NextGen

Hier ist die Update Anleitung für ein Update mittels Windows.

USB Update (USB Flash Drive)

Starting with version 1.53 (including Bootloader 1.0), you can install updates directly from a USB flash drive.

What you need

• USB adapter (female/female)
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• USB flash drive
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Prepare the USB drive

1. Format the USB drive as FAT32 or exFAT (both are supported).
2. Copy the update file to the USB drive (root directory only, not inside a folder).
3. Rename the file to: AKNG.srec
4. Note: A boot image created with the Bootlogo Creator can also be used.

Start the update

1. Connect the adapter and USB flash drive to the USB update cable.
2. On the display: Settings → System → Update
3. Select USB Flash Drive (not “Computer”).
4. The display turns off briefly – the update starts automatically.

Duration: Updating via USB typically takes about 4–5 minutes.

Status indication (backlight blink code)

• Very fast blinking: No USB flash drive detected. After about 10 seconds, the display boots the normal software again.
• Fast bright / slow dim: Update in progress.

Important notes if the update is interrupted

• If the USB drive is unplugged during the update, the bootloader restarts and waits again for a valid USB drive.
• If ignition is switched off or power is lost, the update must be started again.
• Important: If an update has started and gets interrupted, the device may no longer boot into the app and will stay in bootloader mode until a successful update is completed.
• If the software was already erased and the update is interrupted, the bootloader automatically switches between update modes every 5 seconds.

Slow blinking = Computer update
Fast blinking = USB Flash Drive update

We recommend this simple program to connect to the display via the USB cable:

HTerm Download

Connect the DataDisplay NextGen to the PC using the USB cable

Start the "HTerm" program.

Apply the following settings as shown in the picture:

Port: The port is different for everyone. If there are several to choose from, unplug the DataDisplay, click on the "R" button to the right of the port selection and see which port has disappeared. Reconnect the DataDisplay, click "R" again and select the port for the DataDisplay

Baud: 115200

Data: 8

Stop:1

Parity: None

Press the "connect" button at the top left and the connection to the display will be established.

Under "Input control" check the Ascii only box.

Type: ASC

Enter the command "reset" in the input field (as shown in the picture) and press Enter on the keyboard.

The display is now set to factory settings and restarts.

In most cases it is because the plug is plugged in the wrong way round either in the connection box or in the display. This means that the power supply is guaranteed, but not the CAN bus for the data.

Solution: Insert the cable the right way round (flat side to flat side and round side to round side).

The flickering means that the bootloader is active and can accept an update.

If the display runs for some time, the bootloader is told that the application is ok and running.

The actual software (application) is then started immediately and the display no longer flickers when switched on.

If you frequently turn the ignition off and on again, it flickers again because the application hasn't run long enough.

This is a safety feature so that the display can always be updated should something go wrong.

An external sensor is connected to the junction box. Our recommendation for an oil pressure sensor is an original BMW sensor:

BMW part numbers:
Sensor: M12 x 1.5: 8614494
Housing with contacts: 61132359997

Danger. There are many different sensors, some are combined with pressure and temperature and don't work! Others have a different assignment.

This example uses the sensor that is also used in the B47 or B58 engine, among others.

A 3-pin cable is also required, here we recommend a cable cross section of 0.5mm².

Sensor pin 1 is connected to pin GND on the junction box
Sensor pin 2 is connected to pin A1 on the junction box
Sensor pin 3 is connected to pin 5V on the junction box

Next the sensor needs to be adjusted.
To do this, go to Settings - External - Analog A1 Setup (or up to version 0.45 oil pressure sensor):
The engine must not run for this purpose.
Select whether the sensor should measure oil pressure or boost pressure.
The voltage and pressure coming from the sensor appear below (it should be around 500mV).
The pressure must now be set to 0.0 bar. To do this, press the text and value "Cal:" at the top and enter a value, e.g. 10, and confirm with #.
Increase the value until the pressure is 0.0 bar.

If another analog sensor is used, the data must be entered as to how much voltage there is, little pressure and how much voltage is used to output a lot of pressure. These can be changed by pressing the values. The picture shows the settings of the pressure sensor mentioned above, which can be used for oil pressure and boost pressure.

The temperature sensor (NTC) is connected to the terminal box.

GND and T1

In the menu under:

Settings - External - Oil Temperature

- Check the box next to "External sensor active"

- Enter the sensor values ​​(from the datasheet).

R1 is the high resistance at low temperature.
T1 is the temperature corresponding to the R1 value.
R2 is the high resistance.
T3 is the temperature corresponding to the R2 value.

The default values ​​for the sensors sold in our shop are:
Black sensor:
T1: 25
R1: 2251
T2: 120
R2: 87.65

Red sensor:
T1: 25
R1: 10000
T2: 155
R2: 300

If you have your own sensor, you must enter the values ​​from the manufacturer's datasheet.

There is no limit from the DataDisplay.

The only limit is the storage of the medium used, but even here, with continuous logging, many months will pass before the storage is full.

Every log gets an increment at the end of the file name.

AK-NG-Log1.csv, AK-NG-Log2.csv, AK-NG-Log3.csv, etc....

So that a log does not become too large to be quickly uploaded to e.g. Datazap.me, logs are rewritten with an additional number at around 5MB.

E.g. AK-NG-Log3-1.csv, AK-NG-Log3-2.csv, AK-NG-Log3-3.csv, etc.

Up to 16 WS2812B LEDs can be connected and configured to the NextGen DataDisplay.

From versions:
E46: 1.8 Beta 5

All others: 1.45 Beta4

WS2812B LEDs --> NextGen Connection Box

Power Supply --> 5V

Ground --> GND

Signal --> P1

Settings - External - Shiftlight

The starting speed and end speed determine when the LEDs turn on.

The number of green, yellow, and red LEDs can be assigned individually. Important: The connected LEDs must match the configured LEDs (total number of LEDs = green LEDs + yellow LEDs + red LEDs).

The LEDs can be tested even without the engine running by pressing "Test." Pressing "Test" again stops the process.

Is the NextGen DataDisplay legal?

It depends on the installed software version and the enabled functions.

Street-Legal version

With the Street-Legal software version, the NextGen DataDisplay is a diagnostic and display device: it reads data from the vehicle’s onboard network, shows it, and can execute diagnostic functions. This version does not include exhaust flap control and is therefore generally uncritical for normal road use.

Full version

The Full version additionally allows exhaust flap control. Depending on the country/region and the vehicle, this function may not be permitted. In some cases, authorities may object to the mere presence of this function even if it is not activated.

How do I know if I have “Street-Legal” or “Full” installed?

In the main menu go to Settings → Extras:

• Street-Legal: There is no menu item called “Exhaust Flap”.

• Full: The menu item “Exhaust Flap” is present.

If “Exhaust Flap” is visible, legality may be questionable depending on local rules, even if the “Enable” checkbox is not set.

What is “Soundtuning” and does it make my display illegal?

“Soundtuning” is BMW’s name for the function that creates burbles/crackles in Sport or Sport+ mode. The NextGen DataDisplay cannot increase or activate this function. It can only make the vehicle quieter by disabling it.

No ECU maps are changed, and the NextGen DataDisplay cannot modify engine calibration in any way. The Soundtuning feature is not related to road safety regulations.

Notes

• Legality can vary by country, region, vehicle model, and inspection rules.

• Local laws and the assessment by inspectors/authorities are always decisive.

• If you want maximum legal certainty, use the Street-Legal version.

• For questions regarding legality in your country, we recommend contacting an inspection organization or the responsible authority in advance.

• The vehicle owner/user is responsible for use on public roads.