XLog User Guide

Table of Contents

• 1 - XLog in brief
• 2 – Available Kits
• 3 - XLog expansions and connections
• 4 - Configuration with RaceStudio 3 software
• 4.1 - Channel Configuration
• 4.2 – RPM via square wave 5-50V or coil (150-400V)
• 4.3 - ECU streaming configuration
• 4.4 - ECU Driver builder
• 4.5 - Second CAN selection
• 4.6 - CAN2 Streaming
• 4.7 - CAN Expansions Configuration
• 4.8 - Math channels configuration
• 4.9 - Status Variables Configuration
• 4.10 - Parameters Configuration
• 4.11 - Wi-Fi
• 4.11.1 - Configure XLog as Access Point (AP)
• 4.11.2 - Add XLog to an existing network
• 4.11.3 - Wi-Fi network settings
• 4.11.4 - Internet connectivity
• 4.11.5 - Connectivity problems
• 4.11.6 - Working on Mac™ with virtualized Windows™
• 4.12 - SmartyCam Streaming
• 4.13 - CAN Output Configuration
• 4.14 - Transmit configuration to XLog
• 5 - PC Connection
• 6 - GPS and track management
• 7 - Data Download
• 8 - Analysis
• 9 - Recharge and power supply
• 10 - Front LED operation
• 11 - XLog reset procedure
• 12 - Dimensions, pinout and technical characteristics

1 - XLog in brief

XLog is a small, versatile, lightweight, and easy-to-use logger that acquires and records channels from:

• The vehicle's ECU
• The RPM input, if the vehicle does not have an ECU
• A second CAN, which can be a fully configurable CAN or an AiM CAN bus for expansions
• An internal GPS receiver at 25Hz
• An internal 6-axis inertial platform at 100 Hz

• Fully configurable CAN output messages
• Mathematical channels
• Fully configurable CAN inputs to communicate with the ECU and any other device using the CAN protocol

2 – Available Kits

Kit XLog RPM 200:

• XLog
• RPM cable + external power supply (2m)
• USB 2.0 Type A – Type C cable (2m)
• 16GB USB drive

Kit XLog OBDII 200:

• XLog
• CAN/OBDII/K-Line cable + external power supply (2m)
• USB 2.0 Type A – Type C cable (2m)
• 16GB USB drive

Kit XLog CAN/RS232 200:

• XLog
• CAN/RS232 cable + external power supply (2m)
• USB 2.0 Type A – Type C cable (2m)
• 16GB USB drive

Accessories and spare parts:

• RPM cable + external power supply (2m)
• CAN/OBDII/K-Line cable + external power supply (2m)
• CAN/RS232 cable + external power supply (2m)
• USB 2.0 Type A-Type C cable (2m)
• 16GB USB drive

Note: Use the 2m USB 2.0 Type A-Type C cable included in the kit with product code X90TMPC101010 to connect XLog to the PC. Any connection using a USB C – USB C cable might not work correctly.

3 - XLog expansions and connections

• ACC3
• GPS09C and GPS09c Pro
• SmartyCam 3
• LCU1S
• Channel Expansion
• Shift Light Module
• Display GS Dash

Diagram Description: The diagram shows an AiM CAN network. The central unit is the XLog, connected to the ECU. Other devices like ACC3, LCU1S, and SmartyCam 3 are connected via a Data Hub. The diagram illustrates the flow of data and connections between these components.

4 - Configuration with RaceStudio 3 software

• Launch RaceStudio 3
• Press "New Configuration" (1)
• Select XLog (2)
• Press “OK” (3)
• Give the configuration a name if desired (default name is XLog 4), press “OK” (5).

Once the configuration is created, it opens, and depending on the installation, you need to configure these tabs:

• Channels
• ECU Stream
• CAN2 Stream
• CAN Expansions
• Math Channels
• Status Variables
• Parameters
• SmartyCam Stream
• CAN Output

4.1 - Channel Configuration

• RPM – If your vehicle does not have an ECU, you can receive RPM from a dedicated connector pin; the RPM signal can be: 0-5V square wave or low-level signal from the coil.
• IMU channels: XLog has 6 IMU axes used to calculate accelerations (linear, lateral, and vertical) and angles (roll, pitch, and yaw).
• GPS data: Much information comes from the GPS receiver: speed, coordinates, time of day, among others.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the RaceStudio3 software interface with various channels listed, including RPM, accelerations (Acc1, Acc2, Acc3), gyroscopic data (Gyr1, Gyr2, Gyr3), GPS data (Speed, Altitude, Heading, Latitude, Longitude), and more. Each channel has parameters like Name, Function, Sensor, Unit, and Frequency.

4.2 – RPM via square wave 5-50V or coil (150-400V)

Diagram Description: The diagram illustrates the wiring for an ignition system. It shows connections from the battery to the ignition system, including the MSD ignition box, trigger wheel, distributor, and magnetic pickup. Specific wires like HEAVY RED BATTERY, HEAVY BLACK BATTERY, YELLOW, BLUE, and GRAY TACH are indicated for connections.

The output labeled “GRAY TACH” provides a 5-50V output that can be acquired directly by XLog. If the vehicle's ignition system does not have an output, it is necessary to connect XLog to the low voltage of the coil as shown below.

Diagram Description: This diagram shows the connection points for reading RPM from a vehicle's ignition system. Point 1 indicates the low voltage from the coil, Point 2 is the spark plug wire, and Point 3 is the 12V battery connection. It also shows a schematic of the ignition system with connections to the coil, spark plug, and battery.

4.3 - ECU streaming configuration

• CAN
• K-Line
• RS232

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the RaceStudio3 software interface with the "ECU Stream" tab selected. A list of ECU manufacturers and models is displayed, allowing the user to choose the appropriate protocol for their vehicle's ECU. Options include various car manufacturers like BMW, Audi, and Ferrari, with specific models and their corresponding CAN protocols.

Selecting a protocol displays the acquired channels.

4.4 - ECU Driver builder

• Press "New" on the central keyboard at the top.
• The "New Custom CAN Protocol" panel appears.
• Press "Add Manufacturer" to add a new manufacturer; the "Custom Protocol Manufacturer Manager" panel will appear.
• Enter the manufacturer's name (e.g., "Custom").
• Press “OK”.
• To add a new ECU model to an existing manufacturer, simply select the manufacturer and fill in the "Edit new model name" field (1).

The software will return to "New Custom CAN Protocol":

• Select the ECU manufacturer you created.
• Enter the model name in the field at the top right of the panel.
• Select the CAN device type; available options are: ECU or other CAN Devices.

Select the CAN Bus speed; available options are: 125 Kbit/sec, 250 Kbits/sec, 500 Kbit/sec, 1 Mbit/sec.

If your network includes multiple devices, it is recommended to enable the “Use a Silent by Default" checkbox.

Press “OK” and the new CAN Driver is added.

For more information on setting up the CAN Driver, refer to the CAN Driver builder user manual available at www.aim-sportline.com, in the documentation section, software/firmware.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the RaceStudio3 software with the "New Custom CAN Protocol" window open. It allows users to add new manufacturers and models for custom CAN protocols. The interface includes fields for Manufacturer, Model, CAN Device Type, and CAN Bus Speed. Another screenshot shows the "Custom Protocol Manufacturer Manager" window for managing custom manufacturers.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the RaceStudio3 software with the "New Custom CAN Protocol" window open, displaying a list of manufacturers and models. It also shows the "Custom CAN Protocols" list with details like Manufacturer, Model, CAN Device Type, Bus Speed, and Date. The second screenshot shows the "Custom CAN Protocols" list with various manufacturers and models, including options for CAN Device Type and Bus Speed.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the RaceStudio3 software with the "New Custom CAN Protocol" window open, displaying a list of manufacturers and models. It also shows the "Custom CAN Protocols" list with details like Manufacturer, Model, CAN Device Type, Bus Speed, and Date. The second screenshot shows the "Custom CAN Protocols" list with various manufacturers and models, including options for CAN Device Type and Bus Speed.

4.5 - Second CAN selection

• AiM expansion CAN bus, if you want to use an AiM expansion.
• Freely configurable CAN to connect XLog to any other CAN device.

4.6 - CAN2 Streaming

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the RaceStudio3 software interface with the "CAN2 Stream" tab selected. The options for "EXP connector to AIM CAN" and "EXP connector to CAN2" are visible, allowing the user to configure the second CAN connection.

Remember that this setting implies that no AiM CAN expansion can be connected to the network.

Press “Change Protocol”: the relevant panel will appear; select the device connected to the vehicle.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the RaceStudio3 software with the "CAN2 Stream" tab selected. The "Choose CAN2 Protocol" window is open, listing various CAN2 protocols from different manufacturers like AIM, Bosch, and Motec, allowing the user to select the appropriate protocol.

4.7 - CAN Expansions Configuration

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the RaceStudio3 software interface with the "AiM CAN Expansions" tab selected. The options for "EXP connector to AIM CAN" and "EXP connector to CAN2" are visible. The "AiM CAN Expansions" tab allows users to add external devices like ACC3, GPS09C, and SmartyCam 3.

Remember that this setting implies that ONLY AiM CAN devices can be connected to the network.

The “AiM CAN Expansions” tab allows the user to add external devices such as:

• ACC3: adds 4 analog or digital inputs
• GPS09C: adds an external GPS Module if XLog needs to be installed in a position where satellite signals cannot be read correctly
• SmartyCam 3: useful for adding synchronized video with acquired data
• LCU1S: Lambda and AFR data
• Shift Light Module: provides interesting information to the driver for gear changes
• Display GS Dash: if you want to add a display to XLog

• Press the “New Expansion” button; the relevant panel appears.
• Select the expansion module to connect.
• Press “OK”.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the RaceStudio3 software with the "New Expansion" window open. It allows users to select an expansion module from a list, including ACC3, Channel Expansion, and LCU1S. The interface also shows the "ACC3" configuration panel with options for analog channels.

4.8 - Math channels configuration

• Bias: considering a relationship between two mutually compatible channels, the system calculates which of the two prevails (typically used for suspensions or brakes).
• Bias with threshold: requires a threshold value for the considered channels; when both values are exceeded, the system performs the calculation.
• Calculated gear: calculates the gear position using engine RPM and vehicle speed.
• Precalculated gear: calculates the gear position using engine RPM and vehicle speed, specifying the gear ratio for each gear and the vehicle's axle.
• Linear correction: typically used when a channel is not available in the desired format or is incorrectly set up and the setup cannot be repeated.
• Simple operation: to add or subtract a constant value or the value of another channel from a channel's value.
• Division Integer: to obtain the integer part of the division.
• Division Modulo: to obtain the remainder of the division.
• Bit composed: to compose 8 flags in a bit-field measure.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the RaceStudio3 software interface with the "Math Channels" tab selected. The "Add Channel" window is open, listing various mathematical channel options such as Bias, Calculated Gear, Linear Corrector, and Bit Composed, with descriptions for each.

4.9 - Status Variables Configuration

• The same condition for both actions
• Different conditions for activation and deactivation
• Multiple output values, each with its own conditions

• Momentary: when the condition is met, the output is set to "Active"; when the button is released, the output returns to "not active"; the label is editable.
• Toggle: when the operating condition is met, the button is set to "Active" even after release; pressing it again returns it to the "not active" state; the label is editable.
• Multiposition: each state corresponds to an operating condition.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the RaceStudio3 software interface with the "Status Variables" tab selected. The "Status Variable Settings" window is open, allowing users to configure status variables with options for Name, Display Label, Record values, Sampling Frequency, Duration of status On/Off, Work As (Momentary, Toggle, Multiposition), and conditions for activation/deactivation.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the RaceStudio3 software interface with the "Status Variables" tab selected. The "Status Variable Settings" window is open, displaying a configured status variable for "Water Temp" with specific conditions for activation and deactivation based on temperature thresholds.

4.10 - Parameters Configuration

• GPS Lap Detection (1): to set the number of seconds during which the lap time will be shown on the GS Dash display.
• Hold lap time for: this is the number of seconds during which the lap time is shown statically before taking on a dynamic form such as predictive, current, or running.
• Track width: this is the width of the track that will be considered for each GPS point set (e.g., the width for the finish line).
• Reference Speed (2): sets the speed to be used as a reference; the default is GPS Speed, but if an additional speed is available, you can change it by enabling the checkbox on the left that enables the corresponding button.
• Start data recording (3) allows you to set the conditions that start the recording. Available options are:
• Standard Conditions: RPM greater than 500 or speed greater than 6 mph.
• Custom Conditions: allows you to set the number of seconds during which the condition must be met, and the same condition by pressing the “Add” button.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the RaceStudio3 software interface with the "Parameters" tab selected. The "GPS Lap Detection" settings are shown, including fields for "Hold lap time for" and "Track Width". The "Reference Speed" option allows selecting a channel for reference speed, with "GPS Speed" as the default. The "Start Data Recording" section allows setting standard or custom conditions.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the RaceStudio3 software interface with the "Parameters" tab selected. The "GPS Lap Detection" settings are shown, including fields for "Hold lap time for" and "Track Width". The "Reference Speed" option allows selecting a channel for reference speed, with "GPS Speed" as the default. The "Start Data Recording" section allows setting standard or custom conditions.

4.11 - Wi-Fi

1 - As Access Point (AP – default setting)

Diagram Description: The diagram illustrates the XLog functioning as an Access Point. A PC is shown connecting wirelessly to the XLog, which acts as the Access Point.

2 – Existing Network (to connect to an existing Wi-Fi network – WLAN)

Diagram Description: The diagram illustrates XLog connecting to an existing Wi-Fi network (WLAN). A PC and the XLog are shown connecting wirelessly to an external Access Point, which manages the network.

• Network authentication: network password
• Instrument authentication: XLog password

4.11.1 - Configure XLog as Access Point (AP)

• Ensure that Wi-Fi is enabled.
• Read the XLog serial number (e.g., 001112 in the image below).
• Launch Race Studio 3.
• Click the Wi-Fi icon and select the instrument.
• In a few seconds, the connection is established.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the "WiFi and Ethernet Settings" window in Race Studio 3. It lists available Wi-Fi devices, including several AIM devices like "AIM-MYC6-000109" and "AIM-XLog-001112". The user can select a device and click "Connect".

To set other parameters, create a unique password to protect the instrument/network. With a password, communication is secure and encrypted according to the WPA2-PSK standard.

Allowed characters in the password are all letters (including uppercase), all digits, and these characters: '+- _()[]{}$£!?^#@*\"=~.:;/%'. The "Space" character is usable provided it is not the first character, as this might cause misunderstandings in some Windows™ versions.

The AP name or SSID is unique to your instrument. An example name is: "AiM-XLog-001112".

To make your instrument more recognizable, you can add a name to the SSID. The limit is eight characters. Allowed characters are all letters (including uppercase), all digits, and these characters: '+ () [] {}. The "space" character can be used provided it is not the first character to avoid misunderstandings with some Windows™ versions.

For example, by adding the driver's name, John Hawk, the network name (SSID) becomes: "AiM-001112-John Hawk".

When all parameters are set, click “Transmit”. XLog restarts and is configured with the new parameters. If XLog is password-protected, as recommended, Race Studio3 will ask for the password to authenticate.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the Race Studio 3 software interface with the "WiFi and Properties Settings" tab selected for an XLog device. It displays fields for Device Name, WiFi Mode (Access Point), WiFi Network Name, WiFi Password, and Properties like Racer Name and Vehicle Name.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the Race Studio 3 software interface with the "WiFi and Properties Settings" tab selected for an XLog device. It displays fields for Device Name, WiFi Mode (Access Point), WiFi Network Name, WiFi Password, and Properties like Racer Name and Vehicle Name.

Note: The same Wi-Fi connection can be created with the operating system's connection tool. Once the device is authenticated on the Wi-Fi network, you can communicate with it using RaceStudio 3.

4.11.2 - Add XLog to an existing network

Note: Only passwords that follow the WPA2-PSK standard are allowed.

To complete this procedure, use the Race Studio 3 software.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the Race Studio 3 software interface with the "Connected Devices" section displaying an "XLog ID 1111". The "Wi-Fi and Properties Settings" tab is selected, showing the "Existing network" mode, with fields for Network Name, WiFi Password, and Device Password.

The device shown above is "XLog ID 1111", which has switched from AP to Existing Network. The network name (Network) is "AiM" and does not function with free access because it is password protected.

To achieve connectivity on the instrument, the PC must be authenticated on the network. When the PC is authenticated on the "AiM" network, it can see all devices configured to access the same network.

4.11.3 - Wi-Fi network settings

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows router settings, including IP Address, Subnet Mask, Device Name, and DHCP Server settings. It details how to configure a WLAN for AiM instruments and a PC.

• Wireless network name: network_1. This means the WLAN network name is “network_1.” A PC must be authenticated on this network to interact with any AiM device on the same network.
• Gateway address: 192.168.0.1
• Primary DNS Server: 0.0.0.0
• Secondary DNS Server: 0.0.0.0 (These settings prevent Internet connectivity on this WLAN.)
• Subnet mask: 255.255.255.248
• Enable DHCP server: yes
• DHCP IP Address Range: from 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.6. These settings enable a DHCP server on this WLAN and provide a range of IP addresses from 2 to 6. This means this network allows 5 network hosts.

4.11.4 - Internet connectivity

4.11.5 - Connectivity problems

• Open "Network and Sharing Center" in the Windows™™ search engine.
• Right-click on the Wi-Fi connection, and a panel will appear.
• Select the “Properties” option.
• Double-click on “Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”.
• Verify that the “Obtain an IP address” option is active.

4.11.6 - Working on Mac™ with virtualized Windows™

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the Parallels configuration menu for a virtual machine. Options like "Configure..." and "Network" are visible, allowing users to set up network connections for the virtualized Windows environment.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the "Windows 8.1 Hardware" settings in Parallels, with the "Network" section selected. Options like "NIC Type" (set to Wi-Fi), "DHCP Server", and "MAC address" are displayed.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the Wi-Fi status window on a Mac, listing available Wi-Fi networks. The user needs to select the appropriate network for the XLog device.

Verify that the status in the window that shows up is “Connected” and that the IP address associated is, for example, 10.0.0.10 (could be 10.0.0.11, 10.0.0.12, or generically 10.0.0.x).

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the Race Studio 3 software interface with the "WiFi and Ethernet Settings" option selected. It allows enabling detection of SmartyCam 3 or Ethernet AiM Devices and configuring network settings for the virtualized Windows environment.

• Press the Wi-Fi icon.
• Select the "Wi-Fi and Ethernet Settings" option.
• Enable the top checkbox.

4.12 - Streaming SmartyCam

• SmartyCam 2 and SmartyCam 3 Default
• SmartyCam 3 Advanced

• Go to the “SmartyCam stream” tab.
• The tab shows all channels and/or sensors that fit the selected function. Note: If the desired channel or sensor is not in the list, enable the "Enable all channels for functions" checkbox, and the software will show all channels/sensors.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the RaceStudio3 software interface with the "SmartyCam Stream" tab selected. It displays options for "SmartyCam 2" and "SmartyCam 3" (Default and Advanced). Users can enable "all channels for functions" and select specific SmartyCam functions for each channel.

• Select the SmartyCam stream tab in the XLog configuration.
• Select the “SmartyCam 3 –> Advanced” option in the SmartyCam Stream tab.
• Configure XLog to transmit a different SmartyCam stream; if no custom SmartyCam stream protocol has been created for XLog, a message will appear (1).
• Press "Add new Payload” (2).
• Create the stream by defining the required ID fields and press “OK”.
• Give the protocol a name.

4.13 - CAN Output Configuration

4.14 - Transmit configuration to XLog

5 - PC Connection

• Check that the XLog Wi-Fi is set to “AUTO”.
• Click the instruments icon in the top left of the software bar.
• Click on the instrument to the left of the software view. The software enters the Live Measures tab.

• Live Measures: to check XLog channels.
• Data Download: to download data, see the relevant chapter.
• WiFi and Properties: to manage Wi-Fi configuration – see the relevant chapter.
• Settings for:
  • Set the date and time format.
  • Manage Data/Time synchronization.
• Tracks: to manage the tracks stored in the instrument's memory.
• Predictive Reference Lap: to manage the memorized laps that can be used as reference laps.
• Counters: to manage the instrument's odometers; here you can reset the four user odometers and give them a name.
• Firmware: to check or update the XLog firmware version.

6 - GPS and track management

• speed
• vehicle acceleration
• coordinates
• data time

7 - Data Download

• an internal 4GB memory
• a USB-C memory card

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the Race Studio 3 software interface with the "Data Download" tab selected. It displays connected devices, including an "SD XLog" with stored sessions. Users can select sessions and download them.

If you are using the internal memory, you need to connect XLog to the PC and then press “Download” to download the acquired data.

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the Race Studio 3 software interface with the "Data Download" tab selected. It displays connected devices, including an "SD XLog" with stored sessions. Users can select sessions and download them. The "Choose values for downloaded files(s) properties" window is also shown, allowing users to input details like Racer, Vehicle, and Session Type.

This page shows all the information about the files stored in the System: number of laps, best lap, date/time, and file size. Select one or more files and press “Download” to download and analyze them.

8 - Analysis

Diagram Description: The screenshot shows the Race Studio Analysis software interface, displaying various graphs and data related to a racing session. It includes channel data like RPM and GPS Speed, lap times, track maps, and other analytical tools.

9 - Recharge and power supply

• with the external power supply connected to pins 3 and 8 of the Binder connector
• with the USB Type A-Type C cable

10 - Front LED operation

• flashing at 5Hz when not connected to the PC
• flashing at 2Hz when connected to the PC or if the USB drive is inserted
• flashing at 20Hz when recording

Diagram Description: The image shows the XLog device with its front LED clearly visible. The LED's status (flashing at different rates) indicates the device's operational state.

11 - XLog reset procedure

Diagram Description: The image shows the XLog device with its power button highlighted, indicating the location for performing a system reset.

12 - Dimensions, pinout and technical characteristics

Diagram Description: The diagram shows the dimensions of the XLog device in millimeters and inches. It includes measurements for length, width, and height, as well as the locations of connectors and buttons.

Diagram Description: The diagram shows the pinout of the XLog device for both the ECU connector and the EXP connector. It details the function of each pin, such as CAN, GND, +Vbext, RS232 TX/RX, K-Line, and RPM.

Technical Characteristics:

• Integrated track database: Yes
• Inertial platform: Internal triaxial at 100Hz Accelerometer ±5G
• USB Connection: Yes
• Wi-Fi Connection: Yes
• Bluetooth Connection: Yes
• GPS: 25Hz
• ECU Connection: CAN, RS232 or K-Line
• Second CAN: configurable as a second CAN or as an AiM CAN expansion
• RPM Inputs: 1
• Buttons: 1
• Status LED: 1
• External power supply: 9÷15 V
• Connectors: 1 socket (Binder 712 5-pin) + 1 socket (Binder 712 8-pin)
• Memory: 4GB + removable USB-C memory card
• Battery Type: Rechargeable lithium
• Dimensions: 72.3x65.3x3.03 mm
• Weight: approx. 150g
• Waterproofness: IP65