Z1 Dashboard Software

[Russell Hodgson]

We've put out updates to the Dashboard (v4.21.1), Server (v1.19.1) and Analyzer (v1.18.1).  These updates fix a bug with the internet streaming where your order number would be incorrectly rejected when trying to connect.  Everyone should update to this version to use the streaming service.

Also there are a few small tweaks in these updates:
Analyzer 1.18.1:
* Relaxed the check which determines if the Analyzer is off-screen or not.  This should help with remembering the position of the Analyzer's window when it is close to the edges of your screen.

Dashboard 4.21.1:
* Adjusted the minimum allowed size of the Dashboard window to be half of what it was in 4.20.  It is now 240 x 136.

Download the demo today: https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

[Russell Hodgson]

As of version 4.21 of the Z1 Dashboard you can now stream your sim's data over the internet. This lets other Z1 users connect to your data stream and view the sim's data just as if they were sitting next to you.

If you are running endurance races and want your teammates to help you with strategy, or want to help other drivers with real time engineering or coaching, this is the solution.

How To Stream Your Data: 0:51
Connecting To A Data Stream: 5:21
Disconnecting A Data Stream: 8:08

Download the demo today: https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

[Russell Hodgson]

Thanks to the great team at PositiveSimRacing the latest version of the Z1 software manual is now available in a Spanish PDF version.

You can download the PDF here: https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/manual/spanish.cfm

It's got all the details you need to get the most out of the Z1 Software.

[Russell Hodgson]

Version 2020.1 of the Z1 Dashboard is now available! Yes the version number is 2020.1. We have updated the version numbers of all three applications (Dashboard, Analyzer and Server) to this new format as they are all part of a single suite of applications, and having different version numbers for each applications was becoming confusing. So version 2020.1 is the new number sequence for all of them.

In this new version we have 6 new dashboards - including the 718 GT4, Holden ZB and Ford Mustang GT.

718 GT4 Dash


Ford Mustang GT Dash


Holden ZB Dash


In addition you can now specify the FPS that each instance of the Dashboard will run at. This lets you use refresh rates that best suit your system and the dashboard being used.

Specify your target FPS rate


And the units of the various temperature, fuel levels and fuel pressure warning for the dashboards are now in the currently selected units.

Warning units are now in the currently selected units.


You can download the demo here: https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

Existing users can get the update here: https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/MyDashboard.cfm

Full release notes:
* Two New Dashboards: 718 GT4 Dash and 718 GT4 Dash B. The B version is the same dash without the LEDs.

* Two New Dashboards: Ford Mustang GT Dash 1 and Ford Mustang Gt Dash 2. Dash #1 is the Race dash and Dash #2 is the Launch dash.

* Two New Dashboards: Holden ZB Dash 1 and Holden ZB Dash 2. Dash #1 is the Race dash and Dash #2 is the Launch dash.

* There is now a new shift light pattern. This is 'All CTR iRacing'. This pattern will illuminate the LEDs from outside towards to center using the shift light start and end numbers provided by iRacing. Obviously this only work with iRacing.

* You can now control the frame rate target of the Z1 Dashboard. In the General settings tab there is an option called 'FPS Target'. This can be set between 1 and 60 fps. The default is 45 fps. The slower the frame rate the less CPU will be used. This can help if you find the Z1 Dashboard is using more CPU than you want it to. Also some dashboards don't need to be updated as often as others - for example standings dashboards, weather dashboards, etc. So you can adjust the FPS to suit the dashboards you have displayed. This can be done for each individual instance. This replaces the 'Sleep' parameter in previous versions.

* The Oil Flash and Water Flash temperatures (in the car 2 tab) that control when certain dials on the oval cars will begin to flash now use the currently selected temperature units. Previously they were always in Fahrenheit. Now if you have Celsius selected as your temperature units then these numbers will represent Celsius temperatures.

* The Oil Temp Warning and Water Temp Warning temperatures (in the car 2 tab) that control when the oil or water temperature warnings are displayed now use the currently selected temperature units. Previously they were always in Celsius. Now if you have Fahrenheit selected as your temperature units then these numbers will represent Fahrenheit temperatures.

* The Fuel Level Warning number (in the car 2 tab) that controls when the low fuel warning is displayed, and when the background flashes for low fuel, now uses the currently selected units. Previously it was always in liters. So now if you have gallons selected then the number is referring to gallons; if you have kilograms selected then the number would refer to kilograms, etc.

* The Fuel Pressure Warning number (in the car 2 tab), that controls when the fuel pressure warning is displayed, now uses the currently selected units. Previously it was always in Bar. So now if you have metric pressure units selected the number will represent kPa instead of Bar.

* The settings dialog has been made bigger so that you can see more of the options without having to scroll. As the Dashboard has evolved over the years is has become extremely customizable, leading to many options in the settings dialog. By making the dialog larger you can see more of these options without having to scroll as much.

* Certain error messages will be displayed at the top of the dashboards. These are intended to help when something goes wrong which might otherwise be difficult to either solve, or know that an issue occurred.

* The version numbering of the Dashboard has been changed. Starting with this version the numbering will be year based making this version 2020.1. This is to bring all three applications onto the same numbering sequence and to make it easier to determine if you have the most recent version of the software.

* The track map creation process has been updated. The Dashboard now attempts to properly orient the track map so the corners turn in the correct direction.

* Added 'Track Map' as a starting option in the Display tab. This lets you open the Z1 Dashboard to the track map when starting up.

* Updated the time display in the standings dashboards. Now if there is an hour or more to go you will see hours and minutes displayed. If there is less than an hour to go you will see minutes and seconds displayed.

* The update notification for new versions can now be displayed as an image, allowing us to show more details on what is included in the latest updates.

* Updates to the internal architecture to allow for better performance and future functionality.

* Windows 7 is no longer officially supported. While the Z1 Analyzer can still be installed on Windows 7 and run on it, there may be issues that arise as Windows 7 is now EOL.

Download the demo today: https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

[Russell Hodgson]

We've released version 2020.1.1 of the Dashboard, Analyzer and server.  This fixes a few issues:

* When using the data streaming service, the people receiving the data can now access the menus when the remote driver is not in the car. This will let you go to the Settings dialog, and set the display up like you want it. You'll also be able to view the other screens such as lap times, track map, etc.

* Fixed a bug associated with the data streaming service that could have prevented the number of laps from being recorded. This effected the ability to show laps to go, fuel averages, etc.

* When using an LCD screen the 'Waiting for Connection' screen will now show on both the LCD Screen and the monitor window. Once the sim has been detected the display will then continue only on the LCD Screen.

* Fixed a bug that could cause the LCD Screens to display incorrectly after running the LED test.

* Fixed an issue where data logging could result in massive files (over 1 GB). (Files should be about 2 MB per lap.) This would make the Analyzer take an extremely long time to open the files, making it appear to have frozen.

* Fixed a bug that could cause the Z1 Server to drop data stream connections when you were in the Z1 server's settings dialog.

You can get the demo here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

Existing users can get the update here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/MyDashboard.cfm

[Russell Hodgson]

We've just released version 2020.1.2 of the Z1 Dashboard and Z1 Server.  This updates the internet data streaming service, making it easier to send data around the world to your team or engineer who may be in a different location.

All users of the Z1 software get 10 free hours of the service when they purchase the software.  However, during the next few months while everyone is doing their part by staying at home we will be providing unlimited data streaming hours to all users of the Z1 software.  Hopefully this will help drivers and teams be a bit closer during this time.

New users can get the demo here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

Existing users can get the update here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/MyDashboard.cfm

Here are the full release note of this update:
* Various improvements to the internet streaming service, allowing the remote user to see more data from their driver.

* If you have set up a stream, but not actually clicked the 'Connect' button, the Server will ask if you want to start the stream when you click the OK button to exit the settings dialog.

* You no longer have to be in a sim to set up a stream. You can set up the stream beforehand, and then when you get into your sim, the Z1 Server will automatically start streaming that data.  If you are not connected to a sim then your stream will display 'Waiting' as the sim, track and car name. These 'Waiting' streams cannot be connected to by a remote user.  Once you start your sim, your stream will be updated with the name of the sim, car and track. At that point the remote users will be able to connect.  If you exit the sim your stream will be terminated. You will have to create a new data stream if you want to stream another sim or session.

Download the demo today:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

[Russell Hodgson]

We've released version 2020.1.3 of the Dashboard and Server. This brings some improvements to the streaming service as well as a few other bug fixes.

Existing users can get the update here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/MyDashboard.cfm

New users can download the demo here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

Full release notes here:
* Added more data to the streaming service: yellow and blue flags, weather data, car class colors.
* Improved how the Z1 Server sends data for a more fluid data stream.
* Added the track map for iRacing's Texas MotorSpeedway track.
* Fixed a bug with RaceRoom where pit stop times would not be properly recorded.
* Fixed a few issues with Assetto Corsa Competizione where the full car name was not displayed, and where brake bias displays were different from what was displayed in the sim.

Download the demo today:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

[Russell Hodgson]

We've released version 2020.1.4 of the the Z1 Dashboard!

For this update we have removed the driver name registration option. This legacy registration option was causing issues where the Z1 software would unexpectedly revert to demo mode. Moving forward all registration will be done using your order number.

You can download the demo here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

Existing users can get the update here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/MyDashboard.cfm

Here is the list of release notes for this version:
* The driver name registration option has been removed.  This was a legacy registration process and was causing issues, such as reverting to a demo after 15 minutes.  Moving forward all registrations should be done using your order number.

* Updates to the Indy Car 2018 dashes so that the MPG box now reads L/100K if you are running with liters for the fuel display.

Download the demo today: https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

[Russell Hodgson]

Version 2020.2 of the Z1 Dashboard is now available!  We've got new dashboards, new features and many improvements.

Some highlights are:
Five new dashboards: GT4 Dash 1, Formula Dash 5, Stockcar 1987 Dash 1, Lap Time Dark Mode, and Track Map 12.

GT4 Dash 1


StockCar 1987 Dash1


Formula Dash 5


Lap Times Dark Mode Dash


Track Map 12


The Z1 Server now supports Assetto Corsa Competizione

You can choose to flash either the shift LEDs or the background when you reach your shift point.

We've added many new data channels to what is recorded into the ZOD files, allowing for more data in the Z1 Analyzer.

New users can download the demo here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

Existing users can get the update here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/MyDashboard.cfm

Here is the full list of release notes:
* New dashboard: GT4 Dash 1. This is intended for the BMW M4.

* New dashboard: Stockcar 1987 Dash 1. This is intended for the 1987 NASCAR Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

* New dashboard: Formula Dash 5. This is intended for the USF2000 and Indy Pro 2000 cars.

* Added a dark mode version of the Lap Times dashboard.  This is called Lap Time DM Dash.

* Added a new Track Map dashboard - Track Map 12.  This shows just the track map with no other overlaid data.  It is intended for users who want a track map to use with their streams on Twitch, etc.

* There is now an option to flash either the LEDs or the dash background when you reach redline.  This option is in the Car 1 tab on the left column and is labeled 'Flash'. You have two options - Dash will flash the dash background, and is the default behavior.  'LEDs' will flash the LEDs. The RPM at which this occurs (both for the dash and LED flashing) is determined by the 'Flash At' text box above.  You can set the color of the LEDs when they flash in the Car 3 tab.  Look for the 'Rev Limiter' LED, click that to display a color chooser to select the desired color.  Note if you have selected LEDs as the flash option and the selected dash does not have LEDs then the background will flash instead.  This option is car specific, allowing you to tailor it to each car you drive.

* The Z1 Server now supports Assetto Corsa Competizione.

* The Z1 Dashboard will now display ABS, Traction Control, Traction Control Cut, and Engine Power adjustments for Assetto Corsa Competizione.

* Traction Control Cut adjustment is now included in the Z1 Server UDP feed (for the sims that support it.)

* Various updates to how the Dashboard and Server determine sector times and lap times in rFactor 2.

* The track map displayed in the Track Map 4 dash and the garage screen (when you are out of the car) will now show a circle as the default track map if the track does not have a defined track map.  This brings them in line with the other track map dashboards that display the circle as the default track map.

* The DRS activation beep now will play a maximum of three times when you enter the DRS zone and have the ability to use DRS.  Previously it would beep consistently until you activated the DRS.

* Codemasters F1 2018 and 2019 now record ride height.

* Now recording Yaw, Roll, Pitch, Yaw Rate, Roll Rate, Pitch rate from all sims that support those values.

* All telemetry is now recorded as ZOD2 files (with the exception of iRacing which we don't record because it has its own ibt format). The option to choose between ZOD and ZOD2 has been removed.

* Added support for traction control adjustment #3 and #4.  Currently only iRacing supports this.

* The warnings parameters for each dashboard (oil temp, water temp, fuel level, and fuel pressure) will now change automatically when you change the appropriate units.  For example if you had temperature set to Fahrenheit and the oil temperature warning was set to 270, if you then change the temperature units to Celsius that warning number will automatically change to 132.2.  Previously the number remained the same regardless of the units selected.


Download the demo today
:https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

[Russell Hodgson]

We've released version 2020.2.1 of the Z1 Dashboard. This contains a small bug fix.

Fixed an issue that could cause telemetry data to not be recorded, or recorded under the incorrect sim or track name, if the Dashboard was not closed after changing the sim or track.

Existing users can get the update here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/MyDashboard.cfm

New users can download the demo here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

[Russell Hodgson]

Here is a sneak peek at one big feature we are working on for the next version of the Z1 Dashboard. It is the ability to use The Z1 with your phone or tablet.  (Note the video is showing the beta functionality, so some things may change before release.)

[Russell Hodgson]

Version 2020.3 of the Z1 Dashboard is now available!  With this version you can now stream the Z1 Dashboard display to any web browser.  This allows you to use your iPhone, iPad, Android phone/tablet, or any other device with a web browser as a display for the Dashboard.

The Z1 Dashboard streamed to your phone.


In addition to this new feature there are several new dashboards, and 12 new data channels that are now being recorded in telemetry files for analysis in the Z1 Analyzer.

The Corvette C8R Dash


The LMP2 Dash 1


The LMP Dash 2


The LMP Dash 3


The LMP Pit Dash


Existing users can download the new version here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/MyDashboard.cfm

New users can get the demo here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

Here is the full list of release notes:
* Four new dashboards: LMP2 Dash 1, 2 and 3, and LMP2 Pit Dash.

* New dashboard: For the Corvette C8R.

* Web Streaming. This allows you to stream the display of the Z1 Dashboard to a browser on your local network.  This would include another laptop, tablet, iPad, iPhone, Android, etc.  As long as the device has a browser and is connected to your local network it can be used as a display.  (Note at this time only one browser window can be connected at one time.)

To set up web streaming go to the Network tab in the Z1 Dashboard's settings dialog.  There is a checkbox called 'Enable Web Streaming'.  This must be checked to enable web streaming.  It is disabled by default.  Underneath that are two text fields.  The first is for the IP Address and the second is the the port.  You can use the defaults, or adjust them as necessary to suit your system.  To the right of those text boxes is the URL that you would enter in to your browser to connect to the web stream.  If you enable or disable web streaming or make changes to the IP or port you must click OK on the settings dialog and then restart the Z1 Dashboard for these changes to take effect.

Make sure that the selected port is not being used by another process or is not being blocked by a firewall.

You can also set the desired frame rate for the stream.  The higher the frame rate the more bandwidth will be used by the web stream.  The default is 30 FPS.

The smoothness of the stream is dependent on your network speed and the device being used.  As always we recommend a wired connection where possible.

The final option is 'Set resolution automatically'.  If you select this then the resolution of the display will be set to 272x480 pixels.  This works well on phones due to their smaller screen size.  Note the resolution of the display within the browser is based off the current size of the Z1 Dashboard window on your PC.  The larger the window the higher the resolution, and the more bandwidth required.  So to increase the resolution, simply resize the Z1 Dashboard application window on the PC until you get the appropriate resolution on the browser.  The browser will update the resolution automatically as you resize the Z1 Dashboard application window.  If you are having bandwidth or lag issues we suggest resizing the Z1 Dashboard window to be smaller to reduce the resolution of the image being sent.

If you want the browser to go to full screen, you can do so by clicking/tapping anywhere on the Z1 display within your browser.

Finally note that the web stream is not compatible with the Z1 LCD Screen.  If you are using that screen the the web stream is not active.

* The Z1 Dashboard is now compatible with Codemasters F1 2020. You can select this sim in the Network tab under the Codemasters drop down.  As always, broadcast mode is also suported. Selecting F1 2020 BC will allow the Z1 Dashboard to connect when broadcast mode is being used.

* Wheel RPS has been added to rFactor, Game Stock Car, ARCA and Automobilista.

* 12 new data channels are available for sims where they are supported: tire load, lateral tire force, longitudinal tire force, tire contact patch sliding percentage, suspension force, front ride height, rear ride height, front wing height, drag, front downforce, rear downforce, oil level.  These data channels are available to use when importing external data as well.

* Improved how live telemetry recognizes Assetto Corsa and Assetto Corsa Competizione to make it easier to connect to those sims.

* Updates to the internal architecture of the Z1 Dashboard to allow for non-English characters to be used in various ways in the future.

* Brake pressure is now read from rFactor 2.  Note that rFactor 2 outputs brake pressure as a percentage (0.0 - 1.0).  So it won't be bar or psi, etc, but rather a percentage of total pressure.  You'll be able to see how the four brakes are working with respect to each other.  But you won't get the actual pressure values in each brake line.


Download the demo today:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

[Russell Hodgson]

We've put out version 2020.3.1 of the Z1 Dashboard.  This contains a bug fix for an issue that could prevent the settings from being saved.

Existing users can get the update here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/MyDashboard.cfm

New users can download the demo here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm

[Russell Hodgson]

The Z1 Server UDP feed has been tweaked in version 2020.3.  We've added several data channels to it.

For all those who use it in their applications, you can view the updated UDP structure here: https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/serverUDP.cfm

[Russell Hodgson]

We've released version 2020.3.2 of the Z1 Dashboard.

This fixes a bug that prevented the Project Cars drop down from being displayed in the Network settings tab.


Existing users can get the update here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/MyDashboard.cfm

New users can download the demo here:
https://z1simwheel.com/dashboard/demo.cfm