# (First timer) Automotive gauges using stepper motors **URL:** \ **Category:** General Guidance\ **Created:** [February 23, 2023, 12:14pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/first-timer-automotive-gauges-using-stepper-motors/1093839 "2023-02-23T12:14:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![dieseljunky308](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dc4da7/32.png) [@dieseljunky308](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/dieseljunky308)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2023, 12:14pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/first-timer-automotive-gauges-using-stepper-motors/1093839/1 "2023-02-23T12:14:51Z")
Hey all, I am completely new to Arduino and have been waiting for the perfect project to get me into this wonderful hobby and community, which I've now found! I'm wanting to make a custom cash cluster for my 1984 Holden WB ute, I want to retain the classic analog style look so I'm wanting to make gauges using stepper motors. In total I'm planning on having 7 gauges; a gps speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, water temperature, transmission temperature, oil pressure and battery voltage. My main question is a project of this scale completely be too difficult for a newby? If anyone has done something similar or is able to point me in the direction of some good learning materials that would be much appreciated! ---
**Author:** ![DaveX](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/davex/32/751443_2.png) [@DaveX](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/DaveX)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2023, 12:22pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/first-timer-automotive-gauges-using-stepper-motors/1093839/2 "2023-02-23T12:22:13Z")
Did you consider servos? ---
**Author:** ![jim-p](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/jim-p/32/922840_2.png) [@jim-p](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/jim-p)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2023, 12:24pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/first-timer-automotive-gauges-using-stepper-motors/1093839/3 "2023-02-23T12:24:23Z")
Do you have ANY experience with programming and electronics. ---
**Author:** ![Johan\_Ha](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/johan_ha/32/263751_2.png) [@Johan\_Ha](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Johan_Ha)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2023, 12:24pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/first-timer-automotive-gauges-using-stepper-motors/1093839/4 "2023-02-23T12:24:29Z")
I think it is way too complex for a newby. I also think that using servos instead of stepper motors would be way smarter. I also think using servos would not be too complex for a newby. ---
**Author:** ![jim-p](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/jim-p/32/922840_2.png) [@jim-p](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/jim-p)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2023, 12:32pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/first-timer-automotive-gauges-using-stepper-motors/1093839/5 "2023-02-23T12:32:09Z")
Try starting here: > **[Automotive Gauge Stepper Motor](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2424)** > > This stepper motor is a little different than the large NEMA-17 types you may be used to. These are often used in gauges for motorcycles and cars to replace the old-style fully-analog type. ... ---
**Author:** ![cherk](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/cherk/32/217875_2.png) [@cherk](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/cherk)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2023, 12:55pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/first-timer-automotive-gauges-using-stepper-motors/1093839/6 "2023-02-23T12:55:11Z")
> [@Tacho](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/tacho/390189): > > So, I have started on a job for a person on these boards. He wants a tacho, it seems. Read some pulses coming in on a digital in, drive a servo on 4 digital outs (unipolar servo, I assume). Step 1 is done - I have hooked up a stepper motor as an indicator dial. Of course, my stepper is 48 position, rather than the 600 that these instrument steppers are. But, the code should translate across ok. Next step, hook up a 555 timer and a pot to give a square wave with a frequency between zero and 205… > [@Stepper motor tachometer /speedometer](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/stepper-motor-tachometer-speedometer/387873): > > I know it has been asked here many times over but I have never really found the answer. I want to build a speedometer/ tachometer using a switec X25 instrument stepper motor. found examples of a pot making the motor needle move but never a true up and functioning model The circuitry for me is no problem.The code is for me is a challenge. I need a starter code that I can use and make minor adjustments from there. Being a stepper it would need to auto zero to put the needle in the 0 position. i… couple useful threads on the same projects , Switek s are plentiful from 'your fav bazzar' in multiples ---
**Author:** ![Railroader](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/railroader/32/274550_2.png) [@Railroader](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Railroader)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2023, 6:38pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/first-timer-automotive-gauges-using-stepper-motors/1093839/7 "2023-02-23T18:38:43Z")
> [@dieseljunky308](#): > > too difficult for a newby? Not necessarily, if You develop the project step by step. Select a suitable Arduino having the needed number and type of I/O pins. Select suitable steppers. Start playing with **one** stepper until You get warmed up. Search the suitable temperature, pressure etc sensors and play with them, one at the time. When have become an expert to it, add it to the stepper code. Next sensor... What's Your programming resp. electronics experience? ---
**Author:** ![system](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/system/32/1140315_2.png) [@system](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/system)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2023, 6:39pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/first-timer-automotive-gauges-using-stepper-motors/1093839/8 "2023-08-22T18:39:00Z")
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