************ Notice, This is a serious post for serious enthusiasts. If you are not serious please do not post your daily habbits on here **************

Thanks! (are you serious )


I'm currently working on a computer to do everything that the VAFC, AFC, and the AFC-R does and more. The goal is to provide a unit that is very cost effective and is based upon the input I have received from so many [honda] enthusiasts. I have included a list of features that will be provided. It will be cheaper than a hondata stage 4B and will offer some of the same features. It IS a piggyback however and will require splicing into the harness. It comes with fully documented instructions always support from a fellow enthusiast. The price as of now is expected to be $300 - $500 (MUCH less than the cost of all of the other devices equivalent added together). Please email me if you have questions. This poll is to estimate the amount of people interested so I can determine how many production runs are needed. If no one wants it then only a few will be made. The more people interested - the cheaper it becomes. If you have any questions or suggestions please email me, i'm always willing to help.

Features:


 Oil Change interval tracking with LED notification
Using your vehicle’s speed sensor (VSS), the microprocessor will keep track of your mileage since the last oil change. This is done by resetting the HEM ™. Mileage notifications can also be programmed into the unit. The driver will be notified by voice (optional) or by visual indicators.

 Intake Humidity readout with LED notification
This option is available upon request and does raise the price of the unit because of the humidity sensor’s cost. The humidity sensor is recommended for drivers concerned about moisture content in their intake, specifically users of a cold air intake. The display on the LCD screen is in units of RH (relative humidity). This option can be displayed on one of the LED displays.

 02 Sensor readout with LED notification
This feature will display the approximate condition of the exhaust gases - nearly identical to other A/F gauges out there such as Autometer’s A/F ratio gauge. The 02 voltage or A/F ratio can also be displayed on the LCD screen as numerical data.

 RPM readout with 5 gear adjustable European LED shift light
A European shift light usually consists of a row of 3 different color LEDs. The first four yellow, the next orange, and the last four red. As RPM’s increase, the LEDs light up proportionally. Using this feature, you can set the start RPM (when the first yellow LED will illuminate) and you can set the shift RPM (when the SHIFT LED illuminates – the 13th LED). These values are adjustable for every gear. For example, you can have your shift light set at 9000RPM for first, then 8500RPM for second, and so on. This is great to insure that you are at the top of 4th gear when you are through the traps.

 TPS percentage readout with LED notification
A Throttle Position Sensor is used by the ECU to determine what part of the fuel and timing map to use. It also determines other things such as deceleration injector off conditions and load. This feature may be useful to insure that you have a 0% to 100% throttle range and that you do not have either a bad TPS sensor or a poorly adjusted throttle cable or throttle stop. This feature becomes more useful when you add optional switch(s) and use the TPS as an activation variable.

 Intake air temperature readout with LED notification
This value is read from the Intake Air temperature sensor, the same one the ECU uses, also known as the IAT sensor. It is mainly useful for those wanting to determine the effect of different intake styles or those who have gone the route of forced induction.

 Engine coolant temperature readout with LED notification
Also known as the ECT sensor, it also is read by the ECU. This sensor is useful for determining a relative temperature that your engine is running at (±10°F). You can use this when warming up your car or for determining when your engine needs too cool. This is necessary on lapping days or WOT runs with a turbo car.

 MAP readout with LED notification
The MAP sensor is the absolute heart of your engine’s computer control unit. It determines the amount of fuel needed to mix with an amount of air. Without a properly functioning MAP, your car may not run well or at all. This feature is not only useful for troubleshooting but it is also great for determining an approximate pressure (boost) rating if your car is force fed.

 Total spark advance readout
If you have timed your car, you have probably increased it to 16°BTDC or 18°BTDC. Most Honda’s from 1991 and up have an electrical spark advance. The ECU will usually advance the timing as much as 35°BTDC on a stock engine at high RPM. This readout will monitor and display your total spark advance. Having spark knock problems in 5th gear going up a hill at low RPM? Observe this display then proceed to trim down your TSA using the 5 gear adjustable timing trimmer.

 Battery Voltage
Great for determining if you have a healthy battery when the vehicle is off. Also great for determining the condition of your alternator when the ignition is on. Alternator voltage effects the rate at which the pintles open on your injectors.
Going to 9500RPM?

 Gear position readout
This is a value from 1 through 5 and is mostly used for other features such as the timing, fuel and VTEC trimmers. It does however require a very advanced calibration algorithm and you must either be running a stock transmission and wheel/tire combination, or you must know your gear ratios (available) and your tire size.

 Digital MPH readout
Does your gauge end at 145MPH? Need I say more?!

 Fuel Pressure readout with LED notification
This is an option and requires a pressure sensor be attached to the end of your fuel rail or the top of your fuel filter. It will display a numerical real-time value from 0psi – 100psi. [Works with autometer electrical fuel pressure sender]

 Oil Pressure readout with LED notification
This is also an option because it requires an after-market oil pressure sender. It will work identical to the fuel pressure readout. [Works with autometer electrical oil pressure sender]

 Service plug manual and auto-connector
This plug is located under the passenger’s side dashboard in all 90-00 Integras. It is used to set the spark timing and reset the ECU. Instead of reaching under and jumping it with a paperclip, just select this feature under the menu and it will be done for you. Also, your total spark advance will be automatically displayed when this is enabled.

 0 degree spark advance (idle) timing adjuster helper
This will do the same as above and additionally it will hold your idle at 750RPM and monitor your TSA using audible notifications that you can preset. This is useful when you are outside your car rotating your distributor and you have no help.

 RPM window switch
This switch is activated at any specified RPM range. You can set the lower and upper limit. This device can usually be used to turn on devices such as a Nitrous solinoid or VTEC. However, there is a more advanced adjustable VTEC controller available below.

 Option switch
This is a very custom option available and varies with your application. You can add any variable above into the logic for this switch. For example, you would like your nitrous solenoid to be activated when your TPS has reached 85%, you are in 2nd gear, your speed is greater than 35MPH, and your engine speed is above 4000RPM. You also want a second switch that will activate your fuel solenoid at 3900RPM and all the same conditions above. This is recommended because the Nitrous will reach your engine before the gasoline does. *If you like this feature stay tuned for our fully programmable progressive nitrous controller.

 IAC adjuster
Useful for adjusting your idle without using the idle screw. Should only be used as a temporary solution.

 Turbo Timer
This feature utilizes timed increment that is user settable and will allow your engine to continue running without the keys in the ignition. This is recommended for turbo cars especially.

 Launch Controller
A feature still in development, it will utilize a traction control system and all you will need to do is release the clutch, no right foot necessary.

 5 gear adjustable fuel trimming
Adjust your fuel at 200RPM increments using a different setting for every gear (if desirable).

 5 gear adjustable timing trimming
This feature is the same as above except is it more useful because of the extra timing allowed by low loads. For example, 1st gear allows for much more timing than 5th gear at the same rpm because of the load.

 5 gear adjustable VTEC controller
Set your crossover point different in every gear. Driving on the highway? You are probably in 5th gear (I hope) and if your VTEC crossover is at 4500rpm, that’s only about 75MPH. Leave the crossover at 4500RPM in every other gear but change it to 6000RPM in 5th, which leaves you plenty of room to speed, or pass dangerous drivers – whichever you prefer. You can also change the RPM at which VTEC turns off on deceleration after it has turned on. This is also known as hysterisis.

 Boost feature to be added upon further research. Again, it will be adjustable in every gear at set RPM increments.

*Please note that only some of the features are currently 100% available and some may be disgarded upon further development. If I see a large enough interest, I will post a webpage that will address any and all updates.

*Patent applied for.

Currently there are two displays in the design. The first is a simple 4 line LCD display. The second is a 3.5"x4" Graphical LCD display that will replace your guage cluster. Please provide feedback on either.

The current display being prototyped with is the 4 line by 20 character display. It is about 1" tall by 3" wide and will be mounted in a machined aluminum bezel along with a 6 button keypad. The aluminum bezel will be offered in natural finish, polished, and blued (real black chrome like look).

Add up everything it would take to do as much as this unit and tell me if you think it is priced well

Please vote if you are interested.


[Modified by stizzit, 10:51 PM 5/22/2002]

 

sounds great . can't wait to see it

 

Seems too good to be true, especially at a reasonable cost and 300 is very reasonable.


[Modified by HONDAF1, 12:42 AM 5/23/2002]

 

Definitely get one working and throw up a web site

 

Well i'm doing the BEST i can to keep it at a decent price because I know what its like to buy these units (as I am a consumer). Even if the price strays in the rage of $300 - $500 I will do my best to keep it within reach for us all.

Did I mention that It will be fully upgradable? Software and Hardware.

BTW: I changed the price range because I don't want to get assassinated for being off a hair, I'd rather be low than high.

I'll put up a page with pictures soon. There are no pretty pictures yet because I have not done a production run (the point of this post). The unit is still a few months out and I am also trying to get some feedback before its too late.

Thanks all-
Rob


[Modified by stizzit, 10:53 PM 5/22/2002]

 

keep up the good work . any idea what size it will be 3X5 5x7

 

There's already a piggyback that does of this... Greddy Emanage.

A piggyback will always be just a piggyback. What type of processor are you planning to use?

 

Well it depends on what you are talking about exactly. The circuit board will probably be no larger than 3"x5". The display is still under going decisions. I am currently prototyping with a simple LCD (Similar to say a microwave screen except it has 4 lines and each line can have a max. of 20 characters). The LCD is available in orange, yellow, red, and standard-green backlighting. The reason I have started with the alphanumeric LCD is because its easier and I'm not concerned with the display as much as I'm concerned with the units operation and interface with the car. After the unit is complete - then I will pursue a 320x200 resolution monochrome LCD graphical screen. It will boot up with a logo and then have a completely graphical interface. It will be TOO large to go anywhere BUT in place of your gauge POD. If this is the case then a bezel will be machined, the display will be placed on the right hand side and an optional ANALOGUE tachometer on your lefthand side. This display, as planned, will have the MPH in the center with other readouts on the left and right sides. Because of the size of the screen and the time it will take to implement it - it raises the price. I have to address 64000 pixels individually, no problem eh? lol. Basically I have to design my own font, my own logos, calculate spacing, etc. When i can get the Large graphical LCD working - it will be a very, very nice unit. Until then it'll be mostly function over fashion .

Thanks.

 

It will be utilizing an 8bit - RISC microprocessor (possibly 2).

RE: Greddy Emanage, I could be mistaken, But I've tried to build in some features to seperate it from the rest. Also - I have MANY more features that will be implemented but I cannot share them all for one reason or another. This unit was originally thought up to be a powerfull Digital Dash. Because some people do not want to replace their dash, there is another option available.

Thanks.

 

sounds insane, will this only be offered for type r's? what about other cars like my m3? . motec sells a similar setup, and there is one other company, i will find the link later. however if you know motec, they are far more expensive then 300 bucks. try a few grand.

 

mrsha007: Thanks for the reply, people usually call me insane but i also usually don't back down on my word.

As mentioned ealier - I'm building this unit from an enthusiast's point of view, I have other things to gain, but I can promise you its not in the monitary deparment. Because I'm so familiar with hondas, I can build this unit knowing all the specs of each and every sensor. The only way I could ever dream of trying this for a BMW would be to determine the sensor specifications for the car. After the product is finished - It will not be hard to port the unit to other cars - some features may even "bolt right up". As for any application however, in order to get the 5 gear adjustable features to work properly - you will need to know your gear ratios (not hard to find). There will also be other ways to calibrate the unit but the actual numbers are more reliable. Stay posted on the progress of this one, I will have a website up shortly instead of having to post here.

Thanks!!!

 

heheh, sorry it wasnt ment as an insult, i ment its insane what your doing, i give you big ups for it.

 

so ahh, will it run slower than the obd2 ecu? i heard they are 16bits.

 

Are you going to run the processors in tandem or are you going to split the processing duties?

 

Sounds very good can't wait to see it release. Seems so much stuff so much time needed good luck.

 

I would much rather have it as a seperate unit and maintain the stock gauges. WHat would be nice if you are starting with Integras is a piece that will allow it to be "snapped in place" of the ashtray or similar mounting options.

 

sounds like a great idea
very interested

 

Your name isn't Larrry Widmer is it....

Just kidding. Sounds pretty cool.

I've got some of those features through my palm pilot interface.

 

.....i don't care about the digital dash so much as we can interface a DIY wideband into it (5 wire).

Also, I will probably store in a stealth location like my glovebox so *shrug*.

Please let us know.

 

I love the multistage shift light idea but I would suggest putting the tach in the center of the gauge pod replacing LCD, who needs a speedo anyway?

 

Hmm, good idea; shouldn't be that hard to do.

 

mrsha007: No offense taken, I was trying to say I like being called insane - it sets me apart from the rest

spoonek9: I'm not sure what the OBD2 ecu runs but this unit won't have to do near the work the ECU does. the amount of bits isn't directly related to speed but is sometimes a good indication of say- a spectrum of speeds. For example: you won't find a 32bit pentium running at 4 MHz, you'd find a 8bit micro at 4MHz though. Keep in mind that an 8bit micro is MUCH cheaper to implement than a 16bit micro .

DEE: Well using a microcontroller isn't exactly like using a microprocessor because the memory is build it along with the ALU and other registers used to process and store information. If I determine I will need dual processors - one will control output to the large graphical LCD and the other will read the data off the sensors and output corresponding data. They will talk to eachother through an 8 bit databus mostlikely.

IgniteTeg: Yea it is, but once you get a few major parts down its not too difficult to add features.

Ashai: The ashtray is actually an ongoing idea and we would mill a block of metal that would house the entire circuitry and the screen would be mounted up front - it will just slide right in to the stock rails. The only problem is there is no room for the keypad. I'm thinking about putting the keypad either RIGHT below the gear selector or right by the ebrake - somewhere in that area so you can manipulate the menu's with your right hand. The keypad will probably be very thin and will just attach to a surface using 3M adhesive and a thin ribbon cable to go back to the MPU.
BTW: The unit is being designed with 2nd and 3rd gen integras in mind - you can be rest assured that everything will fit very nicely into these to cars for sure.

wheresmyvxhb: thanks!

Ausmith: Larry actually inspired me to do a lot that i've done to this day. Larry is an engineer - like my self, however of a different focus. Engineers arn't always so good at communicating with the public. If they were we wouldn't need technicians, businessman, salesmen - etc, you get the idea. Larry builds some great products but hasn't always been right on in SOME areas. Its unfortunate that his reputation has been hurt because of this. I tell you, however, that i am in no way associated with larry, nor have i ever met him in person (would've liked to tho).

Black R: Well maybe i can make the Digital Dash LCD an option seeing as tho the smaller alphanumeric display and unit will be done first. The DIY wideband is already undergoing research to implement it. My only issue is that wideband 02 sensors are NOT cheap by any means - I will do my best. If you want to hide it - I'm sure we could make a faceplate to cover it in the ashtray location - or just mount a smoked plexiglass piece over it.

Albino Dragon: Well I will offer the option for the Tach but you could install it yourself, it will require a hole to be cut into my mounting plate though. The graphical LCD (the large one) not only displays speed but also displays every sensor, your total spark advance, fuel trim, timing trim, etc in real time. It won't be available until after the units complete with the smaller alphanumeric LCD.

Thanks guys - I now see there is a definate interest and I will make it my priority to get some good details down in the next month or so. I will post a page sooner or later but keep the ideas flowing and I will listen :-D.

 

Is this Rob...with the B20/Vtec, Alex's friend????

This is Chris...sounds like a great idea. If/when you get something finalized, I'd be happy to try it out!

Chris

 

Hey Chris,

I will let you know when I get something finalized. I have my car to test it on (WAY to rich at idle so it should be a good test ) And my brother's G3 which is preping to be a b20/vtec turbo. The unit is still a few months out however. I mainly need help with opinions - such as - this is a good idea - this isn't, put that there, I like this here --- You get the idea. Keep in contact with alex as I'm sure he'll always know what's going on with it.

Thanks buddy -- hope your cars almost fixed too!!!

 

Great idea! Keep us posted. I still think Apexi made a big mistake not putting a shift lits in the VAFC.