Re: [DML] Backlit Electronic Instrument Cluster

[Michael Griese <mike.griese@xxxxxxx>]

This sounds great Jim.  Any idea of the cost yet?

 --
Mike




________________________________
From: dmc6960 <dmc6960@xxxxxxxxx>
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Mon, April 23, 2012 10:57:17 AM
Subject: [DML] Backlit Electronic Instrument Cluster

  
Thought I'd give a bit of info on this project I've been working on...

It is a complete drop-in replacement for the instrument cluster inside the 
binnacle.  It will visually look identical to the original cluster with the only 
change being the appearance of the odometer and trip meter which will be 
7-segment LED displays instead of rolling numbers.  It will be backlit in a 
fashion to match the A/C decal on the center console (primary backlit 
color=green), and optionally be available in primary backlit colors of blue and 
red as well.  The typeface will match the original cluster perfectly.  The 
speedometer will be available in an 85mph and 140mph versions.  There will also 
be a complete metric version as well with a 240kph speedometer.

The speedometer will be driven by a speed sensor in place of the angle drive.  
With elimination of the LAMBDA counter the LAMBDA light will be lit and reset 
electronically.

The fuel gauge can be driven by any fuel sender; OEM, TankZilla, DMCH Repros, 
and strait Saab units.  The Saab units need their logic reversed which will be 
selectable by a switch on the back of the cluster.  There will also be logic 
averaging the level reads, so there will be no dramatic swings in the needle 
under acceleration or braking.  The low fuel light will also be logic controlled 
so instead of initially flickering it will just give you a steady on.

The temp gauge will gain some "dummy light" functions as well by blinking the 
LAMBDA light under an indicated overheat condition.

The tachometer will gain stability, will no longer read "fast" under a low 
voltage condition, and will RETURN TO ZERO upon shutting down the engine.  I 
know that is an annoyance with a lot of people, and it will be remedied.

All other gauges will function as normal.

The back of the cluster will be a hard printed circuit board.  It will no longer 
have the flexible mylar sheet which has those contacts which always get bent up.

The needles themselves will be driven by stepper motors designed specifically 
for automotive instrument clusters.  The needles will also be backlit.

I have been posting occasional updates to a thread on DMCTalk.org.  The thread 
is at http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?1160

I will post again here to the DML when there is a major update to report.  If I 
am unable to finish a prototype before DCS, I will have one operational in my 
own car by mid-late summer to begin testing.

Jim Reeve
DMC6960


 

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



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