Multifunctional display

[adpsimpson]

I'm building a simple circuit to display common diagnostics on a small screen. I've got several temperature sensors, but want to know what people reckon is the most useful additional info they would want to know about what's happening on the Surf? If you could add a handful of accurate sensors, what would they be?

[BUSHWHACKER]

Hmm, sounds good.
Engine oil temp.
Transmission fluid temp.
Engine coolant temp.
These are the three critical areas that need constant monitoring.
Will the displays be digital numbers or LED bar graph type?

[adpsimpson]

It's an alpha-numeric display, so nice and versatile. Good suggestions. For temperatures I was going to use the coolant feed for the rear heater matrix (which I've removed), and I'll add a sensor into the ATF cooling circuit. Couldn't think of a simple way to get oil, so was just going to epoxy a sensor to the engine sump - do you think that would be usable?

What about other things? Is the signal for boost pressure easy to use?

[Apache]

Hi Andy.

I'm not sure how thick the Surf sump is, but if it's reasonably thick you could drill and tap it to take a standard sensor.

Boost pressure data goes to the ECU if I recall correctly. Dont remember what format it takes, but if you dig out the ECU diagrams from Matt F's site, it's in the diagnostics charts in there.

ATF temp can be done inline. I made this for mine.



As for more, have you a way of measuring miserability?

[Albannach]

What display are you using?

[POPEYE]

This sounds like a good idea, something i'd definatly be interested in if you plan to sell them,

[adpsimpson]

As for more, have you a way of measuring miserability?

A complex system of microphones around the driver and passenger seats, fourier transforms to get frequency and pitch information combined with a live link to GPS and a weather forecast should sort that out...

What's the sensor you've used for the ATF there? Looks ideal.

[adpsimpson]

What display are you using?

It's one of these: http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/s...duct&R=5326824

Virtually all displays like that use a standardised serial communication though, so the exact make/model shouldn't matter. There's similar things on the front of old VCRs, ovens and computers in skips up and down the country.

[adpsimpson]

This sounds like a good idea, something i'd definatly be interested in if you plan to sell them,

I'll see how I get on, but if it ends up looking nice, I wouldn't have a problem putting kits together. Thanks

[Apache]

What's the sensor you've used for the ATF there? Looks ideal.

Standard automotive temp sender. Threaded 1/8" NPT. The inlet and outlet are 3/8" BSP barbed fittings.

[adpsimpson]

Standard automotive temp sender. Threaded 1/8" NPT. The inlet and outlet are 3/8" BSP barbed fittings.

Stupid question then! Thanks. Have been using simple space temperature sensors in prototyping (LM35), but they're no good for fluid.