Life Racing D5 User guide

Author: M.H
D5 System Manual
Document Date: 2016-06-20

Contents
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Contents
1INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................3
2SPECIFICATION..........................................................................................................4
2.1 TECHNICAL DATA .......................................................................................................... 4
2.2 CLUB/PRO SPEC............................................................................................................ 4
3INSTALLATION ..........................................................................................................5
3.1 WIRING ...................................................................................................................... 5
3.1.1 Pinout........................................................................................................................................5
3.1.2 Input Switches...........................................................................................................................6
3.1.3 Lap Beacon ................................................................................................................................7
3.1.4 Brightness Adjustment..............................................................................................................8
3.1.5 CAN............................................................................................................................................8
3.1.6 Dash Comms .............................................................................................................................8
3.1.7 ECU Comms...............................................................................................................................9
3.1.8 USB............................................................................................................................................9
3.2 SOFTWARE .................................................................................................................. 9
3.3 MECHANICAL DRAWING ............................................................................................... 10
4CONFIGURATION ....................................................................................................11
4.1 CALIBRATION TOOLS.................................................................................................... 11
4.1.1 Default calibration...................................................................................................................11
4.1.2 Load Calibration ......................................................................................................................12
4.1.3 Protect Calibration ..................................................................................................................12
4.1.4 Save Calibration ......................................................................................................................12
4.1.5 Compare Calibration ...............................................................................................................12
4.2 CAN........................................................................................................................ 13
4.2.1 Life Racing CAN Receive ..........................................................................................................13
4.2.2 LRCAN by Ethernet..................................................................................................................13
4.2.3 Custom CAN Receive...............................................................................................................14
4.2.4 Other CAN Receive Options ....................................................................................................15
4.2.5 Custom CAN Transmit .............................................................................................................15
4.3 ITEMS....................................................................................................................... 17
4.4 MATHS..................................................................................................................... 20
4.5 SPECIAL ITEMS............................................................................................................ 21
4.5.1 Display Items...........................................................................................................................21
4.5.2 Input Switches.........................................................................................................................21
4.5.3 Brightness Adjustment............................................................................................................21
4.5.4 Shift lights................................................................................................................................22
4.5.5 Lap Beacon ..............................................................................................................................24
4.5.6 Tell-tales..................................................................................................................................24
4.6 VIRTUAL SWITCHES ..................................................................................................... 24
4.7 UNITS....................................................................................................................... 24
4.8 ALARMS.................................................................................................................... 25
4.9 CUSTOM LED’S.......................................................................................................... 26
4.10 MISC........................................................................................................................ 27
4.11 BACKGROUND............................................................................................................ 29
4.12 DISPLAY .................................................................................................................... 30

Contents
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5DISPLAY CUSTOMISATION.......................................................................................31
5.1 TEMPLATES ............................................................................................................... 31
5.2 DIAL OPTIONS............................................................................................................ 35
5.3 DISPLAY TOGGLES....................................................................................................... 35
5.4 COLOURS .................................................................................................................. 36
5.4.1 Colour scheme ........................................................................................................................36
5.4.2 Template Colours ....................................................................................................................37
5.5 BACKGROUND............................................................................................................ 37
5.6 COPY &PASTE ........................................................................................................... 38
5.7 EDIT MODE................................................................................................................ 38
5.7.1 Set Gauge Item........................................................................................................................38
5.7.2 Item Text Options....................................................................................................................39
5.7.3 Item Switch Options................................................................................................................40
5.7.4 Set Gauge Colours ...................................................................................................................40
5.7.5 Set Gauge Scale.......................................................................................................................41
5.7.6 Set Item Alarms.......................................................................................................................41
6OPERATION.............................................................................................................42
6.1 NAVIGATION.............................................................................................................. 42
6.2 ALARMS.................................................................................................................... 42
6.3 SETTINGS .................................................................................................................. 43
7PRO SPEC ................................................................................................................44
7.1 DATA LOGGING .......................................................................................................... 44
8DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY...............................................................................45

Introduction
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1 Introduction
The D5 digital dash is a powerful and robust display unit designed for the motorsport and
automotive industry; The D5 can be configured using PC software or by an external keypad
controller. This allows custom layouts, easy page navigation and programmable driver aids,
warnings and alarms. All functions can be simulated in software or by the payback of data files
(.LRD) before programming featuring:
5” WVGA colour display
8x shift lights
Programmable warnings and alarms
Predictive lap timing
Ambient light sensor
10 user inputs
Easy page navigation
Multiple display options
Simulation/Playback of data files
Twin Gigabit Ethernet
USB data logging (PRO spec only)
To avoid damage to your new dash, read and follow the instructions in this manual carefully.
This manual assumes the reader is familiar with Life Racing products and PC applications.
Due to continuous development, some features may change and the manual will update
periodically. Please ensure you have the latest version dated on the cover page of this
document.

Specification
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2 Specification
2.1 Technical data
Processing Powerful RISC CPU for advanced strategy execution
Display 5” WVGA Ultra Bright for daylight to dark with intelligent auto dimming
Inputs 6 user configurable general purpose analogue sensor inputs
4 user configurable switch inputs
Interfaces 2 Gigabit full duplex Ethernet for configuration and data download
2 CAN 2.0B interfaces
RS232 serial interface
Memory USB 2.0 for bulk data storage on USB stick
Power Supply 6V to 80V input voltage range with reverse polarity protection
Regulated 5V sensor supply output with short circuit protection
Physical 55Way D-type connector
CNC machined, sealed IP67, black anodised aluminium case
Class leading slim profile for flat panel mounting
Maximum dimensions including the connectors are 140 x 123 x 31 mm
Total mass is ~395 grams
2.2 Club/pro spec
The pro spec enables the user to stream data from the ECU to a USB memory stick. This feature
is currently only compatible with Life Racing ECU’s and PDU’s.

Installation
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3 Installation
3.1 Wiring
3.1.1 Pinout
The D5 features a single 50 pin D-type connection.
Recommended Mating Connector: Harting 09670504701
Connector Crimps: Harting 09670008277
Recommended Connector Hood: TE Connectivity 5745175-5
Pin Function Pin Function
1 BATTERY SUPPLY 26 USB D+(7)(9)
2 BATTERY SUPPLY 27 USB GND(7)(9)
3 ANALOGUE INPUT 1 (5V/TH)(6)28 USB VCC(7)(9)
4 ANALOGUE INPUT 4 (5V/TH)(6)29 N/C
5 5V OUT 30 N/C
6 SWITCH INPUT 3(8) 31 N/C
7 RS232 RX 32 N/C
8 CAN LO #01(1) F88 Pin 81 33 N/C
9 CAN HI #02 34 POWER GROUND
10 RESERVED(2) 35 POWER GROUND
11 RESERVED(2) 36 ANALOGUE INPUT 3 (5V/TH)(6)
12 RESERVED(2) 37 ANALOGUE INPUT 6 (5V)
13 RESERVED(2) 38 SWITCH INPUT 2(8)
14 ECU RX- (4) F88 Pin 86 39 N/C
15 ECU RX+ (4) F88 Pin 85 40 DIGITAL GROUND (3)
16 ECU TX- (4) F88 Pin 88 41 CAN LO #02
17 ECU TX+ (4) F88 Pin 87 42 USB D-(7)(9)
18 N/C 43 DASH TX+ (BI_DA+) orange/white RJ45 Pin 1
19 SENSOR GROUND 44 DASH TX- (BI_DA-) orange RJ45 Pin 2
20 ANALOGUE INPUT 2 (5V/TH)(6)45 DASH RX+ (BI_DB+) green/white RJ45 Pin 3
21 ANALOGUE INPUT 5 (5V) 46 DASH RX- (BI_DB-) green RJ45 Pin 6
22 SWITCH INPUT 1(8) 47 DASH (BI_DC+) (5) blue RJ45 Pin 4
23 SWITCH INPUT 4(8) 48 DASH (BI_DC-) (5) blue/white RJ45 Pin 5
24 RS232 TX 49 DASH (BI_DD+) (5) brown/white RJ45 Pin 7
25 CAN HI #01(1) F88 Pin 82 50 DASH (BI_DD-) (5) brown RJ45 Pin8
(1) Used for connection to Life Racing ECU’s CAN 1
(2) LR internal use only or custom projects
(3) Use for switch inputs
(4) Recommended connection to Life Racing ECU (required for “PRO Spec” upgrade)
(5) Optional connection required for 1GHz Ethernet
(6) All ‘TH’ compatible inputs utilise a 3K pull-up to 5V
(7) Required for “PRO Spec” upgrade otherwise DO NOT CONNECT
(8) All switch inputs utilise a 10K pull-up to 3.3V
(9) Standard USB data cables must be used and not exceed 2m in length

Installation
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3.1.2 Input Switches
To navigate the dash and make the most of its features, input switches are required. The D5
allows different options for you to do this. Each option requires setup of special items under
the ‘Items’tab of LifeDash to define which dash inputs are used. The ‘pull-up’resistor must be
enabled for analogue inputs to be used as switches.
Life Racing D5 Keypad
The Life Racing D5 Keypad allows full control of the dash and is required for most ‘in dash’
editing. The keypad can be mounted using ‘dual lock’or similar or by using the four M3 nut
inserts in the back panel, taking care to not push the studs through the membrane. However, it
does not need to be permanently connected for the dash to operate.
It is recommended to secure the cable once desired angle is determined.
If permanent, it has the option of connecting external switches for more convenient use while
driving. The ‘Right,’ ‘Left’ and ‘OK’ functions can be separately mounted externally by
connecting the relevant wire to the LR Keypad Input through normally open momentary
switches.
The special item “AN-KEYPAD8” must be assigned to the analogue input used.
Recommended connector: Binder 09-9789-71-05
Pin Wire colour Connect to:
1 White Any one of ANALOGUE INPUT 1-4
2 Green OK external switch
3 Yellow Right external switch
4 Brown/Black SENSOR GROUND (pin 19)
5 Blue Left external switch
Keypad
Steering wheel
D5 Dash
1
2
3
4
5
19
3/20/36/4
All dimensions in mm

Installation
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Hardwired switches
External buttons can be hard wired into the dash through the switch inputs and DIGITAL
GROUND (pin 40). However, only four switch inputs are available so there will be limited
functionality.
The relevant special items “SW-X” must be assigned to their corresponding inputs.
4 Way keypad
The D5 also allows the option of your own 4 way setup using a single input pin and ground
with the keys ‘Left,’ ‘Right,’ ‘OK’ and ‘Down.’ This will allow navigation and the ability to change
anything on the settings page and is ideal for switches on a steering wheel. For custom display
changes the Life Racing D5 Keypad or PC application is needed.
Each button should be a normally open momentary switch connecting SENSOR GROUND (pin
19) to the same ANALOGUE INPUT pin (1-4 only) through different value resistors.
The special item “AN-KEYPAD4” must be assigned to the analogue input used.
Left 12kΩ
Right 4.5kΩ
OK 2kΩ
Down 0.8kΩ
CAN inputs
An individual CAN message can be used for every switch input. Create the items and ensure
they are used to define the CAN inputs under special items. Any non-zero value will be
considered a key press.
The relevant special items “CAN-X” must be assigned to their corresponding items.
3.1.3 Lap Beacon
The lap beacon is used for lap times and in calculations such as fuel consumption. It can be
received either directly into one of the four switch inputs or over CAN. Both methods require
Special Item definitions.
*Note*
If directly connecting, it is recommended that the beacon is duel wired to both the Dash and
ECU.
12kΩ
4.5kΩ
2kΩ
0.8kΩ
19
3/20/36/4
22
6
23
40
38

Installation
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3.1.4 Brightness Adjustment
The D5 is fitted with an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the screen brightness.
Automatic adjustment can be set up with custom linearisation in the Misc tab of LifeDash.
However, this can be overridden through the use of an external potentiometer connected as
below or with a CAN message.
+5V OUT (pin 5)
Signal Any ANALOGUE INPUT pin
-SENSOR GROUND (pin 19)
Both methods require Special Item definitions.
3.1.5 CAN
The dash uses a CAN2.0B data bus to stream information from the ECU. The CAN settings must
agree between both ECU and D5. Any CAN configuration errors are displayed on the screen
during boot up as a warning message. The dash has fixed CAN termination o must be placed at
the end of the bus.
3.1.6 Dash Comms
Dash comms is required to connect the Dash to a PC for programming. If a connection is
established, the dash will display a white Ethernet symbol (black on white backgrounds). Pins
47-50 will enable up to 1GHz connection speed but are not mandatory.
Symbol only shows on certain pages such as road, race or stage.
5
3/20/36/4/21/37
19

Installation
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3.1.7 ECU Comms
(Optional)
For Data Logging (PRO only), an ECU comms connection is required to stream data from the
ECU to the USB. However, it also provides other advantages with or without the PRO spec
upgrade; it enables both the ECU and Dash to connect to a single PC Ethernet port making it
possible to program both devices through the Dash connection. It also allows the receiving of
ECU CAN items over Ethernet to reduce load on the CAN bus.
If the dash detects a connected ECU with the same ID, it will display a green Ethernet symbol.
The symbol only shows on primary display pages such as road, race or stage.
3.1.8 USB
(PRO only)
Data Logging saves data onto a compatible USB memory stick. The dash should be wired to a
female USB port as below using standard USB data cable not exceeding 2m in length.
1+5V D5 Pin 28
2D- D5 Pin 42
3D+ D5 Pin 26
4GND D5 Pin 27
LR recommends SanDisk Cruzer Fit 16G
SanDisk Cruzer Fit 32G
3.2 Software
Initial configuration and advanced customisation requires PC applications from the LifeSuite.
To install, contact your Life Racing distributor and you will be sent a link to the latest software
package. Download, run and follow the prompts to install.
For further information please visit www.liferacing.com and select the Quick Start Guide from
Support, User Manuals/Datasheets.

Installation
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3.3 Mechanical drawing
A3
1:16

Configuration
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4 Configuration
(LifeDash)
Features can be customised through the LifeDash application. Some options are also available
to alter on the dash itself through the use of the Life Racing D5 Keypad. As with all LifeSuite
applications, LifeDash is designed to be fully useable with one hand using just the keyboard.
Shortcut keys are underlined and can allow quick navigation and changes.
4.1 Calibration Tools
4.1.1 Default calibration
When LifeDash is started, the following message will appear.
For Default calibration, press OK as prompted. The default calibration will start in demo mode
and gives realistic examples of setup.

Configuration
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4.1.2 Load Calibration
To load a dash calibration from a PC select File, Load and locate the relevant file.
To read a calibration from the Dash select Device, Get. Make sure any changes are saved
beforehand.
4.1.3 Protect Calibration
Calibrations can be password protected by selecting Cal, Edit Passphrase.
This will cause the password to be required before the calibration can be loaded from a PC file
or from the Dash itself. For the first password created, leave the Old PassPhrase box blank.
4.1.4 Save Calibration
To save the calibration to a PC file, select File, Save or File, save To for a new location.
To program the calibration to the Dash select Device, Set.
4.1.5 Compare Calibration
The current calibration can be compared to another file to view the changes between them.
Select File, Compare and locate the comparison file. A report will be created that displays all
alarm, item and CAN differences. Visual features cannot be compared.

Configuration
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4.2 CAN
The D5 Dash communicates through CAN with other devices. CAN settings include a quick
setup for other Life Racing products and support for fully flexible Custom CAN.
4.2.1 Life Racing CAN Receive
The D5 receives most of its information from CAN, therefore the CAN settings in the dash and
ECU must match for communication to work. Select Add Frame, LRcan from .LRC to extract
the CAN information from an ECU calibration.Loading the calibration from an .LRC will pre-set
the features of the dash to match the ECU. This will synchronize the CAN settings and preload
the monitoring items available from the CAN content. New items need to be added in the ECU
calibration first and loaded into LifeDash. Items selected in CAN will become available under
the ‘Items’ tab and in the display layout. Frame details are displayed but any editing must be
done in LifeCal.
To add Life Racing PDU frames, select Add Frame, LRPDU, type an address for the starting
frame and select which bus the frames will be received on. All available frames will
automatically be added but cannot be edited.
For PDU soft inputs select Add Frame, PDU Soft i/p while a frame belonging to the correct PDU
is highlighted. Type an address and select the soft inputs required.
Switch Panel inputs can be added by selecting Add Frame, SWP Soft i/p.
All items will become available under the ‘items’tab, allowing renaming and gauge edits. PDU
items will automatically be linked to the PDU display page.
4.2.2 LRCAN by Ethernet
By checking the LRCAN by Ethernet box, all CAN frames from a Life Racing ECU will be received
by Ethernet instead of CAN, reducing the amount of traffic on the CAN bus. This option requires
an ECU to Dash Ethernet connection.

Configuration
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4.2.3 Custom CAN Receive
Custom CAN is also available for communication with non Life Racing products. Receiving
items should first be setup in the ‘Items’ tab to make them available in frame editing. In the
‘CANrx’ tab, create a blank frame by selecting Add Frame, Custom and following dialogue box
instructions to include ID and device. All custom CAN options will become available:
General
Message ID: Frame identifier
29bit: Allows 29bit addresses to be used.
Bus no: Which bus the frame will be received on. CAN 1 or CAN 2.
Length: Frame size in bytes.
Initial Timeout: Time after power up allowed before timeout error.
Subsequent: Time between received frames allowed before timeout error.
Beacon: Ticking this box will result in a beacon event trigger when this frame is
received, regardless of content.
*Note*
It is recommended that the subsequent timeout period is made at least three times the length
of the expected reception period.
Frame content
Add Item: Add an item to the selected frame.
Remove Item: Delete the selected item.
Edit Item: Select associated item from the list (items must first be added in the ‘Items’
tab).
Mux Item: Ticking this box makes the selected item an ID item. Assigning different ID
values to frames allows them to share message IDs.

Configuration
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Frame Layout
Frame: Use the Start Bit and No Of Bits controls or drag across the grid to choose
item size and location within the frame.
IEEE 754 Float: Tick this box to allow floating bit points.
Byte Order: Choose between big and little endian byte order for each item.
4.2.4 Other CAN Receive Options
Baud Rate
Change the baud rate of each CAN bus by selecting its corresponding button and choosing a
new value. This value must match all devices on the same bus.
Validate
Pressing the Validate button will perform a check for any validation errors in the active CAN
frames such as repeated IDs. A message will only be displayed if a conflict is found.
Retransmit on other CAN
Any incoming CAN message can be retransmitted on the opposite bus by ticking this box. A
transmission frame will be added in the ‘CANtx’ tab that replicates the received frame.
4.2.5 Custom CAN Transmit
The D5 is capable of transmitting custom CAN frames. This is set up in the ‘CANtx’ tab. Any
frames being retransmitted from the ‘CANrx’ tab will also appear here but will not be editable.

Configuration
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Selecting Add Frame creates a blank frame with the following options:
General
Name: Optional name of frame for easy identification in list
Message Id: Frame identifier
29bit: Allows 29bit addresses to be used.
Bus no: Which bus the frame will be transmitted on. CAN1 or CAN 2
Message Length: Length of frame in bytes
Triggers
Initial (mS) Trigger: Time to wait before transmitting first frame
Periodic: Time period between each transmission
RX CAN Trigger: Transmit when selected frame is received
Beacon Trigger: Transmit when beacon is triggered
Expression Trigger: Transmit when a maths expression is true
Frame content
Add Item: Add an item to the selected frame.
Remove Item: Delete the selected item.
Item Type: Choose between:
ZERO default blank,
UNSIGNED numerical value, maximum dependent on No of bits,
MII-RAW unscaled item values
MII-VAL scaled item values, rounded to the nearest integer
EXPRESSION mathematical expression
Edit Item: Open the dialogue box for the selected item type. Raw and Val item
types will allow selection from the list of items created in the ‘Items’
tab.
Frame Layout
Frame: Use the Start Bit and No Of Bits controls or drag across the grid to
choose item size and location within the frame.
IEEE 754 Float: Tick this box to allow floating bit points.
Byte Order: Choose between big and little endian byte order for each item.

Configuration
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4.3 Items
‘Items’are the different monitoring items that can be displayed on the dash screen. The list of
items is determined by the CAN frame configuration and physical inputs.
LR items are automatically added when an .LRC file is loaded in the ‘CANrx’ tab. Other devices
must be added manually using the Add Item button and following the dialogue boxes. The D5
also has several of its own monitoring items including lap data and independent inputs. Lap
data is calculated live in the dash as long as special items are defined and a lap beacon is
connected. It also has its own items for dash voltage, temperature and ambient light sensor.
Math can also be added with the Add Math button. This will create a specific item that allows
maths expression input.
The following options are displayed for every item:
General
Name: Full name. Used as most gauge labels.
Abbrev: Shortened name. Used for alarm and maths expressions.
Qty: Unique number for selected item.
Pull-up: Enables or disables the 1kΩ pull up resistor on analogue inputs 1-4 only.
Math
Period: Amount of time between calculations in milliseconds.
Expression: Enter mathematical expression for Math Items here.
*Note*
Math is currently limited to basic operations but future firmware upgrades will improve
functionality.

Configuration
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Units
Unit category: Defines what unit options are available and selects the default display units
from the ‘Units’ tab.
Unit: The unit type sent by CAN after scaling. Dependant on unit category.
Preferred unit: Alternative to default display unit for selected item only.
Scaling
Mathematical operation to convert the item value into engineering units.
Scale type: Operation type. Can be NONE (equivalent to Mul[1,0]), Mul, Div, Inv or
Linearise.
M: Operation value. Can be negative.
C: Constant. Can be negative.
Dec Places: Number of decimal places to display.
Scaling works in one of the following ways where X is the CAN value.
Mul XM+C
Div X/M+C
Inv M/X+C
Linearise Linearising allows graphical scaling for more complex items. To create a graph
add hint points of voltage against value with the relevant button, choose the type
of linearisation and select Apply Hints.
INTERPOLATE EXTRAPOLATE
GEAR LINEFIT
CURVEFIT KEYPAD

Configuration
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Gauge Values
Default Val: Default value, value shown on gauge if no information is received.
Min Val: Minimum value, lowest allowed value and scale limit.
Max Val: Maximum value, highest allowed value and scale limit.
*Note*
Physical and CAN inputs will be clipped at these min/max values. Built in items (D5.1.X) are
unaffected.
Gauge scales are defaulted to these values but can be altered in ‘Edit Mode’.
Alarm Values
Alarm low: If enabled, when item value is lower than this, gauge changes colour.
Alarm high: If enabled, when item value is higher than this, gauge changes colour.
*Note*
The colour that each gauge changes to in alarm conditions can be individually altered in ‘Edit
Mode.’ By default, alarms appear red.
Enumeration
Display text depending on numerical value.
User Icon
An icon can be displayed with the selected item on the dash display. If the box is not checked
the default icon will be displayed (may be blank). To apply a different icon, tick the box and
select the new icon from the list. More icons will be added with future software updates.