| A futuristic body needs a better dash [message #215092] |
Sat, 20 July 2013 06:04  |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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The GMC body design was years ahead of its design. Unfortunately, the technology available in the 70's wasn't able to give it a dash to match. And, after seeing GM's efforts at digital gauges in the late 70's I am glad they did not try.
I know some of the different roll your own pc based engine management systems allow for engine monitoring with virtual gauges and was wondering if there was a universal drop in lcd screen system out there yet. With virtual gauges, you don't need to stare at 20 gauges all at once and find a way to fit them all within view. You keep the 6 most important up and cycle through to check on the rest.
No luck on finding a stand alone lcd, but this has a real eighties vintage flavor:
http://www.intellitronix.com/CREATE-A-DASH.html
I know there are drop in systems for the GMC from CIP and Speedhut. But what fun is the easy way.
Anyone out there tackled a digital dash?
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: A futuristic body needs a better dash [message #215093 is a reply to message #215092] |
Sat, 20 July 2013 06:20  |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Joe, Roll your own is the only solution. Main problem will be the engine interfaces. Modern vehicles with their computer systems have the multitude of sensors already designed and installed. One of major importance is the VSS, vehicle speed sensor.
Many small CPU exist and the prices continue to drop. I've been looking for a easy solution for the temperature sensors but to actually put one in the oil flow and water path is not easy. The currently installed analog sensors could be used, but you would need to calibrate them, then convert output to digital.
Small LCD screens are inexpensive and easy to interface.
No one is making a glass cockpit and I believe the commercial drive for our old gals does not exist.
Dakota Digital makes beautiful independent gauges, but not a complete glass cockpit item.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: A futuristic body needs a better dash [message #215195 is a reply to message #215093] |
Sun, 21 July 2013 07:40 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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| tphipps wrote on Sat, 20 July 2013 06:20 |
No one is making a glass cockpit and I believe the commercial drive for our old gals does not exist.
Dakota Digital makes beautiful independent gauges, but not a complete glass cockpit item.
Tom, MS II
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Ahhh the old google foo started working again. There are glass dash panels.
http://www.digitalmarinegauges.com/products/touch-screen-display-units.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=vmj_softy.tpl&product_id=68& category_id=16
However, the pricing would astonish even Robin Leach...
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: A futuristic body needs a better dash [message #215198 is a reply to message #215092] |
Sun, 21 July 2013 09:17 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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As long as you know what 'normal' acceptable range is on the factory temp and oil pointers, ( home position range) I think time is better spent driving with eyes on the road. Exception would be a volts meter to get it to modern acceptable standards. More stuff is more stuff to break or leak. Trans temp guage proponents should understand that coolant temp is a rough predictor of trans temp as they are shared at a liquid to liquid heat exchanger as is engine oil. I'm a OEM correct fan for the most part.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: A futuristic body needs a better dash [message #215218 is a reply to message #215198] |
Sun, 21 July 2013 12:53 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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| JohnL455 wrote on Sun, 21 July 2013 09:17 |
As long as you know what 'normal' acceptable range is on the factory temp and oil pointers, ( home position range) I think time is better spent driving with eyes on the road...
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...you have just made an argument for a HUD system... 
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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