I'm not sure how I'd feel about wanting to have monitoring, mapping, and entertainment all running on the same device ... I think there's at least some vehicle status stuff that I'd want 'any-time' access to. But that's just first blush thoughts ... I think, though, that a basic dedicated instrumentation package (RPM, fuel level, trans temp, main bus voltage, oil pressure & engine temp ... at least as a start, but maybe some of those could just be handled by 'out of range' idiot lights) and then the tablet to run everything else, could be good.
Have you checked out
Dakota Digital? They're a name that seems to come up a lot. Also
Race Pack ...
yeah. I have looked at most of the other options....most of them are what I would call very expensive.
I run my flat fender on a very basic gauge system and it works fine....just tach, oil pressure, vacuum, and a widband O2 meter. That is plenty of information for me. The number one gauge I watch is temperature because the little guy is just marginal that way.
The more stuff you add the more weight and complexity there is. I admit I am a pretty big minimalist. The computer has a fuel cut rev limited so do you REALLY need a tach. I'm just thinking simple. The torque app can provide every gauge you want to look at....but you don't really NEED then to drive the vehicle. It also provides trouble codes and alarms if I am reading things right. The factory ECU can also be hooked up to an error light easy enough I think. That could be front, center, and bright. I think the computer will protect the engine in a lot of instances.
About the only gauge that the OBD2 stuff can't really do in this application I think is fuel level. I will probably have to run a separate gauge for that....
Is the scangauge system car specific, or could you get one for any vehicle that used a 5.3 and get all of the aux info (trans temps, etc)? Not as pretty of an interface as a tablet and the torque app.
Dang, that would be cool for my Scout 80 application except I'm pre-OBDII. Will definitely look into it if I swap out to a LS series engine.
I'm sort of attached to the stock scout gauge layout, going to try to either refurbish the stock multi function gauge or try to make one with the same function using modern movements. Speed, coolant temp and fuel, plus a few dummy lights, what more do you really usually need?
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From what I have been reading all these gauges are OBD2 univesal. Some of them also an 'enhanced' option that is manufacturer specific for more network information.
Speed can be from the OBD2 port and/or from a GPS drive. Heck. I don't even have a speedo in the flat fender and its fine. You can play the mental math game where you memorize what speed your going in what gear. With the automatic that is a little harder. Going to fast isn't usually an issue for me. If it bothered me I could always use the tailhousing on the np205 to drive an independent mechanical ( or electric ) speedometer.
Fuel I mentioned above. I don't think I will be able to get around that one like I did on the flat fender with the sight tube
I think the factory computer can output to a dummy light for all MIL codes and such.
Again, I am just thinking simple simple simple. 99.9% of the time I will have my phone as backup to the tablet anyways. Its basically a full duplicate for OBD2 and GPS stuff but on a much smaller screen. Heck, I hope I can tether the phone to the tablet so the tablet can use the same data network
Overall cost is a big issue too. A tablet gizmo system sounds expensive till you start to price a full gauge pack that can do almost the same stuff. The tablet actually pulls ahead when you start to eliminate the cost of a head unit for tunes, stand alone GPS, etc. The tablet also fully lets you get your geek on by being able to do stuff like watch a movie, write an e-mail, etc. All for $180 plus a few bluetooth devices....just saying. Try and find a comparable list of electronics that will let you do that same thing for the same price???
On the one hand it seems complicated, on the other hand its a very simple and elegant solution. All you really need for wiring is a 12V power wire to charge the tablet. The bluetooth OBD2 dongles are powered by the OBD port itself ( basically from the main ECU computer power ). Adding in things like GPS and tunes could add a little complexity, but not really THAT much compared to trying to run separate units for everything.
The dash is going to look downright spartan really.....tablet, ignition key, fuel gauge, heater switch, light switch, code light, and a few indicators for high beams/turn signals??? Maybe a few ports for charging phones or something? Maybe a switch or two for auxiliary stuff.....lockers, winch, OBA, etc?
Anyways....ramble ramble.
