0

Speeding - Europes motorsport warehouse

without VAT/Customs duty may apply
0
£ 0.00
To checkout

 

Gauges and Dash

 
 

Here you get an overview of how Gauges and Dash work, as well as which parts are included.

The different parts are divided into headings shown below. These headings together provide an insight into which parts can be used.

  1. Why use gauges
  2. Different variants
  3. Sensors for gauges
  4. Installation
  5. Compare Gauges and Dash
 
 

1 ▼

Why Use Gauges

An external gauge is used to get an overview of a motor's actual values. These are available in both digital and analog forms. In the aftermarket, many read these values directly through the control system via a display unit (Dash). This dash functions like the car's original instruments and can often be configured to show exactly what you want to provide a clear picture of what is relevant for your purpose.

Loose gauges are a good solution if a display unit is not used. There are many situations where you may not want a Dash/Display unit.

  • In strong sunlight
    A display unit and Dash usually do not have as good brightness as a gauge, especially noticeable in bright sunlight.
  • Heavy vibrations
    This makes the image on the display unit blurry.
  • Few measurement values
    If you have few measurement values, they are best presented using loose gauges that are clear.
  • Classic installation
    If you have an older car and want to hide the use of new technology, gauges are the only solution.

Advantages of Dash

  • One unit - multiple values
  • Functions in control system through dash
  • Adjustable layout on display
 
 

2 ▼

Different Variants

Revolutions Counter
Used to see the engine's RPM and can often be combined with a gear indicator.
There are also gauges to measure the RPM in a turbo to ensure that the lifespan is not jeopardized by over-revving.

Temperature Gauge
Used to monitor the temperature in the engine, transmission, and fuel system.

Boost Pressure Gauge
Used to measure the boost pressure produced by the turbo/compressor.

Oil Pressure Gauge
Used to measure the oil pressure in the engine or transmission.

Voltmeter
Used to measure the current in the car, to see if the generator is charging sufficiently.

Lambda Gauge
Used to measure the fuel mixture in the engine.

EGT Gauge (Exhaust Gas Temperature)
Measures the temperature of the exhaust gases.

Fuel Gauge
Available as a level gauge to measure the fuel level in the tank, alternatively as a pressure gauge to measure fuel pressure and as a temperature gauge to determine the temperature of the fuel. These are then referred to as fuel pressure gauge and fuel temperature gauge.

Speedometer
Measures the vehicle's speed. Can be measured through GPS, a cable from the transmission, or from an ABS signal.

Vacuum Gauge
Used to measure engine vacuum, a perfect reference when setting up a dump valve and other components for optimal function.

Warning Lights
Used as a warning if something is wrong or has been activated. For example, if your engine has lost oil pressure.
 
 

3 ▼

Sensors for Gauges

If you are going to connect sensors and gauges, it is important that both the sensors and the gauges/display use the same table/reading. A sensor that comes with the gauge works, but a gauge that does not have calibration options is most likely not usable with a universal sensor.

ECU

If you are connecting sensors to an engine control unit, you can use different types of sensors, as you can easily calibrate the system to receive the signal sent from the sensor.

DASH

The same applies if you have a dash that is a more advanced gauge. In this case, you can usually connect a sensor to the instrument and then calibrate the two together.

GAUGE

However, if you have a gauge that cannot be calibrated to the sensor, you must use the accompanying sensor for it to work. If you have a gauge that can be calibrated to the sensor, then you can use a universal sensor with the gauge.

Type of Sensor

In addition to the different types of gauges available, consideration must also be given to different types of sensors. There are digital and analog sensors. Examples of how this can look:

  • Digital Pressure Sensor
    0.5V = 0 bar, 4.5V = 10 bar
  • Digital Temperature Sensor
    0.5V = -40 °C, 4.5V = 140 °C
  • Analog Temperature Sensor
    Resistance at -10°C - 10.572 kΩ
    Resistance at +20°C - 2.736 kΩ
    Resistance at +80°C - 0.359 kΩ
 
 

4 ▼

Installing Gauges and Dash

A Gauge / Dash requires connection to a sensor/gauge/ECU as well as power supply. Apart from this, they only need to be mounted securely, and then it's done.

Gauge Installation
A gauge requires connection to a sensor/gauge and power supply. The signal that the sensor sends to a gauge can, in some cases, be forwarded to the ECU. For example, a gauge that supports a 0-5V output signal can send the signal from the sensor to the control system (ECU).

Dash Installation

A Dash connects to the control system using the CAN system. Through this, all communication with the ECU takes place. Separate power supply is required.

Display Unit Installation
A display unit connects to the control system via Bluetooth. Through this, all communication to the ECU occurs. Separate power supply to the display unit is taken from the vehicle's 12V system. Make sure to have an adapter that supports 12V for the display unit.

 
 

▼

 
 

▼