"Nick Has an Exocet" (nickallain)
03/18/2018 at 02:15 • Filed to: None
6
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"Nick Has an Exocet" (nickallain)
03/18/2018 at 02:15 • Filed to: None | 6
| 11 |
I’ve wanted to do a slick virtual gauge cluster for the Miata for a while now. I think I’ve finally figured out how I’m going to go about it.
Hardware:
Android Tablet
Arduino (Pro Micro)
Non-functional NA6 Gauge cluster from Ebay
Megasquirt PNP
Some 3D printed buttons to “look stockish” for controlling screen
12V DC to 5V USB adapter
USB On-The-Go (OTG) Hub with Power for Device (basically a fancy hub that lets you charge while using USB OTG
Some nice new bezel for the screen
USB to RS232 Serial cable
Software:
RealDash for Android
Android power-on plug-in mode
Android power-off when unplugged macro
Macro to auto-launch RealDash on boot
So the simple part is using RealDash. It actually seems to be some great software. The tough part is that the Miata doesn’t have OBD2, let alone a CAN Bus. What does, however, is Megasquirt - which is RealDash compatible. I tested RealDash tonight with my Lancer and a wired ELM237 OBD2 reader (RS232 Serial over USB) and a USB OTG cable, and it worked great.
But here’s the thing, I want it to look quite factory and just shoving a tablet with a bunch wires into the car isn’t going to do. So I bought a broken NA6 Miata gauge cluster/pod on Ebay for $15. I’ll pull the old bits out and fabricate a nice bezel for around the screen and to hold the screen into the pod. I will keep the plastic lens to keep dust out and retain the stock look while the car is off.
Since it will be integrated with the dash, I have two small problems. First, I’ll need to have power running to it. Thankfully, there are plenty of places to get some of that sweet 12V DC in the Miata (ash tray lights, ignition, RADIO THAT DOESN’T WORK, etc). Second, I’ll need a way to control it in case I want to switch modes etc. There are a couple of ways to do this, but I think the best and stealthiest way to do it is to use a Pro Micro from Sparkfun to emulate keyboard shortcuts (like D-pad right/left - which RealDash has hotkeys for more switching layouts). I can then build some basic buttons for controlling basic functions. I’ll probably hide a USB port somewhere for plugging in a rescue mouse in case something goes wrong.
The overall cost will be pretty high, but only because a Megasquirt PNP is expensive. Everything else should be under $350 total depending on whether a recycle a tablet or not.
AestheticsInMotion
> Nick Has an Exocet
03/18/2018 at 04:23 |
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I’ve been thinking about something like this for awhile too. Came to the same solution of mounting the tablet in an OEM like way via the gauge hood. Rescue mouse is a good idea... But that makes me want to install some kind of trackball a la ThinkPad nub. Have access to a mouse and click at all times in a decent automotive setup. Maybe on one of those accessory mounts that goes between the steering wheel and steering column?
Check out the guys below on Instagram. They do some really great work and it’s all custom so no two jobs are the same. Good for ideas if you’re not 100% sure how the final product will come together yet
bigBADbenny
> AestheticsInMotion
03/18/2018 at 04:40 |
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Considered a 2013 nexus7 with timurs rom for power management and more?
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KevlarRx7
> Nick Has an Exocet
03/18/2018 at 06:50 |
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You sir are a genius, I’ve been thinking of a way to get all the gauges into the rx7 without making it look like the Apollo 11, so I might just follow your lead.
TheTurbochargedSquirrel
> Nick Has an Exocet
03/18/2018 at 09:02 |
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I like your choice in music.
Nakazoto
> Nick Has an Exocet
03/18/2018 at 11:03 |
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This is very, very cool! Looking forward to some installed pictures of it behind the factory cluster. I’d almost be tempted to build a USB touchpad ( like this ) into the center console, like the modern Lexus’ do. Not that I think the Remote Touch system in a Lexus is good (I think it’s counter-intuitive, but that’s mostly due to how the touchpad interacts with the software). You can see the touchpad in the center console in the picture below:
Maybe even integrate it into the ashtray/coin tray thing just behind the shift lever. Have it so that when you slide the cover open the touchpad is underneath and accessible. Totally stealth, but always accessible:
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Nick Has an Exocet
> Nakazoto
03/18/2018 at 11:29 |
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Haha. I’m right there with you. I have a couple of little touchpads bookmarked that could fit in right there.
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Nick Has an Exocet
> KevlarRx7
03/18/2018 at 11:30 |
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I’ll try to document the process!
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KevlarRx7
> Nick Has an Exocet
03/18/2018 at 15:18 |
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Please do! I’ll be running adaptronic but the basis will be the same, and I’ve looked into aftermarket dashes but they’re too F1 for my liking.
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Nick Has an Exocet
> KevlarRx7
03/18/2018 at 16:51 |
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Ah yeah, doesn’t look like Adaptronic is supported yet.
I have had the same problem with aftermarket dashes. They’re all covered in LED’s and crap. I’m sure someone wants all those lights in their faces, but not me.
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KevlarRx7
> Nick Has an Exocet
03/18/2018 at 17:07 |
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There’s a few apps that support adaptronic, I think it’s a more cost effective way as well when you take into account the price of a cataloguing dash or individual gauge’s, but I’ll be interested to see how you build a tablet into your cluster.
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Nick Has an Exocet
> KevlarRx7
03/18/2018 at 17:28 |
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Gotcha. Yeah, it will be interesting. I’m considering trying to leave the fuel level gauge as getting it into Megasquirt and subsequently Realdash is a bit of a nightmare but we’ll see.
There are a few interesting issues that I’m going to run into with things like VSS and Oil temp/pressure to get those into Megasquirt.