Getting Started#
This guide helps you install and start using System Monitor. Below are the minimum and recommended system requirements:
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Duo 2 GHz | Intel Core i7 Processor |
| Memory | 1 GB | 8 GB or higher |
| Disk Space | HDD with 200 GB free space | High capacity SSD 512 GB+ |
| Operating System | Windows 10 | Windows 10 |
| Installation/Data Transfer | CD-ROM drive, FTP site | CD-ROM drive, FTP site |
| Power Supply | Rapid battery recharge recommended (not trickle charge) while applications are running | Rapid battery recharge recommended (not trickle charge) while applications are running |
1. Install System Monitor#
Download the System Monitor installer from the Motion Applied Portal and run the .msi file to begin the installation.
Three installation types are available:
- Typical: Installs all files for supported ECUs.
- Custom: Choose which components to install.
- Complete: Installs all files.
System requirements are checked during installation (memory, disk space, processor). Default install directory:
C:\Program Files\McLaren Electronic Systems\System Monitor 8
System Monitor icons are added to the default program folder: \System Monitor\
You may be prompted to restart your computer after installation.
Custom Installation#
Custom Installation lets you select components to install. Default settings match Typical Installation for first-time installs. Changed settings are remembered for future installations.
Available options:
- Program Files: System Monitor, CA-Card embedded code, TAGASAP conversion utility, SaxBasic.
- Help Files: Install help system.
- Registry: Modify Windows® Registry for licences and bases.
- Device Drivers: Install drivers for hardware devices (e.g., CA-Card).
- DESKey Dongle Drivers: Install drivers for DK2 USB, Parallel, and Network dongles.
- VE-82 Drivers: Install drivers for VE-82 Pot Board (run
USBDriverInstaller.exemanually after installation).
2. Insert Your CA-Card or Licence Dongle#
System Monitor can be licensed by:
- Communications adapter card (CA-card)
- Dongle
- Network card address
Adding a Licence#
Open the Add Licence dialog via Help > Add Licence or Add Licence in the Licence Required dialog.
Note
Later versions use a Licence File stored locally, defining teams and options. Licences are managed online at Motion Applied Portal.
The window lists added devices (type and serial number). Select a device to view its licence profile.
- Add New: Browse for Licence Files.
- Remove: Remove selected licence.
- Export: Export the licence file.
- Devices: List connected devices.
- Detect: Search for accessible devices.
- Active Team: Select from the drop-down list.
- Licence Details: View licence profile summary.
Applications listed under a team are unrestricted for that team.

5. Start System Monitor#
6. Select a Multi-Application Base or Configure a Unit.Def File#
Customer bases control file access to prevent incorrect ECU programming. Associate customer bases with a project using a Multi-Application base.
- Select File > Select Base.
- Choose a Multi-Application Base and click OK.
7. Create a New Program Version for Each Customer Base#
Define Program and Data Version files for each Application in the Multi-Application Base.
- Select File > New.
- In the dialog, select Program Version and click OK.
- Choose files to include in the Program Version.
8. Create a Project#
A Project links all files needed to work on an ECU.
- Select File > New.
- Choose Project and click OK.
- Complete the sequence of dialog boxes to define the Project, connection method, Desktop filename, and Program Version for each Customer Base.
9. Connect to the ECU#
Manage the ECU connection the project uses.
- Select ECU > Connect.
- Choose the connection method (IP, HDLC, CAN).
- Click Connect.