Adding external Racepak sensors
Adding External Sensors, Dash or Gauges
Vnet Port
The G2X, G2X Pro and IQ3 are each equipped with a 5 pin Vnet connector. Vnet is Racepak’s terminology for a method of transmitting all data from external inputs over 2 small wires. As can be seen in the Vnet image to the right, the 5 pins are Power, Ground, Shield, Can1 and Can2. The technical term for this design is Canbus. How Does It Work Much the same way in that television, internet and telephone data are all transmitted on a single cable. External sensor data is converted from voltage, ohm, pulse, rpm etc signals into coded bits of information by a Vnet “module” connected to the sensor, then transmitted over the two wires back to the data logger. The remaining 3 pins are for power/ground/shield. Advantages
· Eliminates bulky wiring harness. Since all data is transmitted on two of the five Vnet wires, a single Vnet cable is routed through the vehicle
· Smart Sensors: Vnet modules can be factory programmed with sensor information, such as channel name, calibration values, etc
· Sensors, Racepak Intelli-Gauges and or Racepak Digital dash all connect to the same Vnet cable
· Multiple sensor types, such as voltage, ohm, rpm, event, temperature can all transmit on the Vnet cable
· Software is automatically populated with sensor setup specifications, with Edit / Read function in Racepak DatalinkII program. No manual setup of sensors.
Analog Port
Vnet sensors are limited to 100 Hz (times per second) logging per sensor channel. When monitoring movement sensors (such as shock travel) higher logging rates are required. The G2X Pro is equipped with 2 “analog” ports, Analog 1-4 and Analog 5-8 in order to accommodate this need. Each analog port can input the data from up to four analog sensors, while logging up to 1000 Hz for each input. Detailed information concerning the analog inputs along with available sensor packages is provided in the G2X Pro manual, which can be downloaded at www.racepak.com.
Vnet Sensors/Cables
Vnet Cable
A Vnet cable routes the data from external sensors, gauges or dash back to the data logger
Factory terminated with a male 5 pin Vnet connector on one end, female 5 pin Vnet connector on the opposite end Single or multiple Vnet cables (connected end to end, much like extension cords) can be utilized Available in 12” (30cm) increments. Cables cannot be cut and terminated
Individual Vnet Sensor Modules
As previously discussed, Vnet sensors require the use of a Vnet “module” in order to connect the sensor to the main Vnet cable routed back to the data logger. Each module contains a male/female 5 pin Vnet connector, along with a pigtail leading to the sensor, as show to the right.
Modules contain all programming functions of the sensor making for a smart sensor Can be connected anywhere there is a junction on the Vnet cable (between two Vnet cables, at the end of a single Vnet cable) Multiple Vnet modules can be daisy chained together
Preprogrammed Vnet Module & Sensor
Each module and sensor arrives with all functions of the sensor factory install in the module such channel name, calibration values and scaling values. Any value can be changed by the user, but this feature provides for an easy installation by the customer.
Non-Programmed Vnet Modules & Sensors
Each item can be ordered as a “generic” non-programmed Vnet module and sensor. The customer then programs as desired.
Sensor Specifications
· Temperature or Pressure: 1/8” NPT
· EGT: ¼” NPT male bung – welded to header
· Air Fuel: 18 x 1.5 mm female bung – welded to header
Sensors are not “unique” for the module, but must be in the same sensor “family”. For example, a variety of different rated pressure sensor can be used with a Vnet pressure module, but a pressure sensor cannot be attached to a temperature Vnet module.
