Crazy mad scientist idea: LCD multi-function display instead of gauges!

[samrebel]

After having to replace the sending unit for my fake oil pressure gauge, and reading the trouble others have gone to in order to make it a real gauge, I was thinking about installing a gauge cluster in my '96 XLT. Then I started thinking about what is used in one of my other interests: high performance fighter aircraft. In the latest generation most gauges have been replaced with Multi Function Displays (MFD) LCD screens which show anything from weapons targeting info to engine data. A germ of an idea began: Ease Diagnostics makes an OBD-II scantool software program which can display tens if not hundreds of engine and other parameters in real time. If I remote mounted a computer running this program, spliced a hidden OBD-II connector in to plug the Ease cable into, and run a cable from the S-video out from the computer's video card to a dash-mounted LCD, voila! Imagine: having access to real-time timing advance to see if you need higher octane fuel when climbing or towing! The possibilites are unlimited, but it would be expensive. Have I gone crazy, or is this a good idea?

 

[mmsdrummer]

Oh boy! Its certainly possible, though i'm not sure about changing things on the fly. I guess if you have the patience (and funds of course) it could happen.
good luck...

 

[expo5.0]

actually its unreasonable imo... lol

 

[CodePoet]

It would be a kickass idea! I think one of the biggest hurtles involved though would be the software/computer. I think your right on the money about the basic concept of hooking it all up. But I think there might be a problem with the way the information is displayed. I've never seen the gui's with these programs but i'm pretty sure the designers of the software didn't have this application in mind (i've been wrong before so I might be wrong on this as well). Because of this it might not be very user friendly. You might have to set it up in such away that all the screens are tiled a certain way, or in my opinion the best way would be to write a program to display the information the way you want. It woudlnt' surprise me if you could find an open source (so you can modify code/add to it) OBDII interpreter that could be massaged a bit to fit your application. I'm sure you could find a sutable screen on ebay for a reasonable price.

Just my .02 cents
CP

 

[Alec]

I believe there is a new Pioneer or Kenwood HU that you can also use as gauges. Saw it in a magazine this month. However, probably not best for your only gauges, probably better as aux.

 

[410Fortune]

Um I have seen this done already, on a laptop...

Let me look around, its installed in a desert racing Ranger.

There is nothing far fetched about this idea, its already out there. The only limitations are the number of sensors you can install in the vehicle and of course making them all work. Now of course the next step is to interface withb the trucks PCM and be able to adjust the air/fuel, timing, shift points, etc...but again they already have this for newer vehicles.

 

[CodePoet]

Wow i'm surprised that a laptop is able to hold up to the vibrations/jolts, and dust that it would see in a desert racing truck. I think I would go with a "lunchbox pc" they are basically heavy duty computers so they can take more abuse. With the OBDII system I dont' think it's unreasonalbe at all, mounting in the dash would be intersting but not impossible. I totally forgot about that kinda software that 410 is alluding to! I actually asked if it was possible to mount my laptop in my 1st gen OBDI as one of my first posts here haha, it's not really reasonable for the OBDI systems though

Good Luck
CP

 

[samrebel]

Pictures and more thoughts.

There are webpages where you can get many different style cases for a computer. I was just looking at one that looks like a stereo amp, it has a huge heat sink on top instead of a fan, and is very small. As for the real time stuff: there are some screen shots from the program that show strip-style gauges with large number readouts, up to eight parameters per page. I would post some pictures, but I don't know how. As for the display, almost anything would work. Finally, modification of timing, etc. while driving, I have no idea, didn't really consider it, that's more standalone engine management system type stuff.

 

[Hartman]

That would be a huge undertaking. Doesn't seem like much work when you think about it, but it is. And would it really be worth it? In my opinion, no. If you had a high horsepower, high performance vehicle, maybe. But to do something like this just because it looks cool, I don't think it would be worth the money.

 

[wired_af]

and if it ran off a computer, you would have to let it boot up before you get the information displayed, that could get annoying

 

[hawaiianexp00]

This is what I am doing, a full blown PC, Check out www.MP3car.com tons of info there. My system is a P4 3.2, 250 GB HD, Ati 9600 video card, 512 MB DDR, Wifi, bluetooth, TV card, GPS, and DVD. There are websites to buy the ODB-II interface it cost about 80 bucks for the connections and the programs are free. I have found a few. You would be amazed at how many different things it will display from Gas Pressure to ture Oil temps and Pressure, this list goes on and on. I will be installing mine when I complete my move to Fallon, Nv.

 

[evoq007]

I think this would be an awesome idea, but you have to figure out a way so you wont get the blue screen of death....haha that would stink driving down the road and you suddenly get a "Fatal Error" message on your screen. It would be easier if you were able to implement everything within flash memory so the hard drive doesnt get stuck spinning all the time. Maybe trying to modify a pocket pc, and get it with one of the video out presentation adaptors they sell. It would def be more stable.

Scott

 

[huskyfan23]

I say go for it, it would be really cool, would be better than any actual gauges, and you'd be one of the few that has it.

 

[IAmTodd]

He He, don't run Windows What would happen it it froze?

 

[F14CRAZY]

Heck yeah it would be cool. The Buck Riveras and Reattas (that I love) sometimes had the CRT touch screen ya know, which controlled the climate control, radio, and displayed aux gauges. Runs a diagnostic when it starts, and tells you stuff like low washer fluid. Yeah yeah, not an LCD and not color, but still kick@$s.

Windows based would suck, but gimme gauges with Mac OS X...

 

[huskyfan23]

I'd take windows over OS X or Linux any day. Over anything actually. If you don't upset Windows it won't upset you.

 

[Dolphan]

I know a guy who is working on this idea to market it to the auto manfacturers.
He is going to use a small MB already like the type used in the car electronics anyway. His point is one could select what info they want to see RPM, mileage etc. Why does an automatic have a tachometer - who knows

 

[Hotweels]

i have been wanting a laptop GPS system in my explorer for a couple years now but it would be great also to monitor engine function as well.... been looking at http://www.gobookmax.com/ to run it on but untill they start showing up used in the computer stores it will remain a dream :smoke:

 

[jimbo74]

there is a company called dakota digital that sells digital guage clusters and replacement guages for vehicle use..... not sure if they have a cluster for the X or not, but you might wnat to look into them

 

[F14CRAZY]

I'd take windows over OS X or Linux any day. Over anything actually. If you don't upset Windows it won't upset you.

Windows would get a virus (or spyware hijack or adware hijack or glitch or trojan)and "crash" the truck!

Hell, control/alt/delete doesn't even work anymore. It's supposed to restart the box, come on. Good there's OS X