This post relates to configuring the Smart Dash when you get it from Situne !


Prerequisites

  • VLM280 Starter kit from Situne
  • iOS based device
  • Smart Dash application downloaded from the App Store or Test Flight
  • Bolts and nuts needed for HW installation
  • Hookup wire


VLM280 Starter kit Contents

  • VLM280 Video Logger Module with 8 analog inputs
  • LEDBar LED based warning indicator
  • 2 x Full-HD Camera
  • Camera mounting brackets
  • 32GB SD-Card
  • Connector housing and pins
  • Pinout drawing

If any of these items are missing, please contact Situne as quickly as possible and we will send you the missing items.


Hardware Installation


This section describes how to do the hardware installation.


When starting the hardware installation it's best to plan before starting :

  • Where is the VLM280 going to be fitted ?
  • Where are you going to power the VLM280 from ?
  • What analog inputs are going to be used (if any) ?
  • How is the CAN connection going to be done (if used) ?


1.Where is the VLM280 going to be fitted ?


When placing the VLM280 in the vehicle, remember to try to place it as close to the physical center of the vehicle as possible. Do not place VLM280 in the engine compartment ! 

The best place is on top of the transmission tunnel.

The VLM280 has two mounting holes, one on each side, use these to mount it firmly to the chassis of the vehicle. In places with extreme vibration please use some kind of damping to keep from transferring high levels vibration into the unit.


Orientation of the VLM280 should be mounted so the connector points to the rear of the vehicle and label faces up




2. Where are you going to power the VLM280 from?


The VLM280 needs to be powered from the 12V battery of the vehicle.

It is important to use a 5A fuse either in the fuse box, or inline. If using an electronic fuse box, program the fuse to 5A.


Use minimum 1.0mm2 wire to connect 12V and GND wiring to get a good connection on the large pins.


GND should be connected to pin B1 with a large pin.

+12V should be connected to pin A1 with a large pin.


3. What analog inputs are going to be used (if any) ?


The VLM280 can handle up to 8 analog sensors connected directly to the unit. The inputs can handle both temperature sensors and 0-5V analog sensors.


Temperature sensor hookup:

      Temperature sensors have two pins, which pins are connected to Sensor GND and which are connected to the analog input.

      VLM280 contains two sensor ground pins A7 and B7, we recommend using A7 for analog channel 1-4 and B7 for analog channel 5-8

      GND wires should be split in the wiring harness you are making at appropriate points.


Analog 0-5V sensor hookup:

      Analog sensors have three connections:

      

  • GND - Connect to one of the sensor ground pins
  • +5V - Connect to one of the +5V reference pins A6 or B6 (use A6 for sensors connected to analog inputs 1-4 and B6 for analog inputs 5-8
  • Signal - Connect to the analog input pin

      

4.How is the CAN connection going to be done (if used) ?

VLM280 has two CAN-buses, CAN1 is used for connection to your ECU, CAN2 is used for connection to other Situne units.

Connection of the CAN1 bus to the ECU is done with two wires C6 CAN1_L and C7 CAN1_H.

The wires used shall be twisted together. Use a drill to twist the wires together.

      

CAN-bus termination:

A CAN-bus needs to be terminated, this is done with one 120Ohm termination resistor at each end of the bus wires.

Some ECUs have a termination resistor built in while others have software-controlled termination resistors.

VLM280 has a built-in 120Ohm resistor that can be enabled/disabled by the Smart Dash application.


RPM-input hookup:

VLM280 has one digital input for the RPM signal. Most ECUs of today have CAN bus, and the RPM then be transmitted through the CAN bus.

In a setup with an ECU that does not have CAN, the ECU will have a tachometer output that can be connected to VLM280.

Another scenario is when not using an ECU, then the RPM-input should be hooked up either to the ignition module, of to the coil low voltage side to get RPM into Smart Dash


The VLM280 is now hooked up and ready to be paired and configured with the Smart Dash iOS application !



Smart Dash app installation

The Smart Dash app is currently in Test Flight beta program.


The current URL for testers is: https://testflight.apple.com/join/tsyn6ZnZ


Click the link with your iOS device, and it will open up the app store and help you install the Apple Test Flight application that in turn installs the Smart Dash application.


Inside the Test Flight application click on the Smart Dash application and click install



Then click on "Open" to start the SmartDash application


The Smart Dash application will now start and present a screen like this:



Select "Allow While Using App", this is for selecting tracks based on your location.



Next the application will ask you for permission to use Bluetooth, this is needed to connect to Situne devices such as the Video Logger Module (VLM280) and other devices you want to use in Smart Dash, select "OK"


Next the base screen of Smart Dash is shown


Next on the quick start is adding devices, that article can be found here.