New custom boost gauge

[Doniol]

Here's the final version. The red ring is the max boost indicator and falls back down 30 seconds after a peak. The ring gets progressively brighter for higher boost levels.

This is the worst time in Alaska for sun glare since the sun's just above the horizon when it's light out. There's a bit of glare in this photo. I've added an anti-glare film to the screen to reduce the glare.

I'm just trying to finish up the instructions now. Most pre-payed gauges are shipping Friday.

 

[Nitroholic]

how hard is it to install this?

 

[Pat Dolan]

Donol:

Looks great! Did you finish only the US versions or have you done the metric display as well?

 

[mycruiseagent]

The two people who have paid Dan up front for probes to go with this buy should be seeing them in a couple days. They went out Priority Mail yesterday.

Mark

 

[Doniol]

how hard is it to install this?

It takes about 2 hours.

Donol:

Looks great! Did you finish only the US versions or have you done the metric display as well?

Here's the metric version (same scale as 25psi) :

For the max boost ring, a white mark shows that the sensor has saturated and actual boost may be higher. This only applies to 2.5bar MAP sensors.

Also the 30psi version:

The max EGT displays when the boost is under 1psi for more than 10 seconds (i.e. idle), and goes back to current EGT level at >1psi.

 

[mdfirefighter]

Now we just need to find a place to mount it on a MKV.

 

[Logzy]

It takes about 2 hours.
Here's the metric version (same scale as 25psi) :


Also the 30psi version:

The max EGT displays when the boost is under 1psi for more than 10 seconds (i.e. idle), and goes back to current EGT level at >1psi.

Looks great Dan. Exactly what im after when you build mine.
30 PSI version, PSI for the boost and EGT in deg C.
Let me know when you want me to send you the funds.
Cheers.

 

[LoveMyVW]

Also the 30psi version:

The max EGT displays when the boost is under 1psi for more than 10 seconds (i.e. idle), and goes back to current EGT level at >1psi.

This is going to look kick ass in my car I can hardly wait to get it

 

[LoveMyVW]

Well I have got my gauge in just working out a few technical difficulties...
here are some pics

video is up........... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsKE6fJfias

 

[vw4life]

Was watching lovemyvw youtube and saw this gauge in a toyota and thought it was awesome too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2atM2ONyNj8&feature=related

and check out how farcken sweet this is in the rear view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR9o_4Bygs8&feature=related

 

[LoveMyVW]

the Toyota guage is pretty intense, I'm not gona lie. I have a feeling however that they dont give those gauges away at all.

In other news I have got all the little technical difficults figured out (my connections) and everything is working awesome on the gauge just like expected

 

[Farfromovin]

Also the 30psi version:

The max EGT displays when the boost is under 1psi for more than 10 seconds (i.e. idle), and goes back to current EGT level at >1psi.

Doniol, is there a 35 psi version? I wouldn't mind one of these gauges but I'd only fork over the cash if I could "future proof" my gauge. Someday I may get a big boy turbo.

--edit-- Can you put me on a list for a 30 psi version? I'm aware I may never get one but this is real slick. I could get rid of my A pillar pods with this one slick unit mounted real stealth. Great work!

 

[BobGardner]

Did you ever mention what computer you used? I saw the picture... looks like an arm, or maybe a mega avr? Inquiring c programmers want to know!

 

[Doniol]

Doniol, is there a 35 psi version? I wouldn't mind one of these gauges but I'd only fork over the cash if I could "future proof" my gauge. Someday I may get a big boy turbo.

--edit-- Can you put me on a list for a 30 psi version? I'm aware I may never get one but this is real slick. I could get rid of my A pillar pods with this one slick unit mounted real stealth. Great work!

PM sent

Did you ever mention what computer you used? I saw the picture... looks like an arm, or maybe a mega avr? Inquiring c programmers want to know!

I'm using a TI MSP430. It's specialty is low power, but still it's quite capable.

 

[Brasil]

Put me on the list for a 30 psi, please pretty please!

Mark Wilson

 

[vw4life]

We'll I still do like Doniol's gauge. But my passat has an MFA so there is no nice place to mount it.

So I was thinking why not behind the rearview mirror mirror like the youtube I posted. I don't know if I have the skills for that- but I would buy one.

Do you think the mirror silvering has to be scraped away, or would the gauge shine through leaving the mirror 100% reflective when the gauge is off?

 

[Doniol]

So I was thinking why not behind the rearview mirror mirror like the youtube I posted. I don't know if I have the skills for that- but I would buy one.

Do you think the mirror silvering has to be scraped away, or would the gauge shine through leaving the mirror 100% reflective when the gauge is off?

My guess is that the gauge will not shine through the mirror without modifying it. That does make for a very stealth installation, even if the mirror has a non-reflective window.

--------

For those on the list still waiting to hear from me and wondering, 'When's this guy ever going to build my gauge?'.... I'm traveling over the holidays, so don't expect anything straight away. All the remaining gauges are about 40% complete. I'm making them the assembly line way to be more efficient instead of a few at a time like I did with the pre-payers.

 

[Doniol]

I have gauges ready to ship. Check your PM if you're on my list. Those on the wait-list will start getting PMs if those on the confirmed list cancel or don't respond (quite possible since it was so long ago that many signed up!)

-Dan

 

[04GryTDI]

are you still manufacturing these? id there still a list or are you making a new one any time soo n>? any plans for making rev 3?

 

[Doniol]

are you still manufacturing these? id there still a list or are you making a new one any time soo n>? any plans for making rev 3?

No plans in the near term for a Rev 3, or another batch..

Everyone who had a gauge reserved has been notified, but some have canceled or not replied. I'm going down the list now in order and notifying everyone else, so whoever responds can have a gauge shipped straight away. I currently have 7 ready to go.

 

[Farfromovin]

Doniol, I received your PM. Quick question to make sure though, if we buy a Rev 2 with the EGT option we still need our own probe right? Also, to people who have the OLED setup and MCA's probes, how quick is the EGT response. Say your idling and switch on the AC, do you see it jump immediately? My current New South Performance setups seem a bit slow to react to increasing EGT's. I can punch it, wait a second, then watch the needle start climbing. Any testimonials here?

 

[Nate242]

I have a quick question as well. I'd like to get the EGT version, but don't have the thermocouple and might not for a little while. Would it work without the thermocouple hooked up until I got one? Would it just read 0 deg?

 

[shconer]

I am very interested in buying. Can I get a confirmation on the price.

 

[Doniol]

Also, to people who have the OLED setup and MCA's probes, how quick is the EGT response?

It's mostly dependent on the probe. Exposed tips have the fastest response (but not recommended except for racing where they're replaced regularly). Grounded 1/8 tips are the next best and have typical response times of less than 1 second. 1/4 are also ok. Isolated tips have very slow response.

The gauge often has filtering too, and my design has very slight filtering for a little smoothing, but it's minimal.

 

[Farfromovin]

What a smooth talker, I'm convinced LOL. Paypal sent. Thanks!

 

[Doniol]

I have a quick question as well. I'd like to get the EGT version, but don't have the thermocouple and might not for a little while. Would it work without the thermocouple hooked up until I got one? Would it just read 0 deg?

If you get a gauge with EGT and do not hook up the probe, the EGT temp will display the EGT connector temperature (i.e. the cold junction of the thermocouple) which will be close to the inside temperature.

 

[Doniol]

I am very interested in buying. Can I get a confirmation on the price.

$330 USD for a gauge with EGT display (includes USPS priority shipping).

 

[Beacher]

Just wanted to post that I got my gauge ok and can't wait to install it. My problem is lack of a heated garage and outside temps continuing to hover in the -10 to -20 C range. I'll let you know when its in!

Thanks again Doniol!

 

[Farfromovin]

I ended up ordering this probe as per Doniols recommendation:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo.../micro9egt.php
If you go this way, make sure you have extra K type wire laying around and the appropriate K type connectors to splice in extra length because the probe only has a 12" extension of thermocouple wire on the end. I would recommend another probe. Maybe that company has the same kind with a 6 ft tail, or just go with MCA's setup. Hope this helps someone else down the road.

 

[Nate242]

I just got my Gauge, and everything looks like it made it just fine. Hopefully I can find some time this weekend to get it installed.