Are you a proud owner of a GR86 or BRZ looking to take your performance tracking to the next level? Like many enthusiasts using the Aim Solo 2 Dl Obd2, you might have discovered that the standard OBDII port provides limited data, often leaving you wanting more crucial metrics like throttle position, brake pressure, steering angle, and oil temperature. Specifically, for models like the GR86 and BRZ, accessing comprehensive data requires a direct connection to the CAN bus. Don’t worry, the solution is simpler than you might think, and it will significantly enhance your AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2 experience.
Understanding the Limitation of Standard OBD2 Ports
The factory OBDII port in your GR86 or BRZ, while useful, doesn’t broadcast all the rich data available within the car’s internal network. For performance-focused data logging with devices like the AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2, this can be restrictive. You might find yourself only receiving basic readings, missing out on key parameters that are essential for detailed performance analysis on the track or during spirited driving. This is where tapping into the CAN bus becomes essential.
Unleashing the Full Potential with CAN Bus Connection
The Controller Area Network (CAN bus) is the backbone of your car’s communication system, carrying a wealth of information directly from various sensors and modules. By connecting your AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2 directly to the CAN bus, you unlock access to a much broader spectrum of data, including the parameters mentioned earlier – throttle position, brake pressure, steering angle, and oil temperature – and potentially much more depending on the specific vehicle and sensor availability. This enhanced data acquisition provides a far more complete picture of your car’s behavior and your driving performance.
Step 1: Tapping into the CAN Bus for Your AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2
Integrating your AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2 with the CAN bus of your GR86/BRZ involves a straightforward wiring process. The access point we’ll focus on is the ACS (Air Conditioning System) unit harness, conveniently located on the passenger side of the car. You can easily reach it by removing the side panel of the dash – no screws needed. The harness contains four essential wires: +12V, Ground, CAN High (CAN+), and CAN Low (CAN-).
You have two primary options for making this connection:
-
Purchase a Pre-Made Tap Harness: For a plug-and-play solution, consider purchasing a dedicated CAN adapter harness. The 2022+ BRZ/GR86 CAN adapter from Ansixauto is highly recommended. While it represents a financial investment, it simplifies the process significantly with a professionally crafted inline harness that avoids any wire splicing and ensures a reliable connection for your AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2.
-
DIY Cable Construction: If you prefer a more hands-on approach or want to save on cost, you can build your own tap harness. Detailed instructions on how to create a DIY cable are available in the GR86/BRZ_Gen2 ASC Unit CAN bus to AIM Solo DL2 Guide. This guide provides the necessary wiring diagrams and information to create a functional CAN bus tap for your AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2.
Step 2: Configuring Your AiM Solo 2 DL for CAN Bus Data
Once you have physically connected your AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2 to the CAN bus, the next step is to configure your device to interpret the new data streams. This is done using AiM’s Race Studio 3 software.
-
CAN Protocol Creation: Using the information provided in the GR86/BRZ_Gen2 ASC Unit CAN bus to AIM Solo DL2 Guide (specifically pages 11 & 12), you’ll need to create a CAN protocol within Race Studio 3. This protocol defines how your AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2 will understand the data signals from the GR86/BRZ’s CAN bus.
-
Device Configuration: Within Race Studio 3, create a new Device Configuration using the CAN protocol you just created. This configuration essentially maps the CAN bus signals to readable channels within your AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2, allowing you to display and log the desired parameters.
-
Upload Configuration: Upload this newly created Device Configuration to your AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2 unit.
-
Plug and Play: Now, with the CAN bus harness installed and your AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2 configured, simply plug in your device. You should now be receiving the enhanced data directly from the CAN bus, providing a richer data logging experience.
Tip: The guide mentioned above may also include a pre-made Race Studio 3 configuration file that you can directly import, potentially skipping the manual CAN protocol creation process.
Calculating Gear Position for Comprehensive Data
One parameter not directly available from the CAN bus is gear position. However, with the wealth of data you are now accessing, you can easily calculate gear position within Race Studio 3 using a math channel. By utilizing RPM, speed (from the AiM unit’s GPS), final drive ratio, and transmission gear ratios, you can create a formula that accurately calculates your current gear.
This image shows an example of a math channel setup in Race Studio 3 for gear calculation. By implementing a similar formula, you can add gear position to your data logs, further enhancing the completeness of your performance analysis with your AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2.
Conclusion: Elevate Your GR86/BRZ Performance Analysis with AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2
Integrating your AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2 with the CAN bus of your GR86 or BRZ unlocks a wealth of valuable data, transforming your performance tracking capabilities. Whether you choose to purchase a pre-made harness or build your own, the process is manageable and the rewards are significant. By following these steps, you’ll gain deeper insights into your car’s performance, allowing for more informed driving adjustments and performance improvements, all thanks to the enhanced data from your AiM Solo 2 DL OBD2.
