AEM Serial Data Stream Gauge 304300 User Manual

							ADVANCED ENGINE MANAGEMENT INC. 
2205 126th Street Unit A, Hawthorne, CA. 90250 
Phone: (310) 484-2322 Fax: (310) 484-0152 
http://www.aempower.com 
Instruction Part Number: 10-4300 Rev 112205 
© 2005 Advanced Engine Management, Inc. 
 
 
Page 1 
 
 
 
Installation Instructions for 
30-4300 
AEM Serial Gauge 
 
 
 
 
WARNING:
 
,!
This installation is not for the electrically or mechanically 
challenged! Use this gauge with EXTREME
 caution! If you are 
uncomfortable with anything about this, please refer the 
installation to an AEM trained tuning shop or call 800-423-0046 
for technical assistance. You should also visit the AEM 
Performance Electronics Forum at http://www.aempower.com 
 
NOTE: AEM holds no responsibility for any engine damage that 
results from the misuse of this product!
 
 
 
This product is legal in California for racing vehicles only and should 
never be used on public highways. 
 
 
 
  
						

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Congratulations, the 52MM (2 1/16”) AEM Serial Gauge features a three digit LED 
digital readout with 24 sweeping multi color LED’s, and two input buttons.  Also included 
in the box are all the necessary wiring cables and brackets to install and use the gauge.  
A non-limited fully functional version of Pro Gauge software by AEM is also in the box.  
The AEM Serial Gauge allows users to monitor up to 19 different parameters.  In 
addition, users can “daisy chain” multiple gauges together using the included harness. 
 
Contents: 
(1) Serial Gauge assembly 
(1) Appearance kit (Silver bezel, silver pin guide, white faceplate) 
(1) Installation kit ( Butt connector, 6 pieces) 
(1) Serial Gauge adapter cable 
(1) Serial Gauge flying lead 
(1) Instruction manual 
(1) Pro Gauge by AEM installation CD 
(1) DB9 Female Female adapter cable 
 
Getting Started 
 
NOTE: The Serial Gauge only works with version 1.19 and newer EMS firmware. 
 
 Installation 
 
  Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery.  Secure the gauge in a 
suitable mounting panel/pod using the supplied bracket and thumbnuts.  Locate the 
single row 8-pin connector on the adapter harness.  Plug the 8-pin connector into the 
connector on the back of the gauge as shown in Figure 1.  Connect the flying lead to the 
adapter as shown in Figure. 2.  Connect the DB9 connector on the flying lead to its 
mate on the backside of the EMS as shown in Figure 2.  Connect the two non-
terminated black wires on the flying lead to a known good ground.  Connect the non-
terminated red wire to a switched +12Vdc source.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 1. 8-pin connector location 
Figure 2. Installation connections  
						

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Configuring AEM Pro 
 
 Note: The serial gauge will only work with version 1.19 or newer firmware.  When 
connected to the EMS, the firmware version is shown in the blue strip at the top of the 
screen.   
 
Open AEM Pro and connect to the EMS.  Wait for the EMS to finish downloading.  Left 
click on “VIEW” and select the telemetry wizard from the wizards drop down menu, see 
Figure 3.  In the telemetry wizard, left click on “AEM Serial Datastream Gauge: and click 
OK, see Figure 4.  Close AEM Pro, connect the serial gauge to the EMS, and cycle 
power to the EMS.  The EMS is now configured to output data to the gauge. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Using the Gauge: 
 
  The gauge comes pre-configured to display engine speed, engine load, throttle, 
air temp, coolant temp, O2#1, and vehicle speed.  The gauge also stores the min and 
max value for each parameter.  The two buttons on the front of the gauge (see Figure 5) 
allow the user to switch between parameters and view min/max values.  The functions 
for the buttons are listed below. 
 
Right button: Displays next gauge, moves in forward direction 
Left button: Displays next gauge, moves in backward direction 
Press and hold right button for 2 seconds: Displays max value  
Press and hold left button for 2 seconds: Displays min value 
Pres and hold both buttons for 2 seconds: Clears min/max values for displayed gauge 
Press and hold both buttons for 5 seconds: Clears all min/max values 
 
 
 
 
Figure 3. Telemetry wizard Figure 4. Select AEM Serial Datastream  
						

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Changing the gauge configuration 
The AEM Serial gauge comes configured with the black bezel, black pin guide, and the 
black faceplate.  However, a silver bezel, a silver pin guide, and a white faceplate are 
also included in the gauge kit.  To change the faceplate, pin guide, or bezel, orient the 
gauge so you are looking at the faceplate.  Rotate the bezel counter-clockwise to 
unscrew it from the gauge cup.  The bezel, lens, pin guide, rubber spacer, faceplate, 
diffuser, and anti-glare shield are all removable.  Reassemble the gauge as shown in 
Figure 6.  Make sure the small light holes in the faceplate, diffuser, and anti-glare shield 
line up with the light sensor on the circuit board.  Do not over tighten the bezel when 
reassembling the gauge.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wire Connections 
 
RED   
Connect to a switched 10-18 volt power source. 
 
BLACK   
Connect to a clean power ground. 
Figure 5. Gauge buttons  
						

							Page 5 
 
*BROWN  
Connect to negative side of warning device, 1 amp max. 
 
*ORANGE 
Connect to negative side of warning device, 1 amp max. 
 
GREEN , 
 
*optional 
 
 
Visit the AEM electronics forum for instructions on how to use the Pro Gauge 
software. 
 
AEM Electronics Warranty 
  
Advanced Engine Management Inc. warrants to the consumer that all AEM Electronics 
products will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve 
months from date of the original purchase. Products that fail within this 12-month 
warranty period will be repaired or replaced when determined by AEM that the product 
failed due to defects in material or workmanship. This warranty is limited to the repair or 
replacement of the AEM part. In no event shall this warranty exceed the original 
purchase price of the AEM part nor shall AEM be responsible for special, incidental or 
consequential damages or cost incurred due to the failure of this product. Warranty 
claims to AEM must be transportation prepaid and accompanied with dated proof of 
purchase. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of product and is non-
transferable. All implied warranties shall be limited in duration to the said 12-month 
warranty period. Improper use or installation, accident, abuse, unauthorized repairs or 
alterations voids this warranty. AEM disclaims any liability for consequential damages 
due to breach of any written or implied warranty on all products manufactured by AEM. 
Warranty returns will only be accepted by AEM when accompanied by a valid Return 
Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number.  Product must be received by AEM within 30 
days of the date the RMA is issued. 
  
Please note that before AEM can issue an RMA for any electronic product, it is first 
necessary for the installer or end user to contact the tech line at 1-800-423-0046 to 
discuss the problem.  Most issues can be resolved over the phone.  Under no 
circumstances should a system be returned or a RMA requested before the above 
process transpires. 
  
AEM will not be responsible for electronic products that are installed incorrectly, 
installed in a non approved application, misused, or tampered with.  
  
Any AEM electronics product can be returned for repair if it is out of the warranty period. 
There is a minimum charge of $50.00 for inspection and diagnosis of AEM electronic 
parts. Parts used in the repair of AEM electronic components will be extra. AEM will 
provide an estimate of repairs and receive written or electronic authorization before 
repairs are made to the product.  
 
  
						

							 Pro Gauge 
by AEM 
 
Revision:   
Revision Date: 
Page:  
  
 
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02/20/2007 
 1  
AEM ProGauge Software 
 
Note:  The AEM Serial Gauge is factory pre loaded with “BASE CAL.mdb”, which 
displays the following parameters: 
• Engine Load 
• Throttle Position 
• Air Temp 
• O2 #1 
• Vehicle Speed 
 
Connecting to the Gauge
 
1.  Install AEM ProGauge software from provided CD, or check Electronics Forums 
on WWW.AEMPOWER.COM
 for latest software. 
2.  Start with the Serial Gauge powered off. 
3.  Connect the Serial Gauge to the PC’s Serial Port using the Null Modem Cable 
(female to female, provided). 
4.  Double click on the “AEM ProGauge” icon on your desktop.  
5.  Go to File-Open and the select the file named “
BASE CAL.mdb”.   
(Note:  Changes to files are AUTOMATICALLY saved.  In order to keep the 
base cal, it is HIGHLY recommended that you backup the file PRIOR to 
opening it.) 
6.  Left click on the Arrow on the Connect Icon (Figure 1) to select appropriate Com 
Port. 
7.  Left click on the Connect Icon (Figure 1), a “Connecting to gauge”) window will 
pop up displaying a status bar (Figure 2). 
8.  After the “Connecting to gauge” window opens, apply 12Vdc to power up the 
gauge.  See Figure 2. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 1. Connect Icon       
      Figure 2. Connecting to Gauge Window 
 
 
 
  
						

							 Pro Gauge 
by AEM 
 
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Page:  
  
 
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02/20/2007 
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Changing Displayed Gauges 
 
To change your displayed gauges, select the “Single gauge data” window  it is 
located at the top of the screen, it is usually the window on top. In the bottom left hand of 
the window there is a “Gauge Order” selection box.  The “Gauges” in the “In-use” column 
are the “Gauges” that are loaded and are active on the Serial Gauge.  The gauges in the 
“Available” column are NOT loaded, therefore cannot be viewed on the Serial Gauge.   
 
To change the active “Gauges”: 
1.  Click on a “Gauge” in the “Available” selection box. 
2.  Click on the icon pointing Left or Right to remove or add to the “In-Use” column.  
“Gauges” in the “In-use” box are ACTIVE and loaded into the Serial Gauge. 
3.  The order of the “Gauges” in the “In-use” box is representative of how they are 
loaded into the Serial Gauge Menu.  Use the Up and Down icons to arrange the 
order of the “Gauges”. 
 
In the “Single gauge data” window a variety of other parameters can be set for the each 
“Gauge”: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 3. Single Gauge Data  
						

							 Pro Gauge 
by AEM 
 
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Low Alarm - Alarm is triggered when this value is reached 
 
High Alarm - Alarm is triggered when this value is reached 
 
Clear Min/Max History on Power-up - When Checked, the min and max values for the 
selected gauge will be cleared when the power is cycled.  
 
Low History Delay - This is the amount of time that a parameter must exceed the 
existing low value before being recorded as the new low.  For example, if your 
current low value
 is 32 with the history delay set to 400ms, the new value reached is 
31, it must remain at 31 for at least 400ms before it is recorded as the low. 
 
High History Delay - This is the amount of time that a parameter must exceed the 
existing high value before being recorded as the new high. For example, if your 
current high value
 is 32 with the history delay set to 400ms, the new value reached is 
33, it must remain at 33 for at least 400ms before it is recorded as the high. 
 
Jump Priority - If Multiple Alarms are triggered at the same time, the gauge with the 
higher jump priority will display soonest (1 is the highest priority, 20 is the lowest.) 
 
Jump to Delay - The jump to delay controls the amount of time after an alarm is 
triggered that the parameter will be displayed.   
 
Jump Back Delay - This controls the amount of time that the alarmed gauge will remain 
displayed after the alarm condition has gone away 
 
Output 1(2) On - When selected the output will be triggered when the gauge is in an 
alarm state.  An example being if you have your alarm set to 32 and you reach this 
the controller will then turn on the selected output 
 
Output 1(2) Condition 1(2,3,4) - When this option is checked, condition 1 (2,3,4) must 
be met in addition to the gauge being in alarm before the output is triggered.  If more 
then one is checked then all conditions must be met before the output is triggered.  
To set your conditions please see the “Global Gauge Data” window. 
 
Signed Value (AEM internal use) - Check this if the data stream is a signed value. 
Highly recommend that this parameter is not changed. 
 
Lookup table High to Low - Check this box if the values in the lookup table decrease 
as the item number increases. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
						

							 Pro Gauge 
by AEM 
 
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Look-Up Table  
  To Open the Lookup Table for a gauge, open the single gauge data window, then 
click on the gray bar all the way to the left as shown in Figure 4.  The gauge display 
name and units can be changed by changing the text in the Gauge Name and Units 
text boxes. 
 
Changing the displayed name and units 
  To change the displayed name, open the look up table in the top right hand corner 
there is a box labeled “Gauge Display Name”.  Simple click the LED’s on and off to 
display the appropriate name for the corresponding gauge.  You can also change 
units text in the top right hand corner this is only a reference for the user to show 
what units are being displayed. 
 
Changing the LED Location 
  To change the dial LED (the location on the sweep) for a specific item, click on 
the LED then select the drop down menu and pick the LED number.   
 
Changing the LED Color 
To change the color of the LED, click on the Color Box, then select the drop 
down menu and select the color. See Figure 5.  The gauge graphic on the right hand 
side of the lookup table will display the corresponding value and LED for the item 
selected. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
						

							 Pro Gauge 
by AEM 
 
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Figure 4. Selecting a look-up table 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 5. Look-up Table 
 
Auto Fill  
  The Auto Fill function can be used to make user defined ranges easily 
programmable. In the look up table click on the Auto Fill icon on the bottom of the table, 
this will open another window; Enter your start cell number (Item number), stop cell (Item 
Number) and the start and end values  Click Fill Table and the Pro Gauge software will 
linearly fill the selected values.   
For an example we will take the Engine Load PSI gauge and fill it from -14-70 
PSI.  Open the auto fill table and enter 0-255 for your first value, you will next want too 
enter -14 and 70 for your other values and click fill table.  The table should now be filled 
with linearly interpolated values from -14 to 70. 
 
Dial Colors and LED’s can also be filled in the same manner.  Enter the start cell, end 
cell, and the desired colors for the range.  Then enter the range you would like the 
particular gauge to operate in.  If you would like to use the full range of the sweeping dial 
LED’s a start cell of 0 and an end cell of 255 can be used with 1 and 24 as your 
corresponding led values. 
 
Global Gauge Data   
  Conditions are based on the gauge displayed in the gauge box.  Conditions are 
activated when the “If….” Statement has been met/  Lo Limit and Hi Limit are the values 
used in the “If” statement  When the Remember Last gauge on Start-up box is checked, 
the serial gauge displays the same gauge that was selected when the power was turned 
off.  When unchecked it will display the first gauge in order. See Figure 6