Project 9, from scootarida1, custom gauge pod

[scootarida1]

Right now here are my gauges are currently set up:


I had something set up in my center dash compartment like this:


Sorry for the crappy picture but i had to take it from a video.

I want to do the same thing except that one is stationary and i want it to open and close. I have an idea i want to do drawn down at work that i will upload tomarrow when im there. Ive been thinking about this idea for about a year and its the only thing that i think might work. An actuator is to big for the area i have to open it. Any suggestions are welcome as i havent really been able to come up with something that amazing.

[scootarida1]

Found the paper with my idea drawn on it. Basically it uses a small motor that will spin at approx 700rpm and use a 1/4-20 screw that will be connected to the shaft of the motor. Then a stationary hallow shaft with a pvc bushing with 1/4-20 threads will be attached to the top. So when the screw turns, it will in sense loosen the mechanism and make the tray open. Both the top of the tray and the bottom of the motor area will be on a pivot which will allow for free movement. The gauges are attached to the top as seen in my previous post. The only part i want to be able to see in the car is just the shaft. I think this will be good enough to lift the gauges because the pod is spring loaded so there is barely any weight to lift since the springs counter act the weight of the gauges. Like i said this is the only thing I have been able to come up with that I feel will work. Of course I will have some sort of switch at the top and bottom of the stroke to stop movement. Also at 700rpm's i calculated that it will take around 5 seconds to open to the height i want which I think it a good speed. Like i said let me know if you have any other suggestions before i start this idea.

[scootarida1]

Here is a quick pod for my tune on sunday so the gauges arent floping all over the place. Made out of some sort of plastic. If you ski its the stuff they put on their grinding box and the gauge holders are made out of pvc. Took me like 15mins to make and used screws to hold the top and bottom together and pvc epoxy to hold the gauge holders to the base. I will probably just use some velcro or sumthing

[Buzz]

Well what happened? this is a pretty slick idea, Id like to see the finished product.

[scootarida1]

I havent really done much from the design, but I am going to be doing a new turbo/intercooler setup soon. I have the basic idea of what I want to do with this design but ive been busy at school

[Jason]

I have seen people use the same materals to add guage pods to things like the bezels around the cluster and then use body filler to smooth it out and make it look nice before spray painting them. Turns out pretty nice if done right. Id like to see yours when you finish it.

[Tinker]

If you haven't already considered it you may want to take a look at using an RC model servo to open and close your gauge hatch. They come in an amazing range of sizes, I've used some that are little larger than thumbnail size. They require a DC supply voltage and a control signal to position their outputs. Both linear and rotational are available but rotational with a little arm attached to give a push/pull are the most common. The older analog technology uses an input voltage to set the position, move the arm. The more common digital technology uses a pulse width to do that. The analog open/closed voltage would be easy to set with small pots or resistors. If you don't want to tackle making up a pulse type controller cheap testers are available that you could use to set up your open/closed positions. Check the HobbyKing web site for the absolute cheapest prices... I've bought servos from them for less than $3. Of course most of their product is made and ships from China but as satisfied Everlast owners that doesn't bother us :^)

Gary

[scootarida1]

I have tried to look for a cheap servo that will take 12v so I can just run a line from the power to power it. I think I have a good Idea how to open it but I havent had much time with school to work with it and not to mention the money is tight.

[Tinker]

Most of the inexpensive little hobby servos I've used spec somewhere in the 3.7-6v range. You could use one of those 5v three terminal regulators (they run about $1 around here) to knock down your 12v.

I've seen industrial servos at the higher voltage but they're usually much larger and more expensive.

Gary