OBDIIC&C Gauge RGB LCD edition and other modifications

[TheForce]

This is my version of retepsnikrep OBDIIC&C Gauge

What I'm doing is using an Arduino Nano to piggyback on to his PIC to control an RGB LCD. This will give visual information such as changing the LCD to green when in lean burn or changing it to red when there is an error condition. Normally this is done with small LED's but I think an RGB LCD would be more fun and better for visual cues as to whats going on.

It is also my plan to pass the serial logging feature of the gauge through the Arduino and output it through USB. I could also do other things with the serial data within the Arduino if needed. For an example change the colour of the the LCD on what ever the specified parameter is when its seen in the serial data stream.

The PIC part of the gauge may be closed source but the source for the Arduino end will be open and freely available. I will post the source as soon as I get the basic features set and working.

I will be posting pictures as well as schematics of my modifications as soon as I get around to it.

While I gather my stuff up and organise it to post here I'll leave you with a short video of my progress.

[video]http://stuff.jaygroh.com/insight/obdiicc/obdcctest.ogv[/video]
http://stuff.jaygroh.com/insight/obdiicc/obdcctest.ogv

[TheForce]

Place holder for information. Data will be here shortly.

[samwichse]

I was thinking... couldn't you do this with something as simple as an analog switch... something like this:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...EMQKncDGqqb7MQ
But with the ability to handle the 100-120ma needed to drive the backlight. Or just use it to switch a couple transistors to do the actual driving. Seems like a quad switch would be enough logic to drive the following priority (high to low)
Red backlight -> green backlight -> blue if nothing else.

The attached image is what I was thinking of (using a quad, normally closed switch). If there isn't one that handles the kind of power I was thinking, then the three outputs could just be switching three transistors hooked to the backlight output instead (and the rest of the logic would just use another 5v source).

Also: there are probably diodes in there somewhere, but I don't know where they'd be needed.

Sam

[retepsnikrep]

TheForce is with us. Hmm "Impressive most impressive!"

Nice looking mod

[TheForce]

I really should let people know that I've hit a snag. While testing the gauge in my car I let some magic smoke escape from the Arduino. It was my last one.

Anyway my main project now is to get my credit card debt down to more manageable levels. I recently purchased another Insight that I will use for an EV conversion.

In the mean time I will work on the code for the Arduino and get it posted for review. When I do get some more Arduino's I plan on using a 7805 to power everything instead of putting the 12v directly onto the Arduino. I have room on my board to do so. The 7805 should be better than the one on the Nano. Plus keeping the 12v away from the rest of the stuff should help prevent magic smoke from escaping.

I have some ebay bucks that I need to use so I may get another Arudino Nano and stat on this project again in a few weeks.

[Need4Speed]

Smoke is what makes electronics work. Once it gets out they stop working.

[retepsnikrep]

I have just fitted a 20x4 OLED Winstar display to my test gauge and it works very nicely.

20x4 Oled Display, Yellow

Pic's later when it's a bit darker as my camera is playing up.

It's expensive about 3 x basic lcd price but looks nice. The pcb form factor and connections are the same, but the actual lcd/led apperture height is smaller so would have a gap around it if fitted in the case. No issue for me I don't use a case LOL

Edit

One pic only sorry camera is not working well. Looks nice at night though. The contrast is very high so you can't really see the surround or rest of the display as you would with a backlit device. So it looks a bit ethereal with the numbers floating in front of my eyes. LOL

[samwichse]

I've given up on the color-change idea for the time being, since the backlight is pretty much invisible during the day... I would need both the LED to come on and the LCD to change color to make it worth it, which is getting a little complicated.

Sam

[racer26]

Here's a Green OLED display if anyone wants: NHD-0420DZW-AG5 NHD-0420DZW-AG5 [98mm x 60mm] - $32.82 : Newhaven Display International, Inc., High Quality Standard and Custom LCDs and VFDs.

A bit pricey though, compared to the green-on-black LCD I'm running, though I don't really like the backlighting effect I see at the edges of the screen, plus view angle plays big into the visibility of it.

[pascal28]

Originally Posted by racer26

Here's a Green OLED display if anyone wants: NHD-0420DZW-AG5 NHD-0420DZW-AG5 [98mm x 60mm] - $32.82 : Newhaven Display International, Inc., High Quality Standard and Custom LCDs and VFDs.

Has anyone used this particular screen?

Peter,
Do you see any problem with this screen working with the OBDIIC&C?