Anyone else interested in analog guages

[CamustangSS650]

My one complaint is lack of numbers on the auxiliary gauge panels. They should be more informative IMHO. Unless I'm doing something wrong of course.

This is the whole problem behind it. Numbers scare people most of the time and drives them to the dealer to complain under warranty.
Tach RPM and Engine RPM are different values. Modern tachs anticipate RPM fluctuations to make it look like the engine is faster / sportier. (In a downshift the needle moves way faster than the engine acceleration.). Most sport modes are just Gas pedal remap and tach needle magic.

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[CamustangSS650]

analog fed by digital?

Nothing is analog anymore. I think the last analog gauges I saw were from the 80s. In the 90's they all moved to stepper motors for accuracy. The S550 gauges are fed by can bus so all the signals are pre filtered by the ECU and the cluster logic.

 

[IFFV68]

I already gave him the simplest fix: Trade it in on a '23.

I have to agree.
Trade for a 2023.
but I believe Simple is not in your plans.
Looks like a lot of pleasant work for you and many hours of planning and drawings.
I wish you the best of luck.
I know everyone want to know how it turns out?
Good Luck.

 

[Zig]

Nothing is analog anymore. I think the last analog gauges I saw were from the 80s. In the 90's they all moved to stepper motors for accuracy. The S550 gauges are fed by can bus so all the signals are pre filtered by the ECU and the cluster logic.

Acknowledged but i suspect you understood where i was heading …

 

[Q6543]

Hopped in my foxbody with the 5” autometer tach just for OP!

 

[Tycoon]

First I likely need to mention this, lest others mock me as some sort of Luddite. I'm in computing, am an expert in multiple sub-fields, and eat tech like it's pizza. With extra cheese. Yum.

Point is I've spent my entire life embracing tech, but from where I sit it is over-used, over deployed, and silly in some circumstances. I realise others may not have this view, and that's perfectly fine. At the same time, I just wish I would have bought a 2023, but when I was closing in on a deal? The only one I wanted (manual, convertible, 8 banger) in my region had rusted tailpipes. I didn't really like what that said about build quality, and I attributed that to a lot of the logjam Ford had even at the start of 2023.

I mean, I really really regret not making that buy. The 24 seems fine, but I've missed out on analog gauges (my joy), and a real emergency brake.

Well, time moves forward, and I guess I'd have to embrace this eventually. If not now, in a few years regardless. So I'm going to pull on a 24 or 25, and design my own analog gauge *and* control set. Things I'll be doing:

1) either using something like a raspberry pi or an arduino + a can bus adapter, for the analog gauges

The goal here is to completely replace the driver dash, and either disconnect the LCD there, or cover it by a 3D printed cover

2) Replicate all controls, such as fan speed, mode, etc etc using analog controls, plus a 3D printed backing, whatever is required to make it look like it was a stock option

3) Cover the middle/centre dash LCD with a shroud that slides over it, whilst at the same time being easy to remove if required


From my perspective, I have a phone... and there's absolutely nothing I want from that centre dash LCD. It's just a glowing bunch of visual noise to me. If I want maps? Phone. If I want music? Phone. You get the idea.


Primary goals are to stop the distracting, dancing displays, animations, and the relentless glow, as well as ensure simple actions are tactile buttons that never move, and that changing fan speed isn't 3 or 4 clicks, with eyes off road.

Again, I get if many here are "What?!". That's fine.

But those of you that have interest, should I be documenting any of this for you? I don't mind doing so if it helps someone, but it seems a waste if I'm way out in left field.

Yes please. This is a most important understanding.

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