Motec ADL2 User manual

M oTe C ADL2 / EDL2 User’s Manual
Contents
Introduction ........................................................................ 1
Overview ............................................................................. 2
ADL2 New Features............................................................................................ 2
Display ................................................................................................................4
Alarms................................................................................................................. 8
Data Logging.......................................................................................................9
Other Functions ................................................................................................ 13
Measurement Inputs ......................................................................................... 14
Auxiliary Outputs............................................................................................... 19
Communications Overview ............................................................................... 20
ECU Connection ............................................................................................... 21
Telemetry.......................................................................................................... 21
Lap Beacon.......................................................................................................22
Options ............................................................................................................. 22
Software............................................................................................................ 22
Updateable Firmware........................................................................................ 23
Installation ........................................................................ 25
Mounting ........................................................................................................... 25
Display Care ..................................................................................................... 26
Wiring................................................................................................................ 26
External Buttons................................................................................................ 27
External Lights .................................................................................................. 28
Thermocouples ................................................................................................. 28
Connecting to a MoTeC ECU ............................................................................. 28
Telemetry.......................................................................................................... 30
ADL2 Dash Manager Software........................................ 31
Introduction .......................................................................................................31
Computer Requirements ................................................................................... 31
Installing ADL2 Dash Manager ......................................................................... 32
Mouse & Keyboard ........................................................................................... 32
Main Menu ........................................................................................................33
Toolbar.............................................................................................................. 33
On line / Off line ................................................................................................ 34
Configuration..................................................................................................... 34
Configuration Files ............................................................................................ 34
Changing the Configuration .............................................................................. 36
Versions and Updating...................................................................................... 36
Channels........................................................................................................... 38
Conditions Overview ......................................................................................... 42

Checking Operation .......................................................................................... 43
Sensor Zeroing ................................................................................................. 44
Details Editor .................................................................................................... 44
Windows Keyboard Use .................................................. 45
Main Menu ........................................................................................................45
Closing a Window ............................................................................................. 45
Getting Help......................................................................................................45
Selecting an Item in a Window.......................................................................... 46
Using the Selected Item.................................................................................... 46
Appendices....................................................................... 50
Appendix A: General Specifications.................................................................. 50
Appendix B: Options Summary ......................................................................... 51
Appendix C: Dash Manager Command Line..................................................... 52
Appendix D: Input Characteristics..................................................................... 54
Appendix E: Auxiliary Output Characteristics.................................................... 60
Appendix F: CAN Bus Specification.................................................................. 61
Appendix G: ECU to ADL2 Wiring (RS232) ...................................................... 62
Appendix H: CAN Wiring................................................................................... 65
Appendix J: USB Wiring.................................................................................... 66
Appendix K: Typical Wiring (with BR2).............................................................. 67
Appendix L: Pin List by Function....................................................................... 68
Appendix M: Pin List by Pin Number................................................................. 71
Appendix N: Connector..................................................................................... 73
Appendix P: Wire Specifications ....................................................................... 74
Appendix Q: Case Dimensions ......................................................................... 75
Copyright – Motec Pty Ltd – 2005
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.
8 July, 2005

MoTeC Introduction 1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a MoTeC ADL2 Dash / Logger and/or EDL2
Enclosed Data Logger
ADL2
The MoTeC ADL2 Dash / Logger is a combined LCD dash unit and high
performance data logger.
EDL2
The EDL2 is a model of the ADL2 that is manufactured without a display
screen. Aside from this, it functions in the same way, using the same software
as the ADL2. In the remainder of this manual when reference is made to the
ADL2, it also refers to the EDL2 – except when referring to the display.
This Manual Covers:
•Overview of the ADL2/EDL2s capabilities
•Installation
•Overview of the MoTeC ADL2 Dash Manager software
Software Information
For detailed information on using the various software programs refer to the
online help supplied with the program.
Other Manuals
Separate Manuals are available for:
•MoTeC Lap Beacon / BR2
•Interpreter Data Analysis Software

2 Overview
Overview
ADL2 New Features
The ADL2 replaces the original ADL and includes the following new features.
USB Communications
This allows the ADL to be connected directly to the PCs USB port rather than
requiring the M oTe C CAN Cable which connects to the PCs printer port.
The USB cable may be used for all communications to the ADL.
USB provides much faster logging downloads than the CAN Cable
(approximately 8 times faster)
If desired a M oTe C CAN Cable may be used instead of a USB cable but this
will result in slower communications and requires a PC with a printer port.
16M Log Memory
The ADL2 comes with 16Mbytes of memory with 8Mbytes enabled as
standard.
More Inputs as Standard
30 I/O is standard (50 I/O Optional). See Appendix B: Options Summary for
details.
Higher Resolution Inputs
Eight of the Analog voltage inputs (AV1 to 4 & AV 11 to 14) have higher
resolution which is particularly useful for measuring suspension position.
Note that these inputs have a reduced voltage range of 0 to 5.5V (previously
0 to 15V)
Dual Expanders
The ADL2 supports two E888 or E816 expanders allowing significant
expansion of the number of inputs and outputs.

MoTeC Overview 3
Additional CAN Templates
The ADL2 provides ten additional CAN templates.
Independent Speed Inputs
All four speed inputs may be independently designated as hall or magnetic
(rather than in pairs).
More User Tables
The ADL2 has sixteen 2D tables and sixteen 3D tables.
Increased Processing Performance
The ADL2 has increased processing performance to handle more demanding
applications.
ADL Pin Compatibility
An ADL2 may be connected to an existing ADL wiring loom and will
communicate using the existing CAN communications if required or USB
communications can be added.
The ADL2 is directly pin compatible with the ADL except that pin 78 (RS232
TX) is used for USB. RS232 TX is still available but is shared with pin 67
(Telem).

4 Overview
Display
The ADL2 display is a high contrast, high temperature, custom made LCD
display.
The display contains a Bar Graph, three Numeric Displays, a Centre Numeric
Display and a Bottom Alpha / Numeric Display.
Bar Graph
The 70 segment bar graph has a user definable range and is typically used as
a tacho, however it can be used to display any other value. When used as a
tacho it may be configured for up to 19,000 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 Warmup), this allows a lower range to be used in Warmup
mode.

MoTeC Overview 5
Numeric Displays
The three numeric displays (Left, Right and Top Right) can be programmed to
display any value, which may be different for each of the display modes
(Race Practice and Warmup).
Note that each of the three numeric displays has a different number of digits
and are therefore suited to displaying different values. Fox 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 of Fuel Remaining, Engine 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, eg. ET (Engine Temperature), OP (Oil Pressure).
Centre Numeric Display

6 Overview
The Centre Numeric display is incorporated to show the current gear but may
be used for other purposes.
Bottom Display
The 13 digit alpha numeric display can display up to 20 lines of information
that can be scrolled up or down using the external buttons. Each of the 20
lines can display up to 3 channel values at a time.
The values shown may be different for each of the three display modes.
Additionally the bottom display can show up to four override values, similar to
the numeric displays.
The bottom display 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 operation, Race, Practice and Warm
Up.
Warm Up

MoTeC Overview 7
The warm up display is used to display important engine sensor readings
during engine warm up, eg, RPM, Battery Voltage, Engine Temperature, Oil
Pressure, Oil Temperature & Fuel Pressure.
The bottom display may be used display many other values that may need
checking during warm up.
Practice
The practice display is used to display basic information, plus information to
help the driver improve lap times, eg. Lap Time, Lap / Gain Loss, Maximum
Straight Speed, Minimum Corner Speed or Corner Exit Speed.
The bottom display may be used to display additional information as needed.
Race
The race display is normally used to display minimal information, eg RPM,
Lap Time, Fuel Remaining or Laps Remaining.
The bottom display may be used to display additional information as needed.

8 Overview
Display Formatting
Units
The display units can be changed to suit the driver, for example the driver
may prefer to see the engine temperature in Fahrenheit rather Celsius. This is
independent 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 but is better displayed
with no decimal places. This is normally done automatically.
Alarms
When an alarm is activated a message is shown on the bottom line of the
display, a warning light can also be activated which is recommended to draw
the drivers attention to the display.
The message displayed can be defined and can also include the current
sensor reading or the sensor reading when the alarm was triggered.
The alarms remain active until they are acknowledged, either by a driver
activated switch or automatically after a defined period of time.
The warning alarm limits 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 speed has been above 50 km/h for 30 seconds. The speed
comparison avoids the alarm showing during a pit stop due to heat soak.
Additionally another comparison could be set at a higher temperature to cover
all other situations.

MoTeC Overview 9
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 activates 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 also be dependent on the current display mode (Race,
Practice or Warmup)
Data Logging
Data logging allows the sensor readings (or any calculated value) to be stored
in the ADL2 for later analysis on a Personal Computer.
Logging Memory
The ADL2 comes with 16Mbytes of memory with 8Mbytes enabled as
standard. The full 16Mbytes can be enabled by purchasing the 16Mbyte
option.
Power
The ADL2 power can be turned off at any time without losing the logged data.
The ADL2 uses FLASH memory which does not require an internal battery to
keep it alive.
Logging Rate
The ADL2 can store any value at up to 1000 times per second, which can be
individually set for each logged item.
The rate at which the values are 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 then the readings can be totally meaningless. For example
suspension position normally needs to be logged at 100 times per second or
more.
Note, however, that 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. For example, the engine temperature only needs to be logged
at once per second.

10 Overview
Update Rate
Not all values are updated 1000 times per second, and logging them faster
than their update rate will simply waste memory.
The update rates for all input types are listed below:
Input Type Update Rate
(times per second)
Analog Voltage Inputs 1 to 4 & 11 to 14 1000
Other Analog Voltage Inputs 500
Analog Temp Inputs 500
Lambda Inputs 100
Digital Inputs & Speed Inputs 100
RS232 & CAN Communications 50 max *
* Note that the RS232 & CAN Communications update depends on how
frequently the data is sent from the device. Typically the update rate from an
M4, M48, M8 or M800 ECU is about 20 times per second using RS232, and
about 50 times per second for the M800 using CAN.
Logging Time
The maximum logging time is dependent on the logging memory size, the
number of items logged and the rate at which they are logged. The
configuration software will report the logging time, taking all these factors into
account.
Logging Types
The ADL2 provides two ways of logging the data: Normal Logging and
Fastest Lap Logging.
Normal Logging
Normal Logging continuously logs data to memory whenever the Start
Condition is true (and the Stop Condition is false).
Logging Rates
The logging Rate may be individually set for each value between 1 to 1000
times per second.

MoTeC Overview 11
Start and Stop Logging Conditions
To avoid logging unnecessary data, 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 that 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 ADL2 may be configured to either stop
logging, or to overwrite the oldest data, which ensures that the most recent
data is always available. This is referred to as cyclic logging.
For most applications it is recommended that cyclic logging is used.
Logging Setup Files
The logging list can be saved and loaded from a file. This allows multiple
logging setups to be used.
Fastest Lap Logging
Fastest Lap logging records data for the Fastest Lap since the data was last
retrieved. Normally this is used for items that require fast logging rates, such
as suspension position. This allows the available memory is used more
efficiently.
Note that Fastest Lap Logging requires that a Lap Beacon is connected.
Fastest Lap Logging is in addition to and works concurrently with Normal
Logging.
Up to 50 values may be logged.
Logging Rates
The logging Rate may be individually set for each value between 1 to 1000
times per second.
Maximum Lap Time
Note that a maximum Lap Time must be entered which indicates to the ADL2
how much memory to reserve for fastest lap logging. If there are no Lap
Times less than this value then Fastest Lap data will not be available.

12 Overview
Memory Occupied
The amount of memory occupied by Fastest Lap logging depends on how
many items are logged, how fast they are logged and the specified maximum
Lap Time. The effect on normal logging time is shown in the configuration
software.
Logging Setup Files
The logging list can be saved and loaded from a file. This allows multiple
logging setups to be used.
Retrieving the Logged Data
A personal computer is used to unload the logged data from the ADL2. The
logged data is then stored on the computer hard disk.
The logged data may be retrieved at very high speed (approximately 2.5
seconds per Mbyte when using USB or 20sec Mbyte when using CAN).
After each unload the user has the option to clear the logging memory.
The unload may be interrupted part way through if necessary by
disconnecting the computer. The partial unload will contain the most recently
logged data and will be stored on the computer hard disk. In this case the
ADL2 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.
•Lateral G force
•Wheel Speed
•Lap Beacon (Note that the ‘Beacon’ Channel must be logged)
•Longitudinal G force (Optional: See Below)
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.

MoTeC Overview 13
Other Functions
The ADL2 can perform many other functions and calculations including the
following:
Functions:
•Shift Lights
•Engine Log (Up to four separate engine logs with separate conditions)
Calculations:
The ADL2 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.
•Current Gear.
•Minimum Corner Speed, Maximum Straight Speed and other Min/Max
values.
•Fuel Used, Fuel Usage, Fuel Remaining, Laps Remaining, Fuel Used per
Lap.
General Purpose Calculations:
The ADL2 also provides a number of general purpose calculations including:
•2D and 3D Lookup Tables
•User Defined Conditions
•General Purpose Timers
•Mathematics
The user defined conditions or tables can be used to activate items such as a
Thermatic Fan or Gearbox Oil Pump.

14 Overview
Measurement Inputs
The ADL2 measurement inputs can be connected to a wide variety of
sensors. This allows the ADL2 to measure vehicle parameters such as:
Suspension Movement, Wheels Speeds, Steering Angle, Engine
Temperature etc.
Input Types
The ADL2 has a number of different input types which are designed to suit
the different types of sensors.
The following inputs are available:
•20 Voltage Inputs
•8 Temperature Inputs
•2 Wide Band Air Fuel Ratio Inputs (Lambda Inputs)
•4 Switch Inputs
•4 Digital Inputs
•4 Wheel Speed
Note that the number of inputs that can be used depends on which options
are enabled. See the Appendix B: Options Summary for details.
Expander Inputs
Additionally up to two E888 or E816 expanders may be connected.
The E888 includes 8 Thermocouple Inputs, 8 Analog Inputs, 4 Digital Inputs
and 8 Auxiliary Outputs.
The E816 includes 16 Analog Inputs, 4 Digital Inputs and 8 Auxiliary Outputs.
Internal Sensors
The ADL2 also includes internal sensors for Battery Voltage and ADL2
Internal Temperature.
Sensors
Different types of sensors are available to suit different types of
measurements.

MoTeC Overview 15
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 sensors convert the
temperature into a variable resistance signal which may be measured by the
ADL2 Temperature inputs, however most wheel speed sensors generate a
variable frequency signal which must be connected to either a Digital input or
a Speed input.
Calibration
Calibration is the process of converting the electrical value, e.g. Volts into a
number that represents the physical value, e.g. Temperature.
All inputs can be calibrated to suit the connected sensor.
The calibrations can be selected from a number of predefined calibrations
provided by M oTe C , or they can be entered by the user.
Analog Voltage Inputs
The 20 Analog Voltage inputs are normally used to measure the signals from
analog voltage type sensors, i.e. sensors with variable voltage outputs, such
as:
•Rotary or linear potentiometers
•Signal conditioned 3 wire pressure sensors
•Thermocouple amplifiers
•Accelerometers
These inputs can also be used to measure two wire variable resistance
sensors if an external pullup resistor is connected from the input to the 5V
sensor supply. Additionally, on/off switch signals may be connected, which
may also require an external pullup resistor.
Options
Note that the number of inputs that are available depends on which options
are enabled. See Appendix B: Options Summary for details.
Measurement Methods
These inputs can be configured to use several measurement methods to suit
the various types of sensors:

16 Overview
•Absolute Voltage: The sensor voltage is independent of the sensor supply
voltage
•Ratiometric Voltage: The sensor voltage is proportional to the 5V sensor
supply voltage
•Variable Resistance: The sensor resistance can be entered directly.
•On/Off : The voltage for on and off can be defined
Input Voltage Range
The measurable input voltage range is 0 to 5.5V on inputs AV1 to 4 and AV11
to 14 and is 0 to 15 Volts on all other AV inputs.
Specifications
For full specifications see Appendix D: Input Characteristics.
Analog Temp Inputs
The 8 Analog Temp inputs are identical to the Analog Voltage inputs, except
that they contain a 1000 ohm resistor which is connected internally from the
input pin to the 5V sensor supply. This allows the Analog Temp inputs to be
used with two wire variable resistance sensors such as:
•Two wire thermistor temperature sensors
•Two wire variable resistance pressure sensors
Some voltage output sensors can also be used if they can drive the 1000 ohm
resistor without causing an error in their reading (eg M oTe C Thermocouple
Amplifier). Additionally, on/off switch signals may be connected.
Options
Note that the number of inputs that are available depends on which options
are enabled. See Appendix B: Options Summary for details.
Measurement Methods
These inputs use the same measurement methods as the Analog Voltage
Inputs.
Input Voltage Range
The measurable input voltage range is 0 to 15 Volts. This allows selection
from a wide range of sensors.

MoTeC Overview 17
Specifications
For full specifications see Appendix D: Input Characteristics.
Wide Band Lambda Inputs
The two high accuracy, fully temperature compensated Wide Band Air Fuel
Ratio measurement inputs can be used if the Lambda Option is enabled.
These inputs connect directly to a M oTe C 4 wire Wide Band Lambda Sensor
and are accurate to 1.5% up to 1.2 Lambda under all load and temperature
conditions.
Note that this is the Bosch LSM sensor and not the 5 wire Bosch LSU sensor.
Note that NTK Lambda sensors should be connected to an Analog Voltage
input via the appropriate amplifier.
Switch Inputs
The 4 switch inputs are generally used for the external switches required to
operate the ADL2 display. They can also be connected to a brake switch or
other switch.
These inputs have a 4700 ohm resistor connected internally from the input pin
to the 5V sensor supply so that a switch can be simply connected between
the input pin and 0 volts.
Options
All four inputs are available irrespective of which options are enabled.
Specifications
For full specifications see Appendix D: Input Characteristics.
Digital Inputs
The 4 digital inputs are identically to the switch inputs except that they include
the following additional measurement methods:
•Frequency: The frequency of the input signal is measured
•Period: The time between successive pulses is measured
•Pulse width: The low time of the pulse is measured
•Count: Counts the number of pulses

18 Overview
•Beacon: For connection of a lap beacon
Options
Note that the number of inputs that are available depends on which options
are enabled. See Appendix B: Options Summary for details.
Specifications
For full specifications see Appendix D: Input Characteristics.
Speed Inputs
The 4 Speed Inputs are identical to the Digital 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 vary with the frequency of the input signal.
The Speed Inputs can also be used with Hall Effect type wheel speed
sensors.
•Note also that the Pulse Width measurement method measures the high
time of the pulse rather than the low time as measured by the Digital
Inputs.
Options
All four inputs are available irrespective of which options are enabled.
Specifications
For full specifications see the Appendices.
Internal Sensors
The ADL2 includes internal sensors for battery voltage and internal
temperature.
Expander Analog Inputs
Up to two E888 or E816 expanders may be connected to the ADL2.