vGaugeX4 - Digital Gauges for Car / RV / Truck / Boat

Operation:

Two sealed touch buttons. left button single steps through sensors not currently being displayed. On LCD models, the right button activates the backlight for night operation.

Normally, RPM and OIL pressure are always displayed while the remaining sensors are selectable. On power up (usually key on) the unit defaults to display RPM, OIL Pressure, Engine Temp, and Main Voltage. Activating the scroll button will cycle through the four temperature sensors and then the two voltage sensors. Fuel level is displayed last before cycling to the first sensor again.

Unit is programmable to allow custom sensor indicators. Sensor names up to eight characters can be programmed into the display menu and recalled via a single button. Microprocessor can calibrate against most standard sensors. An 9-pin quick-connect rear connector provide easy hook-up to your electrical system.

Display:

Several display options are available to match your application/budget requirements. All other specifications remain the same with the exception of display type installed.

Display is large enough to show 8 sensors at a time. Ideal for twin engine applications where it can display RPM, TEMP, VOLT, and OIL for each engine. Several configurable graphics modes are also available..

LCD - Extra large 20 characters by 4 rows (20X4) Liquid Crystal display. The display is easy to read in direct sunlight with a display area of 4.75" W X 1.75" H and character height of 0.35". A built-in backlight is available for viewing under low light/night operation. Good choice for applications in direct sunlight.

Displays can be custom programmed using a full alpha-numeric character set. You specify exactly what you want for each gauge position. Display area is 5" x 2"

Gauges:

Ten gauge positions are possible and can be customized to fit virtually any application

2 Pulse inputs for RPM or MPH
3 Temperature Inputs
3 Voltage or Current Inputs
2 Pressure or Fuel level inputs

All gauges have calibration tables to adjust display to match practically any sender. Measure standard values or add TRIM, TILT, O2, EXHAUST TEMP, and much more.

Graphic Displays:

Data can be present using any of 5 Graphic display options. Each sensor input can be shown in multiple display formats depending on the application. All display modes are user configurable

Data Display - Shows up to 8 digital gauge readings on one display. Text
labels and positions are configurable using on screen menus. Show from 1 to 8
readings at a glance
Bar Graph Display - Shows digital data and a 50-segment Bar Graph
representing min (left) to max (right) sensor values. Up to 4 Bar Graphs can be
configured per display page. Combine Bar Graphs and Digital Data readouts to
easily compare values
Histogram Display - Show gauge readings as they change over time. Two
Histogram graphs can be combined on a single display page. Each Histogram has a
16-segment Bar graph for sensor value and a 8-segment history graph that is
adjustable from 20 seconds to several hours.
Gauge Display - A 5 segment Dial Gauge quickly shows relative sensor
values from min to max. Up to 2 Gauge displays can be combined on single display
page
Ramp Display - Amplitude ramps show how close the sensor is to maximum.
Combine up to two 8-segment sensor ramps per display page.

Wireless:

Purchase the optional Bluetooth module and go wireless. All sensor data and labels are transmitted up to 100 feet to compatible PDA's or laptop computers. The wireless option includes software for your PDA or Windows PC for real-time display of all gauge reading. Software decodes and displays NMEA 0183 sentences. Application also provides ability to command the unit and perform data logging.

Ports:

Two built-in ports provide connectivity to external devices. A RS232 port connects to standardized equipment for real-time data acquisition and programming. A second Bluetooth port adds the capability to provide wireless communication up to 100 feet. Both ports support NMEA 0183 integrated instrument sentences ($IIXDR) for transmission to other NMEA equipment. This allows multiple units to be cascaded and positioned in other location on your vessel. Input ports can read and decode many popular NMEA 0183 sentences such as depth and GPS information for display on the unit which helps combine data in a central location.

Remote:

Multiple units can be used in tandem to provide remote display of sensor data in multiple locations. One unit can be located in the engine bay to provide wired connection to sensors/senders while sending captured data to a second unit via wired or wireless. Thus both units will display the same data in different locations

Sensors:

Unit is designed to work with standard GM automotive or VDO instrumentation sensors. You can order stock sensors from us or get them from most automotive supply dealers. If you have existing gauges and want to reuse the electrical senders, then you should contact our technical staff to determine if they will work. In most cases it is easier and more economical to just replace the sensors with the recommended stock sensors. In most cases you will be able to use the existing wire.

Connections:

Three water-resist quick-connect connectors are mounted in the rear panel. One 6-wire power cable connects to +12 volt supply. One 9-wire signal (9 pins) cable provides access to each of the nine gauges. A third 8-wire cable is used for serial port interface and optional re-programming. The serial port can be attached to an optional Bluetooth module for wireless interface. Mating cable harness is also provided to assist in connecting to your custom application.

Power:

Power consumption is determined by the number of active sensors and the active characters on the display. Minimal power is obtained when engine is off and temperature sensors are cold. Maximum power is used when all display characters are on and the backlight option in active. The VFD display has no backlight but draws the same power as the LCD display with backlight on.

Dimensions:

Extruded aluminum box 7" wide x 5" tall x 1.2" deep. These are extremely rugged single piece enclosures assembled out of aluminum and stainless steel so they will not rust or corrode.

Mounting Options:

Can be ordered with gimbal mounting bolts for bracket mounting or pre-drilled taps for in-dash mounting. Please see our installation page for more mounting suggestions.

Warrantee:

vGauge is backed by a full 1 year parts and labor guarantee. If the unit fails for any reason, it will be repaired or replaced at no charge.