I-bus coolant temperature gauge - Page 4

Departed · 29th January 2009, 19:50

The engine temperature comes from the engine control module on CAN, and the instrument pack translates it to Kbus, as far as I know.

Being able to read and display data from the bus is one thing, but getting rid of the 'flat spot' in the temp guage means rewriting the software, or at least the calibration table in the IPK, which is another kettle of fish.

Not an easy job at all, I'm afraid.

Incidentally, many car manufacturers do exactly the same with guages so it's not just a Rover idea.

T-Cut · 29th January 2009, 20:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowedb

Incidentally, many car manufacturers do exactly the same with guages so it's not just a Rover idea.

The marketing men think your average owner likes to see lots of gauges, but don't want to do anything about them. If a gauge is calibrated to say 'Everything's Fine' all the time, that will sell better than one that worries us with overheat warnings, etc. It's a reflection of the throw away society I suspect.

Jules · 29th January 2009, 20:07

Hey how about a nice chromed oval analogue temp gauge

Or even better convert the centre clock into one.

I still find it hard to believe most manufactures omit the most important early warning system to protect the most expensive item in the car ....the engine.......it's as though they want us to break down

Departed · 29th January 2009, 20:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jules

I still find it hard to believe most manufactures omit the most important early warning system to protect the most expensive item in the car ....the engine.......it's as though they want us to break down

After having had cars with this kind of guage for years, had a hire car with a teel the truth one. Started to worry me as it went up and down. After a few hours started ignoring it, as you do.

On a car with a levelled guage, still didn't spot it when it started to move, so no guage would have helped. However what made me look at the guage was when the aircon dropped out and it suddenly went very hot. Was pulling a caravan up a steep hill mid France in June, with the pedal down. Soon made me realsie how hard I was pushing it!

T-Cut · 29th January 2009, 21:35

Gauges of any type are a distraction, so they make it motionless and you ignore it. Some drivers do the same with the speedo.

Jules · 30th January 2009, 13:38

If I was K series 1.8 owner, think I would fit a conventional "Smiths" temp gauge where the central clock is!
(with independent thermal sensor fitted somewhere around the T piece or top hose.

And of course one of Hans's kits too

hans.schaaper · 30th January 2009, 23:17

For the audible alarm:
1. A warning signal lasting 30 secs at 110°C[or whatever we agree upon].
If the temperatures rises further:
2. A warning signal lasting 60 secs at 120°C[or whatever we agree upon].

I propose to keep the display separate from the electronics board [ribbon cable of selectable length] so the display can be mounted where most convenient and the electronics tugged away behind the dash.
A possible location for the display would be the drivers side shelf, the one with the rubber mat.

Your thoughts please?

Hans

stevemac · 31st January 2009, 05:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by hans.schaaper

For the audible alarm:
1. A warning signal lasting 30 secs at 110°C[or whatever we agree upon].
If the temperatures rises further:
2. A warning signal lasting 60 secs at 120°C[or whatever we agree upon].

I propose to keep the display separate from the electronics board [ribbon cable of selectable length] so the display can be mounted where most convenient and the electronics tugged away behind the dash.
A possible location for the display would be the drivers side shelf, the one with the rubber mat.

Your thoughts please?

Hans

Hi Hans,
Great project so far. There are a few members that are happy to take up a soldering iron to a project like this. But there's a lot like me that can't tell a sump from a solenoid. How "plug and pray" do you see this kit being?
Cheers

hans.schaaper · 11th February 2009, 19:07

Here's a 3D-model of the circuit board I designed for the electronics.
The board measures 50 mm x 70 mm approx.
On the lower right you can see the alarm buzzer that I added.

The alarm sounds for 15 secs when the temp. rises to 110 C as a pre-warning that things are getting hot.
At 115 C the alarm goes off again at a higher, more urging pitch lasting 30 secs.
I you choose to ignore this warning or are not in a position to take appropriate action, it quiets again in order to not completely shred your nerves.

I have placed an order for the display board, due for delivery 17th Feb.
I will wait for these before I order the board above to make sure they are to my satisfaction.

Have patience.

For the guys that don't trust themselves with a small soldering iron, I will assemble some at a minimal fee.

Will keep you posted.

Hans

T-Cut · 11th February 2009, 21:11

It's looking good!

29th January 2009, 20:07	#33
Jules This is my second home ZT 260 SE Twilight and 10 other 75 ZT's :O Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Conwy NORTH WALES Posts: 11,094 Thanks: 512 Thanked 1,116 Times in 763 Posts	Hey how about a nice chromed oval analogue temp gauge Or even better convert the centre clock into one. I still find it hard to believe most manufactures omit the most important early warning system to protect the most expensive item in the car ....the engine.......it's as though they want us to break down __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Newbies do now!! 1. Plenum drains..all 3 or 4 year dependent 2. Cooling fan..All speeds functioning 3. Bonnet cable divider block

30th January 2009, 13:38	#36
Jules This is my second home ZT 260 SE Twilight and 10 other 75 ZT's :O Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Conwy NORTH WALES Posts: 11,094 Thanks: 512 Thanked 1,116 Times in 763 Posts	If I was K series 1.8 owner, think I would fit a conventional "Smiths" temp gauge where the central clock is! (with independent thermal sensor fitted somewhere around the T piece or top hose. And of course one of Hans's kits too __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Newbies do now!! 1. Plenum drains..all 3 or 4 year dependent 2. Cooling fan..All speeds functioning 3. Bonnet cable divider block

30th January 2009, 23:17	#37
hans.schaaper Avid contributor rover 75 2.5 V6 auto Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alkmaar Posts: 197 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Further thoughts For the audible alarm: 1. A warning signal lasting 30 secs at 110°C[or whatever we agree upon]. If the temperatures rises further: 2. A warning signal lasting 60 secs at 120°C[or whatever we agree upon]. I propose to keep the display separate from the electronics board [ribbon cable of selectable length] so the display can be mounted where most convenient and the electronics tugged away behind the dash. A possible location for the display would be the drivers side shelf, the one with the rubber mat. Your thoughts please? Hans

11th February 2009, 19:07	#39
hans.schaaper Avid contributor rover 75 2.5 V6 auto Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alkmaar Posts: 197 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	An update Here's a 3D-model of the circuit board I designed for the electronics. The board measures 50 mm x 70 mm approx. On the lower right you can see the alarm buzzer that I added. The alarm sounds for 15 secs when the temp. rises to 110 C as a pre-warning that things are getting hot. At 115 C the alarm goes off again at a higher, more urging pitch lasting 30 secs. I you choose to ignore this warning or are not in a position to take appropriate action, it quiets again in order to not completely shred your nerves. I have placed an order for the display board, due for delivery 17th Feb. I will wait for these before I order the board above to make sure they are to my satisfaction. Have patience. For the guys that don't trust themselves with a small soldering iron, I will assemble some at a minimal fee. Will keep you posted. Hans

29th January 2009, 19:50	#31
Departed Retired -- Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: -- Posts: 3,785 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	The engine temperature comes from the engine control module on CAN, and the instrument pack translates it to Kbus, as far as I know. Being able to read and display data from the bus is one thing, but getting rid of the 'flat spot' in the temp guage means rewriting the software, or at least the calibration table in the IPK, which is another kettle of fish. Not an easy job at all, I'm afraid. Incidentally, many car manufacturers do exactly the same with guages so it's not just a Rover idea.

29th January 2009, 21:35	#35
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,753 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	Gauges of any type are a distraction, so they make it motionless and you ignore it. Some drivers do the same with the speedo.

11th February 2009, 21:11	#40
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,753 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	It's looking good!