RACE LCD CLIENT v1.2

Description of Goal:

A low cost software / hardware solution to support existing, 4-wire USB powered LCD modules with integrated GPOs (General Purpose Outputs) for Simulated Racing that can be mounted at the physical steering wheel or dash. The solution should have a user interface mechanism for display of different LCD screen layouts for practice, testing, qualifying and race sessions.

Goal Examples:

Click Here: to view a WMV (windows media movie) example of a CFA-635 LCD module in action: (file size 3.5megs)

Click Here: to view a video clip of a LK204-25 LCD module in action: (file size 2megs)

Click Here: to view a second video clip of a LK204-25 LCD module in action: (file size 2megs)

Current Development Status:

-Current developments are only tested with GTR2 & Race-07

-Basic client support of servers “SimAdapter” and (GTR2 PD or Race-07 PD) used for telemetry extraction

-Full Support of USB LCD module CFA-635 (Crystalfontz) purchased from Crystal fontz.

-Full Support of USB LCD module LK204-25(Matrix Orbital) purchased from WDL in U.S.

-Motec, Practice, Testing, Racing, and qualifying session screen layouts exist.

-For the CFA-635 LCD module the LCD screens can be selected by using the integrated select keys.

-For the LK204-25 LCD module the LCD screens can be Advanced/Selected by using buttons added on Pins (R1), (C1), & (C2) of the keypad interface.

-LCD screens can also be selected from the Race LCD client software.

-Contrast and Back Light levels can be controlled and saved from the Race LCD client software.

-The Race LCD software will automatically pull the CFA-635 & LK204-25 virtual serial port number from registry if USB driver is installed.

-Support for LCD display of Imperial or Metric units of measurement

-Race LCD Client can be run without a CFA-635 or LK204-25 attached for testing or demo. Software will display a fake example LCD screen.

-Software displayed, example/fake LCD, screen does not represent what is displayed on the physical attached CFA-635 or LK204 USB LCD Module.

-When Race LCD Client application is hidden in tool tray screen updates are turned off reducing overhead. When CFA-635 or LK204-25 LCD module is attached hide application in tool tray during race sessions.

-For the CFA-635 RPM and shift indication are represented on the 4 integrated vertical LEDs of the CFA-635.

-For the LK204-25 RPM and shift indication are represented using an add-on LED segment attached to the LK204-25 GPO interface.

Quick and Dirty Instructions of Use:

To Test:

-Download, install and run servers SimAdapter or GTR2 PD or Race-07 PD.

-Download, install and run Race LCD Client

-Run GTR2 or Race-07 and test.

NOTE: For GTR2, If using SimAdapter v1.1 & greater you must set (shared memory = "1") in local file directory location \GTR2\UserData\{Player Name}\{Player Name}.PLR

To Use with LCD module:

-Purchase supported CFA-635 USB LCD or LK204-25(Matrix Orbital)

-Download and install USB driver for CFA-635

-Download and install USB driver for LK204-25 (Matrix Orbital)

-Connect CFA-635 or LK204-25 to USB port.

-Run (SimAdapter, GTR2 PD or Race 07 PD) then run Race LCD client, then run GTR2 or Race 07

NOTE: Race LCD client can be run on a stand alone / separate PC via network connection to server application.