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.

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4.2.6.2 Units
The Units Menu allows the user to change the displayed units of temperature, pressure, speed, distance, air/fuel ratio,
operating mode, tachometer, and speedometer.
4.2.6.2.1 Operating Mode
The operating mode is either Normal or Demo. The dash should always be in Normal Mode. The Demo Mode is used
for displaying the dash at a trade show or in a retail environment where the dash is operating in a display case. In Demo
Mode, without any human interaction, the dash will switch back and forth between the monitor screens and play back
data to simulate a drag race.
4.2.6.2.2 Tachometer and Speedometer
The tachometer and speedometer settings are used to set the gauge for those variables from a communication device
such as an engine control module. On-Board speed input gauges are set from the software when the channel is defined.
4.2.7 Data Log Settings
The Data Log Settings menu is used to select items to data log, and to erase the memory.
4.2.7.1 Sources
The sources screen has a button for selecting rates from On-Board Inputs or Communication Inputs, and a display of
the current logging Bandwidth used. As more items are logged, the bandwidth, or number of bytes per second the unit
must transmit to the memory increases. The maximum bandwidth of the dash is 26,400 bytes per second. It is possible
to select logging rates that exceed the maximum bandwidth. In this case, the percentage at the bottom of the screen will
be greater than 100%. This may result in data loss and is strongly discouraged. If the bandwidth exceeds 100% decrease
the logging rates of some of the devices.
The rates discussed in this section are for logging purposes only and do not affect the dash data display. If a device or
input channel is not setup to log (log rate set to 0x), all of the data will still be available for display in real-time. However,
that data will not be visible during log playback on the dash or when viewing the stored data logs.
4.2.7.1.1 On-Board Inputs
TheOn-Board Inputsdatalogselectionscreen includesthe datalog ratesfor theeight analoginputs,thetwospeed inputs,
andotherpertinent dash data.The otherdash data includesPWMoutputs, battery voltage,dash internal temperature,and
boost control parameters. The On-Board Inputs can be logged at different rates for each channel. For example, Analog
Input 1 can log at 100 times per second while Analog Input 2 logs at 10 times per second. This allows fast changing
inputs such as boost or shock position to be logged at a fast rate while bandwidth is not lost on slow reacting inputs such
as coolant temperature which can be logged at 5 or 10 times per second.
The eight analog inputs appear on the top half of the screen, followed by the 2 speed inputs, and dash data. The number
next to each channel is the logging rate. The x next to the number means times per second.
To change the rate at which a device is logged, touch the number, such as 100x, next to the channel. A menu will appear
to select the new rate. Select the desired rate and press Done. The desired rate will be stored in the unit when it returns
to the Main Menu. A rate of 0x means the device will not be logged.
4.2.7.1.2 Communication Inputs
For a communication device to be logged it must be first selected under the Communications button from the Main
Menu. This includes both CAN and RS232 devices. If a device is not selected as an input device, it will not appear on the
Communication Input Logging Rates screen. The Communication Inputs rates are set at the device level. Therefore, if a
communication device is setup to log at 25 times per second, it will log all the data provided in the data stream from that
device at 25 times per second. The logged data will include data not specifically selected under Display Data.To change a
logging rate touch the number next to the communication device.Amenu will appear with the available logging rates. The
maximum logging rate is determined by the communication device. If the device only outputs data 10 times per second,
the maximum logging rate will be 10 times per second. Select the desired rate and press Done. The desired rate will be
stored in the unit when it returns to the Main Menu. A rate of 0x means the device will not be logged.

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4.2.7.1.3 Erase Data Log Memory
The Erase button erases the Data Log memory. It erases ALL the logs in the dash memory. After pressing the Erase
button a screen will appear to verify that you wish to erase the memory. If you do not want to erase the memory, select
Back. To continue with erasure, press the Erase button in the middle of the screen. The screen will indicate the memory is
erasing. Erasing will take about 30 seconds per 2MB of data log memory. Please be patient during this process, the unit is
functioning properly. When it is complete, it will display Erase Complete. Touch the screen to continue.
4.2.8 Display Settings
The Display Settings Menu provides access to backlight and contrast settings for day and night mode, date and time
settings, and firmware and serial number information. 4.2.8.1 About The About button displays a screen containing the
model number, firmware version, and serial number of the dash. Touching anywhere on the screen exits back to the
Display Settings screen.
4.2.8.2 Date & Time
The Date & Time button displays the year, month, day, hour, and minute currently stored on the dash. Since the dash uses
this information when storing data logs, it is useful to have this time current. The date is displayed in a Year-Month-Day
format. Time can be displayed in either AM/PM or 24hr format. To change the format of the time, touch the AM, PM, or
24 label to the right of the current time. To change any information, touch it and select the new value. The Save & Back
button will save the current time and return to the Display Settings menu, while the Back button will discard any changes.
The time and date will not be lost if the unit is disconnected from power.
4.2.8.3 Day/Night
The dash contains two settings for backlight and contrast to accommodate an installation in a vehicle where lighting
conditions may require separate display settings. The Day/Night button switches between the daytime and nighttime
backlight and contrast settings. The current mode is displayed on the upper left hand corner. The changes made to
contrast and backlight will be associated with whichever mode that is currently displayed. If an analog input is defined
to switch between day and night mode, then when the Back button is selected, it will return to the mode commanded by
the analog input. If an analog input is not defined as a night mode switch, then the mode selected when the Back button
is pressed will remain in affect until either the mode is switched or the unit is reset. Daytime mode is default out of reset.
4.2.9 Communications
The Communications menu establishes any connections to serial or CAN devices. The Communications Menu has three
buttons for RS-232, CAN A, and CAN B. Select the button of the communications protocol to setup. Due to the type of
network,onlyone RS-232 devicecanbe setup ata time, whereasmultipleCAN devices cancommunicateat once. 4.2.9.1
RS-232 Pass-Through Mode RS-232 Pass-Through Mode is a feature of the dash that is intended to help in making a
clean installation of a serial device. When connecting the dash to a device, such as an after market engine management
system, there will be a point when the communication cable between the dash and the ECU needs to connect to a laptop
for engine tuning. This would require easy access to the cable resulting in a cable installation that could not be loomed,
zipped tied, or otherwise hidden from the common observer. The dash Pass-Through Mode eliminates this problem. The
port on the side of the dash should look just like the port the laptop would regularly plug into to communicate with the
ECU. Simply plug the serial cable into the dash side port, and touch the pass-through button from the RS-232 Menu. This
effectively disconnects the dash from the device and connects the serial device directly to the side port on the dash. The
dash will not be able to monitor data from the serial device when in Pass-Through Mode.
Note: The D200 will stay in pass-through mode until pass-through mode has been disabled or the power to
the D200 has been turned off.

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5 Configuring/Using the Software
5.1 Overview
The software provides two main functions to the user. Its primary function is for editing the dash calibration file and
retrieving data logs. Its secondary function is for firmware upgrading the dash.
The dash calibration file contains all the user adjustable settings such as input devices, input functions, backlight settings,
gauge placement, etc. The dash firmware file is the code that runs the dash.
Some settings can be set from the touchscreen and the software, while others can only be changed from the touchscreen
or the software. Even though only certain items can be changed from the software, when the software uploads the
calibration file from the dash it containsALLthe calibration information. If a calibration file was uploaded from a dash and
then downloaded to a different dash, the second dash would appear identical to the first.
5.2 Online vs. Offline Mode
The dash software has two basic modes, online and offline. Online mode is when the dash is
connected and communicating using the USB port. Online mode is indicated in the software by a
blue background screen and the word Online in the lower left hand corner.
If the dash is online, and then goes offline, a screen will appear to indicate the software has lost communication with the
dash. It will automatically try to reconnect to the dash every 5 seconds, or when the Retry button is pressed. To stop the
Retry click Abort.
To toggle between online and offline mode click the Connect button on the top tool bar.
Offline mode is indicated by black background and the word Offline in the lower left hand corner.

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When online, changes can be made to the calibration by clicking Update on the individual forms after changes are made.
The changes will be stored in the dash when Update is clicked. The dash should change to a PC Communication Screen
when the computer communicates with the dash.
To send a complete calibration file to the dash click the Send Cal button from the top tool bar.
An important note regarding editing calibration files in offline mode is that the Update button must be clicked after each
change to save the change to open file even though it is not writing the changes to the dash. Once all the changes have
been made, the file can be saved using the Save Calibration function. Later the file can be programmed into the unit using
the send cal button.
5.3 Firmware Upgrade
The dash contains field-upgradeable firmware which means that as PCS releases new firmware it is possible to upgrade
the dash without sending it back. This procedure is called a Firmware Upgrade and it erases the program on the
dash and replaces it with the new firmware. The firmware file has the extension .pbin and is typically named similar to
Firmware 1_00_8.pbin. For the latest dash firmware, check the PCS website. Typically a new software install will include
a new firmware. The firmware is located in the installed path in a folder named Firmware. To upgrade the dash, select
Communications from the title bar at the top of the software. Then select Firmware Upgrade Now.
Awindow will appear with two buttons on it. Select Firmware Upgrade Dash.Awindow will appear asking for new firmware
file. Locate it, and select Open. The firmware upgrade process will begin.

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During the upgrade process a progress bar should increment on the software and the dash will say Upgrade Firmware.
The dash may go to a very high contrast setting where the screen appears dark and you may not be able to read Upgrade
Firmware. This is normal. When the upgrade is complete, the unit will reset and the process will be complete. To verify
that the upgrade procedure was a success, from the Main Menu select Display Settings thenAbout. The firmware version
number should match the number on the new firmware file.
If the dash loses power during the firmware upgrade process, close the software. Reopen the software. It may not be able
to find the dash and give three options such as Start a New File, Open an Existing File, etc. If this window opens, click
Cancel. Select Communications from the title bar at the top of the software. Then Firmware Upgrade Now.Awindow will
appear with two buttons on it. Select Attempt to Fix Failed Firmware Upgrade. Locate the firmware file and click open.
The firmware upgrade procedure will continue and the dash will reset itself when it is complete. In this case, the screen
will be dark during the process and not read Upgrade Firmware.
5.4 Working with Calibrations
The dash calibration files are stored on the PC as .dash files. There are four main functions used when working with
calibration files. These are: Open Calibration, Save Calibration, Get Calibration, and Send Calibration.
The Open Calibration function is accessible from the File menu, the Open Cal button on the tool bar, or the keyboard
shortcut Ctrl-O. The Open Calibration function is used to open a calibration from the computer to the software for editing.
This can be done in online or offline mode.
A base calibration was included in the software installation and can be found in the Calibrations folder of the installation
path. If a newer version of the software is installed to the default directory, the new installation will not overwrite saved
calibration files, though the older calibration files may have to be converted to work with the new software and firmware.
Refer to the installation instructions of the new software for specific details.
The Save Calibration function is accessible from the File menu, the Save Cal button on the tool bar, or the keyboard
shortcut Ctrl-S. The Save Calibration function is used to save an open calibration file to the computer.
If the calibration has not been saved before the software will open a box to assign a name and location for the calibration
file. If the calibration file has been saved before, the open calibration will replace the existing file. To save the open
calibration as a different name, select Save Calibration FileAs from the file menu.
The Get Calibration function is used to retrieve the calibration from a dash and is therefore only used in online mode. To
retrieve a calibration from the dash, select Communications then Retrieve Calibration from Dash, or the Get Cal button
from the tool bar. The calibration file will download to the computer but it must be saved using Save Calibration for a copy
to remain on the computer.
When the software opens, it will attempt to communicate with a dash. If the dash is connected, the software will ask if it
should upload the calibration to the computer. Select Yes to retrieve the calibration from the dash and open it for editing.
Select No if a previously stored calibration will be opened for editing.

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To send a calibration to the dash, select Communications then Send Calibration to dash, or select the Send Cal button
from the tool bar. The software will ask if it should send the currently opened calibration or a previously stored calibration.
Click Yes to send the opened calibration to the dash. Click No to browse for a calibration file to send.
6 Calibration Editing and Software Navigating
6.1 Overview
The On-board I/O Tree-view folder is the top level folder for all devices wired directly to your PCS D200 Dash Logger.
From this folder you can select between On-Board Inputs and On-Board Outputs.
6.3 On-Board Inputs
When a calibration is open in the software, a tree-view is shown on the left hand side of the screen. The tree-view contains
folders which contain sub items. To expand a folder double-click on it or click the + sign to expand it. The following
sections describe each top level folder and the associated sub items.
6.2 On-Board I/O

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The On-Board Inputs section provides access to the calibration for the eight analog inputs and the two speed inputs. From
the tree-view, double-click on the word On-Board Inputs, to show Analog Inputs 1 through 8 and Speed Inputs folders.
Double-click on the Analog Input you want to edit.
6.4 Analog Inputs
Each Analog Input contains two forms to edit in the software; Function, and Failure Values.
The failure values for a channel set the maximum and minimum for that channel. These values are 0-5V and are
independent from the input function. If the input voltage exceeds the Failure Value High value, it will disregard the high
input voltage and use the Voltage to Assume Upon Failure voltage. Likewise, if the input voltage is below Failure Value
Low, it will use the Voltage to Assume Upon Failure voltage. The channel will then use the channel function (if defined) to
translate the voltage to a converted value (i.e. Boost, or Air Temp).
The function form allows the user to select the function the channel will perform. Setting the function assigns an identity
to the channel which includes units, labels, gauge type, and the calibration to relate voltage from the sensor to a human
readable value such as Pressure. The available functions for the analog inputs are listed below.
• Voltage
• Percentage
• Data Log Enable
• Lambda
• Night Mode
• Position
• Pressure
• Temperature
• Disable Touchscreen
• Timing Beacon
Each analog input channel can be assigned an input description and a displayed label. The input description is a
20-character name assigned to the channel that will be displayed in the data logs. The displayed label is a 4-character
word or acronym that will be displayed throughout the dash to reference that channel.
Analog inputs 1 through 6 do not have programmable pull-up resistors. Analog inputs 7 and 8 do have programmable
1000-ohm pull-up resistors. To enable the resistor open the analog function form for that channel and select the checkbox
labeled Enable Pull Up Resistor. The pull up resistor is used for temperature sensors and any 2 wire sensor whose
reading is based on resistance. When channels 1 through 6 are disconnected from anything they will read 0V. When
channels 7 or 8 are disconnected, they will read approximately 4.38 volts with the pull-up disconnected, and 4.91 volts
with the pull-up enabled.

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To configure a channel, begin by selecting its function. The form will change as different functions are selected. When
each channel is done being edited, the Update must be clicked to send the data to the dash and to save the data locally
on the computer.
6.4.1 Disabled/Voltage Only Function
The Voltage Only function displays the input voltage to the channel. If a gauge is selected to monitor this channel it will
use the 0-5V gauge and the user’s label.
6.4.2 0-100% Function

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The percentage function allows the user to map a corresponding percentage to the input voltage. This is done using the
16-point table provided on the form. The output will be displayed in a 0-100% format and if a gauge is selected it will use
the 0-100% gauge.
6.4.3 Data Log Enable Function
The data log enable allows for remote starting of a data log. This can be wired to a button that is active high (greater than
5V) or an active low button to ground. On the function form, select the option if the switch is active high or active low.
Enter a debounce time. The debounce time is a time that the switch must be stable in a particular state (either high or low)
before it starts the log. Atypical debounce time is 0.2 seconds. The dash can start and stop a log based on information it
receives from devices or other on-board channels. To have the dash start logging based on just the switch, set the start
and stop condition to disabled. To have the dash start logging based on a particular input, select the input from the drop
down list. Enter the condition, either less than or equal to or greater than or equal to, and then the value it needs to test
on. When the logging button is pressed and the start condition is true, the unit will start logging. The stop condition can be
set up similar to the start condition. When the stop condition is true the log will stop. One option to have logging based
on only the start and stop conditions are to use a channel that is typically 0V and have the logging switch based on a low
input. This will have the logger always testing on the start condition and start a log when it becomes true. When the stop
condition is true, it will stop the log and return to waiting for the start condition to be true. Every time it starts a new log, it
will make a new data log file with the date and time.
6.4.4 Disable Touchscreen
The Disable Touchscreen function prevents the touchscreen from functioning when the assigned input sees 3.85 volts or
higher. This function is useful for situations like off-roading where the screen may need to be wiped off regularly due to
dust or may be bumped accidentally.

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6.4.5 Lambda Function
The Lambda function allows the user to map a lambda or air/fuel ratio value to an input voltage using the 16-point table.
It will display the value in either lambda or air/fuel ratio depending on the units settings.
6.4.6 Night Mode Function
The Night Mode function is used to change the contrast and backlight settings from Daytime mode to Nighttime mode.
When the input is greater than 4.5V the dash will use the night time contrast and backlight settings. When the input is
below 4.5V the dash will use the daytime settings. If the channel is monitored, it will be displayed as voltage and use the
0-5V gauge.