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UniCAL Racing

Compatibility & FAQ Guide

This guide helps customers confirm their system, sensors, and cables are correct for their bike before ordering. See the companion ECU Bike Compatibility Reference for the full model-by-model lookup table.

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A. Choosing the right system

AiM vs. 2D — what's the difference? AiM is our entry-level line. It uses free configuration software and is straightforward to set up, making it a good fit if you're new to data logging or want something simple to run. 2D is a more powerful, more expensive line, built for riders who need deeper data analysis and are willing to pay for the added capability.

Data logger vs. dash display vs. combined unit

  • A data logger (e.g. Solo2, Solo2DL) records data from your bike for later analysis — lap times, RPM, speed, temperatures. It doesn't necessarily show live info while riding.

  • A dash display shows live data on the bike while riding — speed, RPM, gear, warning lights.

  • A combined dash-logger (e.g. MXm, MXS 1.2) does both in one unit.

Finding your bike Use the Compatibility Reference table to find your specific bike, year, and ECU. It tells you which logger generation works with your bike and which install kit or harness you'll need.

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B. Logger & dash compatibility

Solo2 vs. Solo2DL — don't confuse these

  • Solo2 works purely off GPS. It doesn't connect to your bike's ECU at all, so it works on any bike out of the box — no harness, no compatibility check needed. It gives you lap times, speed, and position data from GPS alone.

  • Solo2DL connects directly to your bike's ECU to pull additional data (RPM, throttle, engine temp, etc. — whatever your ECU broadcasts). Because it connects to the ECU, it does require checking bike/ECU compatibility and usually a specific harness — check the compatibility table for your exact bike and year before ordering.

If you just want lap timing and GPS-based data with zero wiring, Solo2 is the simpler choice. If you want deeper engine data logged alongside it, Solo2DL is the step up — but only once you've confirmed your bike is supported.

MXm / MXS 1.2 compatible accessories Both MXm and MXS 1.2 are combined dash-logger units and connect to the ECU the same way Solo2DL does — same compatibility rules apply. We carry protective cases and mounting brackets sized specifically for each.

Sticklogger v2 — what it is and isn't Sticklogger v2 is a compact logging device — it records your data (GPS, lap times, and connected channels) for review after your session, but it does not provide a live dash display while riding. If you want to see live speed, RPM, or gear info on the bike as you ride, you'll need a dash or combined dash-logger unit like the MXm instead. Sticklogger is the right pick if all you need is post-session data review.

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C. Sensor compatibility

CAN vs. analog — which does your logger need? Older or entry-level loggers are analog-only — they read sensors through individual analog input wires, and you're limited by how many analog inputs the logger has. Newer loggers support CAN bus, which lets you daisy-chain multiple CAN-enabled sensors on a single connection, using fewer inputs and simplifying wiring. Check your logger's spec sheet or the compatibility table to confirm which input type it supports before choosing a sensor.

Temperature sensors — NTC vs. infrared

  • NTC sensors are contact/probe sensors — they have to physically touch what you're measuring (engine oil, coolant, exhaust gas). They're a reliable, low-cost choice for fluid and surface temperatures you can safely mount a probe against.

  • Infrared sensors measure temperature without touching anything — they read the heat energy radiated from a surface at a distance. This makes them the right choice for things you can't or don't want to physically probe, like tire surface temperature or brake disc temperature during a session, where a contact probe would be impractical.

Potentiometers — not all the same type

  • Ride height sensors use laser-based measurement, not a potentiometer.

  • Suspension travel sensors use a linear potentiometer, which measures straight-line movement.

  • Throttle position sensors use a different (typically rotary) potentiometer type.

These aren't interchangeable — make sure you're ordering the sensor type built for your specific measurement, not just "a potentiometer."

Brake pressure sensors — check your supply voltage Brake pressure sensors aren't universal — they're built for a specific supply voltage, and yours has to match what your logger/ECU actually provides:

  • AiM brake pressure sensors run on 12V

  • 2D brake pressure sensors run on 5V

  • If your bike uses a Mectronik ECU, note that it only supplies 5V — so a 12V AiM sensor won't work correctly on that setup. Confirm your ECU's supply voltage before ordering, and match it to the sensor brand accordingly.

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D. Cable & harness compatibility

Identifying your logger's connector type before ordering Before buying a cable or harness, check your logger's connector — commonly 5-pin or 37-pin, depending on the model. This is usually shown in your logger's manual or spec sheet. Ordering the wrong connector type is one of the most common (and avoidable) fitting mistakes.

ECU-specific harnesses Each ECU family has its own dedicated harness — see the Compatibility Reference table to find the exact harness for your bike's ECU model. Using the wrong harness, or trying to adapt one, risks incorrect wiring and unreliable readings.

CAN extension cables — male/male vs. male/female

  • Male-to-male extension cables are used to extend a run between two female connectors.

  • Male-to-female extension cables are used to extend a run while preserving the original connector orientation at the far end.

Check which ends your existing setup has before ordering — the wrong gender combination won't connect.

Can I use a generic cable instead of the branded one? We recommend sticking with the branded AiM/2D cable for your setup. Generic cables can look compatible but often differ slightly in pinout, shielding, or build quality — and using one puts your reliability and warranty coverage at risk. The branded cable costs a bit more but removes the guesswork.

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E. General FAQ

Do I need software to configure my device, and which one? Yes — you'll need brand-specific configuration software to set up your device and download logged data:

  • AiM devices use Race Studio 3, which is free to download.

  • 2D devices use WinARace, which is a licensed (paid) software package.

This is one more reason AiM tends to be the simpler, lower-cost entry point, while 2D involves an additional software cost on top of the hardware.

What's the difference between logging and a live dash display, and do I need both? Logging records your data for review after your ride; a live dash shows data in real time while you're riding. You don't need both — plenty of riders run a logger-only setup (like Solo2) and review everything afterward. If you want to see live speed, RPM, or warnings while riding, you'll need a dash or combined unit like the MXm.

What's your warranty and return policy on electronics? AiM products carry a 1-year warranty. 2D products are generally handled the same way — if you run into an issue with a 2D unit, contact us and we'll work with you on a repair.

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How difficult is installation — plug-and-play or does it need wiring knowledge? It depends on the device:

  • Solo2 (GPS-only) is close to plug-and-play — no ECU wiring involved.

  • Solo2DL, MXm, and other ECU-connected devices require wiring into your bike's harness, so basic wiring skills (or a shop's help) are recommended. Check the Fitting Guide for step-by-step instructions on your specific setup.

Next: the companion Fitting Guide covers physical installation steps for sensors, cables, harnesses, and loggers/dashes.

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