Hi everyone,
I’m very new to arduino and i want to start a project where i make a gauge cluster for my small boat with an arduino and a nextion screen. The problem is i dont even know how to start... i’ve searched the internet for a while now and can’t find a clear approach to start this project. On the screen i would like to see mainly the rpm’s, a speedometer and fuel-sensor. I would like to know how to start: like which hardware i would buy best for the sensors en then how to connect the different sensors to the arduino, which codes i need etc. etc. I hope that some of you have maybe a link to a tutorial that explains everything from start to the end of the project or that some of you know it yourself because you have made such a gauges-display before. I hope someone can help me
Kind regards,
sacha
You might have some luck with simracing hardware and software. I've seen display kits with preprogrammed dashboard layouts or even analog needle gauge controllers, that usually take signals from USB. I don't think it would be a stretch to feed in sensor data from a vehicle.
If you want to build your own, you need to take this one small stet at a time... and it will be very time consuming (which is part of the fun)
For every item you want on the dash, you need to understand how the sensor works.
For example:
(1) Engine RPM:
For a gasoline engine, just count how often the ignition coil fires then calculate RPM. If diesel.... well that is more difficult. You will need to use an magnetic or optical sensor on the crankshaft and then calculate RPM
(2) Speedometer:
For a boat, I think the easiest and most accurate way would be to use a GPS module.
(3) Fuel Level:
This is easy, just measure the voltage on the float (which is a variable resistor) and take calculate the percent full. This assumes the tank is a rectangle. You might also need to average the level or the gauge might wildly move up and down with large waves.
After you understand your inputs, you need to figure how to display the information and how often to update them.
Then figure out a weather proof enclosure, as electronics and water don't get along.
All of this will require you to develop or use your existing knowledge in C programming, electronics (for the sensors & basic wiring) and weather protection of the electronics.
The other option is to use purchase the traditional boat gauges (which comes with instructions) and use them.
PS:
I am not trying to discourage you, I have just gone through this process for my car and it took about 10 months of learning, trying, breaking and fixing with a good electronics and mechanical background)
Good luck!
This link may be helpful to you:
https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/user55100226/digital-dashboard-7bd66c?f=1