gps speedometer

[alv69]

I am switching the gauges in my car to the vintage ffr gauges. where does everyone put the gps antenna?

[first time builder]

We first put it under the dash fibreglass worked OK but moved to top and worked better. It now matches the Siruis radio Antenna.

[edwardb]

I put mine on the PS windshield support, under the body. The cable is plenty long enough to reach, and gets it out of the congestion on the DS. The magnet sticks it firmly to the metal plate. One driving season completed and it works great. No negative issues to report. With the keep alive power that Speedhut recommends in the instructions, it acquires about as fast as I back out of the garage. Note this location wasn't original to me. I saw the same in several other builds, also reporting that it works well.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Electrical/IMG_4142_zpsmwynna2l.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Electrical/IMG_4142_zpsmwynna2l.jpg.html)

[wareaglescott]

Used the same location as EdwardB. No complaints. Like that I don't have to ever see the antenna.

[cgundermann]

Ditto - perfect spot for it...

Chris

[TexasAviator]

I am switching the gauges in my car to the vintage ffr gauges. where does everyone put the gps antenna?

If you haven't bought them yet, you may want to rethink the purchase. I have seen there is a major lag in speed changes. The car moves faster than the GPS can update the gauge. Some have said they want to change them out for something more responsive. I have modified my t5z with a tone ring and pick up from a 2000 rear housing.

I drove a ffr with the GPS Speedo, it's not very responsive.

[edwardb]

If you haven't bought them yet, you may want to rethink the purchase. I have seen there is a major lag in speed changes. The car moves faster than the GPS can update the gauge. Some have said they want to change them out for something more responsive. I have modified my t5z with a tone ring and pick up from a 2000 rear housing.

I drove a ffr with the GPS Speedo, it's not very responsive.

I've driven mine for nearly 2000 miles with one. Don't notice that at all. Many on here are using them and that's the first time anyone has said they aren't responsive. I had the same brand gauges (Speedhut) on my previous #7750 build, with the speedo input from the speed sensor in the TKO. I can't tell any difference between the two.

[alv69]

I've had one for five years in my street rod and no problems, but that is steel and had to mount the antenna outside.

[rich grsc]

Absolutely no difference between my GPS speedo and the cable driven in my old car.

[bobl]

If you haven't bought them yet, you may want to rethink the purchase. I have seen there is a major lag in speed changes. The car moves faster than the GPS can update the gauge. Some have said they want to change them out for something more responsive. I have modified my t5z with a tone ring and pick up from a 2000 rear housing.

I drove a ffr with the GPS Speedo, it's not very responsive.

He's referring to my speedo. It works fine, but the car will definitely outrun the speedo at times. I'm guessing it has to do with satellite coverage, maybe where you are geographically. Example: I took Brandon for a hard ride and hit the rev limiter in 3rd gear which is 105 mph, the speedo was just climbing past 80 when I shut it off. Other times it works fine. But, it always works and is accurate.

Bob

[mike223]

He's referring to my speedo. It works fine, but the car will definitely outrun the speedo at times.




What do you think about the 0 - 60 function, or have you tried it enough to get an impression?


Has anyone else tried theirs enough to have an impression?

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Have ordered the Speedhut package with GSP Speedo as a Christmas present. Anything to look out for on the swap with the FFR AutoMeter set I now have?

Would also be interested to hear if anyone has run the 0-60 option.

[Bob Cowan]

That is primarily a function of sampling rate. The speedhut gauge is only 4-5htz. That's pretty slow. But signal strength and the number of satellites you're connected to also plays a role. I use an Aim Sports MXL Pista data logger on my track car. It accelerates very quickly. The GPS has no trouble keeping up with that. The sampling rate is 10htz, which is about the fastest you could get when I bought it.

If your speedometer is not keeping up, and you think you have a clear view of the sky, I would move the antenna to a better spot. If it's right under the windshield, the metal frame could be blocking the signal a little bit.

[edwardb]

I've used all the added features of the Speedhut GPS speedo. It has a 0-60mph timer. Once you stage it, starts timing automatically when you launch. Gives the time and distance. Also has a 1/4-mile timer with automatic start when staged and speed at 1/4 mile. Plus peak speed with manual reset, time, altitude, compass direction. I think that's it. Cool features and fun to use. I installed the little button switch provided in the lip of the dash right under the gauge. You want it handy since it's required to use all the features.

[Jim1855]

I intend to use the Speedhut GPS speedo but I'm a long ways off from needing it. At the same time my transmission does have the mechanical speed system so I don't need a GPS based unit.
So my question is, is the delay really important or just an annoyance? I would think that not needing to calibrate the speedo would be an advantage.
If you are interested in the built in 0-60 times or other performance calculations offered in the speedo wouldn't these be affected by the delayed response time?
Just curious.
Jim

[TexasAviator]

He's referring to my speedo. It works fine, but the car will definitely outrun the speedo at times. I'm guessing it has to do with satellite coverage, maybe where you are geographically. Example: I took Brandon for a hard ride and hit the rev limiter in 3rd gear which is 105 mph, the speedo was just climbing past 80 when I shut it off. Other times it works fine. But, it always works and is accurate.

Bob

As you said bob, it's partly that but there is also YouTube videos of the gauges lagging against a speedo GPS app on a phone. It has to be an install thing than a product problem?

[mike223]

I installed the little button switch provided in the lip of the dash right under the gauge. You want it handy since it's required to use all the features.




I never noticed that the FFR GPS speedo had a button delete (doesn't seem to be a normal speedhut option) - I'm guessing most do not bother mounting the button...

I really like the turn signal / high beam indicators on mine - highly recommended.


https://www.speedhut.com/gauge/GR4-GPS-05T-CCW/16/GPS-Speedometer-180mph-(Counter-Clockwise-with-turn-signals-and-high-beam)






If you are interested in the built in 0-60 times or other performance calculations offered in the speedo wouldn't these be affected by the delayed response time?

Just curious.




That's what I was curious about too - mine seems to work pretty well on 0-60, but I wanted to see what everyone else thought.

1/4 mile is beyond my comfort zone with currently available test areas.

[edwardb]

I never noticed that the FFR GPS speedo had a button delete (doesn't seem to be a normal speedhut option) - I'm guessing most do not bother mounting the button...

Not explaining myself very well I guess... This is a normal Speedhut thing. In the box with the Speedhut gauges is a short cable with a mini-jack on one end and a momentary pushbutton switch on the other. Most of the gauges have a mini-jack receptacle on the back. The pushbutton is used to calibrate gauges, like the fuel gauge, tach, etc., set/reset the clock, and for the speedo to calibrate the non-GPS version, reset the trip odometer, etc. For the GPS speedo, toggle through and use the added features. I mount a button permanetly for both the speedo and the clock, since the button is required for regular use. I suspect most do the same. The gauges wouldn't be too useful without it.

[mike223]

This is a normal Speedhut thing.



I get that - I have to plug in the accessory button to program the shift light function on my Speedhut tach.


But every Speedhut GPS speedometer currently shown on their website has the button on the speedometer face (just right of digital display) - and no obvious way to delete that option (but I'm sure they would).

I had never noticed that the FFR GPS speedometer did not have that button (in the face) until you mentioned it.



That's all I was saying.

[edwardb]

I intend to use the Speedhut GPS speedo but I'm a long ways off from needing it. At the same time my transmission does have the mechanical speed system so I don't need a GPS based unit.
So my question is, is the delay really important or just an annoyance? I would think that not needing to calibrate the speedo would be an advantage.
If you are interested in the built in 0-60 times or other performance calculations offered in the speedo wouldn't these be affected by the delayed response time?
Just curious.
Jim

Jim, this is the first discussion of this type I've seen on either forum, and these gauges have been around for awhile now. I would think if this were a common problem it would have been mentioned. My personal experience, as already said, is they work OK. I haven't detected any kind of delay. Or maybe I just need to up my game. :p


As you said bob, it's partly that but there is also YouTube videos of the gauges lagging against a speedo GPS app on a phone. It has to be an install thing than a product problem?

Briefly searched and didn't find the YouTube videos. But I too have compared my Speedhut GPS speedo to two different GPS apps on my iPhone. I couldn't detect any difference in how they were tracking. Maybe try a different location for the antenna. That's the only variable in the installation.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Not explaining myself very well I guess... This is a normal Speedhut thing. In the box with the Speedhut gauges is a short cable with a mini-jack on one end and a momentary pushbutton switch on the other. Most of the gauges have a mini-jack receptacle on the back. The pushbutton is used to calibrate gauges, like the fuel gauge, tach, etc., set/reset the clock, and for the speedo to calibrate the non-GPS version, reset the trip odometer, etc. For the GPS speedo, toggle through and use the added features. I mount a button permanetly for both the speedo and the clock, since the button is required for regular use. I suspect most do the same. The gauges wouldn't be too useful without it.

On the fuel gauge, Is one of the default resistances used or do you have to set in manually? Also what setting did you use for the tach with the COYOTE?

[edwardb]

On the fuel gauge, Is one of the default resistances used or do you have to set in manually? Also what setting did you use for the tach with the COYOTE?

Fuel gauge I've seen both ways. Out of the box it was set correctly to the Ford typical 16 - 158 ohm setting (7/8 on the gauge when in calibration mode), or the listed factory default of 240 - 33 ohms (1/8 on the gauge). Either way, it's easy to check and set. https://www.speedhut.com/instructions/2in_and_258in_rev_fuel_level_instructions.pdf

For the Coyote tach, my only experience is the 2015+ Gen 2 Coyote controls pack. Ford didn't put a tach wire in that control pack (strange omission IMO) so it was necessary to break into one of the coil-on-plug harness wires. With that signal, tach calibration is set to .5 pulse per rev (500 on the gauge when in calibration mode) and the tach works correctly. My understanding is that for other brand gauges, e.g. Autometer, a tach adapter module is required.

[edwardb]

...But every Speedhut GPS speedometer currently shown on their website has the button on the speedometer face (just right of digital display) - and no obvious way to delete that option (but I'm sure they would).

I had never noticed that the FFR GPS speedometer did not have that button (in the face) until you mentioned it.

Cool. I hadn't noticed that Speedhut had buttons on the face of their instruments. I've used two sets of Speedhut Roadster gauges and now just received a brand new set of Speedhut Coupe gauges. None have buttons on the face. My guess is it must vary by product line. But I really don't know.

[bobl]

That is primarily a function of sampling rate. The speedhut gauge is only 4-5htz. That's pretty slow. But signal strength and the number of satellites you're connected to also plays a role. I use an Aim Sports MXL Pista data logger on my track car. It accelerates very quickly. The GPS has no trouble keeping up with that. The sampling rate is 10htz, which is about the fastest you could get when I bought it.

If your speedometer is not keeping up, and you think you have a clear view of the sky, I would move the antenna to a better spot. If it's right under the windshield, the metal frame could be blocking the signal a little bit.

Speedhut told me it was 10htz when I questioned them before buying it, but I don't believe it is that fast.

[bobl]

What do you think about the 0 - 60 function, or have you tried it enough to get an impression?


Has anyone else tried theirs enough to have an impression?

I've made quite a few 0-60 passes using that function. I also data logged the passes so I can get a pretty accurate number based on when the clutch engages and when I hit the 60 mph rpm. The Speedometer always works, but sometimes lags behind the actual data log by a tenth or 2. No big deal. I'm not complaining about the speedo at all. I love it. You just have to be aware of limitations.

My gps pickup is in the same location as Edwardb's.

[Jim1855]

Paul & all,

Please forgive. I should have been more clear and said "if the delay exists". Seems that there isn't a consensus that there is a delay but I would expect that there is some. I would expect that sampling rate would have an effect on responsiveness. But like the LCD TV wars and the 60/120/240 refresh/response rates, a lot of this is probably due to personal perspective and expectations.

What I think is missing with the GPS based speedos is the whack the throttle and see the speed hit 50 when you're barely moving. Always brings a smile to me.

Jim

[edwardb]

What I think is missing with the GPS based speedos is the whack the throttle and see the speed hit 50 when you're barely moving. Always brings a smile to me.

Jim

Ah, good point. Nope it won't do that.
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Misc%20Pics/burning%20rubber_zpsurneon46.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Misc%20Pics/burning%20rubber_zpsurneon46.jpg.html)

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Fuel gauge I've seen both ways. Out of the box it was set correctly to the Ford typical 16 - 158 ohm setting (7/8 on the gauge when in calibration mode), or the listed factory default of 240 - 33 ohms (1/8 on the gauge). Either way, it's easy to check and set. https://www.speedhut.com/instructions/2in_and_258in_rev_fuel_level_instructions.pdf

For the Coyote tach, my only experience is the 2015+ Gen 2 Coyote controls pack. Ford didn't put a tach wire in that control pack (strange omission IMO) so it was necessary to break into one of the coil-on-plug harness wires. With that signal, tach calibration is set to .5 pulse per rev (500 on the gauge when in calibration mode) and the tach works correctly. My understanding is that for other brand gauges, e.g. Autometer, and tach adapter module is required.

Thanks very Much.

[Boydster]

This is the one I bought for my car, had it customized of course, but perhaps buying direct through Speedhut gets a slightly different speedo than buying through F5. This, and mine, have a button on the face and are packaged as Cobra gauges.

https://www.speedhut.com/gauge/GR4-GPS-05-CCW/16/GPS-Speedometer-180mph-(Counter-Clockwise)

I have no knowledge of GPS lag. My backyard isnt big enough for a test.

[alv69]

boy this thread veered off the path pretty bad, I was hoping for input of where you guys put the gps antenna not how well they work.

[rich grsc]

boy this thread veered off the path pretty bad, I was hoping for input of where you guys put the gps antenna not how well they work.
That was answered in the first 5 posts.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

This is the one I bought for my car, had it customized of course, but perhaps buying direct through Speedhut gets a slightly different speedo than buying through F5. This, and mine, have a button on the face and are packaged as Cobra gauges.

https://www.speedhut.com/gauge/GR4-GPS-05-CCW/16/GPS-Speedometer-180mph-(Counter-Clockwise)

I have no knowledge of GPS lag. My backyard isnt big enough for a test.

Just ordered the same one in the COBRA set.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Don't think there is any more to add. Under the dash on the passenger side, on the cowl clear of the window. That said have my GPS antenna for my Entertainment/Nav head unit on the rear deck. Don't want to double stack them & if I can't tap into it will put the speedo antenna under the dash.


http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=14742&pictureid=66601

As for the rest of us, maybe you included; info on the actual instillation & calibration of the GPS speedo & matched gauges in addition to the antenna can be useful.

[Dave Howard]

boy this thread veered off the path pretty bad, I was hoping for input of where you guys put the gps antenna not how well they work.

Wicked......aint it???

[TexasAviator]

boy this thread veered off the path pretty bad, I was hoping for input of where you guys put the gps antenna not how well they work.

I think it's all pertinent info. Location is apparently affecting speed and at times accuracy if the speedo hangs coming off steady speed or acceleration. I'm here trying to make decisions on future purchases. All here have been very helpful.

[Papa]

boy this thread veered off the path pretty bad, I was hoping for input of where you guys put the gps antenna not how well they work.

I work on the GPS system and could take this discussion waaaaay off track! Bottom line is that it takes four good signals to compute a GPS solution (three for the triangulation and one to resolve timing). Most of North America will have between five and twelve satellites in view at any given time. Most low-end (and I assume that our gauges fall into this category) GPS receivers won't use more than four or five due to the complexity of the processing required to do more. The civil (coarse acquisition) signal (L1 C/A) that our devices use transmits at a far lower rate than the precision signals that military and other high-end receivers use.

77670

[Dave Howard]

I work on the GPS system and could take this discussion waaaaay off track! Bottom line is that it takes four good signals to compute a GPS solution (three for the triangulation and one to resolve timing). Most of North America will have between five and twelve satellites in view at any given time. Most low-end (and I assume that our gauges fall into this category) GPS receivers won't use more than four or five due to the complexity of the processing required to do more. The civil (coarse acquisition) signal (L1 C/A) that our devices use transmits at a far lower rate than the precision signals that military and other high-end receivers use.

77670

Now that's GOOD info.
Does "North America" include most of Canada and Mexico? I'm on the fence about switching out my original Speedhut speedo to a GPS unit but don't want to spend the $$ if I'm in areas where there is limited coverage.

[Papa]

Now that's GOOD info.
Does "North America" include most of Canada and Mexico? I'm on the fence about switching out my original Speedhut speedo to a GPS unit but don't want to spend the $$ if I'm in areas where there is limited coverage.

The further north you go, the less visibility you will have, but anything below 60 degrees latitude should be able to achieve lock on at least four signals at any given time.

[bobl]

A final update to this discussion. I just got back in from playing with my GPS speedo. By selecting the digital speed display you can see the speed update at a much faster rate than the needle moves. So, obviously the needle has a built in lag to provide smooth movement. On the digital display speed will jump in 5-6 mph or more increments, depending on how fast you are acceleration. It seems to update a couple of times per second. The gps on my phone updates about once per second as a comparison. At least in my mind, this explains the slow needle movement being discussed. I guess I can conclude that my antenna mounting is in a satisfactory location....

Bob

[David Hodgkins]

And now for something completely different:
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=77835&d=1513388895

First, the antennae is mounted on the passenger side, same as most above. Works great. :)

This GPS Speedo is the result of an upgrade to my first-gen non-GPS Kirkham (Speedhut) speedo. They couldn't configure it in reverse reading, but if you are using that little bar in the LED screen like I was you can really appreciate the fuel level sweep. It also allowed me to keep the 5 gauges I wanted (oil & water temp, oil and fuel pressure, volts). It has the older (I guess) red momentary button, as edwardb mentioned above. I haven't played with all the internal toys too much (elevation and compass headings anyone?) but I love these gauges.

:)

[342Stroker]

I'm in the process of changing my original MK3 speedhut speedometer to the gps upgrade. I like the pic in the thread placing the antenna on the PS windshield support. Speedhut recommends placing the antenna where it has a clear view of the sky. Does the hood interfere with reception when place in the location shown in the pic. Thanks for any info.

Paul

[bobm488]

I placed mine on the windshield support on drivers side, works fine.

[Papa]

No issues with mine on the passenger mount.

[edwardb]

I'm in the process of changing my original MK3 speedhut speedometer to the gps upgrade. I like the pic in the thread placing the antenna on the PS windshield support. Speedhut recommends placing the antenna where it has a clear view of the sky. Does the hood interfere with reception when place in the location shown in the pic. Thanks for any info.

Paul

The fiberglass doesn't affect the signal. As many have said, that location works fine. A different body material, e.g. metal, wouldn't be the case. I now have 10K miles between the Roadster and now the Coupe with the antenna in a similar location under the body. Other than a very occasional dip when going under a freeway bridge, the GPS speedos have been flawless. Given that there's no speed sensor wiring or calibration required regardless of transmission, rear diff, tires, etc. they're an excellent setup based on my experience.

[Vegasjack]

I have 2 cobras with the GPS Speedometer and have absolutely no problem with either, other than a small bump on needle when going under over passes. The features alone are worth the install. Clocks your zero to 60 automatically, Quarter mile automatically as well as many other features. I strongly recommend it. Easy install and no cable to run. What's not to like? I have run my cars through local radar locations and the speed is always right on with the radar read. Not sure what he means by speed catching up? Even if it did catch up, how long are we talking about? Micro seconds?

[glastron351]

I have mine mounted same as EdwardB....no issues for me. Seems to acquire signal quickly. I am up in Canada (Winnipeg area) and have taken my cobra 2h north into some pretty heavy bush country, have not noticed any signal drop or lag. Have played with the 0-60 features and 1/4 mile times. nice little feature to have incorporated into the speedo....tough to get it to hook but that's not the GPS's problem.

...and yes when you are doing second gear burnouts, the speedo does not register any speed...:)

[glastron351]

Also might add Winnipeg is roughly 50 degrees N latitude....