SimRep Engineering Multi LED Display(s)
SimRep Engineering, founded by passionate car enthusiasts Niels and Atilla, is an innovative company developing advanced sim racing products. Since our first meeting two years ago, we’ve built a strong partnership, particularly in the development of the P9XX Steering Wheel.
SimRep doesn’t stand still and has recently launched several unique products. We recently reviewed the DDUXX1 Sim Dashboard, and now it’s our turn to evaluate the Multi LED Displays (MLDs)—an opportunity we embrace with enthusiasm.
The SimRep Engineering Multi LED Display combines the functions of a traditional eyebrow display and a flag panel. It provides telemetry-driven information, such as speeds, lap times, and shift points, while also offering visual alerts and signals like yellow and blue flags during a race.
The Multi LED Displays (MLDs) are available through the SimRep Engineering webshop. At the time of writing, they are priced at €149.99 per pair, including VAT but excluding shipping costs.
Packaging and Contents
Within one business day, we receive a brown product box, wrapped in plastic, shipped via DHL from SimRep Engineering in The Hague. The packaging is simple, but that’s not an issue— as it’s all about the contents.
Upon opening the box, we find a black foam layer serving as protection. Underneath the first layer, in the second layer, we discover a pair of MLDs neatly nestled in foam cutouts. Below that is another black foam layer containing the additional components: two USB-C cables, two 3D-printed mounting brackets, two 3M adhesive strips, the necessary screws for mounting, an Allen key, and a cleaning cloth to keep the MLDs spotless.
In short, a complete package ready for immediate use!
The SimRep Engineering Multi LED Display(s)
The SimRep Engineering MLDs, as the name suggests, are Multi LED Displays designed to visualize various telemetry-driven data on your sim rig. These displays can show spotter functionalities, flag situations, traction control activity, ABS activity, and much more.
The MLDs feature a sleek black aluminum casing with the SimRep logo elegantly laser-etched. They are equipped with 150 RGB LEDs arranged in a 25×6 matrix configuration. Each LED can be individually controlled via SimHub software, providing visual feedback for a wide range of racing conditions. The LEDs are protected by a genuine glass front panel. On the back of the MLDs, there is a USB-C port, and on either side, there are M3-threaded holes where the included mounting brackets can be attached.
Assembly
First, we attach the included mounting brackets to the back of the MLDs and mount them on the profiles of our Sim-Lab P1X’s wheel mount. Next, we connect the provided USB-C cables to two free USB ports, making the MLDs immediately ready for use.
The current mounting brackets are specifically designed for aluminum extrusion profile rigs. However, according to SimRep Engineering, new mounting brackets compatible with various wheelbases are in development, which will allow the MLDs to be used on almost any type of sim rig.
It’s worth noting that each MLD requires its own USB port. A daisy-chain connection, allowing one MLD to connect to another, would have been a more convenient solution. Additionally, we would have preferred the included 3D-printed mounting brackets to be made of a material like carbon for a more premium look. That said, the current brackets perform their intended function just fine.
Software
To control the MLDs, we use SimHub, software that many of our readers, like us, likely already have installed. In the latest version of SimHub, the MLDs are immediately available and can be added and configured with just a few clicks, making the setup straightforward. We first check for updates, but in our case, none are needed. To add the MLDs, we select ‘Add Device,’ choose the brand ‘SimRep Engineering,’ select the type ‘Multi LED Display,’ and click ‘OK.’ These steps successfully add the first MLD to SimHub.
Since each MLD is controlled via its own USB port, we repeat these steps to add the second MLD. While this initially feels a bit counterintuitive, it makes sense given the separate connections. To differentiate between left and right, we temporarily disconnect one of the MLDs. Upon reconnecting, the SimRep logo immediately appears on the displays, allowing us to identify which is left and which is right. We then rename the devices in SimHub to LS (Left Side) and RS (Right Side).
With both MLDs successfully added, the basic functionalities work right away, allowing us to proceed with configuring the telemetry features of the RGB LEDs. The manual also recommends a few basic settings, such as setting the brightness to a maximum of 80%. This helps extend the LEDs’ lifespan and prevents excessive glare during use.
The beauty of SimHub and its telemetry functionalities is that we can unleash our creativity. Anything we imagine can be visualized in an appealing way. The standard ‘MLD LED profile’ already offers a wide range of features, such as different flag situations, traction control activity, ABS activity, spotter functionalities, and more.
Naturally, we’ve made our own adjustments as well. We’ve tweaked the colors of existing functions and integrated our own additions. As the cherry on top, we’ve added our own SRB logo, which is displayed when we’re not in-game.
Driving with the SimRep Engineering Multi LED Display(s)
We step into the Porsche in Assetto Corsa Competizione, equipped with the GSI FPE V2 Steering Wheel mounted on a Simucube 2 Sport wheelbase. This combination is our favorite racing setup, which we consider ideal for thoroughly testing the MLDs.
Our experience with the GRID Engineering Brows and a traditional flag panel, which offer similar functionality, provides us with a solid reference point. However, our first impression of the MLDs is immediately positive. The MLDs are solidly built thanks to the aluminum casing and are well-protected by the glass front plate. With the ability to control each LED individually, the graphical displays are more detailed and visually appealing. The MLD LEDs have realistic color representation, respond quickly, and do not distract during racing.
To highlight the difference between the MLDs and a traditional eyebrow display/flag panel: in our case, the MLDs are mounted where the eyebrows typically are. This placement makes them more visible, allowing the functionalities of a flag panel to be easily seen. Additionally, combining two devices into one saves space and simplifies cable management on our sim rig.
We used the MLDs to display various flag situations, such as yellow, blue, and green flags. They also show the activity of traction control (orange flashing LEDs), ABS (purple flashing LEDs), and the pit limiter (blue/red flashing). We have added spotter functionalities with left and right indicators, as seen in the screenshots above. Lastly, we configured a finish flag that appears when we cross the finish line (see screenshots above).
The visual display of this telemetry data definitely adds value to the overall racing experience and enhances immersion without being distracting. Beyond their aesthetic contribution, the MLDs are a functional and valuable addition to our sim rig, significantly enhancing the racing experience.
Conclusion
Although the SimRep Engineering Multi LED Displays (MLDs) are not a brand-new discovery in the sim racing world, they do bring innovation with the use of an LED panel that offers more visualization options. In our opinion, SimRep Engineering has developed an excellent solution for the extensive visualization of telemetry data, and that at a highly competitive price.
The MLDs are easy to mount with the included brackets, making them a perfect fit for any sim rig made of aluminum extrusion profiles. Mounting directly onto a wheelbase or other types of sim rigs is a bit more challenging. However, SimRep Engineering is currently working on the development of special brackets suitable for attachment to wheelbases or other sim rigs.
The MLDs are built with a sturdy aluminum casing, with the LEDs protected by a glass front plate. This not only ensures robustness but also durability. The LED display is bright and is not distracting during racing.
In the SimHub software, the MLDs are easy to configure, although each MLD must be added as a separate device. Since they function as individual devices, each MLD also connects to a separate USB port. We would have preferred a daisy-chain connection, where one MLD can connect to another, to reduce the number of USB ports needed.
Aside from the use of two USB ports, the individual addition of the MLDs in SimHub, and the limited mounting options, we have no further comments. Once in use, these minor drawbacks become negligible, and the MLDs undoubtedly add value to our setup. They will certainly remain on our sim rig, contributing aesthetically and providing a more intense and immersive racing experience.
Are you as excited as we are after reading our review? The Multi LED Displays (MLDs) are available in SimRep Engineering’s webshop. At the time of writing, they are priced at €149.99 per pair, including VAT but excluding shipping costs.
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