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23rd January 2009, 21:24 | #1 |
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rover 75 2.5 V6 auto Join Date: Feb 2008
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I-bus coolant temperature gauge
Following the discussion on monitoring the coolant temperature, I decided to try and build my own.
Watching the ibus messages with NavCoder I noticed a temperature message from the IKE containing outside and coolant temperatures. This message is being broadcast every 10 secs. An example: 1/23/2009 9:45:37 PM: 80 06 BF 19 02 63 00 41 Translates to: 1/23/2009 9:45:37 PM: IKE --> GLO : Temperature: Outside 2°C, Coolant 99°C A possible solution is now pretty straight forward. Connect to the ibus, decode the temp message and display the coolant temperature. I decided to build a prototype to prove the concept and worry about a proper printed circuit board later. Picture of the gauge in the car: I decided to mount the gauge in the void drivers side cupholder trimpiece. I am not much of a mechanical genius but after a day of cutting, grinding and sanding I got it done. Picture of the various parts before assembly: Picture after assembly: Now all it needs is a connection to the car. It requires Ground, 12V (Cigar Lighter), and the I-bus[WRY] somewhere in the centre console. No need for a separate temperature sensor or electrical connection to the existing gauge. After switching to position 1 the display shows 888 C to test all segments at full brightness. After starting the engine the temperature climbs as expected. And somewhat later I tried it on the motorway at 80 mph [outside 6 °C] it gets to 96 °C, rising to 99 °C after slowing down then falling back to 96 °C. As an extra, when the lights are on the brightness of the display is controlled in concert with the instruments dimmer controller. The display is being blanked when no update is being received within a 15 secs interval like so [ not a very good picture ] Note: The standard gauge reaches NORMAL at approx. 75 °C and stays there at my max. temp of 99 °C. Hopefully this post can contribute to a solution for the dreaded overheating problem. Hans |
23rd January 2009, 21:27 | #2 |
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Just perfect, when can I buy one
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23rd January 2009, 21:41 | #3 |
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Hmmm, that would fit nicely in the blanking plate on the symphony radio.
If you want to put a how to up on the build there will be any number of owners reaching for their soldering irons Seriously that looks really good, well done. |
23rd January 2009, 21:59 | #4 |
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This looks like a way forward certainly, excellent work! I'd love to have a go, but my knowledge/understanding of electronics is just about zero.
I think what will be needed for most of us to do this is a simplified set of instructions. For example, I personally have no idea how to connect to the Ibus, or where it's kept. I guess you constructed the circuit by soldering the components to one of those perforated boards? Could you create a 'HowTo' containing a list of the required components and any reference numbers they may have? It would also need a simple circuit diagram representing the perfo board and what item is soldered where. I once made a ciruit for an ultrasonic detector for bats using this sort of kit and it was pretty straight forward - and it worked! The wiring diagram was clear and simple and the instructions were written in everyday language without any technical jargon. If you could eventually provide something along those lines, i'm sure there are lots of members keen to install a proper coolant thermometer. Many thanks for you valuable input. |
23rd January 2009, 22:13 | #5 |
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Yes please !!!!!!
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23rd January 2009, 23:14 | #6 |
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Hi Hans.
Your unit is badly needed by everyone in our comunity, the 75-ZT temp guage is a bad joke. Unfortunately, no matter how well you described it, making one would be beyond 90% of peoples abilities. Sooo.. Can you develope this into a commercial enterprise? I doubt you would get rich, but you should certainly make a decent return on the time and trouble you spend doing it. I for one, would love to have one. Thanks a lot for your hard work, and for informing us of your idea. The pics of the way you fitted it into your car are excellant. :lol: I offer you my congratulations on the entire project :lol: . |
23rd January 2009, 23:34 | #7 |
I really should get out more.......
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Yep, you could count me in for one too! Well done Hans.
Last edited by justmicky; 23rd January 2009 at 23:43.. |
24th January 2009, 00:54 | #8 |
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What they all said..... A job well done and impressive I think that the others are right, start a "production run" at a reasonable price () and I'm sure more members would be interested.
However, I have both cup holders in use, and a Bluetooth device on the blank space of the radio.. So, politely, where could I put it?
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24th January 2009, 07:34 | #9 |
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To be honest, with the cooling problems I've had, I would pay an "unreasonable" price
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24th January 2009, 08:49 | #10 | |
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Quote:
Knowing to look for this message on the I-BUS is half the battle won! Time to get my I-bus interface dusted off!! Alas, I have to use the datalogger I posted on earlier for my F (no I-bus ) but for the 75 this makes a far neater solution! Well done
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