SIM RACE LCD - SIM Display · SIM Display © 2016 29. December 2016 1 Introduction SIM Race LCD (SIMR-LCD) is a replica of real F1 display module. It's also known as shift light

SIM Display © 2016 29. December 2016

SIM RACE LCD USER MANUAL

Version 2.0


Table of Contents

1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 3

2 USB Connection ................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Method #1: Mini USB Connector (Plug and Play) ......................................................................... 4

2.2 Method #2: Manual Connection (Soldering Wires)...................................................................... 5

3 TFT Power Requirements .................................................................................................................... 6

3.1 Method #1: DC Jack Connector .................................................................................................... 6


4 TFT Video Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 8

4.1 Method #1: RCA Connector .......................................................................................................... 8


5 Pushbuttons ....................................................................................................................................... 10

6 Rotary Encoders ................................................................................................................................. 11

7 Rotary Switches ................................................................................................................................. 12

8 Analog Inputs ..................................................................................................................................... 13

8.1 Analog Input Options .................................................................................................................. 13

8.2 Analog Input Requirements ........................................................................................................ 13

9 Realistic F1 Clutch Behavior (BPF) ..................................................................................................... 14

9.1 How Does It Work ....................................................................................................................... 14

9.2 BPF Value Setup (SLIMax Manager Pro) ..................................................................................... 14

10 Wiring Diagram Examples ................................................................................................................ 15

10.1 Pushbutton ............................................................................................................................... 15

10.2 Rotary Encoder ......................................................................................................................... 16

10.3 Potentiometer .......................................................................................................................... 17

10.4 Rotary Switch ............................................................................................................................ 18

10.5 External LEDS ............................................................................................................................ 19

10.6 Complete Wiring ....................................................................................................................... 20

11 Connector (BUTTONS 01-16) ........................................................................................................... 21

12 Connector (BUTTONS 17-32) ........................................................................................................... 22

13 Connector (CLUTCHES | SWITCHES) ................................................................................................ 23


1 Introduction

SIM Race LCD (SIMR-LCD) is a replica of real F1 display module. It's also known as shift light

indicator (SLI) and features 15 RPM leds, 6 warning leds and 4 external leds. It must be

connected to the computer's USB port.

The unit includes management of 32 buttons (or maximum 16 rotary encoders), 4 rotary

switches and two analog inputs with true 12-bit resolution (4096 steps). Analog inputs can

be used as clutches, potentiometers, hall sensors and more.

A standalone 4.3" TFT display is embedded with the unit and requires a 12V DC power

supply and a composite video signal (CVBS) from your computer's graphics card.

Modern graphics cards don't support composite video signal anymore, so HDMI CVBS

converter is required between PC and TFT and it must be connected to the computer's HDMI

port.

Note: TFT display will be recognized as an external monitor on your computer.

Note: Brightness of TFT display and LEDS can be adjusted in software.


2 USB Connection

SIM Race LCD must be connected to the computer's USB port. It is recognized as a HID

device (plug and play) and it does not require any external drivers to be installed. We

recommend using only high quality USB cables with maximum length of 5 meters.

2.1 Method #1: Mini USB Connector (Plug and Play)

Use standard Mini USB (B) cable and plug it on USB socket on the PCB. The other end must

be connected to the computer's USB port.


2.2 Method #2: Manual Connection (Soldering Wires)

You can solder USB wires directly on the PCB. This is very useful if you are installing PCB

inside steering wheel and you need to save some space.

Important: You need experience with soldering. Be careful and make sure the polarity is

correct and you are following diagram below. If USB device is not recognized on your

computer, you did not connect signal wires (D+ and D-) correctly.

USB WIRE COLOR DESCRIPTION

Red + 5V

White D -

Green D +

Black GND


3 TFT Power Requirements

Voltage Requirement: 12V DC

Current Requirement: 1A (or more)

Plug outside diameter: 5.5mm

Plug inside diameter: 2.5mm

3.1 Method #1: DC Jack Connector

There is a power jack connector available on the PCB for easy and convenient connection.



You can solder DC power wires directly on the PCB. This is very useful if you are installing

PCB inside steering wheel and you need to save some space.


correct.


4 TFT Video Requirements

Modern graphics cards don't support composite video signal anymore, so HDMI CVBS

converter is required between PC and TFT and it must be connected to the computer's HDMI

port.

4.1 Method #1: RCA Connector

There is a RCA connector available on the PCB for easy and convenient connection. RCA

video (male to male) cable is required.



You can solder two wires (CVBS and GND) directly on the PCB. This is very useful if you are

installing PCB into steering wheel and you need to save some space. This will also eliminate

the need for large RCA connector.


correct and you are following diagram below.

COLOR DESCRIPTION

Black GND

Yellow CVBS


5 Pushbuttons

SIM Race LCD is a great solution for simracing because you can also use it as a racing

simulator and make button-box or steering wheel of your choice. There are two red (18-pin)

connectors on PCB dedicated for digital buttons and encoders.

All buttons will be recognized under WINDOWS OS (game controller panel) and can be used

in any game or simulation.


6 Rotary Encoders

Encoders are very usefull to change settings in game quickly and precisely (like brake bias,

seat adjustment, brightness, etc). One encoder will be using one pair of (two) digital buttons.

Encoders are freely rotating devices (like potentiometers). Each rotation (detent) will press

button one time. Rotating encoder in one direction (clockwise) will press first button,

rotating it in other direction (anti clockwise) will press second button.

This feature is implemented in firmware and must be enabled for each encoder in

configuration software (SIM Race LCD Manager).

Encoder delay:

Determines how long the button will be pressed. Value can be set from 1ms to 250ms.

Encoder ratio:

Because encoders have different resolutions (pulses per detent) you must set correct value

for encoders ratio. See explanation below:

1:1 Ratio Encoders with 1 pulse per detent

1:2 Ratio Encoders with 2 pulses per detent

1:4 Ratio Encoders with 4 pulses per detent


7 Rotary Switches

We have designed a 12-position rotary switch which requires only 3 wires for connection to

the SIM Race LCD instead of 13 wires that would be required in case ordinary switches were

used. Switches have continuous (no-stop) rotation and knurled 6mm shaft diameter for

many types of compatible knobs.

Rotary switches will be recognized as axes under WINDOWS OS (game controller panel).

They can be mapped in software and used for many functions in any game or simulation.

There is one red (18-pin) connector on PCB dedicated for rotary switches and analog inputs.

You can connect up to 4 rotary switches.

Note: Switches purchased from 3rd party supliers will not work properly with SIM Race LCD.


8 Analog Inputs

SIM Race LCD features two (2) analog inputs with true 12-bit resolution (4096 steps).

Resolution can be reduced to 11-bit (2048 steps) or 10-bit (1024 steps) if high precision is

not required. Resolution can be changed in configuration software (SIM Race LCD Manager).

8.1 Analog Input Options

Disabled: If analog inputs are not used, they should be disabled.

Realistic F1 Clutch Behavior (BPF): Analog inputs are combined (dual mode).

Normal mode: Analog inputs are separated (single mode).

8.2 Analog Input Requirements

Maximum voltage: 3.3V

Maximum impedance: 2kΩ (recommended 1kΩ)


9 Realistic F1 Clutch Behavior (BPF)

This is a special and unique feature implemented in our firmware only. It allows you to use

analog clutches in a way the real F1 car does. This will make a perfect start and quicker

getaway when red lights go out.

Since launch control was banned, it is now down to the driver to play with the clutch and

throttle to gain the perfect start. Driver must now manually perform the entire launch

sequence using hand operated clutches mounted to the back of steering wheel.

If you want to use this feature, you must first select »Realistic F1 Clutch Behavior (BPF)« in

configuration software and connect two separate clutches on each analog input. You can

either choose a solution with potentiometers or hall sensors.

9.1 How Does It Work

Both clutches do exactly the same thing but the standard practice in F1 today is to pre-set

one clutch position before fully engaging the other clutch. When red lights go out, release as

quickly as you can the first clutch and the car will start moving. As soon as you pick enough

traction, quickly release the second clutch and control your car with a throttle.

9.2 BPF Value Setup (SLIMax Manager Pro)

1) Set »display_clutch_biting_point_state« to true

2) Assign a button for BPF procedure: »btn_clutch_biting_point_finder«

3) Assign an axe used for the clutch: »sw_clutch_rpm«

4) Go on flat part of the track and make sure Auto Clutch is disabled in game

5) Fully engage (press) both clutch paddles

6) Engage gear 1

7) Press and release previously assigned button to start BPF detection

8) Accelerate then slowly release one clutch paddle until car moves

9) BPF value is now saved in software

Note: BPF value will be displayed only if »display_clutch_biting_point_state« is set to true.

Note: You can change and tune the BPF value later with rotary encoder.


10 Wiring Diagram Examples

10.1 Pushbutton

Below is a wiring diagram how to connect button #19.

Note: All buttons share the same GND wire.


10.2 Rotary Encoder

Below is a wiring diagram how to connect rotary encoder #2.

Note: All encoders share the same GND wire.

Note: Enable encoder #2 in configuration software and set correct encoder ratio.


10.3 Potentiometer

Below is a wiring diagram how to connect potentiometer on analog input #1.

Note: We suggest using 1k linear potentiometers.

Note: Enable analog input (AN1) in configuration software.


10.4 Rotary Switch

Below is a wiring diagram how to connect rotary switch #1.

Note: Switches purchased from 3rd party supliers will not work properly with SIM Race LCD.


10.5 External LEDS

You can connect up to 4 external LEDS by soldering wires directly on the PCB. Resistors are

not required.

Important: You need some experience with soldering. Be careful and make sure the polarity

is correct.


10.6 Complete Wiring

Below is a complete wiring diagram (required connections to the SIM Race LCD).


11 Connector (BUTTONS 01-16)

PIN COLOR PRIMARY FUNCTION SECONDARY FUNCTION

1 Brown GND

2 Red Button 1 ROTARY ENCODER 1 3 Orange Button 2

4 Yellow Button 3 ROTARY ENCODER 2 5 Green Button 4

6 Blue Button 5 ROTARY ENCODER 3 7 Violet Button 6

8 Gray Button 7 ROTARY ENCODER 4 9 White Button 8

10 Black Button 9 ROTARY ENCODER 5 11 Brown Button 10




18 Gray GND


12 Connector (BUTTONS 17-32)

PIN COLOR PRIMARY FUNCTION SECONDARY FUNCTION

1 Brown GND




8 Gray Button 23 ROTARY ENCODER 12 9 White Button 24

10 Black Button 25 ROTARY ENCODER 13 11 Brown Button 26




18 Gray GND


13 Connector (CLUTCHES | SWITCHES)

PIN COLOR FUNCTION DESCRIPTION

1 Brown GND

ANALOG INPUT (AN1)

2 Red Analog Input 1

3 Orange +3.3V

4 Yellow GND

ANALOG INPUT (AN2)

5 Green Analog Input 2

6 Blue +3.3V

7 Violet GND ROTARY SWITCH

1 8 Gray Switch 1

9 White +3.3V

10 Black GND ROTARY SWITCH

2 11 Brown Switch 2

12 Red +3.3V

13 Orange GND ROTARY SWITCH

3 14 Yellow Switch 3

15 Green +3.3V

16 Blue GND ROTARY SWITCH

4 17 Violet Switch 4

18 Gray +3.3V

Documents

SIM RACE LCD - SIM Display · SIM Display © 2016 29. December 2016 1 Introduction SIM Race LCD (SIMR-LCD) is a replica of real F1 display module. It's also known as shift light