MoTeC VCS User Manual © Copyright – MoTeC Pty Ltd – 2010 The information in this document is subject to change without notice. While every effort is taken to ensure correctness, no responsibility will be taken for the consequences of any inaccuracies or omissions in this manual. PN 63035 Rev 3.0, February 2010.
VCS User Manual Contents Introduction .............................................................................. 1 Features ............................................................................................. 2 Compatibility ............................................................................. 3 Accessories .............................................................................. 3 Installation ................................................................................
MoTeC VCS User Manual Viewing Videos ....................................................................... 19 DVD Burner ............................................................................ 19 Renaming and Deleting Videos .............................................. 20 Firmware Versions and Updating ...................................................... 20 Matching Versions .................................................................. 20 Flash Card ........................................
MoTeC Introduction 1 Introduction MoTeC’s VCS Video Capture System is an integrated in-car camera system, designed and built for race cars and harsh environments. The VCS records video and audio using the MPEG-2 video compression format at broadcast quality. It includes a built in real-time graphics processor that allows sensor data to be overlaid onto the video in real-time without the need for additional hardware.
2 Introduction Features General • Solid state digital recorder. • Configurable two camera PIP – Picture In Picture system. The second camera is optional. • Designed for motorsport applications. • Suitable for bikes, cars, marine and industrial applications. • Uses 12 V vehicle power - no recharging required. • Compact, durable and reliable unit. • CAN interface for easy connection to MoTeC Data Loggers and ECUs.
MoTeC Introduction 3 Software • Windows-based software designed for video setup and management. • DVD burning software that is fast and simple to use. • The latest version can be downloaded from www.motec.com/downloads to access the newest features. Camera • High performance 1/3" colour CCP chip set. • Compact size, bullet style ø 21 x 71 mm. • Condensation free. Compatibility • MoTeC 'hundred series' ECUs: M400, M600, M800 and M880. • MoTeC Data Loggers: SDL, ADL3 and ACL.
4 Installation Installation Mounting The camera can be mounted using the roll cage mounting bracket included in the VCS kit. Ensure the clamp is fitted in the middle of the camera. It is not recommended to mount the camera using the rear screws as vibration may cause damage to the camera. When routing the wiring between the camera and the binder connector, only lightly pull the cable ties. The wire can be damaged if cable ties are attached too tightly. The routing should also avoid high heat sources.
MoTeC Installation 5 The VCS recorder has four connectors: • A USB socket to connect to a laptop (D) • A power/CAN connector (C) • Two identical connectors (A and B) for two cameras and microphones. The kit contains the following looms and cables: • A USB cable to connect a laptop (#61149) • An adapter loom to connect one camera and microphone (#61148) • An unterminated loom for power/CAN (#61154). Important: The VCS software must be installed before connecting the VCS recorder to the laptop.
6 Installation Updating VCS Manager Software • Software updates are available to give access to the latest features. Follow the software installation instructions to download the latest software version from the website and update to this version. • To update the associated firmware in the device, click VCS in the main VCS Manager window. See Firmware Versions and Updating for more details. Connecting the VCS to a PC The VCS connects to the USB port on the laptop with the mini-USB to USB cable (USB 2.
MoTeC VCS Manager 7 VCS Manager The main VCS Manager window contains the following buttons: • Import: This opens the Import window. When a VCS recorder is connected, the VCS Manager software will detect the presence of the VCS and automatically open the Import window. • Owners: This opens the VCS Serial Numbers window where the VCS recorder and car details are entered. • Config: This opens the main Configuration window. See the Configuration section in this manual.
8 Configuration Configuration Many aspects of the VCS can be configured, for example when the recording starts and stops, and which gauges will be included on screen. All settings are stored in a configuration file on the laptop. Changes to the configuration are performed offline, i.e. without the laptop communicating with the VCS. The changes, saved in the configuration file, must be sent to the VCS recorder before they take effect. See Sending and Retrieving Configuration Files.
MoTeC Configuration 9 The Autostart configuration templates start recording when internal battery voltage is detected. To stop recording, the VCS should be turned off. The Speed or RPM start configuration templates start recording when engine RPM > 1000 rpm or Speed > 10 km/h is detected. They will automatically stop recording when engine RPM = 0 for 20 seconds. There are templates available that include or exclude gauges and record with or without PIP (Picture in Picture).
10 Configuration Quality versus Approximate Download Time Video Length Download time High Quality Normal Quality Low Quality 30 min 2 min and 15 s 1 min and 45 s 1 min and 15 s 60 min 4 min and 15 s 3 min and 30 s 2 min and 30 s 90 min 6 min and 15 s 5 min and 15 s 3 min and 30 s 120 min 8 min and 30 s 6 min and 45 s 4 min and 45 s Note: Indicative import times when connecting the VCS to a PC equipped with a USB 2.0 compliant interface. Actual performance times may vary.
MoTeC Configuration 11 Audio Settings Mono check box Select the Mono check box to record both left and right audio channels from the same (AV1) microphone input. This results in sound on both channels for playback. Clear the Mono check box to use two independent microphone inputs; AV1 for the left channel and AV2 for the right audio channel. Mic Gain Mic gain can be used to improve audio quality. The volume of the recorded audio can be reduced in noisy environments or increased in quiet surroundings.
12 Configuration The Medium gauge set includes, in addition to the elements of the Small set, a G-force meter and two alpha numeric lines (default Lap number and Lap time). Note: Throttle bar not displayed The Large gauge set includes, in addition to all elements of the Medium set, a steering wheel and an alphanumeric line (default Last lap time). Note: Brake bar not displayed Picture in Picture (PIP) The VCS is capable of recording the inputs from 2 cameras to provide a Picture in Picture display.
MoTeC Configuration 13 Transmitting CAN Messages You can use messages transmitted from the VCS to log or display VCS information in a Data logger. Messages include camera status and card usage. To transmit CAN messages from the VCS 1. Select the Transmit Status check box 2. Select the Extended ID check box 3. In the Id box, type the CAN Id (in decimal) to suit your receiving device. The default to suit any MoTeC Data Logger is 32. The receiving device needs to be configured to receive the VCS messages.
14 Configuration 7. Enter GaugeId to determine on which gauge the channel will be displayed. Gauge Id List 1 Speed 2 RPM 4 Gear 5 Throttle 6 Lateral G-force 7 Longitudinal G-force 8 Lap Distance* 9 Brake Pressure 10 Limiter* 11 Steered Angle 12 Internal Voltage* 13 Lap Time 14 Lap Number 15 Last Lap * currently not displayed 8. Enter the recording start and stop settings in the Event 1 and Event 2 conditions.
MoTeC Configuration 15 Configure a MoTeC Data Logger The method described here is based on the ADL3 Dash Logger. Configuration of other MoTeC Data Loggers will be very similar. 1. Open ADL3 Dash Manager and open a file. 2. On the Connections menu, click Communications. 3. Select an empty CAN slot and click Select. 4. Click VCS Receive.
16 Configuration Configure a MoTeC 'hundred series' ECU The method described here is based on Version 3 ECU Manager software. Configuration in Version 2 ECU Manager software will be very similar. 1. Open MoTeC ECU Manager and open a file. 2. On the Adjust menu, click General Setup. 3. Click Communications and then click Setup Custom Data Sets. 4. Click the Custom Set 2 tab. 5. Click Add to add the following channels (in this order): a. Ground Speed b. Engine RPM c. Gear d. Throttle Position e.
MoTeC Operation 17 Operation For some operation activities, the VCS needs to be online, e.g. the laptop needs to be connected to the VCS recorder. When the VCS is communicating to the laptop, the VCS serial number will be displayed in the main VCS Manager window. If the VCS has been entered in the owners list, it will also display Car number and Driver. Sending and Retrieving Configuration Files 1. Ensure the VCS is connected to the laptop using the mini-USB B to USB A cable.
18 Operation Managing Videos Video Format The Video Object file type (.VOB extension) is a container format in DVDVideo media. VOB is based on MPEG-2 program stream format, but has additional limitations and specifications in the private streams. It contains the actual video, audio, subtitle, and menu contents in stream form. If the VOB file extension is changed to an MPEG-2 type file extension such as .mpg or .
MoTeC Operation 19 Video Browser Via the Video browser in the main VCS Manager window, all imported videos can be accessed. The Video browser displays file name, date, time, duration and size. The file name is automatically generated on import. The structure of the file name is CarNumber_DayMonthYear_RecordStartTime.VOB Viewing Videos To watch a video • Double-click the video in the browser to open the selected video in Windows default media player assigned to VOB Files.
20 Operation 6. Insert a blank disk into the selected DVD Drive and click Burn. This option is only available when a blank disk has been inserted. When the DVD is being recorded the progress bar will be displayed. Renaming and Deleting Videos To rename the video • Right-click on the file and click Rename. Note: You cannot change the file extension from .VOB To delete a video • Right-click on the file and click Delete. Note: This removes the file from your computer and cannot be undone.
MoTeC Operation 21 Tip: To check the versions, in the main VCS Manager window, click About. This will display the laptop's VCS Manager software version and the version of both firmware files. Flash Card The internal flash card used by the MoTeC VCS has special safeguards to protect data from loss in the event of a sudden power loss. The format of the flash card is a proprietary format by MoTeC. Occasionally it might be required to reformat the flash card.
22 Appendices Appendices Camera Specifications Image sensor: Effective pixels: Minimum illumination: High resolution: Shutter speed: White balance: Power source: 1/3" Super HAD CCD PAL 752 (H) x 582 (V) 0.1 Lux at F2.0 560 TV lines Automatic 0.
MoTeC Appendices Pinout VCS Connectors Connector A and B (AV1, AV2) 5 pin Autosport connector Mating connector #65071 (yellow) Connector C (Power/Comms) 5 pin Autosport connector Mating connector #65033 (red) Pin Name Function Pin Name Function Battery Negative 1 Mic In Microphone In 1 Bat– 2 3 4 5 Mic 0V Cam 12V Cam In Cam 0V Microphone 0 Volt Camera 12 Volt Camera In Camera 0 Volt 2 3 4 5 N/C Bat+ Battery Positive CAN LO CAN Low CAN HI CAN High Connector D Mini-USB connector Camera Conn
24 Appendices Looms #61154 VCS Power/CAN Loom #61148 VCS Adapter Loom
MoTeC Appendices Wiring The diagram shows how to use the included looms to wire the VCS to the camera, microphone, power supply, CAN bus and laptop. A Dash Logger or ECU must be wired onto the same CAN bus.
26 Appendices VSM module To automatically sync the video to the data, the VSM module can be wired in according to the MONO or STEREO method MONO method STEREO method
MoTeC Appendices 27 CAN Bus Wiring Requirements • The CAN bus should consist of a twisted pair trunk with 100R (0.25 watt) terminating resistors at each end. o If the CAN bus is less than 2 metre (7 ft) long, a single termination resistor may be used. • The preferred cable for the trunk is 100R data cable. • The maximum length of the bus is 16 metre (50 ft) • CAN devices (such as MoTeC Data Loggers, ECUs etc.) may be connected to the trunk with up to 500 mm (20 in) of twisted wire.
28 Appendices CAN Output Messages The VCS transmits the following messages at 1 Hz. CAN ID Byte Bit Channel 0 1 0..7 0..7 Compound Id = 0 2 0..7 VCS Memory used Base Id + 0 3 0..7 VCS Diag 4,5 6,7 0..7 0..
MoTeC Appendices 29 Glossary MoTeC Devices ACL ADL2 ADL3 BR2 BTX CIM CLS DBW4 E816 E888 i2 i2 Pro IEX LTC LTCD M2R M4 M400 M48 M600 M800 Advanced Central Logger Advanced Dash Logger - second generation Advanced Dash Logger - third generation Beacon Receiver Beacon Transmitter Computer Interface Module Central Logging System Drive By Wire expander Input/Output Expander Input/Output Expander MoTeC data analysis software MoTeC data analysis software, professional version Ignition EXpander Lambda to CAN mod
30 Appendices PDM15 PDM16 PDM30 PDM32 PLM RTC SDC SDL SGA SLM SUU TCM VIM VCS VSM Power Distribution Module with 15 outputs Power Distribution Module with 16 outputs Power Distribution Module with 30 outputs Power Distribution Module with 32 outputs Professional Lambda Meter Real Time Clock Subaru Diff Controller Sport Dash Logger Strain Gauge Amplifier Shift Light Module Software Update Unit Traction Control Module Versatile Input Module Video Capture System Video Sync Module Other Calibration CAN CDI
MoTeC Notes 31
32 Notes
