Date: Sun, 30 Oct 2005 21:56:54 -0800
Reply-To: David Marshall <mailinglist@FASTFORWARD.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David Marshall <mailinglist@FASTFORWARD.CA>
Subject: =?us-ascii?Q?RE:_______Eight_Function_Digital_Display_for_the_Vanagon?=
In-Reply-To: <221.172004a.3096fe7d@aol.com>
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Frank,
Why do you feel that voltage is so important? Just curious!
I agree that most analog gauges are pathetic and lack any real speed or
resolution - VDO's EGT gauge is a prime example of this. This is why I have
chosen to go the digital route. My gauge uses standard VDO pressure and
resistive senders plus J and K type thermocouples.
The reason for choosing to go with the gauge in the instrument cluster is
that I want to keep the interior as neat as possible. My experience is
there are two ways of mounting gauges, one is on the plastic bit between the
floor and the radio - room for two or four gauges there but it is impossible
to really see them that low with any accuracy or safety as you are supposed
to be watching the road when driving! The other solution typically has been
to install a new pod somewhere. I made one where the ash tray was but it
really don't look like it belongs there. The other thing that analog
gauges lack is attention getting. With my digital gauge, if you surpass a
set parameter, it will warn you by blinking that reading on and off and
displays the word WARNING on the gauge. If you wanted to, you could make it
so it would flash a light or sound a buzzer to draw your attention as well.
For volks like you and me, who always pay attention to things we don't need
stuff this, but say for example you are letting your friend drive the
vehicle they may have no idea that 850C is too hot for the turbo - at least
this they should wake up and smell the cat food. Plus if your friend comes
home and the turbo is dead, you can open the log and see the time and date
when the safe parameters were exceeded so you know who to point the finger
at. I have my gauge set to start blinking at 800C for the EGT and start
recording at 850C which is the max sustained temperature the turbo is
allowed.
David Marshall
Fast Forward Automotive Inc.
4356 Quesnel-Hixon Road
Quesnel BC Canada V2J 6Z3
http://www.fastforward.ca mailto:sales@fastforward.ca
Phone: (250) 992 7775 FAX: (250) 992 1160
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-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Frank Grunthaner
Sent: October 30, 2005 8:59 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Eight Function Digital Display for the Vanagon
In a message dated 10/30/05 8:13:50 PM, mailinglist@FASTFORWARD.CA writes:
> http://www.fastforward.ca/gallery/1005instrumentpod.jpg
>
This is an interesting solution to the gauge problem, and I am a large fan
of
comprehensive monitoring of engine functionality particularly of engine
conversion projects. However, I'll say again that the Vanagon instrument
panel is
just underwhelming! I'm quite pleased with the modified Passat TDi cluster I
modified and placed into the Vanagon instrument pod for my TDi conversion.
(Pictures available on Alistair Bell's website). The purpose of this note is
to
point out that for turbo conversions in general and TDi conversions in
particular, the key gauges needed to supplement the VW supplied set are EGT,
boost (0-30
psi, or 0-30 psi and vac), oil pressure and voltage. For all of these
functions, a good dynamic range together with rapid response and high
accuracy are
essential. I have found that the general level of analog gauges available
from
VDO, Autometer, Westtech and others are really pathetic. Generally these
gauges
offer 90 degree movements with poor linearity. Mechanical gauges give 270
degree movements, but are dangerous and slow. I have recently located state
of
the art digital gauges with 270 degree movements for EGT, Boost, Oil
Pressure,
Voltage, oil and water temperature. A bit pricey, the gauges are available
with
custom bezels, dial and with electroluminescent dials from www.speedhut.com.
The EGT gauge is $168, while all others are $98 I believe. These are what
I'm
using. Thought I'd bring it to your attention. No connection obviously.
Frank Grunthaner
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