MPVI2 Enhanced Scanning with TrackAddict - Announcement & Setup Instructions

What is TrackAddict's MPVI2 Enhanced Scanning Mode?

The MPVI2's Standalone Data Logging firmware update also enables it to stream an incredible amount of enhanced vehicle data directly into TrackAddict via Bluetooth, at a level that is unprecedented for a mobile app like this. TrackAddict has always aimed to get you more vehicle data than many other apps have available, but this is a complete game changer, with capability that can go beyond even dedicated data acquisition hardware in many cases.

By having the MPVI2 itself do most of the work, not only is this faster and more efficient than before (higher sampling rate, less lag), but it is also able to include a large number of enhanced data parameters that are not available from the SAE standardized set of OBD-II parameters (aka Mode 01).

Frequently requested motorsports parameters, such as Steering Wheel Position, Brake Pedal/Pressure, Clutch Pedal, Engine Knock, and various drivetrain temperatures are available for many supported vehicles, in addition to the usual Throttle, RPM, Speed, Intake Flow/Pressure, etc. These enhanced parameters leverage HP Tuners' extensive vehicle engineering knowledge, as well as the MPVI2's ability to support various manufacturer data and CAN broadcast parameters. This brings much of the data acquisition capability of our VCM Scanner right into your mobile device.

What Are The Requirements? / How Do I Set It Up?

1) MPVI2 Pro with Vehicle License
. a) This currently requires Pro Feature Set upgrade activated -AND- one or more vehicles licensed
. b) This may be adjusted in the future, as we are looking into a licensing framework to better fit this type of use

2) MPVI2 firmware v3.1.4 or higher (this is the Standalone Data Logging update)
. a) Download the latest VCM Suite Beta from HPTuners.com. It will be v4.9.460 or later.
. b) In VCM Scanner Beta, go to "Help" -> "Resync Interface" to apply the update.

3) Use VCM Scanner Beta to go to "Vehicle" -> "MPVI2 Data Logging" and sync Resource Files to the MPVI2

4) Get the latest version of TrackAddict, connect it to your MPVI2 via Bluetooth, and set the "MPVI2 Enhanced" option to Motorsports, Tuning, or Custom.


What Do TrackAddict's "MPVI2 Enhanced" Mode Selections Do?

Legacy: Does not use Enhanced Scanning. Uses MPVI2 in pass-thru mode similar to ELM327-style interfaces, and is mostly limited to polling SAE parameters. You'll be able to select the specific data channels from within the app in this mode, but it wont include all of the enhanced parameters or the performance that's possible when operating in an MPVI2 Enhanced mode.

Motorsports: Prioritizes driver inputs and other motorsports data. Depending on the vehicle, it focuses on data like Steering Wheel Position, Brake, Clutch, Throttle, RPM, various temperatures, etc.

Tuning: Equivalent to "Vehicle Defaults" in VCM Scanner; prioritizes data that is more useful for tuning purposes, such as Fuel Trims, Ignition Timing, Engine Knock, O2 Sensors, etc.

Custom: This uses the custom channel configuration that you have applied to the MPVI2 using VCM Scanner's "MPVI2 Data Logging" menu. It's the same configuration that will be used for Standalone Data Logging.


Which Data Parameters are Available on My Vehicle?

Most of the vehicles that we support for tuning will have enhanced parameters available, but this varies considerably between vehicle manufacturers and models. You can get a pretty good look by using VCM Scanner to connect to your specific vehicle, then go add parameters to your channel configuration, and it will list what all is available. What's supported by MPVI2 Enhanced Scanning should be the same or very close to what you see there in most cases.

When you build a custom channel configuration in VCM Scanner, the "MPVI2 Data Logging" menu will enable you to apply that to the MPVI2 as a default channel config, which will then be used in TrackAddict's MPVI2 Enhanced "Custom" mode, as well as for the MPVI2's Standalone Data Logging. This is the best way to get exactly what you want, but the "Motorsports" and "Tuning" modes are convenient alternatives to get you up and running quickly.


Why do Some Parameters Report Zero or Another Invalid Value That Doesn't Change?

Sometimes a vehicle will provide data for a parameter but not actually populate it with a valid value. This could happen if the controller hardware or software has support for that parameter, but your particular vehicle model or trim level does not contain the necessary sensor, or it otherwise does not actually use this data for its operation. In this case, it is recommended that you use VCM Scanner to create and apply a custom channel configuration that better fits your specific vehicle, then set TrackAddict to "Custom" mode. Depending on the vehicle, you may be able to find alternative parameters that provide the same or similar data.


How Fast is the Sampling Rate?

This varies much like the available parameters will vary between vehicles, and will also depend on which parameters or defaults you've selected. Generally speaking, polling parameters will take the longest to obtain, while CAN broadcast parameters are often almost free. At the time of this writing, TrackAddict intentionally caps the sampling rate at roughly 20 Hz to provide more optimal user experience, but this may be increased in the future.

Tips when building a custom channel configuration in VCM Scanner:

1) When adding new channels, choose Broadcast parameters whenever possible. These are the options that have their icons colored green when adding the parameter, and when added to the Channels list will appear there with just a single arrow. Items that show two arrows are polling parameters and will be slower, as they require two-way communication.

2) In many cases, parameters with "(SAE)" in the name will be slower than manufacturer parameters, but sometimes the opposite can be true instead. It depends on the vehicle and the particular parameter, so some experimentation may be needed to achieve maximum performance.

3) Right-click on each item in the Channels list, go to "Polling Interval" and make sure it's set how you want. Setting less important / less frequently updated channels to a longer interval (lower Hz) can increase the performance of other parameters that you want to be polled at higher rates. Note that this setting will not apply to Broadcast parameters, which provide high performance at minimal cost.


Are the ProLink Analog Inputs Supported?

Yes, with MPVI2 firmware v3.1.3 and higher. You'll need to use VCM Scanner to set it up in your channel configuration, then the MPVI2 Data Logging menu to write that channel config to your MPVI2. When you set TrackAddict's MPVI2 Enhanced mode to "Custom", it will use this custom channel configuration that you had set.


Is There a Benefit for Vehicles That Don't Have Enhanced Parameters in VCM Scanner

Usually. Even if you are limited to SAE parameters only, using MPVI2 Enhanced mode will typically result in a higher sampling rate and less lag.

Please note that certain older vehicles that use ISO-9141 or ISO-14230 (aka KWP) protocol presently will not work. This is mostly limited to European and Asian vehicles made before 2008. Additionally, vehicles that use PWM protocol, such as late-90's and early-2000's Fords, might have some difficulty; we're working on this...


How Can I Get the Latest Data Parameters?

Our team of vehicle engineers is continually updating our vehicle support, which is reflected in the VCM Suite Beta releases, with new parameters and support added nearly every day. Although MPVI2 Pro Data Logging updates aren't released quite that frequently, we do have the ability to publish updates fairly often.

You can apply MPVI2 Data Logging updates by opening VCM Scanner, and doing the following:
1) Help -> Resync Interface (updates firmware, if applicable)
2) Vehicle -> MPVI2 Data Logging -> Resync Interface Resources (updates vehicle and scanner support files)

Certain updates to the resource files may require a firmware update for it to function properly, so please do both, in the above order.


Can I Use an MPVI2 with TrackAddict if I Don't Have Enhanced Scanning?

Yes, TrackAddict's "Legacy" mode setting works with the MPVI2 same as before, which uses it as a pass-thru device similar to common ELM327-style devices on the market, and is generally limited to SAE parameters (except for a handful of bonuses, provided as-is, for certain GM vehicles).

If you had selected a different MPVI2 Enhanced mode without having the required licensing on your MPVI2, the OBD connection will fail to fully connect, but should automatically revert to "Legacy" mode by the next time you open the app.



Is There a Solution for iOS?

Yes, the MPVI2+ and RTD+ are supported on iOS (enhanced data support as of v4.7.2), in addition to Android. Please note that the original MPVI2 and RTD are only supported on Android.