DIY Digital dash project overview

Sorry gearheads, we're about to get our geek on. It's hot outside, and we're in Covid lockdown, so I'm working on adding a modern digital dashboard to my classic bus conversion powered by a Detroit Diesel 6v92TA mechanical (eg, no computer or ECU).

I'm using cheap ESP8266 boards to drive the sensors, a Raspberry Pi 4 (running Node-red, Home Assistant, and MQTT), and RealDash software to run the display, which will eventually be running on Android tablets installed in my dash.

The touchscreens integrate with RV house systems and allow me to control switches, lights, relays, etc over wifi.

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See other videos on my playlist about this project, and subscribe for updates!

[Mattfut]

Ha, Im doing much the same thing but old old aircooled Volkwagens, though I have mqtt data from Node-red going to a custom java application i have on my Rpi4 in my dash

[rdavis]

Before I learned of this project, I had thought about the Tesla dash. I thought about having a full iPad where when I started out on a trip I could choose the gauges I needed. For instance if I would be traveling in the desert I could choose coolant, transmission, oil, temps for display, maybe tire pressure sensors, etc.

[rdavis]

It would be nice to run GPS on a bigger screen with grade alerts for an upcoming mountain pass. Would be nice to have custom dash layouts for mountain driving, desert driving, towing, city driving, evacuating routes. Etc.

[HimmelbergerBus]

I like this, I’ve been thinking similar. I wanted to also somehow get some sort of fuel efficiency rating display as well. My thought was to take throttle position compared to speed to get a rough idea of where it’s most efficient for a given scenario.

[EL]

You could remove the rooter and raspberry…connecting directly to the esp8266, but you will loose some features (node-red, Matt, …)
I’m working on similar project for my westy,
What sensor are you using?
Thank you for sharing

[strayhound]

Isn't that a DeWalt drill bit box? I'll take the bits if you aren't using them. ;-)

[lbroome]

Great video! Do you have a list of the sensors for the bus that are compatible with micros? Thanks!