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How to start building a dashboard

Discussion in 'SimTools compatible interfaces' started by kerekperec, Jan 4, 2010.

  1. kerekperec

    kerekperec New Member

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    Hy guys! I am new here, but I am interested in building my own real dashboard, because I like car games. I never did similar to this before. I'd like something like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CdBllUi ... re=related
    Can somebody send me a link or write down how to start building this? I'd like a detailed discription what I have to buy, and a step-by-step how to build this whole thing.

    Thank you,
    Daniel
    kerekperec, Jan 4, 2010
    #1
  2. Frakk

    Frakk Active Member

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    First of all, you need servos to move the gauges. You can use regular mini servos if you gear them to give more than 90deg movement, or use 360deg servos which are more expensive. Then you need whatever else you want on the dash, 7segment displays, LCD, LEDs and so on. I would just print out a picture, glue it on a thicker cardboard and mount the servos to the back.

    After you figure out what you want, you need to control the panel. I am currently working on a controller, just waiting on the servos. You can also use a soundcard and the plugin for X-Sim to control servos, but I haven't done it so can't really help with that.

    Once I have my controller up and working I will post details and you will be free to use it.
    Frakk, Jan 4, 2010
    #2
  3. kerekperec

    kerekperec New Member

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    kerekperec, Jan 5, 2010
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  4. Frakk

    Frakk Active Member

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    The first one will be absolutely fine. You don't need power, metal gears or anything special. The only thing that will effect performance is speed of the RPM gauge. 0.12s/60deg is pretty fast for any application. If you gear it, you can have 3x-4x that speed and movement range.

    If you spend any more money on a servo, get a 360deg servo that won't need gearing.
    Frakk, Jan 5, 2010
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  5. kerekperec

    kerekperec New Member

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    I know that 360deg servos will be better, but here, in Hungary it is impossible to buy. Every shop I've found sells servos from 45 to 60deg. The prices are from ~5 to 100 euro. Thanks for Frakk's promise to send me his controllers plan. Hope it won't be difficult to build up.:)
    kerekperec, Jan 6, 2010
    #5
  6. tomasz_

    tomasz_ New Member

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    Hi there,

    the thread is quite old, but I´m interrested in the progress you made since then.
    I have a similar project working on rigt now. I try to connect a real dashboard to the simulation Live for Speed.
    In my version, the OutGauge date should be read by a program written in Delphi and sent forward to a Arduino Duemilanove µC, which drives the real gauges.
    My prograss is not very far from the beginning. I got the µC, ordered a dashboard from a Mitsubishi Galant V6 and have parts from the code...

    Kind regards, Tomasz
    tomasz_, Jul 22, 2010
    #6