Android dashboards are a common addition to many players, and Z1 is probably most advanced one. With many features, most supported in any sim available, now it is reaching Project Cars 2 domain. Let see what in the bag of this 4.16 version.
It is that time again – the latest versions of the Z1 Dashboard, Z1 Server and Z1 Analyzer are now available!
The Z1 Dashboard version 4.16 is now here!
The big update in this version is support for Project Cars 2 using their UDP stream. We spent a long time on this running thousands of laps, and hope that you enjoy the integration of the Z1 Dashboard with Project Cars 2 UDP.
We’ve also added various new features, such as flashing the background when the pit limiter is engaged, more tire information on the Tire Dash, and redesigned the Car 2 tab to allow for more information to be included.
The new ZOD2 data format has been introduced for Assetto Corsa, Project Cars 1 & 2, RaceRoom and rFactor 2. This new format allows for much more accurate lap times and sector times as well as adding additional data.
A huge thank you to all the beta testers for the input and testing on this latest version!
You can download the latest demo here: http://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm
Here is the full list of release notes:
* Added support for Project Cars 2 UDP mode. To select this mode you need to select Project Cars 2 UDP in the Z1 Network tab, and make sure the checkbox to the left of the Project Cars combobox is selected. In Project Cars 2 go to the Options section and click on the System box. Set the UDP Protocol Version to Project Cars 2. Set the UDP Frequency to one that works for your system. A setting of 1 sends the data at the highest frequency, and a setting of 9 sends it at the lowest frequency. The lower the settings the better. But too low could mean your network gets overwhelmed and things actually slow down.
Note that due to how Project Cars 2 send the UDP data we cannot request specific data. Instead we receive the data when the sim decides to send it. This means that some data, such as the driver name, car, track, and opponents are sent when you enter the track in the sim, and then at varying times afterwards. Because of this it is vital that you have the Z1 Dashboard running before you start Project Cars 2. Failing to do this could results in a long wait before the Z1 can determine which car you are driving, or which correct track, or the correct list of opponents.
Note that due to how Project Cars 2 send the UDP data it does not always send the signal that the sim has exited when you exit the sim. However it does cease sending telemetry data when it exits. Unfortunately it also ceases sending telemetry data if it is paused. Because of this we determine if the sim has exited by calculating the time since any data was last received. If that is more than one minute we assume the sim has exited. You can adjust this time limit in the Network tab of the Z1 settings dialog.
Project Cars 2 UDP mode only supports the new ZOD2 telemetry data logging mode in the Z1 Dashboard. Please keep this in mind. You must have the ZOD2 mode selected in order to record telemetry from Project Cars 2 UDP.
* There is a new setting called ‘Data Log Mode’ in the General settings tab. This lets you choose if you want to use the new ZOD2 file format or the older ZOD file format for data logging. ZOD2 is the new default and in most cases you should not have to change this.
* Assetto Corsa, Race Room, Project Cars, Project Cars 2, and rFactor 2 now support the new ZOD2 data logging file format. (This new format improves accuracy of lap times and sector times, as well as adding additional data.)
* There is a new setting in the Car 1 tab called ‘Limiter Flash’. This can be set on a car-by-car basis. When set to the ‘Pit Limiter’ it will cause the background of the dashboard to flash when the pit limiter is engaged. When set the ‘Pit Lane’ it will cause the background of the dashboard to flash when you are in the pit lane. The color used for the flash is the Pit Limiter Color from the Car 2 tab. Note that the sim has to support the pit limiter or pit lane data for this feature to work.
* The Car 2 tab has been redesigned for better layout. There is a new scrollbar that you can used to view all the options in this tab.
* You can now set the warning levels fuel level, fuel pressure, oil temperature and water temperature for the dashboards that support them. This is done in the Car 2 tab. Note that each individual dashboard can have different settings for these values. They do not have to be the same for all dashboards on the car.
* Updates across all sims to improve accuracy of lap times and sector times.
* Updates to the rFactor 2 plugin to allow for more accurate timings. (Make sure you update your plugin.)
* In previous versions of the Z1 Dashboard in order for the buttons assigned to speech options to work you also had to have that same option selected in the Speech tab. For example to make the button assigned to announcing your position work you would have to have the automatic Announce Position option selected. This would mean your position was announced every lap, and you could also have it announced when you pressed the assigned button. This has been changed, and you no longer need the option to be selected in the Speech tab. This allows you to have the desired information spoken when you press the assigned button without also having it spoken every time you cross the start/finish line.
* Added a new debug option for Tracked Drivers. This will output data on saving and loading tracked drivers as well as copying paint templates in iRacing. This setting is available as an option in the Debug drop down located in the General tab of the settings dialog. It should help people diagnose issues with saving or loading of tracked driver lists.
* The Tire Dash will not only display the camber information if the sim provides camber data. This will remove unnecessary data for sims that don’t provide it.
* The Tire Dash will not only display the tire surface temperature information if the sim provides the data. This will remove unnecessary data for sims that don’t provide it.
* The Tire Dash will now display the tire carcass temperatures if they are available from the sim.
* Tire carcass temperatures are now available in iRacing. Note they only get updated when you pit.
* There is now an button assignment option that will let you minimize and restore the Z1 Dashboard window. This option is located at the bottom of the Button tab under the Min/Restore title. Scroll down to see it.
You can download the demo here: http://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm
