AVIT Data Recorder Instructions

Getting Connected

There are two method of connecting to the AVIT. 

1) Wired. The AVIT and PC must be connected using a crossover Ethernet cable. PC IP 

configuration must be set to “Obtain IP address automatically”. This is the best and 

easiest way to connect to the AVIT.

2) Wireless. Wireless internet can be used to connect to the AVIT. The computer must 

be able to communicate with an ad-hoc 802.11b network. Once the AVIT is powered, 

you can scan for wireless networks. Select the wireless network corresponding to the 

AVIT and connect. Once the network is connected, and an IP address has been 

negotiated, the AVIT is available for use.

Setup

In order to use the AVIT as a Data Recorder, some software must be installed. All of the 

Allison Engineering tools have a Communication Interface dialog as follows.
AVIT Software

In order to install the data recorder software, first you must establish a connection (see 

Getting Connected section). Once the connection is established, the data recorder 

software can be installed by clicking on the “update AVIT recorder software” button. 

The installation can take several minutes. Follow the on screen instructions to complete 

installation.

AVIT Firmware 

After completing a controls fill up and on new AVIT’s there may be a need to install the 

latest firmware. This can be installed by clicking on the “update AVIT firmware” button. 

If the firmware is installed you must follow by installing the AVIT software. 

Set Files

In order to collect data with the Data recorder, a datalog set file must be installed into the 

AVIT similar to Datalog for Windows. The set file for the AVIT uses the same set file 

format as Datalog for Windows (see Datalog Help, Modifying a Setup). 

Compiling the AVIT Set File 

The AVIT requires that the set file be precompiled for a specific TCM software level. 

The AVIT does not have the Xref’s available to convert variable names to addresses for 

any TCM software level, and any variable names that exist in the set file must be 

converted to address locations. However, address locations in the TCM software can 

change between software levels, thus a precompiled set file is only valid for one software 

level.

Update: As of Windows Datalog version 21.92, the Install PDR Setup also compiles the 

set file for AVIT use. There is no Make AVIT Setup option on the Tools menu.

To compile and load a set file:

Open datalog and click on Tools, a drop down list will open, click on AVIT Data 

Recorder.
This will open the AVIT data recorder dialog box. 
Click on Install Setup.

Datalog will prompt you for a set file: Browse to find the set file you want to load.

Notice: the set file should be located in dl/sets folder for the file to properly load. It is not 

possible to load a set file from your desktop or any other file folder. 
Note: Do not try to load a set file that has already been compiled! A compiled set file 

will have the software level appended into the name of the set file.

Example - Recorder file 1 8EC .set 

These compiled set files are saved in dl/avit folder. It is possible to load a compiled file, 

but the AVIT will not record properly. 

Type in the proper software level for the TCM you want to record AVIT data from or 

browse:

Click OK 
Once this is complete, Datalog will save the compiled set file in c:\gen4\dl\avit\.

The set file will be loaded into the AVIT recorder.

In order to make sure that the AVIT is actually collecting data, observe the lower 

left status panel. Once collection has begun, it will update to show the set file 

name, and give the status of the buffer. This panel is not updated often, and it can 

take up to 10 minutes to show the status.

Notice: Datalog has appended the software level onto the name of the set file. This set 

file cannot be loaded a second time because it has already been compiled. 
Working with the Data Recorder

In order to interact with the Data Recorder, you must launch the AVIT Data Recorder 

dialog window. In Datalog, on the tools menu, click on the AVIT Data Recorder option.

Once this is launched, and you are successfully connected to an AVIT Data Recorder, 

The AVIT Data Recorder dialog window will appear.
Using an external switch to trigger 

It is possible to use an external shift save box to trigger a data save. The switch box will 

have three LED’s used to determine the current status of the AVIT. The switch is 

connected to the AVIT at the 25pin parallel port connection. 

Green – Indicates that a set file is loaded and the buffer is recording data -- the switch is 

ready to be pushed to save data. 

Orange – Flashes when the switch has been triggered, indicating data is being saved. 

Red - The red LED indicates that there is an active code present. 
Configuring a set file for external switch 

See the example - This set file configuration will allow data to be saved 30 

seconds prior to the switch trigger and 10 seconds after, these timing variables can 

be any value if the buffer is large enough. This information must be added to the 

set file store control section. 

Store Control: On

 Start When: EXTSW

 Delay:-30

 Save When: EXTSW

 Delay:10.0

 InitialState: Stopped

end:

Set- up to set on a DTC shown below: 

Set up to trigger on a DTC ---

Store Control:On

 Start When: P_Code<>P_Code

 Delay:-20

 Save When: P_Code<>P_Code

 Delay:10.0

 Initial State: stopped 

end:
Wiring an external Thermistor 

A thermistor can be used to collect converter out temperatures with an A42 or A43 TCM. 

A jumper wire can be incorporated at the TCM ground return pin 58 to provide a ground 

for the thermistor . The other side of the thermistor wiring should run to TCM pin 75. 

You will need to add a line in the set file like this - 

Thermistor available from Signal & Power – P/N 12160855-B 

Datalog line used :

C=D Conv_Out_øC A=@VfVIOS_T_RetarderUndfltd B=2 E=N/128: U=øC 

P=N Z=3 S=20 L=7 T=Y DASH=N P_ALT=N

 Saving files

Files are saved on the AVIT data recorder with Datalog store control blocks. See 

the Save When: statements under Datalog Help: Modifying a Setup. 

 Retrieving DL4 Files with Datalog

Data files, DL4 files, can be retrieved from the AVIT Data Recorder dialog 

window. The list box in the upper right corner of the AVIT Data Recorder dialog 

window shows the files that are on the AVIT. They can be retrieved by clicking 

Save All Files, or by selecting the files to save and clicking Save Selected Files. 

 Retrieving DL4 Files without Datalog

Data files can be retrieved by mounting a network drive to the AVIT. This should 

only be done if you are going to be downloading a lot of files, or if the files are to 

be retrieved by a remote user who does not have Windows Datalog. 

AVIT Data Recorder Software version 1.1.4 or newer automatically enables 

File Sharing. 
First, the AVIT must be configured to allow File Sharing. Once connected wired 

or wirelessly to the AVIT, open a web browser. If wired, go to 

http://192.168.43.101/, or if wireless go to http://172.16.1.1/. On the left, click on 

Boot Options.

When prompted for a username and password, 

Username: root

Password: powerful

Then scroll down until you see the Services section, and the File Server option. 

Change the drop down menu to Enabled. Then scroll to the bottom of the screen, 

and click Save Settings.
Then click on Reboot CarDAQ-AVIT Now. Allow AVIT to reboot. Wait until 

the AVIT is showing both yellow lights.
Once this is complete, open Windows Explorer or My Computer. On the Tools 

menu, click on Map Network Drive. Pick any available Drive, then in folder, if 

connected wired type in \\192.168.43.101\Share\cf\data, or if wireless, 

\\172.16.1.1\Share\cf\data. Then click on Connect using a different user name. 

Username: root

Passwrod:powerful

Click Ok, then click Finish. A new drive should appear in Windows Explorer or 

My Computer. Files can then be manipulated as normal.
GPS

GPS can be used on the AVIT. The recommended GPS receiver is the Garmin 

GPS 18 with the serial and cigarette lighter power adapter. Any GPS receiver can 

be used, as long as it has a 9 pin serial connection and can be configured to send 

GPS data in the NMEA format, at 4800 bps. A null modem adapter may be 

needed to mate the GPS cable with the AVIT connector. GPS use requires AVIT 

Data Recorder Software version 1.1.4 or later. This version automatically sets up 

the AVIT to collect GPS data. Add GPS data to your set file and it will be 

collected provided there is a GPS receiver plugged in, and the GPS receiver is 

collecting data from satellites.

Date and Time

GPS or Cellular broadband is required to have a valid date and time set in the AVIT. A 

valid date will also be set once the AVIT is connected to Datalog, and the date will 

remain until the AVIT is power cycled. At this point, the date will be reset to January 1, 

1970. If the date and time is not set, the files saved by the AVIT Data Recorder will have 

a date close to January 1, 1970. All other functions will operate normally. 

Ignition Wakeup

The AVIT is set to automatically to collect data on power up once a set file has been 

installed. In order to disable this, click on the Disable Collection button in the AVIT 

Data Recorder dialog window. The AVIT will automatically go to sleep after 2 hours of 

trying to connect to the TCM, or 2 hours after any of the Allison Engineering Tools has 

been connected to the AVIT. This will prevent the AVIT from draining the vehicle 

battery once ignition has been shut off. In order to wake up the AVIT, either power cycle 

the AVIT, or provide an ignition sense into the red banana jack on the front of the AVIT. 

Once ignition sense is raised above 5 volts, the AVIT will wakeup, and resume 

collection. AVIT wakeup is much quicker then power up.
Cellular Broadband

Cellular Broadband can be used with the AVIT. The only device that is currently 

supported is the Novatel U720 USB EV-DO modem on the Verizon network. 

Other USB EV-DO modems will work, please contact Rob Carlson 

(robert.carlson@allisontransmission.com). The cellular broadband card allows data to be 

uploaded to an FTP server. Data is automatically moved to a network drive inside the 

firewall.
Troubleshooting

If communication cannot be established with the AVIT perform these steps in order to 

regain communication.

1) Power cycle the AVIT. Retry.

2) Reboot the laptop. Retry.

3) If the PC cannot connect to the AVIT’s Ethernet, ensure that the IP settings are set 

to “Obtain IP Address automatically”. Ensure you are using a crossover Ethernet 

cable between the PC and AVIT. Contact your Computer Support Desk.

4) If the PC cannot connect to the AVIT’s wireless network, ensure that the PC is 

allowed to make network connections with Ad-Hoc networks, and he IP settings 

are set to “Obtain IP Address automatically”. Contact your Computer Support 

Desk or try using a wire.

5) If you have a valid Ethernet or wireless connection to the AVIT and can 

communicate to a TCM/vehicle using the Allison Engineering Tools but cannot 

establish communication to the AVIT Data Recorder, reinstall the AVIT Data 

Recorder software. This will not loose any files previously saved, but it will 

return the AVIT Data Recorder to its default state with no set file installed.

1) A crossover Ethernet cable must be used to communicate with the AVIT. 

If there is a repeatable problem with the AVIT that is not related to Ethernet or wireless 

connection issues, please contact me at Robert.Carlson@allisontransmission.com.