DIY - Raspberry Pi Racedash
 

Hi!

I just finished my Raspberry Pi Racedash and I wanted to share it with you guys. It does require a 3D-printer or access to one.

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I designed a frame which sits in place of the original cluster. The Pi and screen slides into the frame. It has a hole for a gauge and it has a slot inside the electronics box for a GPS module.

A guide for the setup is in the making, but I am still waiting for parts. The guide contains a parts list and it can be found here: http://goo.gl/88eJaX

If you're after the 3D-files, they can be found here: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/gadget/miata-racedash-raspberry-pi-megasquirt-v2

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

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Just like everything, you get used to glancing at it, no? After using it for a bit, you'll figure out the layout and know exactly where to look when you glance down if you want to check anything in particular. I think you can also set up different dash setups so you can have more 'analog' looking gauges if that's what you prefer kinda like in TS.

Solid job Teejay! That looks fantastic!

Thanks guys!

Regarding the dials and how they are set up, the one showed in the photo is one of the stock ones. I built that one for a friend so I don't have it handy, but I am building a new one now and I am going to document the process. And also maybe design a new set of gauges If I figure it out..

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Well I though a lot about keeping all the knowledge and information about the setup, but I don't have the time to profit from it. I live in Norway and not that many would be interested in this here. I like to provide hands-on support with the stuff I make in case there are any problems.

Worst thing would be if people tried to profit from my work though. That's what I have to decide I guess. At least the 3D-files are out there so people can make it work themselves for now.

So far I made two of these and both are working well in full-time race cars.

I created something similar for use with a tablet. Mine uses the stock fuel level and oil pressure gauges while the tablet displays everything else. I need to get it finished up and make it pretty but it is close.

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That looks great! I originally wanted to reuse some of the gauges, but never got around to it. What kind of setup runs on the screen? Looks like TunerStudio running on Android?

Shadow Dash by tunerstudio. its an android app they produce. I am using in strictly for display and not tuning. i dont have a pic of the back but i designed the tablet to slide right in. Yours is really nicely done.

It looks good! I wonder if one can design dashes for it. Easier to test on a phone than the Pi to be honest.

Would definitely be interested in being able to design different layouts for this

Will have a look at the customizing soon. I just got my GPS module and the write-up should continue shortly.

Got mine printed up. Just waiting on the Pi and screen.

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Can get some cool dashboards from here (not mine):
Welcome to Tuner Studio Dashboards! - TunerStudio Dashboards

Looks great! How's everything matching up for you?

Unfortunately I'm still waiting on the electronics but the parts fit nicely together. Will post up when I have all the components together and working.

I also found this writeup: http://brianesser.com/raspberry-pi-m...wiki/#Raspbian

Now that is a PROPER write-up!

On another note.. I am currently working on the GPS module. Soldered the pins, soldered the battery clip, and then inserted it into the cover. Don't shit on my soldering skills please. I know..

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I also got a great deal on a Asus Tinker Board (Around 60$ retail while the Pi3 is at 35$). It is faster, has double the RAM, and it has the same dimensions as the Pi. It can utilize the Raspberry Pi 7" touch screen which was the main selling point for me. It supports Android out of the box, as well as Raspbian Linux. Just got it today, so I need to tinker with it a bit to see if it's worth using in the race dash. Look at the power light shining through the honeycomb infill of the case!

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Finished putting mine in. Used a JBPerf VR conditioner for the VSS signal to be sent back to the ECU. Stuck the board in the case and powered it off the Pi. Also send the fuel level signal back into the ECU however I haven't finished wiring it up on the ECU side yet.

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I think it'd be a good idea to also add an input to one of the GPIOs on the Pi to allow the screen to dim when the lights are on. I've just set it to about 50% brightness for now and will see how it goes. 100% is way too bright at night.

That looks good! What did you use for VSS? An ABS sensor or something?

Just the standard NB gearbox sensor.

Also if anyone is interested in inputting the fuel level signal into megasquirt you can use the following circuit. I tried just using a 5V pull-up resistor but the tank sender only goes from around 10-120 ohms so it doesn't give you a lot of resolution. This circuit just amplifies the small voltage difference into a much great ~0.5-4V signal.

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Not the neatest but it works :)

Turns out that the fuel sender resistance reading is a bit higher than I thought at the gauge cluster wire so the circuit I posted will need adjusting since it goes out of range and you end up with a fuel level reading that doesn't move till there's about 20L left in the tank. Will come back with the correct values once I do some testing.

Those are great contributions Barton! For a few of the kits I have made I have been using a 90-0ohm fuel gauge. It seems to read pretty accurate.

I updated the Thingiverse page with parts for the NB as well. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2252864

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Any update on the new resistance values?

Print cost
 

What would it cost to print one of these dash panels? I'm using a RaceCapture data logger and will be connecting a Raspberry Pi and screen to it rather than an Android tablet. This panel makes my life way easier!

Paul

Sorry I haven't bothered changing the circuit yet. It functions fine to let me know when I need to fill up and an approximate fuel level but it needs a lot more smoothing of the signal since it moves a fair bit when going around corners etc. I think it really needs some software averaging to take care of that.

A mechanical gauge like what Teejay has been using is the easy solution.

You could try this, it's got dampening to prevent gauge bounce, it's what I intend to use for my Arduino.

ICM Fuel Sender

I'm interested in doing this setup after I get the Megasquirt up and running (within the next 2 months). I do have a few questions. Car is a '91. Cars purpose is weekends/HPDE/nice weather cruiser.

Is this setup to use a GPS based speedometer, or would I have to get an NB VSS? I would like to also be able to have an odometer, but do not view it as a must.

Does this require any wiring into the factory harness other than the fuel gauge, or is everything straight from the ECU? I'd like to run LED's for blinker, high bean indicator, and parking brake light so I figured those were a given. I'm debating picking up an extra factory harness just in case.

How accurate is the 0-90 ohm fuel level gauge compared to stock? I haven't found the resistance values for the stock sending unit. I admittedly haven't looked very hard..

The car will be pretty well stripped of unnecessary circuits depending on how much of a pain in the ass that is as well. Car currently does not have ABS, PS, AC, or power windows. I will be removing the airbag system as well.

Any other tips from those that have this or a similar setup up and running?

Yeah but that's extremely expensive. I could easily just use an Arduio to read the raw input and then average that in software and send the averaged value out on a 0-5v analog output. Would cost next to nothing to do.

It is possible to use a GPS for speed but I would strongly advise against it. You'll lose your speedo in tunnels etc. Using the NB gearbox sensor and a VR conditioning board is the best way to do it.
I am only using the factory wires for the fuel sender with mine for the moment although I do plan on wiring up LED indicators for the indicators etc.
You just stated the resistance values of the stock sender.... The stock gauge isn't hugely accurate anyway.

Any guidance on getting Tunerstudio installed on Raspbian? I have been working on a project like this, but have very limited experience with Linux. I was able to get everything I want working, except Tunerstudio. =\

This should help you out with the install and setup process WildKarrde:

Anyone have the dash bezel file? The links provided 404 on me.

I do! PM me with your email and Ill get them over to you. Do you have a printer that will make the parts? Ill exchange the files for parts made ;)

Just though I'd post some more info on the digital fuel level input. I realised (took me long enough) that the signal return for the fuel sender is grounded at the rear of the chassis with the brake lights, indicators and parkers which means when they're switched on it creates a voltage shift which is why the reading varies so much when they turn on. To get it to work properly you would need to move the signal return to the ECU signal ground.

Looking for the 3D printer file if anyone still has it???

Question about the set up of a Pi Dash with an MS3 basic, hoping that this thread would be the right place to post it.

Im planning on using ShadowDash to display on the dash, if my PiDash is pulling data from my MS3, do i need to disconnect the Pi Dash from the MS3 in order to connect to TunerStudio to do actual tuning on my computer? Not sure if i can have both connected simultaneously (one through USB output, one through the serial data output). Or do i need to disconnect the Pi Dash in order to connect to TunerStudio on my computer?

Shadow dash only runs on android though? Is there an android OS available for RaspberryPi now?

As far as I am aware, yes you will need to disconnecet the dash in order to connect another device to the MS.

Sorry about that, will be using a dashboard in Tunerstudio on it. You are correct that Shadow dash runs on Android OS.

That is what i assumed, but wanted to double check if anyone else that has already done this knew for sure. Most likely going to try and use some sort of USB switch to make it cleaner than having to unplug and plug the wires to the different devices when I want to switch.

Dumb question.......will the Pi Dash start up and shut down when power is applied? I assume there is no battery? I ask because I'm having a hell of a time finding an android tablet solution that will auto start and shut off and have no parasitic draw when off. I was bout to pull the lever on an android based head unit thinking that would solve the problem but they all have a 10ma draw to keep the OS alive when powered down.

The product below was my plan when I was considering a Pi Dash.

https://mausberry-circuits.myshopify...upply-switch-1

There it is..... Perfect!

I'm working on a revised and more modular version of the dash. Hoping to have a prototype in a few weeks. The old slide into place design is out. New is a magnet attached center piece. This to make it easier to remove the Pi, but without the hassle of removing the gauge hood.

Pi dash stl file
 

I’ve been looking for the dash STL file. Any way you’re willing to share it? Also, do you have any idea why the one on thingiverse was taken down? 🤔

I have a zip with the .stl files i can email to you, just shoot me a PM with your email address.

Would anyone happen to have the actual part files though? I might need to modify them slightly to fit in the 3D printer envelope i have to use and didnt really want to mess with converting the .stl files back into a solid model file.

I took it down because people were making money off it, but without the transparency required by the license it was distributed with. I didn't really care until other peoples customers were sent my way to complain about the quality, design etc.

The new dash will be with a free to distribute license, but with a requirement to link back to the Thingiverse page. I hope everyone respects this in the future. This way it's easier for everyone to get the info they need and not contacting me personally.


The design so far. This is now designed entirely in Fusion360 as where the old one was a hack job of sorts. This setup should be more modular and without any need for the tabs on the back as the earlier one had. This center piece will be a one-size-fits-all.

I will provide templates so people can design their own back plates. I will provide back plate designs for the Miata NA/NB at least. These would be completely flat as well, so CNC'ing them should be easy too.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...60055fc1e4.png

Back to this. I've been busy doing commissions, but I've used some spare time to get this project done. I've only got to print it now to check fitment and tolerances.

Also debating using magnets and/or threaded brass inserts, but we'll see.

I detached the back housing and made it into a separate part that should print with minimal support. I did this to minimize the need for support around the frame if it was one piece.

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We're close now :)

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And it's done! Now to adapt (lol) the Miata adapter plate to the new design.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3564704

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...9c361b969a.jpg

I had this on my to do list ever since seeing the Pi dash. I am stoked that some one beat me to the point. Thanks for the files.

Finally got the NA faceplate done. Need people to test if it fits properly. I'll make changes accordingly.

Get it here for free: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3564704

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Thanks Teejay, that's awesome! Gonna get this going asap.

Working on another dash design for a friends turbo track build, just to report the fundamentals of the car, with some hidden big warning indicators that only flash up when something is wrong.
Runs on a pi with 7" screen. The greyed out icons along the bottom are for overboost, low oil pres, CEL, cold temp alert and fan-on indicator.

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Looks good! Any chance you could share the file? I got my Pi running and autobooting to tunerstudio and got the dash panel 3d printed. Gonna start the install tonight.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...7071c1ab84.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...e6bfb4c108.jpg

Got mine finished today. Also hooked up the speedo and tucked it in the dash, my ms3 has a vss input and I didnt want to lose my cruise control so speedo had to stay.

Sure thing, I make them available to download for free here:

https://tunerstudiodashboards.com/

Anyone happen to have the old STL for https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2252864 the non-modular one? Would be nice to have it be more one piece. I had it downloaded some time ago but deleted it thinking I would always be able to grab it again later @.@

Hi. I got back to finishing this design. I listened to the critics and made several changes to the design. The screen border is now recessed into the mounting plate, making it look more complete. I've uploaded the files to this link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3564704

It barely fits on the diagonal on a 30cm*30cm heated print bed.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...31cf99c2d6.png



https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...c4c68b316a.jpg

I made some changes to the design today. I forgot to add space for the button head screws that hold the screen lol. Added that to the STL's on Thingiverse as well. I buttoned this up for a customer today. I think it looks really good!

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...de5bc019b3.jpg