PCS D200 User manual

Ph: 1.804.227.3023 | www.powertraincontrolsolutions.com
PCS D200 DASH LOGGER USER GUIDE v2.0

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PCS D200 Dash Logger User Guide
1 Introduction
The D200 Dash Logger is a powerful combination of high speed data logging and a graphical touchscreen LCD
providing a complete vehicle monitoring and data logging system.
Thank you for purchasing your new D200 Dash Logger. Please check the contents of thepackage. You should have
received the following items:
• D200 Dash Logger
• Software CD
• Wiring Harness
• USB A to mini B cable
1.1 Overview
The D200 Dash Logger standard features include:
• 2MB Data Logging Memory
• Touchscreen Interface
• RS-232 Communication with Pass-Through
• Dual CAN 2.0B Interfaces
• 8 Analog Inputs
• 2 Speed Inputs
• 2 PWM Outputs
• On-board logging up to 100 times per second
1.1.1 On-Board Inputs and Outputs
The D200 Dash Logger has 8 analog inputs, 2 speed inputs, and 2 PWM outputs. The analog
inputs can be wired to any 0-5 VDC sensor. The calibration of voltage to function is
programmable on a 16-point table from the software. The analog input can be configured as one
of the following types of inputs.
• Voltage
• Percentage
• Data Log Enable
• Lambda
• Night Mode
• Position
• Pressure
• Temperature
• Disable Touchscreen
• Timing Beacon
When the input is defined in the software, the user has the ability to rename the input to a more specific name such as
renaming Analog 1, to Fuel Pressure. This detailed name will be used throughout the software and will be used in the
data log software. For monitoring the input on the screen, a four letter word or acronym can be used such as FPRS for
fuel pressure. In some cases a gauge can be chosen to match the resolution of an input. For example, if there are two
pressure inputs, one of which will reach a maximum of 95 PSI and the other will reach a maximum of 2350 PSI, then
the gauges 0-100 PSI and 0-2500 PSI can be assigned respectively.

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In the case of pressure, the user can also select if the pressure is gauge or absolute. Pressure measured in gauge means
atmosphere pressure is equal to 0 kPa or 0 PSI. Pressure measured in absolute means atmosphere pressure is equal
to 14.7 for PSI and 101 for kPa. The units used for displaying a particular input are set by the particular function. Unit
changes, such as from Celsius to Fahrenheit, are global and will take affect on all temperature defined inputs.
The speed inputs can be defined as one of the following types on inputs.
• Frequency
• RPM
• Vehicle Speed
Similar to the analog inputs, the speeds can be given a more specific name and gauge.The dash’s pulse-width modulated
(PWM) outputs are high side (+12VDC) drive outputs. These can be used for any of the following functions.
• Shift Light
• Output vs. Generic 16x16 Table
• Alarms
• Screen Override
1.1.2 Serial Communication Overview
Serial communication, also referenced as RS232, is used to connect serial devices to the dash. This includes many
after market engine management systems and the Garmin 5Hz GPS. Serial devices currently supported by the dash
include:
• AEM
• Autronic SMC, SM2, and SM4
• Electromotive TEC2 and TEC3
• FAST™ 1st Generation ECU
• Garmin 5Hz WAAS Enabled GPS
• Innovate Wideband
• Microtech
Only one serial device can be connected to the dash at a time. To connect a serial device with a standard 9-pin DB9
port, you must purchase the Serial ECU Connection Kit.
Serial devices are connected to the dash using a 9-pin circular connector to the Serial connection kit to the harness that
connects to the back of the dash. If communication is needed to the serial device using the manufacturer’s software,
disconnecting the serial cable between the serial device and the dash is not necessary. Instead, the dash offers a Pass-
Through Mode that allows communication between a computer and the serial device. Pass-through mode connects the
serial port on the side of the dash with the serial device connected at the back of the dash. In this mode, the dash acts
as an extension wire, and the dash does not see the data transferring between the computer and the serial device. This
mode is selected Using the Communications button then selecting RS-232 from the Main Menu.
1.1.3 Controller Area Network (CAN) Overview
The Controller Area Network (CAN) is a high speed communication bus designed by Bosch as a reliable network to
withstand the harsh automotive environment. The following devices are currently supported.
• PCS Transmission Controller
• PCS Xtended Fuel Controller
• PCS Accelerometer Module
• PCS Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Module x 2
• FAST™ XFI™ Engine Controller
• Dash Logger Expansion Module
• Motec M400, M600, M800, M880

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Unlike serial devices, multiple CAN devices can be placed on the same bus. The dash has two CAN buses; CAN A and
CAN B. Devices can be connected to either bus, but tuning of the PCS Transmission Controller can only be performed
from CAN A. When connecting CAN devices, the device must tee-in to the CAN high and CAN low wires. A termination
resistor must be present at both ends of the bus. PCS offers several kits for easy CAN connections.
This Help section will guide you along step-by-step through the installation and tuning processes. If for any reason
you cannot find the information you’re looking for we are easily contacted through email at
[email protected] or by phone at 1-804-227-3023. We are available Monday through Friday from
9am to 5pm EST.
As part of our ongoing product improvement efforts, the Help files contained herein will continually be updated to provide
as much information as possible to make this guide an easy to follow, user friendly resource. Updates can be found on
our website at http://www.powertraincontrolsolutions.com.
2 Hardware and Wiring Installation
2.1 Location and Mounting
The D200 Dash Logger has two 1/4-20 bolt holes on the back. These can be used for either flush
mounting the D200 Dash Logger to a dash, or for using an adjustable rigid mount such as those
typically used for mounting audio/video equipment.
The D200 Dash Logger mounting location is determined by the application, but generally it is visible to the driver. Asmall
visor can be mounted over the screen to aid in visibility in direct sunlight conditions. The viewing angle will also affect how
easily the screen can be read. This must be taken into consideration when mounting the dash. The contrast setting will
change the visibility of the screen for a certain viewing angle. The contrast is adjusted automatically with temperature, but
it can also be changed using the touchscreen or the software to help optimize the visibility for a particular viewing angle.
The screen is sealed to condensation that may occur due to temperature changes, but the unit is not fully water sealed
and should be mounted in a dry location.
NOTE: Care must be taken to use the correct length screw or bolt when mounting the D200.A bolt or screw that
is to long could damage the D200

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2.2.1 Power and Ground
TheD200DashLoggerrequiresafused,switched,powerconnectionfrom9VDCto18VDC.Thedashdrawsapproximately
0.4 amps without the PWM outputs turned on. If the PWM outputs are used to drive a device such as a shift light, the
power requirements for the dash will increase accordingly. The dash harness is equipped with a 10-amp inline fuse and
switched power should be connected to the red wire coming from the fuse holder. Ground should be connected to the
black wire coming out of the harness with the fused power wire.
2.2.2 On-Board Inputs
The D200 Dash Logger has 8 analog inputs and 2 speed inputs. The analog inputs can be connected to any 0-5V sensor.
If a sensor requires a 5V reference voltage, use pin 26, red/white, for a regulated +5V DC source. For a sensor ground
source, use pin 27, black/white. Analog inputs 7 and 8, pins 24 and 25 respectively, have programmable 1000-ohm pull-
up resistors in the dash. These are typically used with a temperature sensor but must be disabled for use with a typical
5V sensor. This pull-up may be enabled in the software.
2.2 Wiring
Pin # Wire Color Function
1 Red Power (Switched +12 VDC)
2 Not Used Reserved
3 Not Used Reserved
4 Not Used Reserved
5 Not Used Reserved
6 Not Used Reserved
7 Violet/Black PWM 1
8 Violet/Red PWM 2
9 White/Red CAN A High
10 Not Wired CAN B High
11 Not Wired CAN B Low
12 Brown/Black RS-232 Transmit
13 Brown/Red RS-232 Receive
14 Brown/Blue RS-232 Ground
15 White/Black CAN A Low
16 Orange/Black Speed Input 1
17 Orange/Red Speed Input 2
18 Gray/Black Analog Input 1
19 Gray/Red Analog Input 2
20 Gray/Light Green Analog Input 3
21 Gray/Light Blue Analog Input 4
22 Gray/White Analog Input 5
23 Gray/Orange Analog Input 6
24 Gray/Yellow Analog Input 7
25 Gray/Pink Analog Input 8
26 Red/White Reference 5V Output
27 Black/White Sensor Ground
28 Black Ground

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The speed inputs, pins 16 and 17, can be connected to a magnetic or hall-effect sensor. The speed inputs have
programmable 1000-ohm pull-up and pull-down resistors in the dash to accommodate a wide range of sensors.
2.2.3 On-Board Outputs
The D200 Dash Logger has 2 PWM outputs. These are high side (+12V) outputs capable of driving a constant current
of 6-amps each or a peak current of 30- amps. The power connection must be able to source the required power for the
outputs.
The D200 Dash Logger has one RS-232 serial connection typically used for connecting to an aftermarket engine controller
or GPS receiver. The RS-232 connection is on the back 28-pin circular connector and comes out of the harness on a 9-pin
circular connector. For connecting to a device with the normal 9-pin DB9 connector, the purchase of the ECU connection
kit is required. The 9-pin DB9 connector on the side of the dash is only used for pass-through communication and can not
be used to connect an RS-232 device to the dash.
2.2.5 Controller Area Network (CAN)
The D200 Dash Logger has two CAN interfaces, CAN A and CAN B. Both receive CAN information, but only CAN A
can be used to tune the PCS Transmission Controller. CAN A is a two wire (White/Red and White/Black) twisted pair
connected to a 2-pin Deutsch connector on the dash harness. For CAN communication, both wires must be connected
to the device and a terminating resistor must be at each ends of the harness. Multiple devices can be connected on the
same CAN network if the devices communicate at the same speed.

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3 Software Installation
A software CD is provided with every D200 Dash Logger purchase. If a software CD was not shipped with the dash or
if a replacement CD is needed, please contact PCS Technical Support. The newest revision of the software is available
from our website. Load the software CD into the CD drive. A window should appear offering several options, click “Install
Software.” If this menu does not appear, open the CD with Windows Explorer or MyComputer. Double click the file D200-
CD.exe to begin installation. An installation window will appear with the D200 Dash Logger software version number,
click next. A window will appear with the intended installation directory, it is possible to change the installation directory
but using the default directory is strongly recommended. Once the directory has been chosen, click next. A window will
appear offering a selection of installed components from a list. The software installation will allow the ability to select or
deselect manuals and optional components. Select the preferred components for installation and click next.Awindow will
appear with the start menu folders. Changing the name is possible but not recommended. A window will appear offering
to create a desktop icon and a quick launch icon. A desktop icon will place a shortcut to the Dash Logger software on
the desktop.Aquick launch icon will place a shortcut to the Dash Logger software on the windows quick launch bar (only
offered on some operating systems, usually on the lower left side of the screen next to the start menu button). If these are
desired, select them and click next. A window will appear summarizing the desired settings. If everything is correct, click
install. If these settings need to be changed, click back. Once the installation is complete, a window will appear asking
to install drivers now. These are the USB drivers and are required for communication to the D200 Dash Logger. After
installation a window will appear asking if you wish to launch the Dash Logger software now, make your choice and click
finish.
4 Configuring Using the Touchscreen
Many of the D200 Dash Logger settings can be configured from the touchscreen without the use of a computer. This
chapter describes each menu and the underlying options and their function. The first section in this chapter is a quick
reference guide to setting up a dash for the first time.
4.1 First Use and Basic Settings Walk Through
This section contains a step by step procedure from powering up the dash for the first time to monitoring and logging data.
When the dash turns on, it will display the monitor screen. The first step is to setup display and communication settings.
From the monitor screen, select Back. The main menu screen will be displayed as shown below.
NOTE: Analog inputs, Speed inputs, and PWM outputs must be initially configured from the software.

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The screen should appear crisp and bright. The contrast has temperature based compensation but depending on the
viewing angle, the screen may be difficult to read. Select Display Settings. This screen allows configuring of backlight and
contrast. Use the arrows to optimize the screen. Once the screen has been adjusted, check the current date and time by
selecting Date & Time from the Display Settings Menu.
The dash has a clock to keep the current date and time. It is important to set the date and time because it is used for
naming and managing data logs. Adjust the date and time to match the current time. Once the date and time are set,
select Save & Back to save the settings. The time and date are not lost when power is disconnected from the dash. To
read more about the Display Settings Menu refer to Section 4.2.7. Press Back to return to the Main Menu.
Nowthedash has tobe configured forany devices connectedtoit. SelectCommunicationsfrom the MainMenu. Thethree
communicationinputs,RS-232, CANA,andCAN B,areshown withbuttons.Touchthe button ofthe communicationsinput
to setup. For RS-232, select the device connected to the serial port. Once the device is selected, touch the Properties
button to see if there are any further settings for that particular device. The button with DATA PC DASH on it is used to
switch between normal monitor mode and pass-through mode. Select Back to save the RS-232 settings. If a device is
connected on CAN, select the appropriate CAN button and then select the devices on the CAN bus. Select Back to save
the CAN settings. More information regarding communication can be found in Section 4.2.8.
Once communication settings are configured, the dash will collect the complete data set from each configured source.
However, each individual item from a particular source, such as RPM, must be selected to view the data. From the Main
Menu, select Monitor Settings then Set Display Data. Select the button for the device from which you wish to view data.
Touch the circles for the data you wish to see, and then touch Back. The item labels are shortened to four characters for
display.
To monitor the data, select Monitor Data from the Main Menu. Each gauge is assigned an item to monitor. To change the
item a gauge monitors, touch the gauge and select the new item. If there are two items with the same name, such as
RPM, refer to the bottom of the screen where the source is displayed. If a particular item is not on the available list, but
was selected in Set Display Data, then it is not available for that particular gauge. For example, the tach slider can only be
assigned to a RPM item.
Units,suchasCelsiusorFahrenheit,canbeconfiguredfromtheMonitorSettings buttonontheMainMenu.Alsoadjustable
from the Units button are tachometer and speedometer ranges for communication devices.
At this point, the dash should be able to monitor all the chosen devices. To configure logging, select Data Log Settings
then Sources from the Main Menu. Select either the On-Board Inputs button or the Comm Inputs button. The on-board
inputs have individual selectable logging rates, and the communication logging rates are set at the device level. When a
logging rate is set for a device everything from the device will be logged at that rate. The rates are adjusted by touching
the number next to the item.Avalue of 10x indicates that device will be logged at 10 times per second (hz).Alogging rate
of 0x indicates the device will not be logged.
To manually start a data log, select the More button from the monitor screen then select Start Data Log. To stop a data
log, either turn the unit off, or select Stop Data Log from the More button on the monitor screen. Starting a data log can
also be done by wiring an analog input to a button for more information see Section 6.4.3. The data loges can be played
back on the screen or uploaded to a PC for further analysis.
This concludes the quick reference guide to the dash. Further details and information can be found throughout this
manual. The next step may be to connect to the dash with a computer to verify software and driver installation, and begin
editing the calibration file.
4.2 Menu Structure Navigation
The dash’s Main Menu is the top level navigation point for all the menus and screens in the dash. This section describes
each button and the levels below them.

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4.2.1 Monitor Data
The Monitor Data button displays the user selected monitor screen. The dash provides four different monitor screens
which can be selected from the More button as described below. All monitor screens contain a status bar, a More button,
and a Back button. The status bar indicates if the dash is monitoring or logging, and the amount of full data log memory.
When the memory is full, this number will read 99%. During a log playback, this number will indicate the percentage of
the log that has been played and the current playback mode. The Back button returns to the Main Menu.
4.2.1.1 Monitor Menu
The More button displays the Monitor Menu which contains four buttons.
Show Peak - Hide Peak - Clear Peak
The dash stores the peak values for all inputs. The peak values are lost when the unit is powered down. To view the
peak values select Show Peak. The unit will return to the Monitor Screen with the peak values shown.To return to normal
monitor mode, select More then Hide Peak. To clear the peak values without resetting the unit, select Clear Peak.
Start Data Log - Stop Data Log
To start a data log from the touchscreen, select Start Data Log. The dash will begin logging and
return to the monitor screen. To stop the data log, select More then Stop Data Log.
The dash provides four different monitor screens to monitor the data. These include:
• Tach Slider and Digital Gauges
• Analog Gauges and List
• Full Screen GPS
• Full Screen Accelerometer
The Tach Slider and Analog Gauge screens allow the user to select a displayed input by touching a particular gauge or
display area and selecting the item to be displayed. Some items are limited to certain display types. For example, speed
inputs such as RPM or vehicle speed can not be displayed on a 1.1 inch gauge and only RPM can be displayed on the
tach slider.
The GPS screen is fixed to all the GPS information from the receiver and does not contain any selectable regions.
The accelerometer screen displays the X, Y, and Z values and a G-G diagram of the X and Y axis. The peak values are
also displayed as markers on the X and Y axis and can be reset by selecting Clear Peak from the More button.
4.2.2 Tune Devices
If a PCS Transmission Controller is connected to the CAN A bus, tuning is performed through the Tune Devices button.
A display message will appear if a tunable device was not found. The transmission controller must be enabled in the
Communications menu and the transmission controller software must be version 2.0 or later.
4.2.3 Data Log Explorer
The dash’s Data Log Explorer displays all the data logs on the unit. It can display eight logs per page. The total number
of logs, the percentage of memory used, the current page, and the total number of pages is displayed at the bottom of
the screen. To increment to the next page select More, to return to the previous page select Back. To erase the entire
memory, select Erase. Note: This will erase ALL the data logs on the dash. To playback a log, select the log then
press Play.

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4.2.4 On-Board I/O
The On-Board I/O button from the Main Menu is a very useful screen when testing and debugging a new installation.
This screen displays all the raw voltages from each analog input, plus its abbreviation as assigned in the software, and
its defined function. It also displays the raw input on the speed channel. If this number is 0, then the speed input is not
registering an input. If the number is non-zero, it will not display frequency and it may be more useful to view the data from
a Monitor Screen. The two PWM output duty cycles can be viewed as well.
4.2.4.1 PWM Output Override
To test the PWM outputs, select PWM Control. Select either PWM1 or PWM2. When the output is under dash control, its
current duty cycle will be displayed in the box in the center of the screen. When the output is under User Control, it will
output the duty cycle the user has entered in the box. To enter a duty cycle, touch the box and use the keypad to enter a
number.
4.2.5 Advanced
The Advanced Menu provides access to any advanced feature menus, current unlock status of a feature, and access
to the feature activation screen. Selecting All Features from the Advanced Features Menu will show the status of all the
advanced features.A locked padlock as shown in Figure 3.2 indicates the feature is not enabled. To activate it, press the
Activate button and follow the instructions in Section 4.2.5.1. An unlocked padlock as shown in Figure 3.2 and the word
Unlocked next to the feature indicates the feature has been activated.
4.2.5.1 Advanced Feature Activation
To activate an advanced feature, a 12-digit activation code is required. This code can be purchased by contacting PCS
and supplying your D200’s serial number. If the feature was purchased at the time of order an activation code was
included with the D200. To activate the feature, go to the Main Menu then select Advanced then All Features. Press the
activate button for the feature requiring activation. Enter the12-digit activation code using the keypad and then press
Enter. The feature should activate and the locked symbol should change to unlocked. If the activation key was incorrectly
entered, select theActivate button again to retry it.After three failed attempts, the D200 will need to be reset to try again.
The activation code is keyed specifically to the feature and a serial number in each D200.
4.2.6 Monitor Settings
The Monitor Settings menu is used to select display data and units. Display data is used to select the individual data items
from a particular device to display. The Units Menu allows the selection of units as well as tachometer and speedometer
settings for communication inputs.
4.2.6.1 Set Display Data
The Set Display Data Menu is used to select the particular items from the sources that you wish to monitor. For example,
if a transmission controller is communicating with the dash, you may want to monitor vehicle speed but do not want
to monitor accumulator pressure. Therefore, you can enable vehicle speed and disable accumulator pressure. In this
example, if you went to the monitor screen you would see (or have the option to see by selecting a gauge to change)
vehicle speed from the transmission controller.
The Set Display Data Menu is populated with buttons for every communication device that is enabled. The On-Board
Inputs button is always on this screen and includes inputs, outputs, and other dash data such as internal temperature,
battery voltage, current gear, and real-time clock time. Select a device to change its displayed data. If the device has
more than one page of data, the More button will appear to go to the next page. The Clear Page button clears the data
selected for that page. The counter at the bottom of the screen counts all of the inputs selected. The displayed data
setting for a device does not change the logging parameters. For example, if a parameter such as RPM is disabled from
displayed data, it will still be logged at its devices rate.