Check panel renovation

[ninjaotter]

So I've been playing around with this idea for a while. Basically a VFD/ LCD takes the place of the check panel, and can do SO SO much more. I've got the piggyback circuit board that should make it pretty plug and play. It would also be super easy to add a sensor or data bus. You wouldn't even need the 13 button OBC if I do this right.

I'm just starting to play around with this tonight, so I'll have more details later in the day.

My question for you guys is two fold: One, ballpark how much you would pay for this thing (just generally, everyone is going to be a little different) and TWO: Make some suggestions on what the check panel should be monitoring.

What I've come up with so far:
- The standard stuff: Brake Lights, Low Beam, High Beam, Engine Oil, Rear Lights, etc...
- Speed
- Acceleration
- G Force
- Compass
- Rudimentary GPS
- Voltmeter
- Narrow/ Wide band meter

That's all pretty easy incorporated, and I'd love some other ideas.

[ButtJuice]

Awesome.....


A compass would be kinda cool, outside temp, volt meter. I'd pay like $75-$150 depending on the way it looks and what it does. Keep it oem looking as much as possible.

[E30 Wagen]

I'm interested in seeing where this goes.

[canakami]

My attention is had. I agree with a $150 ceiling (though I'd understand ~$200) and I'd be interested in gforce/lap time capabilities to supplement the usuals.

[Wishno87]

I can dig.

[e30polak]

Awesome.....


A compass would be kinda cool, outside temp, volt meter. I'd pay like $75-$150 depending on the way it looks and what it does. Keep it oem looking as much as possible.

Ya, because spending all the time and effort is really going to be worth it after the cost of parts for $75-150. Gotta love the E30 crowd...

My attention is had. I agree with a $150 ceiling (though I'd understand ~$200) and I'd be interested in gforce/lap time capabilities to supplement the usuals.

Only way I see this happening is if he can cheaply and easily link the display to a smart phone with a lap timer/GPS app..


OP I LOVE your idea, and have wanted something similar for years. Unfortunately, to make this a lucrative venture, you should focus on the e30 m3 crowd to make it worth your while IMO.

[ninjaotter]

I'm thinking about doing a tiny kickstarter or IndieGogo campeign to fun some tooling I need to make these perfect. Think that's a decent idea?

As for price point, I MIGHT be able to build a basic one for $150. The VFD I'm using in my model runs somewhere in the $90 range. As thing develop, I'll keep prices updated. Every sensor you add, you add $15 - $50.

[ButtJuice]

Ya, because spending all the time and effort is really going to be worth it after the cost of parts for $75-150. Gotta love the E30 crowd...

I'm thinking about doing a tiny kickstarter or IndieGogo campeign to fun some tooling I need to make these perfect. Think that's a decent idea?

As for price point, I MIGHT be able to build a basic one for $150. The VFD I'm using in my model runs somewhere in the $90 range. As thing develop, I'll keep prices updated. Every sensor you add, you add $15 - $50.

I'm not/wasn't aware of initial costs for something like this to happen. Nonetheless, I'd be willing to pay a premium price for a quality product.

I definitely see the viability here, I'm interested.

[XW70]

In for this! Would buy for sure if the functionality/integration was there, especially if it replaced a 13 button obc (i like my analog clock too much).

Edit: In response to the question if it did all the check functions plus OBC functions and abit more (Wideband would be sick) id pay up to 300 for it. But thats me.

Thought, is there any rudimentary outputs from something like Megasquirt that could be displayed on this as well?

[ninjaotter]

In for this! Would buy for sure if the functionality/integration was there, especially if it replaced a 13 button obc (i like my analog clock too much).

Edit: In response to the question if it did all the check functions plus OBC functions and abit more (Wideband would be sick) id pay up to 300 for it. But thats me.

Thought, is there any rudimentary outputs from something like Megasquirt that could be displayed on this as well?

I'm almost 100% sure it could link up to an MS system. As for cost, I have no idea yet. Let me get the first couple of builds ironed out and then we can talk pricing.

[turge]

subbed!

[ninjaotter]

subbed!

Well damn, I better get cracking!

[turge]

Well damn, I better get cracking!

lol yup. :p

But seriously, this is a great idea. Would it be possible to program it to read engine codes as well?

[XW70]

On a side note hows the color of the LCD in terms of how it will fit with the rest of the gauges etc

[Europeaben]

Very interested. A great idea. Like others have said, keeping it oem looking with an 80s feel to it would be great, something too flashy would look out of place I think, although that might be hard to do

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