Megasquirt Dash Display

[George]

Starting a thread to document an auxiliary screen to display megasqurit parameters. This started after re-wired the intercooler pump and HX fan on a new fuse block in the front of the car. I realized that if the fuse blew or if either device were to stop working, I really don't have an indicator to know if the IATs were start rising too quickly. So here I am. The plan is to replace this:



with a small 4x20 LCD screen...Haven't decided on a location yet. If I put it somewhere else I might consider re-installing the AC...who knows.

The plan is to use the 29 bit CAN broadcasting on MS2 paired with an Arduino unit. I've asked my EE coworker to lead the way on the CAN programming.

I've got these on order:

https://www.adafruit.com/product/1086

https://www.adafruit.com/product/498

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13262


I'd like to start with these parameters:
CLT
AFR
MAP
IAT
Voltage

At a later point I'd like to install a 3rd party EGT logger that can also work on the same network. Later, I'd like to move oil pressure and oil temperature to the display as well.


Will update as the project progresses.

[tschultz]

Sounds interesting!

I like your current setup but it will be interesting to see your solution.

[marc79euro645]

I've thought about using a small netbook or tablet to display the ms gauges. I would love to have a flip up gauge cluster. Keep sharing what your doing.
thanks
marc

[George]

The Arduino and LCD screen came in. I think the CAN bus comes in tomorrow. I need to update the firmware to 3.4.x as the 3.3.2 that I'm currently running only supports 29 bit CAN. With the 3.4 firmware I should be able to set it up as a broadcast from the ECU and all my system does is read and display. I have a couple of extra center console ashtrays that I may use to mock-up a housing. Still undecided on where the screen should be mounted. The check panel would an ideal location but I dont want to rip that out.

[George]

CAN bus shield came in:



Need to solder in an 8 pin connector on the ECU side of the C.o.P wiring that comes out of the ECU. I currently can't remove the ecu unless I de-pin the deutsch connector I have running to the coils.

[Hffvdbl]

George, I am really interested in your project. I would like to do this as well at some point. I was planning on using a Bluetooth connection to the MS ecu and reading out on a small android tablet but an LCD display either where the OBC is currently or in between the tach and speedo would be ideal. Thanks for sharing your progress.

[George]

So I like idea of using the check panel space. I also want to keep the check panel functionality.

I think I'll build a small enclosure that will house the LCD on the top and the check panel lights on the bottom. The 20x4 character screen fits nicely within the space:



The check panel lights are illuminated by LED that are soldered to the check panel PCB. The LEDs circled in red are brake lights, rear lights, license plate light, low beam, engine oil, coolant and washer fluid:




It looks like the LEDs are wave soldered on so it shouldn't be too difficult to de-solder the LEDs.

The bulb circled in blue below appears to be the back lighting for the text:



For the enclosure, I'll have a cutout on the top for the LCD and some holes drilled for some panel mount LEDs:




I can run the wires to the PCB and solder them in their place. I'm a little uncertain of how I'll do the back lit text or the "check" button. I'll figure out something and report back.

[marc79euro645]

cool project,please keep sharing

[George]

Mocked up a panel. Still needs lots of detail on the back side. Haven't figured out the check button yet.

[altus22]

If your CLT is shown on your gauge panel, why do you need it displayed digitally?

[George]

The current display location isn't ideal. Honestly the gauge on the dash is plenty. I may elect to display another parameter.