7 replies to this topic

[nickthegreek]

Good morning people,

thinking of using a tablet with built in gps to use as a digital dash, also having all the other normal stuff like engine temp, oil temp, rpm, indicator direction and anything else on the display. Anyone done this? even better if they've got a step by step of how to do it!

Many thanks in advance

Nick

[bpirie1000]

Good idea but security would be my issue.. tablets cost about the same as a mini used to back in the day..

My tuppence worth would be to make it removable and keep the appearance of a standard car from the outside...

Also I would want to connect it to the actual engine for ,I've data such as temperatures pressures volts etc...

Great idea though..

[Ado1379]

I had a mate with a VW Caddy and he did this. It’s a brilliant idea and if done right can look really neat!
But he had his removable, and I’m pretty sure the car couldn’t start unless it was plugged in so had an added security feature there.

[Spider]

I've not done this but I am following with interest here. I'd like a similar interface with an I-pad, but not for 'regular' instrumentation, but for recording / logging purposes.

 

I've not had time to look in to it, but I guess you'd need an interface module to connect to all the car's sensors that could then probably provide a wifi or bluetooth output, then a 'dash' type AP for the I-pad.

 

There's quite a few OBDII based products around that are just like this. The challenge then is coming up with a Mini to OBDII interface unit. I know there's a few aftermarket ECUs that also have this facility, but that might be getting a bit out of hand.

[Icey]

How involved do you want the project?

 

If you're of a software development inclination then there are projects for Arduino and the likes around that'll allow you to convert the analog world of the classic Mini into a data structure that could be stored and displayed on a tablet or other display technology.

 

If not, the closest thing I can think of would be to look for dataloggers that provide a real-time output in a standard format (RS232, Canbus, USB) and has a companion app for the device you want to fit. I'd be surprised to find a cheap solution here though.

[Curley]

It's defiantly do able but there are some obstacle you'll need to overcome.

 

How to turn an analogue input from say a warning light or a resistive fuel level sensor into a digital format you tablet can understand? Modern car's do this via a CAN bus which you can access via the OBD2 port. So you'll need a box of tricks that take analogue inputs and converts them into OBD2 or CAN messages. 

 

Depending on your budget and skills you can make your own al la. SK8215 or buy something off the shelf. There are MOT/IVA road legal digital dashes that have AVI modules built in that you can program onto the display (thinking AIM MXS1.2 Strada). 

 

Secondly, and this is more for those looking to go full digital dash, is that you need to pick up a speed sensor. IVA test does not allow for GPS speedo as your primary measure. How would it work in a tunnel?

Edited by Curley, 03 June 2020 - 08:23 PM.

[no66]

I think I would first look at an Arduino to get the analog sensors sorted, speed off a bike/magnet, water temp (though I understand are not linear so som maths involved) and a simple dash. There are som projects out there but most have the odb posibility that makes life easier. 

https://www.neversto...rduino-car-dash

Edited by no66, 05 June 2020 - 08:51 AM.

[Avtovaz]

depending on how the car is set up, you could get something like a seafox speeduino, that will run your ignition, injection if you have it, and itll output to a tablet. seafox is like £150+arduino mega.

 

i think that is what ill be using on my mini im thinking of putting it on injection now.