PST BRZ- Aim MXL2 Dash/Logger Install

[GSpeed]

What are your thoughts on adding diff and trans temps? Just in case? I haven't seen that be an issue before, I was just going to throw some max temp stickers on them and see how they do.

[GSpeed]

Just an update based on our testing, I wouldn't mind having differential temperature logging, but transmission temps shouldn't be necessary.

[philooo]

quick question about the MXL2 and MXG, price difference is not that big, can you tell us why you opted for the MXL2 instead of the new fancy color display ?

[GSpeed]

Sure.

There were a few minor things I didn't like about the MXG/MXS.

-I wasn't a big fan of the TFT screen in a racecar, I would have rather seen an AMOLED for extreme contrast. Race displays have been LCD for a while, and it's for that lovely high contrast. Pretty colors aren't as important as presenting the driver with just what he wants to know.

-Our driver isn't a fan of a busy screen, in fact, on track all he has on the dash is the tach and predictive lap times. I've got alarms to let him know if something needs to be brought his attention, but more is not always better. While I'm sure the MXG/MXS could be configured to a simple setup, the point of that system would be wasted on us.

The big thing for us was that the MXL2 is a more mature platform. We're using this data system to test the car, not test the data system itself. I didn't want to risk issues with a reliable data acquisition system when our focus is the car itself. The data system is a tool, so I wanted the most reliable one I could get.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I expect the MXG/MXS to have problems, but given we are on an accelerated timeline I wanted as few hiccups as possible and the benefits of the MXS/MXG did not outweigh the risks.

That, and I think the MXL2 is a more "classic" racecar look.

[AZP Installs]

Originally Posted by PST

Sure.

There were a few minor things I didn't like about the MXG/MXS.

-I wasn't a big fan of the TFT screen in a racecar, I would have rather seen an AMOLED for extreme contrast. Race displays have been LCD for a while, and it's for that lovely high contrast. Pretty colors aren't as important as presenting the driver with just what he wants to know.

-Our driver isn't a fan of a busy screen, in fact, on track all he has on the dash is the tach and predictive lap times. I've got alarms to let him know if something needs to be brought his attention, but more is not always better. While I'm sure the MXG/MXS could be configured to a simple setup, the point of that system would be wasted on us.

The big thing for us was that the MXL2 is a more mature platform. We're using this data system to test the car, not test the data system itself. I didn't want to risk issues with a reliable data acquisition system when our focus is the car itself. The data system is a tool, so I wanted the most reliable one I could get.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I expect the MXG/MXS to have problems, but given we are on an accelerated timeline I wanted as few hiccups as possible and the benefits of the MXS/MXG did not outweigh the risks.

That, and I think the MXL2 is a more "classic" racecar look.

The MXG/MXS is actually the same guts as the MXL2 in terms of the data (according to Roger at AIM) system so that shouldn't be an issue.

However, we are likely opting for the MXL2 for the same exact other reasons you are in terms of the race car system being simple. We also found that the size/shape of the MXL2 fits our dash better too.

-mike

[GSpeed]

Originally Posted by AZP Installs

The MXG/MXS is actually the same guts as the MXL2 in terms of the data (according to Roger at AIM) system so that shouldn't be an issue.

That's what I suspected, from looking at the data sheets. Again, I really don't expect the MXG/MXS units to have issues, we just wanted the old, simple one in our car.

[philooo]

man you are making it harder on me to choose.

[GSpeed]

Tire temp data! Whoohoo!

[AZP Installs]

Someone I know is also getting brake fluid temps through a sensor in place of the bleeder valve.

What sensors give you tire temps? Link if you have it.

-Mike Paisan


Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Enthusiasts since 2001.
Like us on Facebook! | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) |AIM: AZP Installs
"Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!"

[Streetthrowback]

Originally Posted by PST

We've got some big plans for this car, but the first thing we need to do is install a data system. We'll be installing tire temp sensors on two of the wheels, shock pots on all four corners, oil temperature and pressure, fuel pressure, and who knows what else. Our main goal for this system is vehicle development rather than driver development, but by going with an MXL2 we can get the best of both worlds. The ECU shares quite a bit of information with the data system over CAN like brake pressure, steering angle, etc. so we'll have some great driver training aids as well. Not to mention fun stuff like predictive lap timing.

The new Aim software (Race Studio 3) is also really easy to work with, it's a step up over the older RS2 software that's used with the MXL Pistas, etc. Setting up the dash was SUPER easy, and I can't emphasize enough how nice it is to have an actual USB connection rather than messing around with serial ports and UARTs.

My goals for this install were full steering wheel adjustment motion, aesthetic integration (it's still a street car, sort of), and hand clearance to the wheel. With those goals in mind, the first step was to mount the dash itself. We took apart a bunch of the dash, looking for good mounting points. We pulled the cluster, surrounding panels, etc. and finally settled on the steering column mount. By mounting the cluster to the column mount, we can fix the position relative to the rest of the dash, but still retail the combination meter. We don't intend on pulling that cluster while the factory ECU is still in the car, as it's important for diagnostics, the pedal dance, etc.

We installed the GPS unit on the truck lid to guarantee a good signal, and routed the cable through the factory rubber conduit, under the back seat, and down the driver's door sill tray.











The Aim system a single CAN connection to the dash for all CAN devices, including the GPS. Since we'll be adding a bunch of temperature sensors to this car, we added a CAN Expander. I found a nice place for it on the top of the steel knee plate on the left side.





Sorry for the amateur photography, but you can sort of see it tucked away in there.

For this install, we decided to take advantage of the ECU communications as much as possible. For these ECUs, that means tapping into pins 6 and 14 with CAN+ and CAN-, respectively. I went with the simple method of stripping the wire, wrapping the bare wire around the "main" wire, and soldering the joint. Power was stolen from the radio's ACC line (7.5A circuit).



Since I really wanted this to look as clean as possible, I trimmed the upper steering column mount to clear the harness. It would have cleared with the steering wheel all the way back, but pushing the wheel forward would have pinched the harness. Nothing 30 seconds with a bandsaw can't fix.



I mentioned earlier this has a USB connection, which I love. They supply a panel-mount connector, so I put it on the side panel by the trunk release button. That way a crew member can easily plug into the data system with the driver strapped in. (Again, please excuse the shoddy photography.)



Here's a shot of it all bolted back together. I'm really happy with how this came out. You can still see the cluster behind it if you really need to, but it's otherwise front and center. The gas gauge is visible around the right side of the MXL2, and the low fuel warning is very visible.



It's nice and centered in the wheel.



Playing around with some of the parameters it can display from the ECU. It can log brake pressure! And steering angle! I'm so excited.



I like the way it looks in the car. Adds a nice look to the interior, and it'd still be legal for street use since the factory odometer is still in place.



So far, I'm really happy with this system. It's very easy to set up, technical service has been good if you've got any really detailed questions (like analog sensor resolution), and it looks awesome. If I was going to install another one, it would probably take 4-5 hours all in all.

I'll keep updating this thread as we install the tire temp sensors, engine sensors, wheel pots, etc.

Jake

Damn I wish their was a bracket or a kit to replace the stock one

[GSpeed]

Originally Posted by Streetthrowback

Damn I wish their was a bracket or a kit to replace the stock one

Which bracket are you referring to, exactly?

[Streetthrowback]

Originally Posted by PST

Which bracket are you referring to, exactly?

Some type of kit that makes the Mxl fit where the stock cluster is, I mean i know I can make one but it would be easier to just up one lol

[GSpeed]

We considered that, but the stock dash is still very useful if you've still got the stock ECU. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I remember that the car wouldn't start without the dash in place.

If you're interested in a bracket like we've got, we're planning on selling them in the future.

[GSpeed]

Originally Posted by AZP Installs

Someone I know is also getting brake fluid temps through a sensor in place of the bleeder valve.

What sensors give you tire temps? Link if you have it.

-Mike Paisan

Interesting idea. Hard to see how that wouldn't interfere with bleeding, though... Would that someone be interested in sharing more information? Once I move into analyzing brake performance, I'm going to repurpose some of my tire temp sensors as brake temp sensors. My thermocouple hubs are effectively full, so I'm just going to wait until that part of the testing is done. I don't feel like buying more TC hubs and CAN expanders.

The sensors are Exergen IR sensors that emulate K-type thermocouples and are therefore "self-powered." Pretty neat little sensors. I don't have a website, I'm afraid, I spoke directly with a sales rep from Exergen. Shoot me an email (or a PM with your email address) if you need more detailed information.