Antique car monitoring system

Using Arduino Project Guidance
1

Hello All,

I was wondering if any of you fine folk's here would know how I could go about building a monitoring system for my car. I have an original 1931 Ford Model A Tudor that I would like to make a monitoring system for it. I'd like to monitor the temperature in a few spots, rpm, battery voltage, mph, b/t and mph with the possibility of a few things down the road.

These cars electrical system is minimal and is a 6v “POSITIVE-ground” electrical system with only have an ammeter. I have added a turn signal system which is completely hidden and one cannot tell the car has them and I'd like this monitoring system to be the same. The car must keep it's original looks otherwise I'd just buy gauges and hang them from the steering column like everyone else does and I don't want that. I'd like to keep the car original looking so the system needs to be minimal, hidden, and the monitor needs to be a small portable tablet sized screen that can be stored under the seat and pulled out when needed.

NOTE: These cars are known to throw off lot's of RF signals so there's that.

Regards

Bill

2

Dear @billcnc,

I have found an article that may help you, but I don't think it is as complex as the one you want to make. I will find more articles on temperature monitoring and other things for this, too, but this is all I have for now.

Best,
1noahb1

3

Here are some things I bought already for the project so I have a few paths to try.

RPI-4 8gig

ELEGOO Mega R3 Project The Most Complete Ultimate Starter Kit with Tutorial Compatible with Arduino IDE

MELIFE 2 Pack ESP32 ESP-32S Development Board 2.4GHz Dual-Mode WiFi + Bluetooth Dual Cores Microcontroller Processor Integrated with ESP32s Antenna RF AMP Filter AP STA.

Hosyond 3.5 inch 480X320 TFT Touch Screen Module LCD Display Shield with SD Card Socket Compatible with Arduino R3 Mega2560 (screens to small)

HiLetgo GY-NEO6MV2 NEO-6M GPS Flight Controller Module 3V-5V with Super Strong Ceramic Antenna for Arduino EEPROM APM 2.5

Diymore 10pcs DS18B20 18B20 TO-92 3 Pins Wire Digital Thermometer Temperature IC Sensor

DC DC Buck Boost Converter Variable Voltage Regulator CC CV 0.5-30V 4A 5V 6V 12V 24V Power Module Adjustable Voltage Regulated Laboratory Power Supply

Regards
Bill

4

Here is a way to make a temperature sensor with your display:

5

If you use CAN bus / LIN bus you may be able to use off-the-shelf automotive sensors.

6

You could also stick this in a window (you can't monitor speed w/out showing something) to monitor your speed based on the objects around you.

7

To measure battery voltage, do something like this:

My only fear is that you will overvolt your arduino and fry it :grimacing:

8

Especially the electric motor that runs when you blow the horn.

9

Thanks 1noahb1,

I was thinking of using the Digital Thermometer Temperature IC Sensors I bought and just attach them to the locations on the engine and radiator with a small dollop of JB weld which could be removed if needed for replacement or if I find the location isn't needed.

That part should be simple enough, it's the other stuff I'm not sure about, especially the display end of it and getting it all to work together.

Regards
Bill

10

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