Custom digital gauges? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rally · 01-07-2017, 12:48 AM

So I can do programming enough to build my own digital gauges using a raspberry pi and an analog to digital converter, but what I don't have is an electrical background. I know there's enough tutorials to use a microcomputer to read OBD info, but what I can't find is a pre-OBD tutorial to read our gauges and build a monitor for engine temperature, RPMs, etc, for our trucks using a microcomputer using an ADS1115 for converting our sending units to digital format.

More specifically, reading the tach signal from the distributor (my distributor has a tach output connection, not sure if all do), reading engine coolant temp, etc. If someone could answer my questions about how to step down voltage signals or amplify signals (which the ADS1115 should amplify signals I believe) to prevent frying the computer or allow the computer to read minor changes in the signals correctly, that would be awesome.

I understand the purist POV that I can just install a tach and use the existing gauges, but I'd like to try to build a digital setup others could use if they wanted. Plus I think it would just be cool.

Anyone with an electrical background able to understand how the sending units work and have a rough idea how to convert them to human readable format? Things like voltage ranges, resistance ranges, etc.

I'm currently running an early 80s sbc 350.

Is this something people are even interested in? I figured it might be a fun project. Might take a while though.

Andy4639 · 01-07-2017, 07:52 PM

They sell custom gauge packages that you build your self. I really can't see doing this. The custom gauges can be made for any application. Just to easy and all the electrical stuff is already figured out for you.

Robznob11 · 01-07-2017, 09:54 PM

Save the hassel. Ebay intellitronix cheap and lifetime warranty! And build your own option if you choose that route.

Willie Makeit · 01-07-2017, 09:57 PM

seen it done with later model LS swaps using the data from the OBD2 port. not sure how you would import that type of data straight into the raspberry from the OEM style sending units.

01-07-2017, 12:48 AM	#1
rally Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: CA Posts: 88	Custom digital gauges? So I can do programming enough to build my own digital gauges using a raspberry pi and an analog to digital converter, but what I don't have is an electrical background. I know there's enough tutorials to use a microcomputer to read OBD info, but what I can't find is a pre-OBD tutorial to read our gauges and build a monitor for engine temperature, RPMs, etc, for our trucks using a microcomputer using an ADS1115 for converting our sending units to digital format. More specifically, reading the tach signal from the distributor (my distributor has a tach output connection, not sure if all do), reading engine coolant temp, etc. If someone could answer my questions about how to step down voltage signals or amplify signals (which the ADS1115 should amplify signals I believe) to prevent frying the computer or allow the computer to read minor changes in the signals correctly, that would be awesome. I understand the purist POV that I can just install a tach and use the existing gauges, but I'd like to try to build a digital setup others could use if they wanted. Plus I think it would just be cool. Anyone with an electrical background able to understand how the sending units work and have a rough idea how to convert them to human readable format? Things like voltage ranges, resistance ranges, etc. I'm currently running an early 80s sbc 350. Is this something people are even interested in? I figured it might be a fun project. Might take a while though. __________________ 1969 Custom C10

01-07-2017, 07:52 PM	#2
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Custom digital gauges? They sell custom gauge packages that you build your self. I really can't see doing this. The custom gauges can be made for any application. Just to easy and all the electrical stuff is already figured out for you. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

01-07-2017, 09:54 PM	#3
Robznob11 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: brownfield texas (west texas) Posts: 1,936	Re: Custom digital gauges? Save the hassel. Ebay intellitronix cheap and lifetime warranty! And build your own option if you choose that route. __________________ The Ghost 67 short wide full custom. 550 hp LSX, 4l80E, narrowed 9". Body dropped w/air ride! ........................ ___ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(⊙)___//___/__(O)_/ @disciple2.rc 💪instagram💪 LED TAILS

01-07-2017, 09:57 PM	#4
Willie Makeit Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 1,234	Re: Custom digital gauges? seen it done with later model LS swaps using the data from the OBD2 port. not sure how you would import that type of data straight into the raspberry from the OEM style sending units.

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