One of the coolest things I have seen in awhile! the only thing I could think of that would make it cooler, besides the plug and play suggestion, is the location of the unit (which would drive it to a different shape I think.) If it could be located above the speedo side of the guages in the unused cutout it would at least make that gap make sense. Awesome ideas on this! I would be interested in a few!
The problem with this location is that there are no VFD displays that can display the information and fit within the cutout above the speedometer or tachometer. If one was willing to do some modification to the cutout, this would not be a problem.
Personally I would not mind if this was even mounted externally, in a seperate cluster. We have this in our GTP and I love it. I'd be interested in 2 of them, one for my 88GT V6 and one for my 4.9 V8. Maybe I missed it in the topic, but did you have a rough idea on price point.
------------------ 857GT Part 85GT Part 87GT Part Caddy, 93 Eldorado 4.9, 5spd Dual O2 Custom Chip, Custom Exhaust. MSD Everything Now with Nitrous. Capt Fiero --- My Over View Cadero Pics Yellow 88GT 5spd Full Poly Suspension, Lowered 1/2" in front, Corner Carver.
I would be interested in one, especially if it could be in blue. And I'm sure my dad (SlalomGym) would be interested in one, maybe 2 of them. Keep us updated, its sounding great so far!
Some good ideas have been presented and I will look into some of these in the future. For now I am keeping things simple. I am going to mount the works into a project box of appropriate size. I am looking into something similar to the ScanGauge II. It will have illuminated buttons for easy navigation during low light periods.
For those who suggested losing the clock, I agree and have done so. At the moment I am displaying inside temperature. I will also have a second input for an outdoor temp sensor so both will be available.
Oh, and blue will not be a problem. Some of the colors are smoke grey, green, aqua, blue, and rose red. If there are any other choices on colors, I can get others at a photography shop.
I just thought of something really freaking cool. If this has a VSS input for the MPG calculator, any way that you can program it to store the maximum attained speed. That's one function that I love in my Garmin is I reset it before any long trips and can go back and review just how fast I actually went. On a recent trip in my 88GT I accidentally went to 114mph, which on its own is no big deal, the issue was I was towing a trailer behind my 88GT at the time.
------------------ 857GT Part 85GT Part 87GT Part Caddy, 93 Eldorado 4.9, 5spd Dual O2 Custom Chip, Custom Exhaust. MSD Everything Now with Nitrous. Capt Fiero --- My Over View Cadero Pics Yellow 88GT 5spd Full Poly Suspension, Lowered 1/2" in front, Corner Carver.
I just thought of something really freaking cool. If this has a VSS input for the MPG calculator, any way that you can program it to store the maximum attained speed. That's one function that I love in my Garmin is I reset it before any long trips and can go back and review just how fast I actually went. On a recent trip in my 88GT I accidentally went to 114mph, which on its own is no big deal, the issue was I was towing a trailer behind my 88GT at the time.
I just thought of something really freaking cool. If this has a VSS input for the MPG calculator, any way that you can program it to store the maximum attained speed. That's one function that I love in my Garmin is I reset it before any long trips and can go back and review just how fast I actually went. On a recent trip in my 88GT I accidentally went to 114mph, which on its own is no big deal, the issue was I was towing a trailer behind my 88GT at the time.
Actually this would take me about 10 minutes to program in. I also thought about adding an average speed calculation as well.
I was going to ask for average as well, but didn't want to get too needy. Actually I was going to ask for a time/distance calculator as in 1320 ft. LOL. 1320ft = 1/4 mile) However I am sure you have many lines of code already and don't want to spend a lifetime adding more and more code.
------------------ 857GT Part 85GT Part 87GT Part Caddy, 93 Eldorado 4.9, 5spd Dual O2 Custom Chip, Custom Exhaust. MSD Everything Now with Nitrous. Capt Fiero --- My Over View Cadero Pics Yellow 88GT 5spd Full Poly Suspension, Lowered 1/2" in front, Corner Carver.
I think a numeric display for instant MPG would be better. So I can quickly glance down at cruise and know what I am doing.
Now if I remember correctly this works on the VSS and Injector signal wire. If I am going to use this on a Fiero with an engine transplant, and it does not use the same injectors, how hard is this going to be to program for diffrent sized injectors. Also how will it compensate for diffrent fuel pressures. Even a Stock Fiero fuel system will change fuel rate of the injector as much as 30% depending on throttle load. IE At cruise with full vaccume applied the injector is at 35psi but when you start to go up a hill the fuel pressure will increase as vaccume drops off so the injector pulse width may not change that much however more fuel is being consumed.
------------------ 857GT Part 85GT Part 87GT Part Caddy, 93 Eldorado 4.9, 5spd Dual O2 Custom Chip, Custom Exhaust. MSD Everything Now with Nitrous. Capt Fiero --- My Over View Cadero Pics Yellow 88GT 5spd Full Poly Suspension, Lowered 1/2" in front, Corner Carver.
I think a numeric display for instant MPG would be better. So I can quickly glance down at cruise and know what I am doing.
Something more like this:
quote
Originally posted by Capt Fiero: Now if I remember correctly this works on the VSS and Injector signal wire. If I am going to use this on a Fiero with an engine transplant, and it does not use the same injectors, how hard is this going to be to program for diffrent sized injectors. Also how will it compensate for diffrent fuel pressures. Even a Stock Fiero fuel system will change fuel rate of the injector as much as 30% depending on throttle load. IE At cruise with full vaccume applied the injector is at 35psi but when you start to go up a hill the fuel pressure will increase as vaccume drops off so the injector pulse width may not change that much however more fuel is being consumed.
To answer the first question, there is a setting for the injector in gallons per hour, as well as a couple other relating to the injector. This can be used on anything from a 2.5 Duke to a V12, just a matter of setting the cylinder and injector information.
As for the pressure drop across the injector, I could tie into the map sensor signal and code for the pressure differential, but considering that this is something that can be used on a plethora (Jefe, what is a plethora?) of vehicles, some of which do not have a MAP sensor. So keep in mind that the reported fuel used as well as MPG are an estimation. If all the settings are as close as can be, fuel usage should be as close a 1/2 gallon of actual. I do some compensation in code if that helps.
I remember installing trip computers in my cars in the early 1980's and they used a cheap fuel flow sensor that you could calibrate on the trip computer. It was quite accurate after calibration.
I remember installing trip computers in my cars in the early 1980's and they used a cheap fuel flow sensor that you could calibrate on the trip computer. It was quite accurate after calibration.
If I can code to the NEMA 2000 marine communications standard, I could integrate this for those who have carburetors. It will not work for EFI systems, one is that it is not for return style fuel systems, and it will not tolerate the pressures involved in an EFI system.
If someone want to get one and donate it to the cause, I can try to integrate it into the trip comp. No promises though.
Uh, I would have to measure it to be absolute, but I would have to say yes. Keep in mind that this is just the display. The rest of the electronics may or may not depending how compact I can keep the board. Then there is the problem of where to locate the buttons. I am keeping the layout open to the end user except for those who want it in an enclosure, like the ScanGauge II.
I'm guessing from your comments the display, control unit & buttons can be remotely mounted in separate locations! If that is the case that would be great.
Ok here is another odd thing that people have not thought about doing, can the display be mirrored. So if someone wanted to buy that mirror stuff for glass and place the display behind the dash and use it has a HUD, would that be an option.
That is one thing that I miss when I am in my Fiero. I am so used to having the HUD in the Grand Prix, when I have to look down at the Speedometer in the Fiero it just feels strange.
(Before anyone suggests it, yes have I have HUD app for my Android Phone, and do use it at night for those highway runs, but annoyed having to pick the phone up off the floor after every quick lane change, and having to set it up before I take off every time, or trying to read a call display shined back from the window) I am planning to video record a 150mph top speed run in my Fiero when it gets back from its new engine install.
------------------ 857GT Part 85GT Part 87GT Part Caddy, 93 Eldorado 4.9, 5spd Dual O2 Custom Chip, Custom Exhaust. MSD Everything Now with Nitrous. Capt Fiero --- My Over View Cadero Pics Yellow 88GT 5spd Full Poly Suspension, Lowered 1/2" in front, Corner Carver.
Uh, I would have to measure it to be absolute, but I would have to say yes. Keep in mind that this is just the display. The rest of the electronics may or may not depending how compact I can keep the board. Then there is the problem of where to locate the buttons. I am keeping the layout open to the end user except for those who want it in an enclosure, like the ScanGauge II.
I for one like the ScanGauge II, all in an enclosure. Even if it was a little larger the roof console would be a great place to mount it. Easy to see and uncluddered.
Ok here is another odd thing that people have not thought about doing, can the display be mirrored. So if someone wanted to buy that mirror stuff for glass and place the display behind the dash and use it has a HUD, would that be an option.
That is one thing that I miss when I am in my Fiero. I am so used to having the HUD in the Grand Prix, when I have to look down at the Speedometer in the Fiero it just feels strange.
(Before anyone suggests it, yes have I have HUD app for my Android Phone, and do use it at night for those highway runs, but annoyed having to pick the phone up off the floor after every quick lane change, and having to set it up before I take off every time, or trying to read a call display shined back from the window) I am planning to video record a 150mph top speed run in my Fiero when it gets back from its new engine install.
Not with the current hardware. I can with a different VFD, but that is not going to be cheap. Otherwise it is a simple recode to match.
I'm guessing from your comments the display, control unit & buttons can be remotely mounted in separate locations! If that is the case that would be great.
The display and buttons can be located in remote locations, but within reason. The controller board cannot be more than about a meter away from the display or bad things happen. The buttons, not so much of a problem.
quote
Originally posted by Cajun: I too am interested in knowing physical sizes.
Viewable area in milimeters: Width = 70.4 Height = 22.7
I know this is way out of the realm of cost and ease to building, but if it had a voltage display and could read the oil pressure sender, people could replace the entire center GT Pod with this unit. Would also make the casing and hardware layout easier as you would not need a back or sides, just large front cover with the buttons and screen.
I know I know, I keep coming up with crazy idea's for this device. If I would have kept my mouth shut you might have already had this ready to ship. LOL.
------------------ 857GT Part 85GT Part 87GT Part Caddy, 93 Eldorado 4.9, 5spd Dual O2 Custom Chip, Custom Exhaust. MSD Everything Now with Nitrous. Capt Fiero --- My Over View Cadero Pics Yellow 88GT 5spd Full Poly Suspension, Lowered 1/2" in front, Corner Carver.
I know this is way out of the realm of cost and ease to building, but if it had a voltage display and could read the oil pressure sender, people could replace the entire center GT Pod with this unit. Would also make the casing and hardware layout easier as you would not need a back or sides, just large front cover with the buttons and screen.
I know I know, I keep coming up with crazy idea's for this device. If I would have kept my mouth shut you might have already had this ready to ship. LOL.
Funny that you would bring that up. This display is also going to be part of the digital instrument cluster that I am making. The idea you had for mounting it in the location of the GT aux pod was where I had in mind already. The volt and oil pressure gauge will be relocated to the main cluster to make room for this display, similar to the Grand Prix DIC. So most of the code is there, I would just have to add the required circuitry to interface with the gauge senders. Adding another window with bar graphs as well as some sort of visual warning is a simple proposition. The digital cluster has that as well as an audible warning if something is out of normal range. Send me a PM and we will talk specifics.
As for ready to ship, I still need to finish the board design and get a couple made up. Working full time also takes precedence as well.
[This message has been edited by chetw77cruiser (edited 10-18-2012).]
... how will it compensate for diffrent fuel pressures. Even a Stock Fiero fuel system will change fuel rate of the injector as much as 30% depending on throttle load. IE At cruise with full vaccume applied the injector is at 35psi but when you start to go up a hill the fuel pressure will increase as vaccume drops off so the injector pulse width may not change that much however more fuel is being consumed.
This is incorrect. Consider:
1) The fuel pressure regulator in V6 Fieros attempts to maintain constant pressure across the injectors ... i.e. a constant differential between the fuel rail absolute pressure and intake manifold absolute pressure. That's why there is a vacuum connection to the FPR. As the FPR does so, the pressure measured by an ordinary fuel pressure gauge (referenced to ambient atmospheric pressure) will vary up and down with changes in manifold pressure.
2) The fuel injectors GM used in V6 Fieros seem to be a "constant-flow-rate" design that is relatively insensitive to fuel pressure variations of up to +/-20%. I've done some careful testing of flow rate vs. fuel pressure, and the flow rate does not actually vary much with pressure, contrary to what you might expect. If you have an adjustable FPR you can verify this for yourself: Vary the static fuel pressure +/-10% from the normal 44 psi (3 Bar), drive around for a while, and observe that the BLMs reported by the ECM will not change significantly ... certainly not by +/-10%.
3) Even at constant pressure, fuel flow vs. time (i.e. flow vs. injector pulse width) is not very linear ... especially at very narrow pulse widths, where injector open (turn-on) and close (turn-off) times are are significant percentage of the total injector "on" time.
[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 10-18-2012).]
Wish I had seen this post last month. Please add me to your list of buyers. As far as the bar graph goes for mpg, I find that to just be disappointing vs an actual number. My company vehicle is a Focus and it has the bar graph mpg indicator and I'm still not sure what it is trying to tell me. Sure I may have five bars, but does that mean I'm getting 28mpg or 40mpg? I don't know. And 12mpg makes a huge difference in how far you can go on one tank. I can switch views and see that my average is 38mpg, but how does that compare to the graph? Since 38mpg is my average and 3 out of 5 bars is average, when I have five bars does that mean I'm getting closer to 70mpg? Because of this, I say go with the actual numbers. Just my opinion, as someone who has had vehicles with both types of mpg indicators. I'm interested in your product either way you choose.
I am not much of a fan for the way Ford does there instant MPG bar graph as well. At work we have an F550 with the 6.7 Stroke, and that bar graph does not get used. I brought this up just to show what could be done if wanted. Besides, coding for a straight numeric readout is easier.
Who thinks a modified roof console would be a great location?
Who thinks a modified roof console would be a great location?
My opinion? The closer to the normal line of sight the better. The overhead console would require gross eye (and possibly head) movements to use. In addition, the console position is very close to the head, which requires major eye refocus and will lead to eye fatigue ... especially at night.
That's why a good HUD works so well. It places the display directly in the driver's line of sight, and it is focused at infinity so there is no eye fatigue.
I am all for a self contained unit. Mount it where you want. I don't turn my head to look at the rear view mirror. I might even incorporate it into the driver's plastic pillar. You know where a lot of people put guages. The possibilities are a lot. it's a glance thing, if you want to study it, pull over.
I am all in and can't wait. mine in RED, please...............
I too am not concerned about the packaging of it. I really liked the idea of leaving it up to the customer to figure out. It makes it really customizable.
