Veratron VL FLEX 52MM Series User manual

B001026
VL FLEX 52MM SERIES
VL FLEX 52
J1939
USER MANUAL
rev. AB
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EN
IT
FR
ES
PT

CONTENT
B001026
CONTENT
Con en .................................................................................... 2
In roduc ion ............................................................................ 3
Packaging Content .......................................................................... 3
The All-In-One Instrument........................................................... 3
Contactless Configuration ........................................................... 3
Safe y Informa ion ................................................................. 4
afety During Installation .............................................................. 4
afety After Installation .................................................................. 5
Electrical Connection ..................................................................... 5
Ins alla ion .............................................................................. 6
Before the Assembly ....................................................................... 6
Installation with pinlock ............................................................... 7
Flush Mounting .................................................................................. 8
Connec ions ............................................................................ 9
Pinout ..................................................................................................... 9
J1939 Connection ............................................................................. 9
Frequency Input .............................................................................. 10
Resistive Input .................................................................................. 10
Configura ion ........................................................................ 11
VL Flex Configurator App ............................................................ 11
ystem Configuration .................................................................... 11
upported Configurations .......................................................... 15
Display Layou ....................................................................... 17
ingle Layout ...................................................................................... 17
Dual Layout ......................................................................................... 17
Alarm Display .................................................................................... 18
Technical Da a ...................................................................... 19
Datasheet............................................................................................ 19
Accessories .......................................................................... 20

INTRODUCTION
B001026
INTRODUCTION
PACKAGING CONTENT
Par Number
Descrip ion
B00086001
1x VL Flex
J1939
A2C5205947101
1x 52 mm Mounting pinlock
A2C59512947
1x 8
-
pole cable
B000100
1x afety instructions
THE ALL-IN-ONE INSTRUMENT
The VL Flex device can easily be configured to be the instrument you need - thanks to its sun-readable 1.44”
TFT display embedded into a standard 52 mm instrument housing.
The supported analog inputs allow you to directly read from the sensors. In addition, the J1939 and the LIN
2.0 interfaces make it possible for the VL Flex to read from the digital networks as well.
The simple but effective graphic design can be set up in a single or dual layout, presenting the data in a clear
and intuitive form, while the colored bar graph and the alarm display allow you to visually understand your
data.
CONTACTLESS CONFIGURATION
Thanks to the contactless configuration you can setup your all-in-one instrument with a simple tap!
Launch the companion App and define your settings through the user-friendly interface, then simply hold
your mobile device in proximity of the VL Flex device to transfer the configuration.
Thanks to the embedded passive antenna the configuration can be done powerless.

SAFETY INFORMATION
B001026
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING
•No smoking! No open fire or heat sources!
•The product was developed, manufactured
and inspected according to the basic safety
requirements of EC Guidelines and state-of-
the-art technology.
•The instrument is designed for use in grounded
vehicles and machines as well as in pleasure
boats, including non-classified commercial
shipping.
•Use our product only as intended. Use of the
product for reasons other than its intended use
may lead to personal injury, property damage
or environmental damage. Before installation,
check the vehicle documentation for vehicle
type and any possible special features!
•Use the assembly plan to learn the location of
the fuel/hydraulic/compressed air and
electrical lines!
•Note possible modifications to the vehicle,
which must be considered during installation!
•To prevent personal injury, property damage or
environmental damage, basic knowledge of
motor vehicle/shipbuilding electronics and
mechanics is required.
•Make sure that the engine cannot start
unintentionally during installation!
•Modifications or manipulations to veratron
products can affect safety. Consequently, you
may not modify or manipulate the product!
•When removing/installing seats, covers, etc.,
ensure that lines are not damaged and plug-in
connections are not loosened!
•Note all data from other installed instruments
with volatile electronic memories.
SAFETY DURING INSTALLATION
•During installation, ensure that the product’s
components do not affect or limit vehicle
functions. Avoid damaging these components!
•Only install undamaged parts in a vehicle!
•During installation, ensure that the product
does not impair the field of vision and that it
cannot impact the driver’s or passenger’s head!
•A specialized technician should install the
product. If you install the product yourself,
wear appropriate work clothing. Do not wear
loose clothing, as it may get caught in moving
parts. Protect long hair with a hair net.
•When working on the on-board electronics, do
not wear metallic or conductive jewelry such as
necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc.
•If work on a running engine is required, exercise
extreme caution. Wear only appropriate work
clothing as you are at risk of personal injury,
resulting from being crushed or burned.
•Before beginning, disconnect the negative
terminal on the battery, otherwise you risk a
short circuit. If the vehicle is supplied by
auxiliary batteries, you must also disconnect
the negative terminals on these batteries!
hort circuits can cause fires, battery
explosions and damages to other electronic
systems. Please note that when you disconnect
the battery, all volatile electronic memories
lose their input values and must be
reprogrammed.
•If working on gasoline boat motors, let the
motor compartment fan run before beginning
work.
•Pay attention to how lines and cable harnesses
are laid so that you do not drill or saw through
them!
•Do not install the product in the mechanical
and electrical airbag area!

SAFETY INFORMATION
B001026
•Do not drill holes or ports in load-bearing or
stabilizing stays or tie bars!
•When working underneath the vehicle, secure
it according to the specifications from the
vehicle manufacturer.
•Note the necessary clearance behind the drill
hole or port at the installation location.
Required mounting depth: 65 mm.
•Drill small ports; enlarge and complete them, if
necessary, using taper milling tools, saber saws,
keyhole saws or files. Deburr edges. Follow the
safety instructions of the tool manufacturer.
•Use only insulated tools, if work is necessary on
live parts.
•Use only the multimeter or diode test lamps
provided, to measure voltages and currents in
the vehicle/machine or boat. Use of
conventional test lamps can cause damage to
control units or other electronic systems.
•The electrical indicator outputs and cables
connected to them must be protected from
direct contact and damage. The cables in use
must have enough insulation and electric
strength and the contact points must be safe
from touch.
•Use appropriate measures to also protect the
electrically conductive parts on the connected
consumer from direct contact. Laying metallic,
uninsulated cables and contacts is prohibited.
SAFETY AFTER INSTALLATION
•Connect the ground cable tightly to the
negative terminal of the battery.
•Reenter/reprogram the volatile electronic
memory values.
•Check all functions.
•Use only clean water to clean the components.
Note the Ingress Protection (IP) ratings (IEC
60529).
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
•Note cable cross-sectional area!
•Reducing the cable cross-sectional area leads
to higher current density, which can cause the
cable cross-sectional area in question to heat
up!
•When installing electrical cables, use the
provided cable ducts and harnesses; however,
do not run cables parallel to ignition cables or
to cables that lead to large electricity
consumers.
•Fasten cables with cable ties or adhesive tape.
Do not run cables over moving parts. Do not
attach cables to the steering column!
•Ensure that cables are not subject to tensile,
compressive or shearing forces.
•If cables are run through drill holes, protect
them using rubber sleeves or the like.
•Use only one cable stripper to strip the cable.
Adjust the stripper so that stranded wires are
not damaged or separated.
•Use only a soft soldering process or
commercially available crimp connector to
solder new cable connections!
•Make crimp connections with cable crimping
pliers only. Follow the safety instructions of the
tool manufacturer.
•Insulate exposed stranded wires to prevent
short circuits.
•Caution: Risk of short circuit if junctions are
faulty or cables are damaged.
•hort circuits in the vehicle network can cause
fires, battery explosions and damages to other
electronic systems. Consequently, all power
supply cable connections must be provided
with weldable connectors and be sufficiently
insulated.
•Ensure ground connections are sound.
•Faulty connections can cause short circuits.
Only connect cables according to the electrical
wiring diagram.
• If operating the instrument on power supply
units, note that the power supply unit must be
stabilized and it must comply with the following
standard: DIN EN 61000, Parts 6-1 to 6-

INSTALLATION
B001026
INSTALLATION
WARNING
Before beginning, disconnect the
negative terminal on the battery, otherwise you risk a short circuit.
If the vehicle is supplied by auxiliary batteries, you must also disconnect the negative terminals on these
batteries! hort circuits can cause fires, battery explosions and damages to other electronic systems.
Please note that when you disconnect the battery, all volatile electronic memories lose their input values
and must be reprogrammed.
BEFORE THE ASSEMBLY
1.
Before beginning, turn off the ignition and
remove the ignition key. If necessary, remove
the main circuit switch
2. Disconnect the negative terminal on the
battery. Make sure the battery cannot
unintentionally restart.

INSTALLATION
B001026
INSTALLATION WITH SPINLOCK
Conventional assembly. (Instrument is put into the drill hole from the front).
The panel width may be within a range of 0.5 to 20 mm. The drill hole must have a diameter of 53 mm [B].
WARNING
•Do not drill holes or ports in load-bearing or stabilizing stays or tie bars!
•Note the necessary clearance behind the drill hole or port at the installation location. Required
mounting depth: 65 mm.
•Drill small ports; enlarge and complete them, if necessary, using taper milling tools, saber saws,
keyhole saws or files. Deburr edges. Follow the safety instructions of the tool manufacturer.
1. Different bezels may be installed as
alternatives to the supplied front ring. In this
case, gently remove the bezel using a
screwdriver [A] and install the new bezel on the
instrument and press it on until it is flush with
the instrument glass.
Note: the bezel cannot be used after removal
since it can be damaged.
IMPORTANT: if installing a chrome bezel,
make sure to configure the device BEFORE
installing it, as the metallic particles contained
in the chrome material might affect the NFC
performance!
2. Create a circular hole in the panel considering
the devices dimensions. [B]
3. Remove the spinlock and insert the device
from the front. [C]
4. Adjust the spinlock as shown in picture [D]
according to the panel thickness
5. Carefully screw in the spinlock by hand at least
two turns.
6. Insert the connector.
A
B
C
D

INSTALLATION
B001026
FLUSH MOUNTING
The recommended panel thickness is 1.5 to 3 mm. The drill hole must have a diameter of 48.1 mm. [A]
Ensure that the installation location is level and has no sharp edges.
WARNING
•Do not drill holes or ports in load-bearing or stabilizing stays or tie bars!
•Note the necessary clearance behind the drill hole or port at the installation location. Required
mounting depth: 65 mm.
•Drill small ports; enlarge and complete them, if necessary, using taper milling tools, saber saws,
keyhole saws or files. Deburr edges. Follow the safety instructions of the tool manufacturer.
1. Create a circular hole in the panel considering
the device dimensions. [A]
2. Remove the spinlock.
3. Gently remove the bezel using a screwdriver.
[B]
Note: the bezel cannot be used after removal
since damaged.
4. Place the flush mount seal A2C53215640
(not included) on the instrument glass.
5. Put the instrument into the drill hole from the
back [C].
6. Adjust the instrument so that the gauge is
level and fasten it to the stud bolts on the rear
side of the panel, using the flush mount fixing
bracket A2C59510864 (not included) [D].
7. Insert the connector
A
B
C D

CONNECTIONS
B001026
CONNECTIONS
PINOUT
Pin No. Wire Color Descrip ion
1 Red KL. 15 – Ignition Plus 12 / 24 V
2 Black KL. 31 – GND
3 Black / Blue Frequency input
4 Brown Resistive input
5 Green
Intelligent
Battery ensor
(LIN bus 2.0)
6 Blue / Red Illumination Day/Night
7
Yellow /
Black AE J1939 CAN bus High
8 Yellow / Red AE J1939 CAN bus Low
VL Flex 52 rear view
Tyco / Hirschmann 8-pole MQ plug
J1939 CONNECTION
Designations in the wiring diagram:
15 – KL. 15 – Ignition Plus 12/24 V
31 – KL. 31 – GND
F1 – 3A Fuse (not included)
1 – Illumination switch Day/Night
(not included)
H – CAN-Bus J1939 HIGH
L – CAN-Bus J1939 LOW
AE J1939 is a CAN bus (Data connection) that is often used in engines or machines. It gets applied to
connect all the different electrical components (sensors, displays, …) without the need of many different
wires.
It’s important, that there is a so-called terminating resistor connecting the ends of the two wires in the
physical build up. Those resistors values normally lay somewhere around 120 Ohms

CONNECTIONS
B001026
FREQUENCY INPUT
Designations in the wiring diagram:
15 – KL. 15 – Ignition plus 12/24 V
31 – KL. 31 – GND
F1 – 3A Fuse (not included)
1 – Illumination switch Day/Night
(not included)
RESISTIVE INPUT
Designations in the wiring diagram:
15 – KL. 15 – Ignition plus 12/24 V
31 – KL. 31 – GND
F1 – 3A Fuse (not included)
1 – Illumination switch Day/Night
(not included)
Frequency
signal
ensor
g
round
Resistive
sensor signal
ensor
g
round

CONFIGURATION
B001026
CONFIGURATION
VL FLEX CONFIGURATOR APP
In order to configurate the VL Flex 52 – J1939, one must set a couple of parameters, such as display layout,
the selected sensor and its calibration or the alarm threshold.
This is possible via the smartphone app “VL Flex Industrial”, which can be downloaded free of charge from
the according stores.
A simple explanation of the configuration procedure can also be found on the app as an in-app-instruction.
Thanks to the passive embedded NFC receiver, the VL Flex 52 can be configured, as described below,
without the need of a power supply.
VL FLEX
INDUSTRIAL
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
The setup of the VL Flex device is an intuitive three-step process.
Please remember that you must READ from the device before being able to manipulate and download the
configuration to the instrument.
1. READ
2.
CONFIGURE
3. WRITE

CONFIGURATION
B001026
1.
READ THE VL FLEX CONFIGURATION
Launch the “VL Flex Industrial App” and read the actual
configuration of the device by “tapping* the smartphone
onto the front lens.
The READ operation is mandatory before the WRITE
operation is allowed.
After the readout, the App will be set with the current VL Flex
configuration.
NOTE: The antenna position on the smartphone depends on
the model.
Please refer to the smartphone manufacturer manual.
2. ELECT A DI PLAY LAYOUT
Use the section “Layout” to choose whether you want to
display a single or two values on the device.
The preview picture at the top of the app display will update
according to that.
If you choose the dual layout the app expands the settings, so
that both fields can be configured.
3. ELECT THE DATA TYPE
Use the field “Gauge Type” in the section “Data election” to
define, which Information should be visible on the VL Flex
display.
The chosen parameters J1939 PN will be displayed in the
field “ PN” if the parameter has one. If the value of this
parameter is received through the analog input and not
through the J1939 interface, this information isn’t significant.
If the dual layout is selected, you can choose the data which
should be displayed on the upper and which on the lower part
of the display.
Note: You can find the complete list of supported datatypes
in the table “ upported Configurations” in this document.

CONFIGURATION
B001026
4. ELECT UNIT AND IN TANCE
Define the unit for the displayed data if there is more than
one available. ( ee table “ upported Configurations”)
et the instance for the displayed data (e.g. engine number or
tank number) so they are displayed on the VL Flex correctly.
Note: The defined instance will also be used by the VL Flex if
data is received on the AE J1939 CAN bus.
5.
ET CALATION FOR THE BAR GRAPH
To make the bar graph suitable for the expected range of the
values, you can now define the biggest value, that should still
be displayable on the graph.
This step isn’t applicable for all the data types. The bar graph
of the fuel level, for example, has always a range of 0-100%
and can’t be set in a different way. In this case the field “Bar
Graph” doesn’t show up on the app display.
6. CONFIGURE AN ALARM
For many data types, an alarm can be added. (see table
“ upported Configurations”)
The alarm can be activated or deactivated with the switch in
the according part of the section.
As soon as the alarm is set as active, you can define at which
point it should be triggered in the field next to the switch. The
unit of the value set into this field is the same as the one set in
the previous field.
Note: The direction of the alarm threshold (whether the
alarm gets triggered if the value rises over the border or sinks
below it) is predefined ( ee table “ upported
Configurations”).

CONFIGURATION
B001026
7. CALIBRATE THE EN OR
The VL Flex assumes the data is received from the J1939
network as a default. This means the analog inputs are usually
disabled.
If there is an actual sensor connected to one of the gauges
analog inputs (frequency, resistive or IB -input), it can be
calibrated in the register “Input” after activating the input
with the switches on the right side.
Note: Depending on the chosen data type, you can either
activate the resistive input, the frequency input, the IB -
Input or for some values even no sensor input at all. ( ee table
“ upported Configurations”)
If there are two data types selected for the dual layout, which
can be measured over the same type of analog input, then
you must choose here, which of the two values is connected
to the input and which value is received over J1939. (There is
always just one analog input of a kind.)
8. ET ILLUMINATION BRIGHTNE AND CLOCK
The last few configurations can be found in the register
“settings”.
In this section you can set the display brightness for the day-
and night mode by moving the sliders.
Here you can also manage the clock setting.
Note: The clock can only receive the time over the J1939
interface (and only if there is some kind of clock connected to
your network). There is no way, the VL Flex can internally
maintain the time.
9. WRITE THE CONFIGURATION ONTO THE VL FLEX
After you finished choosing your settings, you can load the
configurations onto the VL Flex device.
Hit the button “APPLY” in the upper right corner and touch
the front lens of the gauge one more time with the backside
of your smartphone to transfer the data.

CONFIGURATION
B001026
SUPPORTED CONFIGURATIONS
Gauge Type Uni Symbol Resis.
Inpu
Freq.
Inpu
Alarm
available SPN
Engine peed rpm - ✔ Yes
(above) 190
Wheel Based peed km/h
mph
SPEED - ✔ No 84
Net Battery Current A - - No 115
Electrical Potential V - - No 168
Battery OC % SOC - - Yes
(below) -
Battery OH % SOH - - Yes
(below) -
Battery Temperature °C
°F
BATT.
TEMP - - Yes (above) -
Battery Autonomy h
days BATT. AUT
- - Yes
(below) -
Engine Hours h - ✔ No 247
Clock - - - No 964
Catalyst Tank Level % DEF /
BLUE - - Yes (below) 1761
Percent Load % LOAD - - Yes
(above) 92
Exhaust Gas
Temperature
°C
°F
- - Yes
(above) 173
Fuel Level % ✔ - Yes
(below) 96
Engine Coolant
Temperature
°C
°F
✔ - Yes
(above) 110
Coolant Pressure bar
P I
✔ - Yes
(below) 109

CONFIGURATION
B001026
Gauge Type Uni Symbol Resis.
Inpu
Freq.
Inpu
Alarm
available SPN
Boost Pressure bar
P I
✔ - Yes
(above) 102
Oil Pressure bar
P I
✔ - Yes
(below) 100
Oil Temperature °C
°F
✔ - Yes
(above) 175
Engine Oil Level %
- - Yes
(below) 98
Gear Oil Pressure bar
P I
✔ - Yes
(below) 127
Transmission Oil Level %
- - Yes
(below) 124
Gear Oil Temperature °C
°F
✔ - Yes
(above) 177
Air Temperature °C
°F EXT TEMP - - Yes (below) 171
Total Fuel L
gal (U /UK)
TOTAL FUEL
- - No 250
Fuel Rate
L/h
gal/h
(U /UK)
- - No 183
Instantaneous Fuel
Economy
L/100km
mpg
(U /UK)
mpL (UK)
FUEL ECON.
- - No 184
Odometer km
mi ODO - - No 245
Brake Pressure bar
P I - - No 117
The values of the data types, that can neither be received over the resistive input nor over the frequency
input, must be transmitted on a digital way. This means on the J1939 CAN bus or for the battery values also
the LIN 2.0 bus.
* upported configurations can be updated at any time. Make sure to always use the latest version of the
app.

DISPLAY LAYOUT
B001026
DISPLAY LAYOUT
SINGLE LAYOUT
A.
Symbol
Indicates, which data type is displayed right now.
For the data types, which support this function, there is
also the instance indicated here.
B.
Uni
hows the unit of the currently displayed data.
For some data types it’s possible to change the unit in the
settings. ( ee table “ upported Configurations”)
C.
Measured value
This shows the numeric value of the dedicated measured
data. If there aren’t any values received for this data type
or they are out of range, the display will show “---“.
Coloured Graphic
The coloured graphic in the background is a bar diagram
that puts the measured value in perspective. This
function isn’t supported for all data types.
The white lines on the left side show the scalation.
DUAL LAYOUT
A.
Symbol
Indicates, which data type is displayed right now.
For the data types, which support this function, there is
also the instance indicated here.
B.
Uni
hows the unit of the currently displayed data.
For some data types it’s possible to change the unit in the
settings. ( ee table “ upported Configurations”)
C.
Measured Value
This shows the numeric value of the dedicated measured
data. If there aren’t any data received for this data type or
the values are out of range, the display will show “---“.
The bar graph can’t be displayed in the dual layout for any
value.
A
B
C
B
C
A

DISPLAY LAYOUT
B001026
ALARM DISPLAY
Single Da a Layou
When an alarm occurs the bar-
graph turns red and
a red alarm symbol is displayed in the top part of
the display between the data symbol and the unit.
The display returns to normal operation mode
once the alarm is not detected anymore.
Dual Da a Layou
When an alarm occurs on any of the two
displayed data, the numeric digits of the affected
data become red.
In the example above, the data at the bottom of
the screen (Exhaust Gas Temperature) has an
alarm active.
The display returns to normal operation mode
once the alarm is not detected anymore.

TECHNICAL DATA
B001026
TECHNICAL DATA
DATASHEET
Display 1.44” sun-readable color TFT display, transmissive
Resolu ion 125 x 125 Pixels
Nominal Vol age 12 V / 24 V
Opera ing Vol age 8 – 32 V with overvoltage and reverse polarity
protection
Curren consump ion Typ. 50 mA with maximum backlight intensity
Analogue por s Resistive (0 – 400 Ω)
Frequency (W, Ind, Hall, Generator)
Digi al por s AE J1939 – 250 kbit/s
LIN 2.0 («Intelligent Battery ensor»-Interface)
Wireless in erface NFC (Near Field Communication)
Pro ec ion class IP 67 front side (IEC60529)
Lens PMMA with anti-glare and anti-fog treatments
Housing Ø52 mm – Polycarbonate (PC), flame retardant (UL94-
V0)
Bezels PC (black, white) or AB (chrome) – several color and
shapes
Opera ing empera ure -20°C bis +70°C
S orage empera ure -30°C bis +80°C
Connec or Tyco / Hirschmann MQ 8 pole connector
Moun ing pinlock Nut – locking height 0.5 – 20 mm
Optional tuds and Brackets – locking height 2 – 15 mm
Norms CE, Reach, RoH

ACCESSORIES
B001026
ACCESSORIES
Accessories Ar icle Number
8 pole cable A2C59512947
pinlock Nut 52 mm A2C5205947101
Flush mount mounting kit A2C59510864
Flush mount seal A2C53215640
Bezel – Round Black A2C5318602701
Bezel – Round White A2C5318602801
Bezel – Round Chrome* A2C5318602901
Bezel – Triangular Black A2C5318602401
Bezel – Triangular White A2C5318602501
Bezel – Triangular Chrome* A2C5318602601
Bezel – Flat Black A2C5318604001
Bezel – Flat White A2C5318602201
Bezel – Flat Chrome* A2C5318602301
Visit http://www.veratron.com for the complete list of accessories.
* the chrome bezel might interfere with the NFC programming due to the metallic particles contained in the
chrome material. Make sure to configure the VL Flex device BEFORE installing the chrome bezel!