Aim EVO4 User manual

EVO4
User manual

EVO4
User manual
Release 1.14
www.aim-sportline.com 1
Index
Chapter 1 – EVO4 kit and part numbers ..........................................................................2
1.1 – EVO4 kits and spare parts (part numbers)...................................................................................... 3
1.2 – Optional part numbers....................................................................................................................... 3
Chapter 2 – EVO4 functions..............................................................................................4
2.1 – Speed channels.................................................................................................................................. 5
2.2 – Lap channel ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2.3 – ECU connection.................................................................................................................................. 5
2.4 – EVO4 expansions............................................................................................................................... 6
2.5 – EVO4 USB communication ............................................................................................................... 6
2.6 – RPM channel....................................................................................................................................... 6
2.6.1 – Sampling the RPM via CAN bus/RS232....................................................................................... 6
2.6.2 – Sampling RPM from the ECU through a square wave signal....................................................... 6
2.6.3 – Sampling the RPM from the coil: RPM low voltage input............................................................. 7
2.6.4 – How to configure the output signal on pin 5 of RPM connector.................................................. 10
2.7 – Analog channels............................................................................................................................... 11
2.8 – Led status signal.............................................................................................................................. 12
Chapter 3 – Installation and powering...........................................................................13
3.1 – How to power EVO4......................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.1 – GND............................................................................................................................................ 13
3.2 – The three-axial accelerometer. ....................................................................................................... 14
3.3 – Installing and powering the IR transmitter and receiver.............................................................. 16
3.3.1 – The infrared (IR) transmitter ....................................................................................................... 16
3.3.2 – The infrared (IR) receiver............................................................................................................ 17
3.4 – How to install EVO4 displays.......................................................................................................... 18
3.5 – GPS lap timer through the displays............................................................................................... 18
3.5.1 – GPS lap timer configuration........................................................................................................ 18
3.5.2 – How to configure GPS lap timer on the display.......................................................................... 18
Chapter 4 – EVO4 memory..............................................................................................19
Chapter 5 – EVO4: software, driver, configuration, transmission, data download,
online function, maintenance .........................................................................................20
Appendix – Technical drawings .....................................................................................21

EVO4
User manual
Release 1.14
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0Chapter 1 – EVO4 kit and part numbers
EVO4 belongs to the last generation of AIM data acquisition systems for car/bike
installation: a powerful, compact, reliable and expandable logger with integrated GPS.
EVO4 monitors RPM, speed, engaged gear, lap (split) times standard and custom
sensors. EVO4 is a modular datalogger and communicates via CAN bus with: Channel
expansion, TC Hub – AIM thermocouples multiplier – LCU-ONE Lambda controller and
MemoryKey – the simple and quick way to save data and transfer to your Pc
With reference to the image here above EVO4 kit includes:
•EVO4 (1);
•GPS antenna (2);
•Infrared transmitter with power cable (3);
•Infrared receiver (4);
•RPM cable (5);
•ECU interface cable; (6)
•USB data download cable; (7)
•CD Race Studio 2 and this tutorial (8).
Each kit is also available with the Formula steering wheel (9) to be plugged into the
expansions connector labelled “Exp”.
Optional:
•Displays: Mycron3 Dash, TG Dash and Formula Steering wheel;
•Expansions;
•RPM adapter (only to sample an inductive RPM signal from the spark plug);
•External Memory Key for data backup;
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141.1 – EVO4 kits and spare parts (part numbers)
EVO4 kits are distinguished by the length of the GPS antenna cable and of the receiver
power cable.
•Kit EVO4 with 4 m antenna and 90 cm receiver cable X60E44090
•Kit EVO4 with 4 m antenna and 140 cm receiver cable X60E44140
•Kit EVO4 with 4 m antenna and 300 cm receiver cable X60E44300
•Kit EVO4 with 1,3 m antenna and 90 cm receiver cable X60E41309
•Kit EVO4 with 1,3 m antenna and 140 cm receiver cable X60E41314
•Kit EVO4 with 1,3 m antenna and 300 cm receiver cable X60E41330
Please note: all EVO4 kits are available also with Formula steering wheel included.
These kits part numbers have the letters VF at the end of the code.
Spare parts part number:
•RPM cable V02563020
•Serial/CAN cable V02563010
•USB cable V02563030
61.2 – Optional part numbers
Two speeds split cable: V02549030
K/L Line cable for ECU interface V02563050
CAN with OBDII connection cable for ECU interface V02563040
MyChron3 Dash: X30VDAM01
TG Dash: X45VDAM01
Volante Formula: X07VOLFORM
MemoryKey: X50MEPC00
Data hub (with 150 cm cable): X08HUB150
Channel expansion: X08CHEXUC
TC Hub: X08UTCCTC
LCU-ONE CAN Lambda Controller: X08LCU03K0

EVO4
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1Chapter 2 – EVO4 functions
EVO4 is a powerful and versatile instrument, that shows functions usually optional and that
can be connected to numerous expansions.
Main features:
•integrated GPS Module;
•5 configurable analog channels;
•2 speed inputs;
•1 RPM channel;
•1 internal tri-axial accelerometer;
•Lap time (magnetic/optic/GPS);
•ECU Interface;
•CAN protocol for external expansion modules;
•16 Mb Memory;
•USB port for data download;
•5 Khz sampling frequency;
•8/18 V external power.
As shown here above EVO4 front has 11 connectors and a led with specific functions.
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152.1 – Speed channels
To sample the two speed channels a split optional cable is needed. Its part number is:
V02549030. Plug it into the connector labelled “Speed”.
72.2 – Lap channel
To sample lap time just plug the receiver included in the kit into the connector labelled
“Beacon”.
82.3 – ECU connection
EVO4 can sample data coming from the vehicle ECU using CAN/RS232 protocols or the
K/L Line: use the ECU interface cable for CAN/RS232 protocol and the RPM cable for the
K/L line. Both cables are included in the kit. Refer to the appendix technical draws for
further information on these cables.
Always refer to the ECU user manual for any further information concerning pins and
cables connection.
To be sure that the vehicle ECU is supported by EVO4 and for updated information on
ECU – AIM loggers connection refer to the related documentation downloadable from AIM
corporate website, download area ECU section.
ECU connections depends on the communication protocol used by the ECU.
With CAN/RS232 protocol use ECU interface cable and the 5 pins male Binder connector
labelled “ECU” on EVO4 front panel. Please note: a CAN cable with OBDII connection
(optional) is available. The connection is:
•CAN +: pin 3 white cable labelled CAN +;
•CAN –: pin 5 blue cable labelled CAN – ;
•RS232RX pin 4 white cable labelled RS232RX;
•RS232TX pin 1 blue cable labelled RS232TX;
With the K/L line use RPM cable and the 5 pins male Binder connector labelled “RPM” on
EVO4 front panel. The connection is:
•K/L line pin 4 yellow cable labelled K line.
4
5
2
1
3
5 pins Binder 712 male connector pinout – solder termination view.
In case non-standard CAN or RS232 lines need to be converted, contact our technical
support.
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162.4 – EVO4 expansions
Connector labelled “Exp.” links EVO4 to numerous expansions increasing its potentialities.
As said all kits are also available with the Formula Steering Wheel that plugs exactly in
this connector. To connect more expansions (for example a Formula Steering wheel and
an LCU-One Lambda control) a Data Hub is needed so to increase the available
connections for expansions modules.
Warning: connect any expansion to EVO4 OFF.
92.5 – EVO4 USB communication
Connector labelled “USB” links EVO4 to a PC to configure it with Race Studio 2 software
and download stored data. USB cable comes with the kit.
102.6 – RPM channel
EVO4 can sample RPM signal in different ways:
•from the ECU via CAN bus or RS232;
•from the ECU through a square wave signal (from 8 to 50V);
•from the coil: RPM low voltage (from 150 to 400V) input;
•from the spark plug converting the signal sampled from the spark plug into a
square wave signal. In this case it is necessary to use an RPM adapter (optional).
212.6.1 – Sampling the RPM via CAN bus/RS232
To sample RPM from the ECU via CAN/RS232 use the connector labelled “ECU”.
222.6.2 – Sampling RPM from the ECU through a square wave signal
To sample RPM from the ECU through a square wave signal (from 4 to 50V), connect the
blue cable labelled “RPM 4-50V” of the 5 pins male Binder connector to RPM output of the
ECU (see appendix technical draw – code 04.563.02).
It can occur that the RPM signal coming out from the ECU is not correctly sampled by
EVO4 because is very unstable.
In this case, to obtain a stable square wave signal an (optional) RPM adapter is needed.
The images below show – on the left – a not square wave RPM signal coming from the
ECU and – on the right – a filtered one.
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To connect the RPM adapter follow this procedure.
•Connect cable labelled RPM-ECU 4-50 V to ECU RPM output.
•Connect the blue cable of the adapter, “labelled RPM form” to “RPM form 8-50
Volt square wave” input of EVO4.
•Connect the red cable of the interface labelled “V battery” to the battery positive
pole. Connect the red cable downstream the vehicle master switch.
•Connect the interface black cable, labelled GND to the logger GND pin (refer to
the appendix technical draw code 04.563.02 for further information).
232.6.3 – Sampling the RPM from the coil: RPM low voltage input
To sample RPM signal from the coil on a low voltage RPM input (from 150 to 400V),
connect 5 pins Binder 712 male connector pin to ECU RPM output using the white cable
labelled RPM 150-450V (see appendix technical draw code 04.563.02).
It can occur that RPM signal produced by the coil is not correctly sampled by EVO4
because the signal is very unstable.
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The image below shows a connection scheme example of the ignition key. Here below is
highlighted the out coming cable – labelled gray tach – that can be sampled directly from
EVO4 through the 4-50 Volt (see appendix technical draw code 04.563.02 – pin 3).
In case an ignition output is not available, it is necessary to use a signal coming from the
coil after having filtered it.
Here below an RPM signal coming from the coil is shown: not filtered on the left and
filtered on the right.
To filter the signal use an “RPM Coil-ECU” adapter (optional). It is a double-purpose filter
that allows to sample RPM from the coil and squares the signal wave form.
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The coil to sample the signal from, shown here below, is a black cylinder with three cables
(labelled 1,2 and 3).
Cable labelled 1 is the coil low tension input.
Cable labelled 2 is connected to the coil.
Cable labelled 3 is connected to the battery positive pole (+12V).
Moreover the coil is generally grounded with the chassis as shown by the scheme below
on the right.
The scheme below shows the voltage in the points labelled 1,2 and 3 in the images here
above.
It is reminded that the adapter white cable, labelled “RPM-Coil 150-400 V” is to be
connected to the RPM trigger wiring indicated by digit 1 in the above schemes.
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292.6.4 – How to configure the output signal on pin 5 of RPM connector
The output signal on pin 5 of RPM connector is to be configured through Race Studio 2
software. Run the software and follow this path: press “AIM system Manager” >> choose
EVO4>>select the configuration of the EVO4 connected or create a new one>> activate
“System configuration layer”: the panel below is at the bottom. Refer to Race Studio
Configuration user manual – EVO4 chapter – for further information about this logger
configuration.
This function allows EVO4 to send a signal to an external device, typically a display or an
ECU. This output signal is connected to pin 5 of RPM connector of EVO4 and has the
following characteristics:
•Voltage: Depends on the external pull-up voltage
•Output duration: about 0,8 seconds [for Lap (-) and Lap (+)only]
•Type: can be type “Lap” or type “Alarm”.
Available options are:
•None: signal disabled.
•Lap (-) (idle status = external pull up voltage): when EVO4 receives a lap
signal, the signal emitted decreases from pull-up voltage (idle status) to 0V (lap)
for about 0,8 seconds.
•Lap (+) (idle status = ground voltage): when EVO4 receives a lap signal, the
signal emitted grows from 0V (idle status) to pull-up (lap) voltage for around 0,8
seconds.
•Shift lights: when RPM are over threshold value, the signal emitted grows from
0V (OFF status) to pull-up voltage (ON status) for the time period the threshold
value is overcome. This function can be useful to switch on an alarm led on the
display. Fill in the proper case highlighted in the figure below.
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•Alarm on channel: starts up an alarm when a fixed threshold value is reached.
With reference to the image below on the left, to enable this option select the
channel where to set the alarm on (1), set it as max/min alarm clicking the central
button (2) and fill in its threshold value (3). The image on the right shows the
alarm set: an alarm switches on when Engine (1) RPM is higher (2) than 8000 (3).
The image here below shows the connection scheme of the RPM connector digital output
of EVO4.
+12V
4
5
2
1
3
+12V
4
5
2
1
3
100mA max
EVO4 EVO4
5 pins RPM Binder
female connector pinout
Digital
output Digitale output
External
Relay
100 mA
fuse 100 mA
fuse
Digital
output
Digitale
output
coil 12V
GND
GND
GND
GND
With load >100mAWith load <100mA
Load
< 100mA Load
> 100mA
5 pins RPM Binder
female connector pinout
112.7 – Analog channels
EVO4 analog channels can be sampled through the connectors labelled “CH1”, “CH2”,
“CH3”, “CH4” and “CH5”.
To plug any sensor in these channels extensions are required. Thay have to be ordered
specifying the logger they have to be connected to and the sensor to be used. Extensions
are available in length multiples of 50 cm (from 50 to 300 cm).
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172.8 – Led status signal
The led placed bottom on the right of EVO4 front has a double function. It switches on
when EVO4 is powered and shows logger status according to this scheme:
•led blinking 1Hz: EVO4 in standby;
•led steady: EVO4 is recording;
•led blinking 3 Hz: configuration not OK;
•led blinking with alternate colours: logger is updating firmware.

EVO4
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2Chapter 3 – Installation and powering
Install EVO4, its expansions and display in a place where the devices are not in contact
with heat sources or electromagnetic interference sources like spark plugs and coil.
123.1 – How to power EVO4
EVO4 needs a 8-18 VDC non stabilized power source.
It is suggested to power EVO4 through the vehicle master switch to save vehicle battery
charge.
243.1.1 – GND
For a correct powering and sensors signal stability connect cable labelled GND of EVO4
powering wiring to the vehicle chassis earth as highlighted in the figure below.
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EVO4
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183.2 – The three-axial accelerometer.
EVO4 is equipped with an internal three-axial accelerometer that is automatically
configured by the software according to the way the logger is installed on the vehicle.
To set the accelerometer follow this procedure:
•activate channels layer (shown here below);
•click twice on the accelerometer to set; the panel here below appears;
•select the position corresponding to EVO4 installation; the system highlights the
selection red circling the selected button;
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•the system automatically sets the three accelerometer axles as shown here
below.
Once the channel is set it is possible to verify if it corresponds to the logger position double
clicking on the channel itself. The panel before appears showing the position
corresponding to that setting.
Refer to Race Studio Configuration user manual, freely downloadable from the
website www.aim-sportline.com, download area software section for further
information concerning channels setting.
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EVO4
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193.3 – Installing and powering the IR transmitter and receiver
AIM provides a range of beacon equipments:
253.3.1 – The infrared (IR) transmitter
The image here below shows AIM IR lap transmitter:
The transmitter can be internally or externally powered:
•internally: with 8 AA batteries (placed in the transmitter case); when battery
charge status is low power led starts blinking each second (1Hz);
•externally: with an external 12 V power cable; when battery charge status is low
the led starts blinking each second.
The transmitter has 2 working modes:
•Low power mode: for tracks whose width is less than 10 m (30 ft);
•High power mode: for tracks whose width is more than 10 m (30 ft); in this second
case external 12V power is necessary and both led switch on when the
transmitter is switched on.
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To activate High/Low power mode it is necessary to unscrew the back of the transmitter
case as shown here below on the left;
The image here above on the right shows possible working mode. The transmitter comes
set in low power mode: see images top on the right. To set high power mode insert both
clips in the jumper: image bottom on the right.
Warning: it is recommended to verify the number of transmitters already installed
on the circuit before installing your own. It is in fact possible that there are
transmitters additional to the one placed on the start/finish line. The simplest way
to record correct times is using the same transmitter(s) for all racers.
263.3.2 – The infrared (IR) receiver
The infrared receiver has to be installed on the vehicle so that it can see the transmitter
placed on the side of the track. The red circle in the figure below indicates the receiver
eye.
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203.4 – How to install EVO4 displays
EVO4 can be connected to an AIM display to see channels and alarms during the race.
The available displays are MyChron3 Dash, TG Dash, Formula Steering Wheel.
Information shown in the different display pages can be configured by the user through
Race Studio 2 software.
Please refer to each display user manual for further information concerning their
working mode and to Race Studio Configuration user manual for the display
configuration. The manual are downloadable from www.aim-sportline.com
download area documentation section (displays user manual) and software section
(Race Studio Configuration user manual).
133.5 – GPS lap timer through the displays
EVO4 can use the connected display to show lap/split times using GPS lap timer without
using any external lap/split transmitter.
273.5.1 – GPS lap timer configuration
For EVO4 to compute lap times using GPS lap timer it is necessary to set this option in its
configuration and then transmit it to the logger. Refer to Race Studio Configuration user
manual – chapter “EVO4” and “Transmitting the configuration” – for further information.
283.5.2 – How to configure GPS lap timer on the display.
To set lap and splits on the display via keyboard refer to each display user manual.

EVO4
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3Chapter 4 – EVO4 memory
EVO4 is equipped with an internal flash memory whose characteristics are:
•16 Mb;
•non volatile (data are stored also when the logger is off);
•round (when it is full, new data automatically overwrite the old ones).
Memory roundness implies an automatic over-writing of old data. To avoid loosing data it
is suggested to set each channel sampling frequency on a value that guarantees a
sufficient amount of time.
Channels sampling frequency is set using Race Studio 2 software. In the image here
below – showing channel layer – the case ‘Available time’ is highlighted. It shows the time
available with the sampling frequency currently set on each channel.
Modifying each channel sampling frequency available time can increase or decrease.
Refer to Race Studio Configuration user manual for further information concerning
channels setting and their sampling frequency.
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