Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
#2
Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
So I've been thinking about a replacement for some time now. With a 3D printer at hand and modern easy to handle microcontrollers available for a reasonable price we should be able to get a decent solution that expands the functionality of the overhead console and still looks nice and OEM.
So here is my attempt at this. It's still work in progress - and progress will be slow as I'm quite busy at the time.
This is what I plan on adding as a substitute for the event wheel:
This is a mockup on how I plan the end result should look like - somehow:
So here is my attempt at this. It's still work in progress - and progress will be slow as I'm quite busy at the time.
This is what I plan on adding as a substitute for the event wheel:
- interior temperature
- humidity
- air pressure
- indoor air quality
- compass
- GPS coordinates
- time and date
- service interval alert
- touch control
- ambient light sensing (dim display when dark outside)
This is a mockup on how I plan the end result should look like - somehow:
#3
Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
I'm going to do this with an Arduino board and a Nextion 3.2" NX4024T032 HMI display.
I have a spare GPS sensor laying around which should help me with date and time calibration as well as the coordinates.
A compass break out board (HMC5883L) and a Bosch air quality sensor (BME680) is at hand as well.
Then of course I'll need a photoresistor (GM5516) for the ambient light sensing. Service interval calculation will be done with the GPS sensor.
I have a spare GPS sensor laying around which should help me with date and time calibration as well as the coordinates.
A compass break out board (HMC5883L) and a Bosch air quality sensor (BME680) is at hand as well.
Then of course I'll need a photoresistor (GM5516) for the ambient light sensing. Service interval calculation will be done with the GPS sensor.
#5
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Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
Interesting. I've always toyed with the idea of moving the window switches up there. Just never got around to giving it a go. Keep us updated.
#9
Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
It looks nice in the car except for the viewing angle of the display which is moderately good...
I plan on wiring the Arduino to always hot to keep the GPS online and the display to hot in run because that one will use too much battery otherwise. So this will require a new wire to the console.
I plan on wiring the Arduino to always hot to keep the GPS online and the display to hot in run because that one will use too much battery otherwise. So this will require a new wire to the console.
#10
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Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
You can also get tire monitors and other stuff. If you really wanted to you could put a touch screen there, and use a raspberry Pi running an android image. Then you could run torque (if you have OBD2 with a engine swap) or other obd1 app. I have an android radio in mine running torque.
#11
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Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
You build some of the coolest things Cehbra!
I have a plan to modify mine, but it's decidedly more retro that what you are doing. I'll certainly be following along. I've already learned some things about taking the console apart.
I have a plan to modify mine, but it's decidedly more retro that what you are doing. I'll certainly be following along. I've already learned some things about taking the console apart.
#12
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Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
I have been thinking about how to get a small android phone up there so I can run Torque
#13
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Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
Awesome idea! I never thought of removing the dials before and I didn't even notice the panel they mount to was a separate piece.Your prototype looks awesome! I'm surprised the Firebird logo came out so nice on your print. I take it that you used a SLS or DLP style 3d printer?
I've though a lot of adding a Raspberry PI to my car with a lot of the features Aviator857 recommended. I've got a Berlinetta with one of those truly awful pedestal style radios in my car. Mine didn't even have a cassette player, and the tuner was dead on it when I bought it so it never even worked. I figure one of these days I will make a custom mount to put a touch screen or tablet where that radio pedestal went and pipe all sorts of functions (Radio/MP3 player/video/back-up camera display, etc.) to it. All I ever used those dials for was oil change reminders. I kind of liked that but I really do like the idea and looks of your compass/time/date/temp read-out for up there though
I've though a lot of adding a Raspberry PI to my car with a lot of the features Aviator857 recommended. I've got a Berlinetta with one of those truly awful pedestal style radios in my car. Mine didn't even have a cassette player, and the tuner was dead on it when I bought it so it never even worked. I figure one of these days I will make a custom mount to put a touch screen or tablet where that radio pedestal went and pipe all sorts of functions (Radio/MP3 player/video/back-up camera display, etc.) to it. All I ever used those dials for was oil change reminders. I kind of liked that but I really do like the idea and looks of your compass/time/date/temp read-out for up there though
#14
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Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
This is awesome! I have 3 old overhead consoles laying around which I already parted (for switches and swivel lights) and will follow this thread very close. Maybe I will copy your work when you are ready and test it with the old overheads. And I've just recognized you live in Switzerland, I am from germany and my sister lives in Basel. Small world.
#15
Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
You can also get tire monitors and other stuff. If you really wanted to you could put a touch screen there, and use a raspberry Pi running an android image. Then you could run torque (if you have OBD2 with a engine swap) or other obd1 app. I have an android radio in mine running torque.
#18
Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
Awesome idea! I never thought of removing the dials before and I didn't even notice the panel they mount to was a separate piece.Your prototype looks awesome! I'm surprised the Firebird logo came out so nice on your print. I take it that you used a SLS or DLP style 3d printer?
I've though a lot of adding a Raspberry PI to my car with a lot of the features Aviator857 recommended. I've got a Berlinetta with one of those truly awful pedestal style radios in my car. Mine didn't even have a cassette player, and the tuner was dead on it when I bought it so it never even worked. I figure one of these days I will make a custom mount to put a touch screen or tablet where that radio pedestal went and pipe all sorts of functions (Radio/MP3 player/video/back-up camera display, etc.) to it. All I ever used those dials for was oil change reminders. I kind of liked that but I really do like the idea and looks of your compass/time/date/temp read-out for up there though
I've though a lot of adding a Raspberry PI to my car with a lot of the features Aviator857 recommended. I've got a Berlinetta with one of those truly awful pedestal style radios in my car. Mine didn't even have a cassette player, and the tuner was dead on it when I bought it so it never even worked. I figure one of these days I will make a custom mount to put a touch screen or tablet where that radio pedestal went and pipe all sorts of functions (Radio/MP3 player/video/back-up camera display, etc.) to it. All I ever used those dials for was oil change reminders. I kind of liked that but I really do like the idea and looks of your compass/time/date/temp read-out for up there though
#19
Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
This is awesome! I have 3 old overhead consoles laying around which I already parted (for switches and swivel lights) and will follow this thread very close. Maybe I will copy your work when you are ready and test it with the old overheads. And I've just recognized you live in Switzerland, I am from germany and my sister lives in Basel. Small world.
#20
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Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
Nice build. Did you use the Nextion HMI to build those graphics or were they part of the available templates?
#21
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Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
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Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
I wouldn't remove the logo if you plan on sharing the file, It looks great on there. I'd just model a version with a Camaro logo, and maybe a blank one too for those of use with regular FDM printers that can't print features that small real well
#23
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Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
Subscribing to this thread simply out of curiosity ( I already had modified an S-10 overhead console to use in my '88 IROC). Looks like a rewarding and well thought-out concept.
#26
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Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
This is an awesome idea! I'm subscribing this one. I'm putting together a windows pc that will be running a centrafuse front end to serve as the stereo and gps. I have a dynamic efi modded ecm that will be running tuner pro and I can do my tuning on the car, and even self tune while I drive. I was planning on getting a temp sensor mirror and installing it but this is a better plan. I am going to have a 7" touch screen where the radio is, but I can actually run a second screen up there as well. I'm going to have to source a t top console!
#29
Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
Just the Arduino IDE https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
#30
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Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
Just the Arduino IDE https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
#32
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Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
This is interesting. I would very much like to have tpms as well as inside/outside thermometer and compass. I have a few extra overhead consoles laying around as well.
Dr.K.
Dr.K.
Last edited by drknow90rs_ss@y; 04-04-2020 at 02:58 PM. Reason: Syntax
#33
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Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
I'm a huge fan of Arduinos, have them around the house to make a DIY Smart Home. I've looked at integrating them in the past to a motorhome and recall that card had to be taken to insure you had a steady 5v or 12v. Are you looking the Arduinno and screen directly into battery voltage?
I had one of those consoles on my original 85 TA back in 92. Never knew what to do with those dials, always seemed silly to me.
Excellent project!
I had one of those consoles on my original 85 TA back in 92. Never knew what to do with those dials, always seemed silly to me.
Excellent project!
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Re: Project: Overhead console with microcontroller and touch controls
Very interesting... I sure hope you plan to sell this! Sign me up!
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