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Date:         Thu, 4 Nov 1999 09:36:39 -0500
Reply-To:     David M <dmc@CYBURBAN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David M <dmc@CYBURBAN.COM>
Organization: .
Subject:      Computerized Gauge Setup
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I dont believe the palm type computers can be programmed. However, if I'm wrong, it would be possible to do what you say. The program would be contained in volatle memory and so would require a constant power source. You would have to somehow match the output of the senders to the input of the computer, which would not be easy. Also, the interior of a vehicle is a hostile environment for all but an industrial computer, due to heat and vibration.

Date: Wed, 3 Nov 1999 21:44:41 EST From: KENWILFY@AOL.COM Subject: Computerized Gauge Setup

Here is my latest brainstorm on my quest for the ultimate Gauge cluster that doesn't take up alot of space and require cutting or drilling:

I was thinking, why not just get one of those small note pad computers with a back lit screen (like palm pilot or whatever). Then mount it's docking bay on my dash next to the instrument cluster and secure it with a velcro strap. Now all I have to do is setup all my senders and then wire then into some type of plug that will plug into the computer (I have no idea what this entails). Then all I have to find is a program that would take the sender readings and display them in either a number readout or some type of bar graph, etc. You could have several "layers" of gauges that you could scroll through by pushing a button, basically telling you everything that is going on back there (thinking of installing a camera in the engine compartment to actually watch the motor itself but I wonder if this is overkill/could be a distraction while driving? :)

So what do you think? Am I dreaming? Could this be done without spending a million dollars? I mean you could use the small computer for other things too and just plug it into the van when you were taking trips and wanted to keep an eye on things. If I bought 6 gauges and some instrument pods I would be out around $200 so buying a small computer would not really be that much more money. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance, Ken Wilford


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