just read your reply, and agreed that it would probably take time, but wow,
would it be worth it?????????????

I'm not the electronic/computer person for this, but if you are, I'll bet there
are quite a few of us who would want this. I'm one.

Ron Semko
Orlando Florida

Darrell Boehler wrote:

> Hi Ken,
>     This is a good idea and one I have some first hand knowledge.   First
> many things we need to monitor are analog. You will need an ADC (analog to
> digital converter). Weeder Technologies from Fort Walton Beach FL (phone 850
> 863- 5723) has a nice adc kit that is pre programmed and connects to the
> serial port on a laptop or pc for $50.  They also have a digital kit for the
> digital signals $32. These units are stackable and nicely packaged, however
> electronically they are fragile unbuffered  and easy to damage if you get
> the wrong signal or a noise spike, smile  (^_^).  The kits require that you
> provide them signals with the proper voltage level. The digital kit also has
> digital out for controlling things.  With these kits you can control /
> monitor anything you deem necessary or worthwhile.
>     There is only one problem, this project will require time and lots of
> it. Something that none of us have enough of.
>
> Darrell Boehler
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <KENWILFY@AOL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 1999 8:44 PM
> Subject: Computerized Gauge Setup
>
> > Here is my latest brainstorm on my quest for the ultimate Gauge cluster
> that
> > doesn't take up alot of space and require cutting or drilling:
> >
> > I was thinking, why not just get one of those small note pad computers
> with a
> > back lit screen (like palm pilot or whatever).  Then mount it's docking
> bay
> > on my dash next to the instrument cluster and secure it with a velcro
> strap.
> > Now all I have to do is setup all my senders and then wire then into some
> > type of plug that will plug into the computer (I have no idea what this
> > entails).  Then all I have to find is a program that would take the sender
> > readings and display them in either a number readout or some type of bar
> > graph, etc.  You could have several "layers" of gauges that you could
> scroll
> > through by pushing a button, basically telling you everything that is
> going
> > on back there (thinking of installing a camera in the engine compartment
> to
> > actually watch the motor itself but I wonder if this is overkill/could be
> a
> > distraction while driving? :)
> >
> > So what do you think?  Am I dreaming?  Could this be done without spending
> a
> > million dollars?  I mean you could use the small computer for other things
> > too and just plug it into the van when you were taking trips and wanted to
> > keep an eye on things.  If I bought 6 gauges and some instrument pods I
> would
> > be out around $200 so buying a small computer would not really be that
> much
> > more money.
> > Any ideas?
> >
> > Thanks in advance,
> > Ken Wilford
> > http://www.vanagain.com
> > John 3:16
> > Office (856)-765-1583
> > Shop (856)-327-0027
> > Fax   (856)-327-2242
> >