Flagtronic in car warning light system

[Tim Minor]

I called Flagtronics on Monday the 22nd,they would not take a phone order,the guy said they were due to ship out this week.
I ordered one off the website,we shall see ?

[BeerBudgetRacing]

I called Flagtronics on Monday the 22nd,they would not take a phone order,the guy said they were due to ship out this week.
I ordered one off the website,we shall see ?

I assume you received the 'delay' email.

So far I'm pleased they notified me about the delay. That's good service.
Software issue. Expected to ship 8/2.

They could have shipped and then made us re-flash the device. I've been in that boat before.

But they are wanted to ship it righter rather than sooner

[Tim Minor]

I have tried to stay positive about this,but the Flagtronics Company and Scca have had Plenty of time to get this together and have promises that have not come true. I believe they have missed the window and there is not enough time for competitors to properly get this system installed.I am writing the Club and the CRB to exclude us from this requirement for the upcoming Runoff’s.
I would encourage all to do the same.
Thanks
Tim MinorFc88

[Steve Demeter]

does anyone know the power draw of the small display system?

does anyone know what provisions there are for mounting the display (tapped holes, through holes, some sort of hook, etc etc)

does anyone know if the cable from the "brain" to the display can be disconnected to facilitate installation

Flagtronics has not answered these questions and I am trying to plan the install.

Thanks in advance

[Rick Iverson]

tapped holes

Steve, I was thinking the exact same thing. Reduce the lateral dimensions by eliminating the mounting feet, and provide a pair of 8-32 or 10-32 holes on both sides, top and bottom, and back.

[BeerBudgetRacing]

does anyone know the power draw of the small display system?

does anyone know what provisions there are for mounting the display (tapped holes, through holes, some sort of hook, etc etc)

does anyone know if the cable from the "brain" to the display can be disconnected to facilitate installation

Flagtronics has not answered these questions and I am trying to plan the install.

Thanks in advance

If you look at the pictures on the details page it appears all components disconnect from each other.

https://flagtronics.myshopify.com/pr...lagging-device

I don't know about mounting though. I suspect there must be something.

I'll post details and pictures when I get one...

[BeerBudgetRacing]

Got a shipping notice yesterday. In UPS' hands.

[BeerBudgetRacing]

Box arrived today. Seems very complete.

Flagtronics.jpg

The cables all appear to be over 2ft long. There is plenty of cable to place things all over!
Time to plan.

They include a connector for CAN as well.

Q: For anyone with an original unit, the button on the RD seem very close to press with a glove on but seem about the same as the original. Any issues pressing the buttons with a glove on?

[Lotus7]

Q: For anyone with an original unit, the button on the RD seem very close to press with a glove on but seem about the same as the original. Any issues pressing the buttons with a glove on?

AFAIK, once the unit is hard-wired, it turns on automatically, then the buttons are only for setting brightness; set once and done?

[924RACR]

Also I use the button most frequently for turning it off once I turn my car on, at home... 'cause it'll sit there complaining about no signal and burn down its battery.

And if you get in a shunt, or like to hammer the gator's teeth, you'll get the medical alert which wants a button to acknowledge you're OK...

[BeerBudgetRacing]

Also I use the button most frequently for turning it off once I turn my car on, at home... 'cause it'll sit there complaining about no signal and burn down its battery.

And if you get in a shunt, or like to hammer the gator's teeth, you'll get the medical alert which wants a button to acknowledge you're OK...

That's my concern with the size and closeness of the 2 buttons. Responding when gloved....

[BrianT1]

Box arrived today. Seems very complete.



The cables all appear to be over 2ft long. There is plenty of cable to place things all over!
Time to plan.

They include a connector for CAN as well.

Q: For anyone with an original unit, the button on the RD seem very close to press with a glove on but seem about the same as the original. Any issues pressing the buttons with a glove on?

So what was the final cost for this version was it $549? It comes complete correct? I don't need any add ons?

Brian

[BeerBudgetRacing]

So what was the final cost for this version was it $549? It comes complete correct? I don't need any add ons?

Brian

Yes - $549+12.94 shipping = $562.93 delivered. I don't believe there are any add-ons.

You'll need to add your own power connector, mounting parts, and a pile of zip ties
They include Velcro for the display. It's very small and light.

My concern is how I'm going to mount the RF unit with the antenna exposed since my whole shock cover removes as one unit.
I'll have to research if it can stick out the side.....

My AIM GPS receiver is under the shock cover and works fine. I'm hoping this unit can be mounted similarly.

I've got a few projects ahead of this right now.

[924RACR]

My RF antenna ended up just under the overhang of my carbon upper body, and didn't seem to really have any problems with that...

[Hardingfv32]

That's my concern with the size and closeness of the 2 buttons. Responding when gloved....

1) So you hit both buttons, what difference will it make.

2) If you do not respond you will get better service.

Brian

[BeerBudgetRacing]

1) So you hit both buttons, what difference will it make.

2) If you do not respond you will get better service.

Brian

Yep !

But it might be the difference between FCY and calling a red flag ?

[Jon.Farmer]

I've been working with the flagtronics a lot over the last 8 months including CAN integration into an AIM MXS unit.

I'll try to answer some of the questions that seem to be floating around. My experience pertains to the original FT200 with combined display/brain so I apologize if any of the info I provide doesn't translate perfectly to the new separate display unit.

Antenna Reception is overall pretty good in my experience. I've run the unit at Sebring, Road Atlanta, Road America, and Mid-Ohio and had no issues to speak of. My unit is mounted entirely under a removable fiberglass panel and there doesn't seem to be any interference to speak of.

Medical Alarms can be overactive with stiff suspension cars, especially formula cars, so the developers have released a version of the firmware that ignores some of the vibrations that tend to set off the high G alarms that the device might interpret. This had definitely been a problem at Sebring, but my devices were flashed with this firmware recently at Road America by one of the devs and so far so good. I believe as long as you have updated your firmware after 4/22/24 you should have this improvement but I am looking into that.

Buttons - In a situation that raises a medical alarm on the device, pressing either button will indicate to the officials that the driver is okay.

CAN Integration has been really simple from the Flagtronics side of things. Obviously all of our cockpits are tight on real estate, so I actually decided to just bury my head unit and all of my flagging information comes up on my AIM MXS dash. I've used the CAN data to trigger icons and alarms based on the flagcode being received, so a FCY will cause my whole dash to go yellow and indicate a FCY for 5 seconds. This also applies for other major flags like red flags, black flag all, and checkered. Additionally, I am able to feed the flagcode data through to my Smartycam and show live flagging on my video feed, which is super useful for reviewing incidents.

I'll be at Summit Point with FRP from Aug 16-18 if anyone has any questions or would like some help in person.

[BeerBudgetRacing]

I've been working with the flagtronics a lot over the last 8 months including CAN integration into an AIM MXS unit.

I'll try to answer some of the questions that seem to be floating around.

Great info. Now I feel I don't need to overthink this!

Thank you.

[brian styczynski]

Medical Alarms can be overactive with stiff suspension cars, especially formula cars, so the developers have released a version of the firmware that ignores some of the vibrations that tend to set off the high G alarms that the device might interpret. This had definitely been a problem at Sebring, but my devices were flashed with this firmware recently at Road America by one of the devs and so far so good. I believe as long as you have updated your firmware after 4/22/24 you should have this improvement but I am looking into that.

The super tour staff repeatedly told me there was no one from flagtronics at the June Sprints. Is finding a FT dev the only way to get these flashed?

[Steve Davis]

...Is finding a FT dev the only way to get these flashed?

All you need to do it yourself is a Win10/11 laptop, an internet connection and a USB cable. The instructions are on the FT website.. but you might have to search for them. Just download their software program and install it. When you RUN that program it will log into their website to find the latest version of firmware. Connect to your FT unit (plug the USB cable into your laptop) and the program will update your device for you. It's reasonably intuitive.
Steve, FV80
The windows app (FT Device Manager) can be found at
https://flagtronics.com/pages/downloads

[Jon.Farmer]

The super tour staff repeatedly told me there was no one from flagtronics at the June Sprints. Is finding a FT dev the only way to get these flashed?

I met with their dev the next weekend at the Trans-Am/SVRA/FRP speed tour, he happened to find me so it was mostly luck on my end.

I've sent him an email looking for clarification on whether that FW is available through the setup app or if it is still being withheld at this time. I'll let you know when I get an answer.

[Messenger Racing]

Can the Flatronic be integrated with a Aim Evo4 on a FF/Honda?

JM

[Lotus7]

Can the Flatronic be integrated with a Aim Evo4 on a FF/Honda?

JM

Evo4 is the logger; wouldn't it also depend on what you're using for a display, and does it have the color capability the Flagtronics would need?

[Messenger Racing]

Should have specified - We use the G dash in all of our late model Van Diemen - it is not a color display but the warning lights are color and message screens can be tied to the warning lights.

[romoman]

Can the Flatronic be integrated with a Aim Evo4 on a FF/Honda?

JM

No. The Evo4 is not able to get the custom CAN messages from the FT unit to incorporate it. You would have to upgrade to an Evo4s (and GS Dash).

[brian styczynski]

All you need to do it yourself is a Win10/11 laptop, an internet connection and a USB cable. The instructions are on the FT website.. but you might have to search for them. Just download their software program and install it. When you RUN that program it will log into their website to find the latest version of firmware. Connect to your FT unit (plug the USB cable into your laptop) and the program will update your device for you. It's reasonably intuitive.
Steve, FV80
The windows app (FT Device Manager) can be found at
https://flagtronics.com/pages/downloads

I appreciate it

[Rick Iverson]

Gents:

My Stack wiring harness connectors are watertight. Are these?

[Lotus7]

Should have specified - We use the G dash in all of our late model Van Diemen - it is not a color display but the warning lights are color and message screens can be tied to the warning lights.

Full disclosure, I'm not a fan of this, yet, but there are dozens of various messages displayed in various color combinations that a half-dozen shift lights can't possibly display.

[BeerBudgetRacing]

Gents:
My Stack wiring harness connectors are watertight. Are these?

No. They do not have the rubber seal in the connectors.

[BrianT1]

I have an Aim Evo 4s with a formula wheel. Is there a way to buy the cheaper flagtronics system and then run the lights and message through my formula wheel display? I have yet to see anyone do this so I am not sure and would appreciate any help or suggestions

the car is a zetec FC, not sure if that matters.

thanks,

Brian

[Lotus7]

I have an Aim Evo 4s with a formula wheel. Is there a way to buy the cheaper flagtronics system and then run the lights and message through my formula wheel display? I have yet to see anyone do this so I am not sure and would appreciate any help or suggestions

the car is a zetec FC, not sure if that matters.

thanks,

Brian

I can't be sure, but I doubt it.
Having seen Flagtronics in action in TAm, my concern with running the info into an existing dash would be whether Flagtronics messages would "take over" the display for extended periods of time, leaving you otherwise blind regarding your vehicle?
(edit: flagtronic messages just don't pop up then vanish moments later as some people might think)

[BeerBudgetRacing]

I have an Aim Evo 4s with a formula wheel.

See post #665 from Romoman

The 4S CAN can do it. But can the wheel display - I'm not sure.

The ORIGINAL FT unit WILL output the necessary CAN signals.
BUT how are you going to press the buttons?

[Bob Wright]

Brian- you have a VD- look at the picture in post #89. I mounted the original model in less than an hour- it works great.

[Rick Iverson]

does anyone know what provisions there are for mounting the display (tapped holes, through holes, some sort of hook, etc etc)

Steve, I was thinking the exact same thing. Reduce the lateral dimensions by eliminating the mounting feet, and provide a pair of 8-32 or 10-32 holes on both sides, top and bottom, and back.

Gents:

My Stack wiring harness connectors are watertight. Are these?

No. They do not have the rubber seal in the connectors.

Although Necessity is the Mother of Invention, I most certainly hope someone from Flagtronics is monitoring this thread. Responding to “potential customer feedback” is how you stay in business. If you are out there:

• Provide an option of removing the mounting feet from the aluminum extrusions for formula cars;
• Tapped 8-32 or 10-32 holes on all sides;
• Watertight all electrical connectors. We race in the rain, open cockpit.

[APEowner]

Does the Flagronic ever display text or is all the information communicated through colors? The reason I'm asking is that my uncorrected close up vision would preclude my being able to read any text.

[Lotus7]

Does the Flagronic ever display text or is all the information communicated through colors? The reason I'm asking is that my uncorrected close up vision would preclude my being able to read any text.

just dozens of various colored pixel combinations representing flags, no text that I've ever seen

[924RACR]

I think some of the conditions do have a letter or two, but not many... like Black Flag all...Yellow has a "Y" that I recall.

[APEowner]

just dozens of various colored pixel combinations representing flags, no text that I've ever seen

I think some of the conditions do have a letter or two, but not many... like Black Flag all...Yellow has a "Y" that I recall.

Thanks. That alleviates one of my concerns.

[Bob Wright]

It will give you letters BF, FCY, SLO, G, Y, R and probably more in addition to the colors. It will start a timer when you enter the pits. The 'SLO' tells you if you're speeding in the pit lane, and if you are going too fast during a 'code 35' situation. It is all logged and monitored in race control. They know exactly where you are on track or off the track including how far off (and in the pits and paddock), how fast you are going, and what the G force was if you crash.

It's a pretty nifty system, especially when everybody on track has it.

[BeerBudgetRacing]

They know exactly where you are on track or off the track including how far off (and in the pits and paddock), how fast you are going, and what the G force was if you crash.

We used to call that "big brother"