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Dash computer
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=55962		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  qcard [ Tue Aug 11, 2009 3:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Dash computer
I'd like to share some info about a project I've been working on recently for my mini. I'm more of an electrical person than mechanical, and I quite enjoy designing/building hobby projects so I decided to make dash "computer" and immobiliser. It displays speed, rpm, distance, trip time, fuel level and battery voltage all on a standard composite video display. Here's some pics:

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The screen is a generic chinese 3.5" display made for reversing cameras which I bought on ebay for about $60. There are two microcontroller circuits, one sits in the boot and one in the bonnet. The boot circuit immobilisers the fuel pump, reads the fuel level and battery voltage. The bonnet circuit immobilises the coil and starter, reads speed, rpm and generates the video output. Both circuits use ATMega8 microcontrollers which I've programmed with my own code. I read the speed using a hall effect sensor on the hub and magnet attached to the wheel.

Image

I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out, considering it cost about $30 in parts (+ the screen) and my time. The good thing is I can program more functions in and upgrade it as I feel like it.

Thanks for looking! Comments welcome.
Author:  minidrifter [ Tue Aug 11, 2009 3:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
god that looks cool!

Awesome work mate, would love to know more! (even though i probably won't understand over half of it :lol: :oops: )
Author:  Caponix [ Tue Aug 11, 2009 4:01 pm ]
Post subject: 
ditto bert! :D
Author:  Mick [ Tue Aug 11, 2009 4:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Nice work, I love the options you could roll into that machine!

I've got some small project work I'll be doing shortly, and was proposing to use the ATmega8 as well.

May I ask where you purchased it from, and how much? RS don't carry it and neither do Jaycar.
Author:  Harley [ Tue Aug 11, 2009 4:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
Why couldn't you post this last week? This is exactly the thing I've been looking to do with my car!
Now I'm just going to do something far more complicated and expensive instead.
:lol:
Author:  ddk848 [ Tue Aug 11, 2009 4:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
:D Top stuff - Very nice! Looks much more professional and wouldn't be anywhere near as distracting when you drive compared to some of the other standard kits etc. I was thinking of building one of the Jaycar Digital speedo kits but haven't ever got around to it - and even if I did it wouldn't turn out anywhere near as good!

Can the display be hidden away somewhere? Just a thought but it would suck if someone broke in and tried to steal it (and ended up wrecking it) because they thought it was a navman or something.
Author:  qcard [ Tue Aug 11, 2009 4:58 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
Can the display be hidden away somewhere?


I'm sure it could. The good thing about this setup is that the screen can be replaced by any other similar screen, so you could get ones designed to slot in/out. Right now I just use a rag to cover it up. :lol:

Quote:
I've got some small project work I'll be doing shortly, and was proposing to use the ATmega8 as well.

May I ask where you purchased it from, and how much? RS don't carry it and neither do Jaycar.


By far the best place I've found for electronics is http://www.futurlec.com/. Huge range and cheap prices. All the stuff ships from Thailand though, so it can take a bit longer than expected.

I forgot to mention that the video is generated by a Tellymate. Its a really cool little project.
Author:  MrDerrickC [ Tue Aug 11, 2009 4:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is awesome!! Would love to know how you built it.
Author:  poeee [ Tue Aug 11, 2009 5:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
Great stuff mate, very impressive.

I like that you have 107% fuel. :lol:
Author:  Gadgets mini [ Tue Aug 11, 2009 5:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
^^^^
what the under tall fella said :wink: :wink:
Author:  simon k [ Tue Aug 11, 2009 10:24 pm ]
Post subject: 
awesome - I've been looking for a cheap and relatively elegant solution for a display for a readout from my megajolt

thanks :D

edit: ahh bum, tellymate doesn't do graphics :(
Author:  simon k [ Tue Aug 11, 2009 10:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Dash computer
qcard wrote:
Image


one comment about this - it looks like you've put a thin strip of aluminium under that steering arm bolt - if that's the case, then it's dangerous, even of you have loctite on that bolt, the alloy can't work as a washer, so the bolt will work loose, and you can imagine the results if it comes out
Author:  bnicho [ Wed Aug 12, 2009 9:31 am ]
Post subject: 
Brilliant work. When do you go into production? :)
Author:  qcard [ Wed Aug 12, 2009 9:45 am ]
Post subject: 
Thats a good point about the aluminium. In my excitement to get it working I did whatever was easiest. I'll find a better place for it.

I might get some circuit diagrams together too.
Author:  Harley [ Wed Aug 12, 2009 9:49 am ]
Post subject: 
A good place would be in the rear trailing arm hub. Put the pickup magnet on the hub, and mount the sensor to the backplate of the drum assembly.
Its relateively protected in there, provided the dust doesnt kill it.
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