Race Dash Creation

[FFRSpec72]

OK, the dash that FFR provides (plastic/fiberglass, whatever) is not something that works very well in a race car as it give you zero access to wires/gauges/etc. So I am on a mission to build and new dash, I have seen dashes from Retro and Leo and both look nice with a flat front panel for gauges and switches and then a removable top so you can have access to gauges and wiring, etc. Retro has a hump for the gauges/dash, and Leo's is flat.

I would want some overhang to keep sunlight off dash/gauge area, must be high enough to see with a quick glance

Anyone else have a dash design yet for an R ?

[Mitch Wright]

Tony, I have had my dash FFR out 3-4 times now. I have it bolted in, 2 10/32 bolts up front and 4 10/32 bolts on the 1" cross bar under the dash. I can have it out in less than 5 minutes. Now I don't have my AIM dash attached to the dash. 62040
Something I thought about as I was thinking about the dash install was cutting a 24" X 12" hole in the top of the dash and making a aluminum panel held down with 4 Dzus Fasteners for easy access. But since the dash comes out so easy decided not too. But I think it would work well if you didn't want to bend up a sheet metal dash.

[Zach34]

I'm not using the supplied dash panel either. I'll probably be using an AIM dash, too. All I have in mind is a minimal sun shield and wiring cover, but haven't designed anything yet.

[Turboguy]

Would using a race display like those from Motec or Race Technology help with that? That is what I envision running in a race car. And with a single cable trunk running to it, wiring should be simplified and requirements to access it minimized, no?



http://www.race-technology.com/upload/products/NewImages/Dash2.jpg

http://www.race-technology.com/upload/products/NewImages/Dash2.jpg



The RacePak and Haltech products even looks like they sort of pseudo-fit in the cluster spot on the FFR dash:

http://hioctaneracing.com/storage/DASH2.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1289370191335

http://www.haltech.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/HAL_iq3a.jpg

[Zach34]

That's the idea. As for wiring, I think it will be smart to have the ability to plug in the OEM dash on a temporary basis if needed - at least for me since I haven't used one of these aftermarket panels before. That's my plan, at least. It's lacking details like what happens with the ECU if the OEM dash is not there, etc....

[SoCalK61000]

That's the idea. As for wiring, I think it will be smart to have the ability to plug in the OEM dash on a temporary basis if needed - at least for me since I haven't used one of these aftermarket panels before. That's my plan, at least. It's lacking details like what happens with the ECU if the OEM dash is not there, etc....


I'm running the IQ3s dash in my 818c and have zero complaints with it. The factory ecu has no clue what cluster I have and I can program the fuel gauge to any sending unit I like as well as a ton of other programmable features.

[Sgt.Gator]

Zach34 you can actually do both at the same time. I had a AIM Pista dash mounted on the steering column in front of my gauge cluster in my LGT race car. It blocked the view of the OEM dash gauges, but they were still operational.

[Zach34]

Good to know. Thanks!

[Bob_n_Cincy]

This coming season, I'm going to mount my S7 phone in the middle of the steering wheel. It communicates 48 kbaud to the ECU.
It also data logs everything on the screen plus about 20 addition parameter that I selected.
I have it set up to go to red if the value goes outside the limits I set.
During driving, I will just glance at it for red boxes. It also sound an alarm when one of the boxes go red. I may have to add some kind of speaker so I can hear it.
Bob

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=62218&d=1482560096

[Hindsight]

Bob, have you thought about using a cheap tablet instead, so you have a bigger view? I am planning on doing that with an Arcflash digital dash (whenever I actually get time to install it)

[Scargo]

I just removed a Race Technology, Dash2 from an '06 STi. The installer had used spare pins or spare pin holes in the instrument cluster circuit board to link to the Dash2. In removing it, I just clipped the wires and put the cluster back.
Now, here's where I'm going to possibly sound stupid. I don't know what he was accessing or what is available or what potential data can be pulled off that board. I'm guessing that some were temps and pressure. I am going to make a big, leaping assumption that there is wiring and signals shared in common with the ECM (ECU) and that they might be of value.
I don't have my cluster out to look at and examine. I can find pin-outs for some dashes on the internet.http://s49.photobucket.com/user/watto_65/media/WRX/06-07WRXvsSTi_ClusterPinout-1.jpg.html
Perhaps the digital dash manufacturers give you all the information about how to do this. I haven't gone down that road yet and tried to connect it. My intent was to use my Dash2 as a stand-alone display in my R.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Bob, have you thought about using a cheap tablet instead, so you have a bigger view? I am planning on doing that with an Arcflash digital dash (whenever I actually get time to install it)
I have a cheap tablet that I was going to use. But the screen just isn't bright enough to make it sunlight readable.
The S7 is close to sunlight readable and waterproof. I can switch it for navigation, or even use it as a phone when not on the track.
Also, no wires needed as it's talking Bluetooth to the SSM adapter.
Bob

[Hindsight]

Nice Bob, great point about visibility. I need to pay close attention to that when I select mine.

[Canadian818]

http://www.aim-sportline.com/images/products/mxs-strada/main_visual_home.jpg

Another great option.

[FFRSpec72]

Opinions please, gauges in a pod or gauges in the dash, you can see them easily either way, so more of a aesthetics, or if you don't like the dash also please voice your opinion


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[Zach34]

I'd say whatever keeps them in you peripheral vision easier, so pod?

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Tony,
I was thinking of mounting my display on the steering column about 1/2 way between the steering wheel and the dash. The display will be partially blocked from sight during turning.
My eyes would only be glancing for red boxes that indicate the value is out of the legal range I set.
What do you guys think?

62598

[Rob T]

I mounted my traqmate on the tabs right behind the steering wheel. I couldn't reach it when strapped in when it was further away. Something to watch out for..... I need to be able to reach it to start and stop the synched video. Aren't you just really catching a quick peek on a straight somewhere? I can see the tach sweep and alarm beacons out of my peripheral vision all the time. Data/numbers on the straight.

[Scargo]

There are so many viable options now. Money can get in the way. With "race car" I say there are no rules. I want the RPMs clearly visible. I have used SPA dual digital gauges for a while and like the legibility. They can be programmed to work with some other sensors rather than their own. Other features are:

Selectable backlight colour (Red, Green, Blue, Amber, Magenta, Cyan, White, Off)
Adjustable backlight brightness
Black or white dials
Standard Black
High resolution modes for 0.1 PSI(BAR), Deg F(C) etc
Programmable button function, recall menu etc
Splash proof sensor connections
Extended temperature operation (for extreme climates) -20 to +70 Deg C
Stainless steel pressure and vacuum sensors
Programmable warning lights, low battery, averaging etc
Programmable backlight flashing as a warning
Programmable outputs for driving external LED's or relays
Thermocouple options and kits available

Downside is they are pricey. I don't care for the sensor cable connectors and have replaced some with a better, more positive style weatherproof connector.
I won't be using a Subaru gauge cluster or the FFR dash and if I feel the wheel is in the way I may do a pod on top. I have in mind a singular windscreen anyway. May try and find a screen meant for a motorcycle or scooter. Then my current plan will be to use my Race Technology Dash2.

[FFRSpec72]

Tony,
I was thinking of mounting my display on the steering column about 1/2 way between the steering wheel and the dash. The display will be partially blocked from sight during turning.
My eyes would only be glancing for red boxes that indicate the value is out of the legal range I set.
What do you guys think?

62598

Also looked at going this route and using the steering column, still unsure if the tablet will be off to the side as we have it now or in front on the steering column. We will most likely make it switchable so I can use either place

[RetroRacing]

We used the bracket off the steering column
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[C.Plavan]

You will need a 1000nit sunlight readable display. Otherwise you can't see anything (even with a sunshade). I tried it early on with the 818R, and it was worthless. I had a cheap display in my NP01 (with roof!) with a sunshade and it was still worthless.

[FFRSpec72]

You will need a 1000nit sunlight readable display. Otherwise you can't see anything (even with a sunshade). I tried it early on with the 818R, and it was worthless. I had a cheap display in my NP01 (with roof!) with a sunshade and it was still worthless.

agree, the screen I will be using is 1000nit which is still questionable but we will see or not

[Mitch Wright]

6260862611
Tony, looks like your solution will work great. I like other have Imounted my dash just in front of the steering wheel and have great visibility. As Rob mentioned I did place my dash within reach to allow me to change the menu.

[RetroRacing]

With the extension of our "wind screen" over our dash, we had no issue even when wearing a tinted visor. In our ep cars, we have the same dash, and even with no sunshade, you can see everything perfectly. Now, our digital egt's are another matter all together.....

[Bob_n_Cincy]

You will need a 1000nit sunlight readable display. Otherwise you can't see anything (even with a sunshade). I tried it early on with the 818R, and it was worthless. I had a cheap display in my NP01 (with roof!) with a sunshade and it was still worthless.

I'm using my Galaxy S7 which has 855 nit rating when in automatic brightness mode.
What displays have you guys found that has a better screen and does not cost thousands of dollars?
Bob

[Sgt.Gator]

I don't know about the dash or pod, but I sure like the welding setup in pic 1 !

[FFRSpec72]

I don't know about the dash or pod, but I sure like the welding setup in pic 1 !

Agree, there is a plasma cutter also there, a sheet metal brake, English wheel, and soon a stomp sheer (has a hand shear now), so with Tom's talent he can do just about any sheet metal work you need and close to PIR for any emergency repairs.

[FFRSpec72]

Dash is pretty much finished, will run 3 gauges on dash, gauge 1- oil temp and oil pressure, gauge 2 (center) Air Fuel Ratio, gauge 3- water temp and fuel pressure, there will be a shift light on dash and the tablet will have all the other info (non important stuff like speed, rpm, etc.). Need to put the windscreen back on also. 2 quick release access panels in to that gets me access to everything

63169

[Canadian818]

Another new option I'm pretty excited about!

64295

[Sgt.Gator]

The AEM CD-7 only works with CAN bus. If you have an OEM ECU to get the data off it has to be 2008+ WRX/STI. And I don't think Subaru is even supported yet. If you're using an aftermarket ECU like AEM Infinity - Haltech- Motec you're good.

AIM is still your best option if you want to display or log data off the OEM ECU. AIM used to have a plug and play OBD connector for the Pista/Strada, but I don't think they have it for the MXL2 or other new gen dashes. But that's not a big deal , you just tap the #7 pin - K Line on the OBD connector.
You can capture off the ECU:
ECU_1 RPM RPM
ECU_2 SPEED Vehicle Speed
ECU_3 TPS Throttle Position Sensor
ECU_4 ECT Engine coolant temperature
ECU_5 TURBO_PRESS Turbo pressure
ECU_6 IN_VVT_R Right bank inlet timing
ECU_7 IN_VVT_L Left bank inlet timing
ECU_8 IGN_ADV Ignition advance
ECU_9 KNOCK_CORR Advances correction depending on detonation sensor
ECU_10 FUEL_LEV Fuel level
ECU_11 NEUTRAL Neutral sensor
ECU_12 CLUTCH Clutch disengaged signal
ECU_13 BRAKE Brake switch
ECU_14 ENG_LOAD Instant engine load
ECU_15 AIR_FLOW Air flow in the air pipes

[C.Plavan]

I'm using my Galaxy S7 which has 855 nit rating when in automatic brightness mode.
What displays have you guys found that has a better screen and does not cost thousands of dollars?
Bob

I'm going to grab this one. Someone I know has first hand experience and liked it.
https://www.xenarcdirect.com/702CSH.html

[FFRSpec72]

I'm using my Galaxy S7 which has 855 nit rating when in automatic brightness mode.
What displays have you guys found that has a better screen and does not cost thousands of dollars?
Bob

I am using a protype 7" tablet, it has a 1000 NIT screen made by JDI (Japanese display consortium), there are a few tablets like the Cube T7 that have a similar screen (1000NIT) and are in the $150 range. There are quite a few 1000+nit screens out there.