport applications in case a detailed
analysis of performances is needed, using also additional sensors. In this case the ECU
bridge is not required because connection to the vehicle ECU is made using an AIM
logger.

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1Chapter 1 – SmartyCam: kit and optional items
SmartyCam package includes a complete kit that permits standard usage: in this manual
some optional items are also shown, which can be useful in particular situations.
241.1 – SmartyCam kits
Stand alone kit: X90SMYC00
1 – SmartyCam (metallic grey);
1 – power supplier;
1 – adapter
1 – power cable;
1 – USB cable for data download and battery charge;
1 – 4 Giga Micro SD;
1 – user manual;
1 – CD containing SmartyManager software and USB driver.
Slave kit with ECU Bridge or AIM logger (EVO3 Pro/Pista, EVO4, MXL Strada/Pista
/Pro05, MyChron4):
•X90SMYCEC2 with 2m power cable + CAN.
•X90SMYCEC4 with 4m power cable + CAN.
1 – SmartyCam (metallic grey);
1 – power supplier;
1 – adapter
1 – 2m or 4m power cable + CAN (for AIM logger/ECU Bridge connection);
1 – USB cable for data download and battery charge;
1 – 4 Giga Micro SD;
1 – user manual
1 – CD containing SmartyManager + Race Studio 2 software and USB drivers.
Warning: to use SmartyCam in slave mode it is necessary to buy an ECU Bridge or
to get the appropriate AIM logger.
141.2 – ECU bridge kits
There are two available ECU Bridges, required to connect SmartyCam to the vehicle
ECU. Their part number changes according to the communication protocol they are
equipped with.
•ECU Bridge with CAN/RS232 communication protocol: X90BGGPI2R
•ECU Bridge with CAN/K Line communication protocol: X90BGGPI2K
Each ECU Bridge kit includes:
1 – ECU Bridge
1 – USB cable.

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251.3 – SmartyCam optional items: cables and external microphone
SmartyCam optional tools can be connected to it using the 7 pins connector placed on the
camcorder rear and shown here below.
SmartyCam kit includes a power cable used to charge the battery: in order to connect it to
an external power supply or to an additional external microphone it is necessary to buy
optional cables.
The external power source can be useful to stand alone users to avoid SmartyCam
internal battery consumption. In case of slave use, on the contrary, connection to the
vehicle battery is compulsory: the cable is included in the kit (the optional cable is
necessary only to connect an additional external microphone).
Use of an additional external microphone can be useful, for instance, to the driver that
wants to communicate with its staff.
•Power cable with CAN and microphone: this cable allows SmartyCam to connect to
an external 12V power source, to enable an external microphone, automatically
mixed with the internal stock one, and to connect via CAN to an AIM logger or an
ECU Bridge.
•External microphone: additional microphone automatically mixed to the stock one. It
plugs directly in the 7 pins connector placed on the camcorder rear.

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2Chapter 2 – Data sampled by SmartyCam stand alone/slave
As mentioned above, according to its working mode, SmartyCam provides different
information.
In Stand Alone mode,SmartyCam gets data coming from integrated GPS and three-axial
accelerometer:
•position;
•GPS speed;
•acceleration
•lap time;
•distance;
•track mapping.
In connection to an external data acquisition system, like an AIM logger (EVO3 Pro/Pista,
EVO4, MXL Strada/Pista/Pro05 or MyChron4) or an ECU (via ECU bridge), SmartyCam
can visualize in graphical overlay:
•all info acquired in Stand Alone version;
•all info coming from the vehicle Engine Control Unit connected to AIM logger;
•all info acquired by AIM logger (RPM, more speeds, LCU-ONE Lambda value,
engaged gear, temperatures, pressures, etc…).
WARNING: for further useful information check:
www.aim-sportline.com website download area to know which ECU’s are supported
by AIM logger and their connection/communication protocols;
Race Studio Configuration user manual to understand how to configure AIM
loggers, ECU Bridge included;
each AIM logger user manual.

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3Chapter 3 – SmartyCam connections
The alternative SmartyCam modes (Stand Alone or Slave Expansion) require different
connection procedures.
153.1 – Connecting SmartyCam stand alone
SmartyCam stand alone can be connected in different ways:
•connection to the external power: use the 7-pins connector highlighted in the image
above and connect the power cables to a 12 Volts power source i.e. the vehicle
battery.
•connection to the external microphone: the external microphone plugs directly in the
7 pins connector highlighted in the image here above.
•connection to optional cables and external microphone: use the 7-pins connector
highlighted in the image here above and connect the power cables to an external 12
Volts power source.

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263.2 – Connecting SmartyCam in Slave expansion mode with ECU Bridge
In order to receive the info provided by the vehicle ECU without any additional logger,
SmartyCam must be used in Slave expansion mode and connected via CAN to an ECU
Bridge, using the 7-pins connector placed on the product rear. Today ECU Bridges are
available for CAN, RS232 e K Line communication protocols.
Please refer to appendix “B” and “D” to know SmartyCam and ECU Bridge pinout.
Warning: please refer to Race Studio Configuration user manual for more info
about ECU Bridge configuration, and to www.aim-sportline.com documentation
download area for more info about ECU supported by AIM systems and their
communication/connection protocols.

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273.3 – SmartyCam in Slave expansion mode with AIM loggers
SmartyCam can visualize even data sampled by an AIM logger (EVO3 Pro/Pista, EVO4,
MXL Strada/Pista/Pro05 or MyChron4) and by the vehicle ECU. In this case it is necessary
to connect SmartyCam via CAN to the logger, using the power and CAN cable to be
inserted into the 7-pins connector placed on the camcorder rear.
Please refer to appendix “B” of this manual to know SmartyCam pinout and to the
user manuals of each AIM logger to know its pinout.
The image below shows i.e. SmartyCam connected to an EVO4.

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4Chapter 4 – SmartyCam battery charging
SmartyCam is supplied with a 2000mAh 3.7 Volt rechargeable lithium battery. It can be
charged using both the 7-pins connector and the USB port highlighted in the image below
on the right. Connect SmartyCam to an external power source.
The battery charge status is shown in any SmartyCam page. Below on the left the related
field is shown.
164.1 – Battery charging via USB
SmartyCam battery charging via USB has two possible options.
Socket charge (recommended):
•connect SmartyCam to the power supplier using the cable included in the kit: it has
to be plugged in the USB port placed in the product rear;
•insert the power supplier plug in the socket.
In case of PC charge via USB (not recommended): connect SmartyCam directly to the
PC on, using the cable included in the kit. It is recommended not to use a USB hub. It is
also recommended to use exclusively a 2.0 USB port.
Please do not connect SmartyCam to the PC unless having previously installed
SmartyManager software.
Warning: not all Personal computers USB ports provide enough power to charge
SmartyCam and anyway, due to the power supply limitation of the PC, battery
charging is longer. That is why socket charge is recommended.
174.2 – Battery charging via connector
SmartyCam battery can be charged also using the external power cable or power cable +
CAN (included in the specific kits) connected to the rear connector of the camcorder.

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5Chapter 5 – SmartyCam configuration
In order to configure SmartyCam data overlay (selection of data to visualize, their layout
and position) SmartyManager software – expressly developed by AIM – needs to be
used.
This software is provided with a CD included in SmartyCam kits and can be downloaded
from www.smartycam.com, download area.
To configure SmartyCam connect it to the PC:
WARNING: it is strictly necessary to install SmartyManager software before
SmartyCam connection to the PC
(v. SmartyManager user manual downloadable from www.smartycam.com)
•set the preferred data overlay;
•transmit the new configuration to SmartyCam;
•switch the camera off and on again
•SmartyCam will automatically set that configuration.
Refer to SmartyManager user manual for information about data overlay
configuration.
SmartyCam slave needs its master (AIM logger or ECU Bridge) configuration through
Race Studio 2 software, included in both the slave kits with 2m and 4m power cable).
Please note: SmartyCam configuration is independent from its master
configuration: it is thereby unnecessary to modify it changing SmartyCam master.

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6Chapter 6 – How to use SmartyCam
SmartyCam is managed using the three buttons placed above the display: 1,2 and 3 in
the image below.
The menu on the display shows the functions related to each button, close to the button
itself.
All SmartyCam pages are made up of three parts:
•top of page menu functions are shown;
•in the middle of the page specific info are shown;
•in the lower part the “Battery and Memory Status” field is shown.
186.1 – “Battery and Memory Status” field
“Battery and memory Status” field constantly shows the level of battery charge and the
remaining memory available for recording. In “Online” and “GPS status” and “Lap Mngmnt”
the GPS signal strength is shown, too.
The above indicator refers to the available memory, showing in black the used part and
in grey the available one. When available memory is lower than 300 kB the black part
becomes red. The number right of the bar is the available space in Giga (in the image
below SmartyCam is working with a 4 Giga Micro SD). Please note that Micro SD icon
becomes red.when SmartyCam is recording or when it is in “Player” section.
Note: MicroSD will be permanently damaged if it is removed from SmartyCam when
its icon in the left bottom of the screen is red.
The below indicator shows the battery charge status while the number on the right shows
the percentage of available battery (image here below)

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196.2 – How to switch SmartyCam on/off
SmartyCam can be switched on in two ways:
•pressing “2” button, or
•connecting the external power cable to SmartyCam: as soon as the camcorder
receives the 12 V power, will automatically switch on.
SmartyCam can be switched off in the following ways:
•pressing “2” button any time “Off” option is available
•pressing “2” button for 10 seconds. This forced option is to be used JUST in case of
camcorder lock, as it can lead to cancellation of some of the latest recorded
data/images
•automatic switch-off: if still for 15 minutes, SmartyCam will switch automatically off.
NOTE: this function can be disabled in the “SETTINGS” menu (“AUTO
POWEROFF” function).
286.3 – “Online” status (or mode)
When SmartyCam is switched on, three options appear:
•Rec
•Off
•Menu
recording process will start (v. paragraph 6.4)
the camera will switch off (v. paragraph 6.2)
several options appear
Clicking “Menu” a new page will appear, showing (in loop) the following options:
PLAYER It allows to manage recorded videos: “Down” scrolls the list of
videos and “Sel” selects the desired video. Once selected, it is
possible to view it (“Play”) or cancel it (“Del”)
GPS STATUS It shows the connected satellites and the signal strength (good or
weak)
SETTINGS It allows to set several key parameters (v. paragraph 6.3.1)
LAP MNGMT
It shows the geographic coordinates of the place where the
camcorder is positioned. It permits to fix the starting point of GPS
lap times (selecting “Fix”): once a point is fixed, every time
SmartyCam will pass there, a laptime will be registered.
DASH Info page: it shows the data acquired by the camera (if stand
alone) or by the external acquisition system, ECU or logger (if
slave)
On the top of this page, the functions “Down” (to scroll the options), “Exit” (to go back to
the previous page) and “Sel” (to select the desired option) appear.

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346.3.1 – “SETTINGS” option
As anticipated, by clicking “SETTINGS” several options appear:
LANGUAGE It permits to choose the desired language
DISPLAY T.out Enabling this function it is possible to avoid useless
battery consumption, switching off the display after 30”.
Registration will not be stopped.
TIME SETTING It allows to choose the time zone and to enable/disable
daylight saving time.
OVERLAY It allows to choose a pre-defined overlay configuration
among a list of available options (i.e. USA kart or Euro
kart, car, airplane, etc.)
INFO Info page where some camcorder technical data are
shown.
AUD/VID SET
It allows to set some Audio/Video options useful to
maximize recording quality in case of: SmartyCam use
on vehicle roof or onboard (choosing the spot light
settings), zoom or not, with/without external microphone
ACCEL CALIBR This option allows to calibrate the 3D accelerometer, in
order to get correct acceleration data and fine tune video
frames. (paragraph 6.3.1.1.)
AUTO REC
This option allows to choose manual vs. automatic
recording: in this case recording process will start as
soon as some threshold parameters are reached
(paragraph 6.4.2).
AUTO POWEROFF It allows to disable automatic power-off of the camcorder
after 15 minutes inactivity (paragraph 6.2)
6.3.1.1 – Accelerometer calibration: “ACCEL CALIBR” option
Great attention must be given to accelerometer calibration procedure, because it impacts
either on acceleration data accuracy and on correct frame choice.
In order to set calibration parameters, place the camcorder on a plane surface, switch it
on, select “ACCEL CALIBR” option and then click on “Calibr”.
In order to keep correct calibration parameters even once SmartyCam is installed on the
vehicle, the following steps must be followed:
•Install the camera
•Select “ACCEL CALIBR”
•The 2 coordinate axis appear: correct calibration point can be immediately fixed
clicking “Calibr”
•It is also possible – clicking “Prev” – to preview the frame on the display: when this
frame is ok, click “Calibr” to fix calibration point.

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206.4 – How to record videos
It is possible to record images both manually and automatically
Note: do not remove the Micro SD when SmartyCam is recording or is in “Player”
section (Micro SD icon will be red). Otherwise the Micro SD will be permanently
damaged.
356.4.1 –Manual recording
Immediately after switching SmartyCam on, the display shows the following page:
The keyboard (“A”) allows to:
•start recording, pressing “Rec”;
•switch SmartyCam off, pressing “Off”;
•enter “Menu Status”, pressing “Menu”.
The mid of the page (“B”)
•the real time image frame is visible;
To start recording, press “Rec”: SmartyCam will show this page:
The keyboard (“A”) allows to:
•stop recording pressing “Stop”: SmartyCam comes back to “Online Status”;
•switch SmartyCam off, pressing “Off”;
Note: do not remove the Micro SD when SmartyCam is recording or is in “Player”
section (Micro SD icon will be red). Otherwise the Micro SD will be permanently
damaged.
The lower part (“C”) is “Satellites, Battery and Memory Status”.
•When SmartyCam is recording a red indicator appears on the left .
•After a pre-defined time of inactivity the display will switch off (see paragraph 6.3.1).

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366.4.2 –Automatic recording
It is possible to set the automatic recording option (“AUTO REC”). This permits to
start/stop recording without manual input. That’s how it happens:
•In slave mode (SmartyCam connected to an AIM logger): the logger transmits a
start/stop recording input to SmartyCam, as soon as it detects RPM’s or a speed
higher/lower than 10 km/h.
•In stand alone mode: recording starts/stops automatically when speed is more/less
than 10 km/h or acceleration exceeds 0.2 G.
216.5 – SmartyCam recording support
SmartyCam kits include a 4 Giga Micro SD but it can support up to 16 Giga.
Warning: use only High Capacity Micro SD like this:
Note: do not remove the Micro SD when SmartyCam is recording or is in “Player”
section (Micro SD icon will be red). Otherwise the Micro SD will be permanently
damaged.

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7Chapter 7– Downloading data and viewing SmartyCam videos
227.1 – Downloading data
SmartyCam allows to download data either via USB (connecting the camcorder to the PC
using the cable provided with the kit) either through the micro SD placed in the
SmartyCam rear, which will have to be inserted in the PC USB port. It is recommended to
use exclusively a 2.0 USB port.
Warning: when inserting/removing the Micro SD please make sure the flip on the
rear is firmly closed.
237.2 – Viewing SmartyCam videos
Videos recorded on SmartyCam micro SD are .avi files with H.264 codec and can be
seen both on PC and on TV.
377.2.1 – Viewing SmartyCam videos on the PC
To see the videos on a PC display just remove the micro SD from SmartyCam (only if
Micro SD icon is not red) place it in the reader (or in a portable one connected to the PC
like any USB pen drive) and manage it as an USB peripheral.
Videos are in “Video” folder.
It is reminded that – to see videos recorded with SmartyCam on the PC – a software
compatible with H.264 format is needed.
Were such software not available, it is recommended to use “VLC Media Player”,
which can be downloaded from www.videolan.org/vlc/.
387.2.2 – Viewing SmartyCam videos on the TV
To see SmartyCam videos on the TV ensure that the DVD reader is compatible with ”avi.”
Files with H.264 codec: otherwise the video file needs to be converted in a format
compatible with the available reader.
For example it is possible to transform the .avi file in a DVD, using a software like “Nero”
(version 8 or higher), Roxio or similar softwares.
In case the reader had no Micro SD input, it is necessary to copy the video on a DVD (or
even a CD) with a simple burning software.
Chapter 8 – SmartyCam Maintenance
SmartyCam does not require any particular maintenance.
Warning: it is strongly recommended not to open the camcorder.
It is recommended to periodically check www.smartycam.com for software and/or firmware
updates or – recommended option – subscribe the www.smartycam.com newsletter to
receive all updates in real time.

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8Appendix “A” – Technical specifications
SmartyCam measures (in mm)
Accelerometer three-axial
Internal battery 2.000 mAh 3.7 Volt lithium – rechargeable
Battery charge via socket/via CAN: 700 mAh max
via PC: 450 mAh max
Battery autonomy until 3 hours with acquisition
Temperature working range -20°C/+60°C
Display size 128*160 pixel
Weight 210g battery included
Memory 4 Giga (up to 16 Giga supported)
Memory consumption 1 hour recording = about 1 Giga

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9Appendix “B” – SmartyCam Pinout
4
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1
3
67
Racing Data Power
N. rev. / Rev. N. Descrizione / Description Data / Date Firma / Signature Contr. da / Ckd. by
Rif. / Ref. Q.tà/Q.ty Material / Material N. articolo / Item N.
Progettato da / Designed by Contr. da / Ckd. by Approvato da / Approved by Nome file / File name Data / Date Scala / Scale
Titolo / Title
N. disegno / Drawing N. Rev. / Rev. Foglio / Sheet
Pinout SmartyCam
12/01/2009
1 of 1
L.I.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
CAN+
GND
+Vb
CAN-
Vbext
GND
Mic2+
CAN Bus Binder Pinout
Contact insertion view
SMARTYCAM PINOUT