I have a project car (POS old VW diesel) that I've wanted to do a full custom digital gauge cluster in for some time now. A few years back I was looking into a product called fusion brain, which when coupled with the Palmer Performance Dash Command program looks like a viable option. The only problem is that this requires a full windows PC in the car...(ie problems, slow boot-up, etc)
My main goals:
ability to integrate OEM or readily available 12v sensors
a. oil pressure
b. oil temperature
c. fuel level
d. water temperature
e. boost pressure
f. exhaust gas temperature (type k-thermocouple)
ability to display the current state of various 12v electronics (voltage regulators stepping down to 5v I'm assuming?)
a. running lights on
b. high-beams on
c. turn signal indicators
Fast boot up, around 5 seconds or less
Ability to make custom gauge layouts (I really want to mimic the Lexus LFA gauge cluster but without all the fancy animation)
From what I've been able to find so far an arduino will handle all of my input needs, and a 4d systems screen may be able to handle the visuals? I thought of starting with the mega because it offers so many inputs and I have no idea what I'll really need, but I have zero arduino experience right now.
Am I completely out of my mind? Is this even possible, or are there easier options out there that I am overlooking?
This would most likely be a 2 year off and on project for me, and I realize its going to be a $h!t ton of work...
Thanks in advance for your guidance.
P.S. - links to any and all similar, or similar in part projects would be appreciated.
ability to integrate OEM or readily available 12v sensors
a. oil pressure - I've located some linear 0-5v stainless pressure transducers for ~$20 each on ebay. 0-100psi hereHERE
b. oil temperature - settled on ds18b20, just looking for ideas on how to get these threaded? I guess I can look for dry wells to install these in? I think I'll need some help here
c. fuel level
d. water temperature - settled on ds18b20, just looking for ideas on how to get these threaded? I guess I can look for dry wells to install these in? I think I'll need some help here
e. boost pressure I've located some linear 0-5v stainless pressure transducers for ~$20 each on ebay. 0-60psi HERE
f. exhaust gas temperature (airplane grade type k-thermocouple already in exhaust manifold) - I've found this cheap board which may work? HERE
So basic temperature can be 1-wire integrated with a 4.7k resistor from what I've read,
EGT type k takes 3 digital pins to work for some reason, but there are tutorials available for this
pressure will be straight 0-5 so that's plug and play...
this may be more feasible than I originally thought
I totally forgot to mention tachometer and speedometer...
Tach signal is currently being captured from the W terminal in the alternator (no idea whats actually coming out of there). I have a dakota digital converter for this to integrate into a standard tach, so I'm sure I can get this to work somehow?
The speedo is some three wire sensor that mounts on the trans, I'll have to see if I can figure out what wire is doing what there. I wouldn't be opposed to going GPS route either if there is a simple arduino integration? (and hopefully not a 10 second delay in speed updates).
odometer would be nice, but isn't entirely necessary for me. I can look into storing values as a bonus down the road...not critical path for me.