Have a look at Steve (D.O.A's) dash, he has a very nice one in place.
Project advice request - Digital Dash
Evening all,
I've been letting my brain slip in to nerd mode over the last few evenings, and as I have been sitting in the copious snow-related traffic I have come to the opinion that I don't like the orange back-lighitng of the dash and instrument console; this got me thinking.....
I have a vision, it consists of the centre console being smooth except for a colour touchscreen for controlling the air-con, blah, blah blah..(except the haard light button of course
) and a new instrument cluster, possibly a digital screen, but definitely a new instrument cluster with blue highlights.
On the surface of things, this seems like a nightmare, but I have thought about it some more......
Demon-Tweeks do some rather nice automotive instrument clusters, and also a nice range of additional analogue and digital gauges - so that route (if chosen) isnt too bad (except for integration with the ECU etc..which may be more iffy especailly if I want to add some additional sensor readings to the cluster) - now, the particularly interesting (!) bit is the centre console mods. I know of an upholstery service that can make the cosole nice and smooth adn continuous, however I am more interested in the development of a user interface and vehicle connections for all of the ancillary controls that would have been housed by the centre console.
I am a control system engineer, so I have a fair bit of experience with touchscreens and the like - I am just lacking the information/knowledge on the interactions between the hardwired systems and the "soft" system and controls carried out bythe ECU. It would be good to develop some user screen that display more juicy and in-depth information form the myriad of sensors in the car, and be able to get rid of the JDM screen and things. I have seen aftermarket datastream systems that plug in to the diagnositcs port, but I would rather avoid that if possible and go in another way if possible.
On the face of it, it should be possible to build an interface using the existing wiring for all the buttons and things, route them in to an Input/Output module and through a small PLC controller which would then handle the relay/button actions and control the various bits. This can then talk to an industrial touchscreen interface - the tricky bit is making sure that the data from things like the instantaneous fuel consumption and "distance to empty" is still accessible.
Has anyone else considered this project?
P.S. I may have had some vodka this evening.
I've been letting my brain slip in to nerd mode over the last few evenings, and as I have been sitting in the copious snow-related traffic I have come to the opinion that I don't like the orange back-lighitng of the dash and instrument console; this got me thinking.....
I have a vision, it consists of the centre console being smooth except for a colour touchscreen for controlling the air-con, blah, blah blah..(except the haard light button of course
) and a new instrument cluster, possibly a digital screen, but definitely a new instrument cluster with blue highlights.On the surface of things, this seems like a nightmare, but I have thought about it some more......
Demon-Tweeks do some rather nice automotive instrument clusters, and also a nice range of additional analogue and digital gauges - so that route (if chosen) isnt too bad (except for integration with the ECU etc..which may be more iffy especailly if I want to add some additional sensor readings to the cluster) - now, the particularly interesting (!) bit is the centre console mods. I know of an upholstery service that can make the cosole nice and smooth adn continuous, however I am more interested in the development of a user interface and vehicle connections for all of the ancillary controls that would have been housed by the centre console.
I am a control system engineer, so I have a fair bit of experience with touchscreens and the like - I am just lacking the information/knowledge on the interactions between the hardwired systems and the "soft" system and controls carried out bythe ECU. It would be good to develop some user screen that display more juicy and in-depth information form the myriad of sensors in the car, and be able to get rid of the JDM screen and things. I have seen aftermarket datastream systems that plug in to the diagnositcs port, but I would rather avoid that if possible and go in another way if possible.
On the face of it, it should be possible to build an interface using the existing wiring for all the buttons and things, route them in to an Input/Output module and through a small PLC controller which would then handle the relay/button actions and control the various bits. This can then talk to an industrial touchscreen interface - the tricky bit is making sure that the data from things like the instantaneous fuel consumption and "distance to empty" is still accessible.
Has anyone else considered this project?
P.S. I may have had some vodka this evening.
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hey Balloo2u, lol, I jsut read through D.O.A thread..very intersting, and is def of interest, but that link you sent is spot on.
Veyr much like that, however, not quite so big, I think thats a little excessive lol...def in the ballpark though! I like the way they ahve gone the StarTrek computer screen look
I think I'm going to do it
Veyr much like that, however, not quite so big, I think thats a little excessive lol...def in the ballpark though! I like the way they ahve gone the StarTrek computer screen look
I think I'm going to do it
well there's only 1 way to find out!
i also did some extensive research on some US g35 forums and on the mp3car.com forums. also found some handy info on there, but what i miss there is the implentation of virtual gauges. i'm talking oil pressure, exhaust temp, and lateron maybe boost pressure etc. will probably need some extra sensors fitted (or not?) and above all we'll first have to determine if it's possible at all to make that possible software wise, but i believe there are options for that.
do you have any ideas about which software platform to use as a basis?
as soon as i get home i'll bundle the handy links i found last night, maybe we can join forces and make this happen
i also did some extensive research on some US g35 forums and on the mp3car.com forums. also found some handy info on there, but what i miss there is the implentation of virtual gauges. i'm talking oil pressure, exhaust temp, and lateron maybe boost pressure etc. will probably need some extra sensors fitted (or not?) and above all we'll first have to determine if it's possible at all to make that possible software wise, but i believe there are options for that.
do you have any ideas about which software platform to use as a basis?
as soon as i get home i'll bundle the handy links i found last night, maybe we can join forces and make this happen
You can probably get most of what you want off the CAN. A good 12V PC that is small would make life a bit easier. These guys do a very good one that is not much bigger than mouse and runs off 12V with almost now power consumptiuon. It also automatically fires back up when power is applied (ignition turned on).well there's only 1 way to find out!
i also did some extensive research on some US g35 forums and on the mp3car.com forums. also found some handy info on there, but what i miss there is the implentation of virtual gauges. i'm talking oil pressure, exhaust temp, and lateron maybe boost pressure etc. will probably need some extra sensors fitted (or not?) and above all we'll first have to determine if it's possible at all to make that possible software wise, but i believe there are options for that.
do you have any ideas about which software platform to use as a basis?
as soon as i get home i'll bundle the handy links i found last night, maybe we can join forces and make this happen
http://fit-pc.co.uk/meet-fit-pc-II.html?gclid=CKLwxYjLpJ8CFYIA4wodeheGHQ
Chewy
Lexxy/Chewy: Thanks for the input guys - I'm going to buy one of those lil PC's tomorrow
THe virutal gauges should be doable, there is a program called WinCC which is an industrial user inteface creation package which comes with various prebuilt graphics and the like (or unique ones can be made) and handles animations and the like.
I am tempted to use some sort of gaming related programming to build adn control the virtual gauges...and besides, itll be fun to learn it
With the Fit-PC that has been identified by Chewy, it opens up many more doors. As long as we can get the CAN interfaced to USB or Ethernet then the software shouldnt really be a huge issue. I have already seen I/O boards that connect to USB boards, so Air-con control is def doable there too. Loving the power consumtion too
One thing I am a bit wary of through the use of a PC is reliability - perhpas the best route would be runnign a stripped down Linux derivitive on there instead of Microsoft. Or, if we wanted to be really silly, we could make it dual boot and link in some Mobile INternet dongles to get roaming in-car internet connection.......for the passengers to entertain themselves on journeys of course
I'm gonna go head off and do some more research and things and I'll drop a load of links and more details when I find em
THe virutal gauges should be doable, there is a program called WinCC which is an industrial user inteface creation package which comes with various prebuilt graphics and the like (or unique ones can be made) and handles animations and the like.
I am tempted to use some sort of gaming related programming to build adn control the virtual gauges...and besides, itll be fun to learn it
With the Fit-PC that has been identified by Chewy, it opens up many more doors. As long as we can get the CAN interfaced to USB or Ethernet then the software shouldnt really be a huge issue. I have already seen I/O boards that connect to USB boards, so Air-con control is def doable there too. Loving the power consumtion too
One thing I am a bit wary of through the use of a PC is reliability - perhpas the best route would be runnign a stripped down Linux derivitive on there instead of Microsoft. Or, if we wanted to be really silly, we could make it dual boot and link in some Mobile INternet dongles to get roaming in-car internet connection.......for the passengers to entertain themselves on journeys of course
I'm gonna go head off and do some more research and things and I'll drop a load of links and more details when I find em
Lexxy/Chewy: Thanks for the input guys - I'm going to buy one of those lil PC's tomorrow
THe virutal gauges should be doable, there is a program called WinCC which is an industrial user inteface creation package which comes with various prebuilt graphics and the like (or unique ones can be made) and handles animations and the like.
I am tempted to use some sort of gaming related programming to build adn control the virtual gauges...and besides, itll be fun to learn it
With the Fit-PC that has been identified by Chewy, it opens up many more doors. As long as we can get the CAN interfaced to USB or Ethernet then the software shouldnt really be a huge issue. I have already seen I/O boards that connect to USB boards, so Air-con control is def doable there too. Loving the power consumtion too
One thing I am a bit wary of through the use of a PC is reliability - perhpas the best route would be runnign a stripped down Linux derivitive on there instead of Microsoft. Or, if we wanted to be really silly, we could make it dual boot and link in some Mobile INternet dongles to get roaming in-car internet connection.......for the passengers to entertain themselves on journeys of course
I'm gonna go head off and do some more research and things and I'll drop a load of links and more details when I find em
Rich_tec, I run a small Company www.klas.org.uk that specialises in control and instrumentation for engine testing. The CAN interface is a doddle with a cheap USB to CAN module (circa £50). I can get our guys to knock up a gauges/dials interface for you. Whatever they say about reliability, Windows XP with SP3 is a solid as a rock, much better than any Linux (which is not commercially controlled so does tend to wander off). I think this is the best route for you to take. The Fit2PC is a solid bit of hardware as well, and it can drive more than one screen. If you look on their website you will see the MIMO 7" Touch Screen that only needs a single USB connection to the Fit2PC, no additional power lead as it draws its power formt the USB Port. It being a Touch Screen (and only £99.00) makes it ideal for In-Car use. The screen itself is easily removable from its mount and can be secured by some means in a custom built dashboard unit.
Chewy
hey guys - aim for the stars
Chewy - you beat me to it - I just found the CAN converter you are talking about, also noted the Mimo screens as well. What is really like about the FItPC and the Mimo is the DVI output and the high resolution available (I def dont want to go to all this effort and end up with a low-res jumpy display!) - couple this wth the need for Windows OS in order to use the Mimo (driver availability) and thats really made the decision on its own...
Thanks for the link as well - I'll have a nose around the site, but on a quick first perusal, you guys seem ideal - I was looking at a .Net method involving an API with guages and instrument created using the Instrumentation ModelKit family of software and tools. A LOT of work there, and seeing as your guys do this for a living, the time saved will most likely make up for programming costs lol.
As a bit of a summary, this is a list of components and goodies I ahve initally identified as a starting point...
FitPC2i £325 (ish -depending on model and specs) – link http://fit-pc.co.uk/meet-fit-pc-2i.html
Mimo 7inch USB powered Touch Screen Monitor Qty 2 £200 EDIT: total price – see above link
Mobile internet dongle £70 – take your pick here, but aim to have the 7Mb/s type
Software: Instrumentation ModelKit – this is API object-oriented – this requires the use of Windows OS for integration with Mimo Touchscreen - POSSIBLY NOT NEEDED
CANUSB dongle $99 - http://www.canusb.com/
Switchsense 8/8 USB IO intreface (for air con etc interfacing) £323- http://directory.adeptscience.co.uk/productid/SWITCH-SENSE-8,8/1/1775/SWITCH-SENSE-8,8.html
Various wiring and sundries – approx £100 (power, comms, connecotrs, routing etc etc etc)
OK, that comes to about £1068 for that lot - good starting point and there are a lot fo thigns that need to be clarified within all that. And thats not even thinking about the new INstrument cluster! Best look at that too
G35Brit - funny you shouldmention that, it was seeing the new GT-R on Top Gear which initially sowed the seed for this idea, if its good enough for the GT-R, its good enough for me - and this project will def be cheaper than a GT-R
Chewy - you beat me to it - I just found the CAN converter you are talking about, also noted the Mimo screens as well. What is really like about the FItPC and the Mimo is the DVI output and the high resolution available (I def dont want to go to all this effort and end up with a low-res jumpy display!) - couple this wth the need for Windows OS in order to use the Mimo (driver availability) and thats really made the decision on its own...
Thanks for the link as well - I'll have a nose around the site, but on a quick first perusal, you guys seem ideal - I was looking at a .Net method involving an API with guages and instrument created using the Instrumentation ModelKit family of software and tools. A LOT of work there, and seeing as your guys do this for a living, the time saved will most likely make up for programming costs lol.
As a bit of a summary, this is a list of components and goodies I ahve initally identified as a starting point...
FitPC2i £325 (ish -depending on model and specs) – link http://fit-pc.co.uk/meet-fit-pc-2i.html
Mimo 7inch USB powered Touch Screen Monitor Qty 2 £200 EDIT: total price – see above link
Mobile internet dongle £70 – take your pick here, but aim to have the 7Mb/s type
Software: Instrumentation ModelKit – this is API object-oriented – this requires the use of Windows OS for integration with Mimo Touchscreen - POSSIBLY NOT NEEDED
CANUSB dongle $99 - http://www.canusb.com/
Switchsense 8/8 USB IO intreface (for air con etc interfacing) £323- http://directory.adeptscience.co.uk/productid/SWITCH-SENSE-8,8/1/1775/SWITCH-SENSE-8,8.html
Various wiring and sundries – approx £100 (power, comms, connecotrs, routing etc etc etc)
OK, that comes to about £1068 for that lot - good starting point and there are a lot fo thigns that need to be clarified within all that. And thats not even thinking about the new INstrument cluster! Best look at that too
G35Brit - funny you shouldmention that, it was seeing the new GT-R on Top Gear which initially sowed the seed for this idea, if its good enough for the GT-R, its good enough for me - and this project will def be cheaper than a GT-R
Edit again - forget the SwitchSense USB IO module - A.c. supplied so thats out - will look for alternative
Hey Blitz - thanks for the warning! But surely thats a bit defeatist?
The initial part of this would be too get the user interface and computer hardware installed - this is an easy fix, just power needed to the device and this can be interfaced with the entertainment system with very little interference. - This will set the car up with the mobile internet, DVD player and all that stuff.
With the air conditioning interfacing, the system only uses board-based switches - so rerouting these shouldn't cause any problem, it would just mean the switch is in a differnt place.
Addmitedly, it is the CAN interfacing that causes me the greatest worry - as you say, all the juicy info is flashing around within this, so any cock-ups there would be a gigantic pain in the bum - it's not going to stop me looking in to it though - the challenge is half the fun
Thanks for a ll the input and comments so far
The initial part of this would be too get the user interface and computer hardware installed - this is an easy fix, just power needed to the device and this can be interfaced with the entertainment system with very little interference. - This will set the car up with the mobile internet, DVD player and all that stuff.
With the air conditioning interfacing, the system only uses board-based switches - so rerouting these shouldn't cause any problem, it would just mean the switch is in a differnt place.
Addmitedly, it is the CAN interfacing that causes me the greatest worry - as you say, all the juicy info is flashing around within this, so any cock-ups there would be a gigantic pain in the bum - it's not going to stop me looking in to it though - the challenge is half the fun
Thanks for a ll the input and comments so far
Hey Blitz - thanks for the warning! But surely thats a bit defeatist?
The initial part of this would be too get the user interface and computer hardware installed - this is an easy fix, just power needed to the device and this can be interfaced with the entertainment system with very little interference. - This will set the car up with the mobile internet, DVD player and all that stuff.
With the air conditioning interfacing, the system only uses board-based switches - so rerouting these shouldn't cause any problem, it would just mean the switch is in a differnt place.
Addmitedly, it is the CAN interfacing that causes me the greatest worry - as you say, all the juicy info is flashing around within this, so any cock-ups there would be a gigantic pain in the bum - it's not going to stop me looking in to it though - the challenge is half the fun
Thanks for a ll the input and comments so far
it has cambus system thats the prob , you will open a can of worms ... seen it many times
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