Converting Dash to Digital Instrumentation

Glennman · November 23, 2022, 09:51:36 PM

A friend of mine was telling me of a device that has a large screen that can be connected to the plug where a diagnostic tool would otherwise connect that can be used as a digital dash. In other words, it would show speed, tach, temperatures, oil pressure, etc. just like your typical instruments. He said that it is like a glorified diagnostic tool, but you can leave it connected all the time and set the screen up for viewing while driving. My question is this... Is that what the Starlink does? Also, I found a couple of round outlets just above the fuel pedal that appears to be a place for such a device to connect to, but it appears to be too simple (not as many pins as I would have expected). I attached a pic of what I'm talking about. I'm referring to my 2002 MCI D4500. I would like to install such a device, but I don't know if what I'm looking at is the diagnostic plug or not (?), or if such a device would connect there or not (?)

Bill Gerrie · November 23, 2022, 11:03:58 PM

Those are the diagnostic ports. you have the choice of a 6 or 9 pin connection. That is exactly where the Blue Fire dash maker would go.
https://bluefire-llc.com/store

chessie4905 · November 24, 2022, 04:15:06 AM

Might want to dosome reading here:

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f53/bluefire-dashboard-community-share-427121-2.html

Van · November 24, 2022, 04:30:09 AM

https://silverleafelectronics.com/

luvrbus · November 24, 2022, 04:35:22 AM

Several units on the market for what you are looking for, Bluefire is the least expensive and can use any based operating system, I don't care for the Bluetooth it uses ,Sliverleaf will only use the MS operating system and uses no Bluetooth ,the Prodriver is a Detroit product to plug and play but has a tiny screen and hard on old eyes those can be found at most truck wrecking yards fairly reasonable in price ].Advantage of a Silverleaf it can monitor tire pressure with the right TPS system

Van · November 24, 2022, 05:33:44 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on November 24, 2022, 04:35:22 AM
Several units on the market for what you are looking for, Bluefire is the least expensive and can use any based operating system, I don't care for the Bluetooth it uses ,Sliverleaf will only use the MS operating system and uses no Bluetooth ,the Prodriver is a Detroit product to plug and play but has a tiny screen and hard on old eyes those can be found at most truck wrecking yards fairly reasonable in price ].Advantage of a Silverleaf it can monitor tire pressure with the right TPS system

The good thing about the SL VMSPC when using a pc laptop withan HDMI out put is the ability to display on any size monitor you choose. My vintage SL VMS works great cept for the size of the screen.

Van · November 24, 2022, 08:28:44 AM

Quote from: Glennman on November 23, 2022, 09:51:36 PM
A friend of mine was telling me of a device that has a large screen that can be connected to the plug where a diagnostic tool would otherwise connect that can be used as a digital dash. In other words, it would show speed, tach, temperatures, oil pressure, etc. just like your typical instruments. He said that it is like a glorified diagnostic tool, but you can leave it connected all the time and set the screen up for viewing while driving. My question is this... Is that what the Starlink does? Also, I found a couple of round outlets just above the fuel pedal that appears to be a place for such a device to connect to, but it appears to be too simple (not as many pins as I would have expected). I attached a pic of what I'm talking about. I'm referring to my 2002 MCI D4500. I would like to install such a device, but I don't know if what I'm looking at is the diagnostic plug or not (?), or if such a device would connect there or not (?)

Starlink is a seperate deal. Read here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starlink

Glennman · November 24, 2022, 08:39:16 PM

Very, very interesting. Thanks everyone for all your input, especially on Thanksgiving! So, people use BlueFire or Silverleaf units as full-time gauges while they're driving with a digital screen in front of them? The reason I ask is it appears that some are using them more for performing diagnostics but are put in the drawer otherwise (?)

chessie4905 · November 25, 2022, 04:19:47 AM

That looks like a great idea, but I would never use it as a replacement for conventional dash. What if it quits out on the road somewhere, say while climbing a mountain? No engine temp. What if some electronics in it fail and it is currently obsolete? I think using it as a supplement is a great idea though.

luvrbus · November 25, 2022, 05:43:22 AM

I drive with mine seldom do I look at gauges, but the Silverleaf is hard wired not Bluetooth

Glennman · November 25, 2022, 10:50:24 PM

From what I'm seeing here, I think I like the Silverleaf unit. In my original post, I called it the StarLink. I keep getting the names mixed up. I intended to say Silverleaf! Thanks everyone!