Modding the driver info display?

wstar · 07-12-2009, 12:15 PM

I couldn't think of a better section, since ECU stuff is here, but this really isn't tuning.

Has anyone, professional or amateur, started looking at what it would take to mod the software on the driver info display (the left "smart guage" thing). They did a craptastic job with the software on that thing, and it would be nice if it could be reflashed (or worst case, swap out a ROM or whatever) to make some improvements.

I'm running on the assumption that the data it shows is acquired raw off of the CAN bus (outside temp, data for various mileage estimates/predictions, water temp). At the very least, a mod could make the water temp LEDs a little more useful (linear, so that it doesn't stay on the same LED forever), and maybe provide multi-display capability on the display (like, show outside air temp, exact water temp, mileage estimate, and predicted range-to-empty all on one screen in smaller font, so you don't have to push buttons all the time to see them all). It might even be possible to get it to display other data from the CAN connection, essentially turning it into a built-in ScanGauge-like device.

I haven't even really started looking at this, just thought I'd see if anyone else has started yet before I do.

wstar · 07-12-2009, 12:25 PM

Just looking at the Service Manual stuff, and it looks like the CPU for the info display actually runs all of the dash instrumentation (all of the idiot/warning lights, all the gauges, the clock, the trip meters, etc), and yes it does have a CAN connection that it's pulling all the gauge data from. So it's more complicated than I originally thought, but the mod possibilities are even bigger this way.

theDreamer · 07-12-2009, 12:30 PM

What type of screen is this, basic LED lights right, I never really look at the left screen anymore other than to see how many miles I have left on a tank (which is usually only Fridays)?
Might be able to do oil pressure also, no extra gauge required then, my top choices would be in one simple dispaly:
~Oil pressure
~Outside temp
~Range of gas left

If you could, you might be able to get the system to rotate the full screen between certain items. Say every 5 seconds it switches to a new screen, then you are not having to reach around a push a button to switch.

wstar · 07-12-2009, 01:31 PM

I don't think there's an actual oil pressure gauge anywhere in the car, AFAICS. The oil pressure light is run from an oil pressure "switch" that just switches at a certain pressure. A real aftermarket oil pressure gauge is on my list of things I need to add (as well as a real water temp gauge if the info center doesn't prove easy to hack, which is quite likely).

I bookmarked this a while back, I believe the idea came from reading travisjb's journal. Replacing the clock with this for accurate oil pressure and water temp would be nice: SPA Oil Pressure Water Temperature Gauge DG 200

bigaudiofanat · 07-12-2009, 01:41 PM

It is connect to running a lot of stuff including the gauges so ........

wstar · 07-12-2009, 02:00 PM

This isn't a Tim sort of job

This is a software fixup I'm talking about. We'd have to reverse engineer whatever code is running on the little info display module and modify it.

Someday, probably after I'm dead, perhaps car mfgs will think about releasing code and developer kits and such, at least for the non-critical items like this. Until then it's all reverse engineering

Modshack · 07-12-2009, 04:16 PM

No need to re-invent the wheel!...since the Scangauge does all that....

Plugs into the OBD2 port; X-Gauge function has the ability to query all CAN outputs if you can come up with the Hex codes. The Z runs CANSF mode on the scangauge which has a fair number if data points documented and accessible..While I have seen these kinds of modifications to existing screens done on other cars (the EFU for Audis being one example), it generally takes a brand enthusiast who is highly skilled (and motivated) and if it ever hits the market( 4 years in the case of the Audi), very expensive...I wouldn't hold my breath on this!

OBD is open source though, so knock yourself out!....:-) On-board diagnostics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Info available that I can pull up on mine (any 4 at once):

TPS: Throttle position sensor 0-100%
fIA: Intake Air Temps (Temperatures at the intake manifold)
fWT: Coolant water temperature
HPR: Horsepower (Looks to be pretty accurate from initial runs on several cars)
VLT: System Voltage
IGT: Ignition timing (advance)
LOD: % Power request
Closed/Open loop: Fuel management and transition point from O2 control to WOT
STF: Short term Fuel trims
LTF: Long term Fuel trims
OX1: #1 O2 sensor output, 0-100
OX2: #2 O2 sensor output, 0-100
MPH: Digital speed reading from Speed sensor
RPM: Digital RPM’s
MPG: Miles per gallon
GPH: Gallons per hour

Trip Data: Fuel economy, Fuel used, Distance, drive time, Avg. speed,
Distance/time/fuel to empty, ETC.

As a Scan Tool It can act as a Code reader and eraser,Determine Readiness tests, Turn off and clear CEL’s etc.

ScanGaugeII - Trip Computers + Digital Gauges + Scan Tool

I generally keep Water temp, Intake temp and short and long term fuel trims up on mine all the time.. Handy tool!

Phimosis · 07-12-2009, 06:50 PM

I like Wstars Idea. The scangauge on the dash is uglier than a 6" tach with a shift light sitting up there.

Modshack · 07-12-2009, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phimosis

I like Wstars Idea. The scangauge on the dash is uglier than a 6" tach with a shift light sitting up there.

LOL...says a guy with a 12" subwoofer in his hatch!!
I'm about function and tuning informtion, just like you're about the woof...

Obviously our priorities are different, but if I was modded to the level you are I'd for sure want to know what was going on...Even if I had the Scangauge stuck in the glove compartment..

I'd put the chances of a hack for the info gauge somewhere close to Zippo at this point in time..

wstar · 07-13-2009, 10:05 AM

Yeah I'm still using my old 1st-gen scangauge now, it's just not mounted (and it seems to lose its CANSF setting and go back to Auto on every powerdown, which is annoying). You're right that the effort might not make modding the info display viable. I have the skills, but I doubt I have the free time to get it done in less than several months at least. Sure would be nice once it was done though

Uprev · 07-13-2009, 10:58 AM

We're already looking at how to do it. We already use the Cruise Control "SET" light to monitor the map switching we do. The 370Z doesn't have a "SET" light, which is one of the hold ups on our software, so we're looking at how to offer map switching on these cars.

wstar · 07-13-2009, 11:30 AM

Good news, nice. As long as you're in there (but please don't let this hold up the first release of the tuning stuff), it would be really cool if you could get actual water temps on the info display, or even more as above in the thread.

Uprev · 07-13-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstar

Good news, nice. As long as you're in there (but please don't let this hold up the first release of the tuning stuff), it would be really cool if you could get actual water temps on the info display, or even more as above in the thread.

All stuff we'd like to do. First priority is getting the software to market. Hopefully asap. Obviously the more people that buy our product, the more that we'll be able to invest in cool stuff like this. Fat paychecks would be nice but we're real bad at taking care of ourselves so any extra money gets turned back into cool products.

wstar · 07-13-2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uprev

All stuff we'd like to do. First priority is getting the software to market. Hopefully asap. Obviously the more people that buy our product, the more that we'll be able to invest in cool stuff like this. Fat paychecks would be nice but we're real bad at taking care of ourselves so any extra money gets turned back into cool products.

Well the money's ready as soon as you are

LiquidZ · 07-13-2009, 03:45 PM

Turning that driver info. display to a real time monitor of various functions would be awesome.

It would be cool to just know what map you are running (UpRev).

07-12-2009, 12:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3594	Modding the driver info display? I couldn't think of a better section, since ECU stuff is here, but this really isn't tuning. Has anyone, professional or amateur, started looking at what it would take to mod the software on the driver info display (the left "smart guage" thing). They did a craptastic job with the software on that thing, and it would be nice if it could be reflashed (or worst case, swap out a ROM or whatever) to make some improvements. I'm running on the assumption that the data it shows is acquired raw off of the CAN bus (outside temp, data for various mileage estimates/predictions, water temp). At the very least, a mod could make the water temp LEDs a little more useful (linear, so that it doesn't stay on the same LED forever), and maybe provide multi-display capability on the display (like, show outside air temp, exact water temp, mileage estimate, and predicted range-to-empty all on one screen in smaller font, so you don't have to push buttons all the time to see them all). It might even be possible to get it to display other data from the CAN connection, essentially turning it into a built-in ScanGauge-like device. I haven't even really started looking at this, just thought I'd see if anyone else has started yet before I do. __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

07-12-2009, 12:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3594	Just looking at the Service Manual stuff, and it looks like the CPU for the info display actually runs all of the dash instrumentation (all of the idiot/warning lights, all the gauges, the clock, the trip meters, etc), and yes it does have a CAN connection that it's pulling all the gauge data from. So it's more complicated than I originally thought, but the mod possibilities are even bigger this way. __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

07-12-2009, 12:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
theDreamer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 30,879 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 4210	What type of screen is this, basic LED lights right, I never really look at the left screen anymore other than to see how many miles I have left on a tank (which is usually only Fridays)? Might be able to do oil pressure also, no extra gauge required then, my top choices would be in one simple dispaly: ~Oil pressure ~Outside temp ~Range of gas left If you could, you might be able to get the system to rotate the full screen between certain items. Say every 5 seconds it switches to a new screen, then you are not having to reach around a push a button to switch. __________________ theDreamer's Z // Fast Intentions // Uprev // GTM // HKS // TEIN theDreamer's Silvia // URAS // GREDDY Houston Zs // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

07-12-2009, 01:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3594	I don't think there's an actual oil pressure gauge anywhere in the car, AFAICS. The oil pressure light is run from an oil pressure "switch" that just switches at a certain pressure. A real aftermarket oil pressure gauge is on my list of things I need to add (as well as a real water temp gauge if the info center doesn't prove easy to hack, which is quite likely). I bookmarked this a while back, I believe the idea came from reading travisjb's journal. Replacing the clock with this for accurate oil pressure and water temp would be nice: SPA Oil Pressure Water Temperature Gauge DG 200 __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

07-12-2009, 01:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 852	It is connect to running a lot of stuff including the gauges so ........ __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

07-12-2009, 02:00 PM	#6 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3594	This isn't a Tim sort of job This is a software fixup I'm talking about. We'd have to reverse engineer whatever code is running on the little info display module and modify it. Someday, probably after I'm dead, perhaps car mfgs will think about releasing code and developer kits and such, at least for the non-critical items like this. Until then it's all reverse engineering __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

07-12-2009, 04:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
Modshack A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greenville NC Posts: 2,883 Drives: 370Z Sport Rep Power: 976	No need to re-invent the wheel!...since the Scangauge does all that.... Plugs into the OBD2 port; X-Gauge function has the ability to query all CAN outputs if you can come up with the Hex codes. The Z runs CANSF mode on the scangauge which has a fair number if data points documented and accessible..While I have seen these kinds of modifications to existing screens done on other cars (the EFU for Audis being one example), it generally takes a brand enthusiast who is highly skilled (and motivated) and if it ever hits the market( 4 years in the case of the Audi), very expensive...I wouldn't hold my breath on this! OBD is open source though, so knock yourself out!....:-) On-board diagnostics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Info available that I can pull up on mine (any 4 at once): TPS: Throttle position sensor 0-100% fIA: Intake Air Temps (Temperatures at the intake manifold) fWT: Coolant water temperature HPR: Horsepower (Looks to be pretty accurate from initial runs on several cars) VLT: System Voltage IGT: Ignition timing (advance) LOD: % Power request Closed/Open loop: Fuel management and transition point from O2 control to WOT STF: Short term Fuel trims LTF: Long term Fuel trims OX1: #1 O2 sensor output, 0-100 OX2: #2 O2 sensor output, 0-100 MPH: Digital speed reading from Speed sensor RPM: Digital RPM’s MPG: Miles per gallon GPH: Gallons per hour Trip Data: Fuel economy, Fuel used, Distance, drive time, Avg. speed, Distance/time/fuel to empty, ETC. As a Scan Tool It can act as a Code reader and eraser,Determine Readiness tests, Turn off and clear CEL’s etc. ScanGaugeII - Trip Computers + Digital Gauges + Scan Tool I generally keep Water temp, Intake temp and short and long term fuel trims up on mine all the time.. Handy tool! __________________ Steal my car! (SOLD)...Now Porsche Cayman S Oil Cooler DIY: Here! Last edited by Modshack; 07-12-2009 at 05:12 PM.

07-12-2009, 06:50 PM	#8 (permalink)
Phimosis Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Oildale, CA Posts: 412 Drives: 2013 911 4S Rep Power: 415	I like Wstars Idea. The scangauge on the dash is uglier than a 6" tach with a shift light sitting up there.

07-13-2009, 10:05 AM	#10 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3594	Yeah I'm still using my old 1st-gen scangauge now, it's just not mounted (and it seems to lose its CANSF setting and go back to Auto on every powerdown, which is annoying). You're right that the effort might not make modding the info display viable. I have the skills, but I doubt I have the free time to get it done in less than several months at least. Sure would be nice once it was done though __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

07-13-2009, 10:58 AM	#11 (permalink)
Uprev Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Austin TX Posts: 52 Drives: Nissan/Infiniti Rep Power: 265	We're already looking at how to do it. We already use the Cruise Control "SET" light to monitor the map switching we do. The 370Z doesn't have a "SET" light, which is one of the hold ups on our software, so we're looking at how to offer map switching on these cars.

07-13-2009, 11:30 AM	#12 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3594	Good news, nice. As long as you're in there (but please don't let this hold up the first release of the tuning stuff), it would be really cool if you could get actual water temps on the info display, or even more as above in the thread. __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

07-13-2009, 03:45 PM	#15 (permalink)
LiquidZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,940 Drives: Mag. Black 2009 370Z Rep Power: 704	Turning that driver info. display to a real time monitor of various functions would be awesome. It would be cool to just know what map you are running (UpRev). __________________

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