Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: vGauge Digital Dash for Mechanical Engines (Read 508 times) previous topic - next topic

vGauge Digital Dash for Mechanical Engines

Dash Upgrades

http://busrvparts.com/PDF_Files/Chetco_Digital_Dash_for_Buses1.pdf

Since I'm not a candidate for a VMSPC since I have a mechanical engine, I've been doing a bit of research on options available.  Does anyone have any experience with the vGauge system?  Any thoughts on this type of thing?
Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: vGauge Digital Dash for Mechanical Engines

Reply #1 –
I am slowly working my way towards this but using the Raspberry Pi - a complete computer system running Linux and costing about $50 - along with some accessories. The Linux operating system is easy to set up as a web server and there are add-on boards for analog-to-digital conversions (the calculations made on the other board and then sent to the Rpi) with the results displayed on a web page.

Then a cheap tablet (there are $50 WiFi tablets running Android out there). Might take me a while but it will keep me out of the bars and away from wild women; although, now that I think about it, wild women never paid much attention to me.....

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: vGauge Digital Dash for Mechanical Engines

Reply #2 –

Guess you never owned a basketball team. ;)

I bought a Android based G-box. Works well for internet, GPS (with receiver), XBMC for movies or a thousand other applications. See at: Amazon.com: G-Box Midnight MX2 Android 4.2 Jelly Bean Dual Core XBMC Streaming  Just have to output to any monitor/TV. No need to jailbreak.

Nice to have EGT as well as boost gauge for the turbo. Boost gauge will catch any major exhaust leak or drop may indicate fuel restriction. Not bad to have a fuel pressure readout between the last filter and the injector pump.

P

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: vGauge Digital Dash for Mechanical Engines

Reply #3 –
Pierce: But you have an engine that will output data. My Cummins has nada (unless I'm missing something). I'll have to tie into oil pressure senders, water temp senders, etc. I suppose the EGT and Boost from the Banks system are accessible, too (although, frankly, the gauges on the top of the dash work pretty well).

Essentially I have to convert all that (mostly analog) data to digital and then display it. If I can manage to do it before finding yet-another interest that consumes me, I'll have a good approximation of what you have (and what a VMspec does) along with a divorce....

Craig :)
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: vGauge Digital Dash for Mechanical Engines

Reply #4 –
Craig,

I should have added running wires forward for the analog senders/readouts with the possibility of converting them to digital once up front. With the extra wires at the back and up front in our rigs, the important functions could use the bundle to send the readings forward.

Thinking that your coach also has the extra wires like ours.

Pierce

 
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: vGauge Digital Dash for Mechanical Engines

Reply #5 –
Quote from: wa_desert_rat –
I am slowly working my way towards this but using the Raspberry Pi - a complete computer system running Linux and costing about $50 - along with some accessories. The Linux operating system is easy to set up as a web server and there are add-on boards for analog-to-digital conversions (the calculations made on the other board and then sent to the Rpi) with the results displayed on a web page.

So what would you say that your entire cost for all of the A/D boards has been?  And are you comfortable enough with the reliability that you would convert entirely to this system and remove the analog gauges from your dash?




Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3
 

Re: vGauge Digital Dash for Mechanical Engines

Reply #6 –
Quote from: rsihnhold –
So what would you say that your entire cost for all of the A/D boards has been?  And are you comfortable enough with the reliability that you would convert entirely to this system and remove the analog gauges from your dash?

A/D is not as expensive as it used to be. But no, I wouldn't remove the gauges. This is just a project.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."