Temp/Compass/Altimeter Display

I've always wanted to have a quick at-a-glance readout that would convey these details, but been having a tough time finding one. I was looking at one of the temp/compass rear-view mirror installs, but they attach to the windshield rather than the map-light area and I'd rather not mess with that. Plus they still didn't offer up an altimeter function.

In the midst of my steady google searching, I found a gauge that has all three functions! But it's made for Harley's.

https://www.amazon.com/Dakota-Digit...UTF8&qid=1496081718&sr=8-2&keywords=MCH-GPS17

Looks like it gets heading and alt readings from the built-in GPS, but apparently connects to a factory ambient temp sending unit on '96-'13 HD's. I'm not familiar with HD's, and I'm not a fan of electrical wiring to begin with, but it seems that if I could source this sending unit, it could just be a matter of running power, plugging in the sensor and finding a place to mount it that doesn't look half-assed.

Here's the install manual that details wiring and function: http://www.dakotadigital.com/PDF/MCH-GPS17.PDF

Are ambient temp sensors fairly universal, or are they all proprietary to whatever they're connected to? Have't found much online about the HD sending unit, other than people saying that they are wildly inaccurate. Not sure if this is due to location or the sensor itself, but could any temp sending unit be wired up to work?

Says it's 2 3/16" in diameter, but I'm not finding many gauge mounts in that size. Even though it's a terrible spot, maybe I'll put it where the factory clock is?

Does this sound feasible? Suggestions?

 

Sounds like a standard 2" gauge hole to me.

 

Pardon my lack of knowledge concerning aftermarket gauges and their mountings, but in gauge-hole world, a 2" hole fits a 2 3/16" gauge?

 

Would love to see this happen

 

It's on my list, so I'll keep you guys posted on what I craft up.

 

Subbed. I looked into this, but couldn't find any "low budget" options


You better keep us posted

 

Call Dakota Digital and explain what your wanting to do. Guys are really helpful last time I dealt with them.

 

It would NOT surprise me if the HD sending unit is NOT "universal". The temp sensors I know of send out specific voltage values relative to the temp degree. So, strictly as an example, 1deg=1V, 2deg=2V. Hence, if the microController "sees" 2V sent by the sending unit, then it will ultimately display 2deg accordingly. Now this is in regards to analog temp sensors.

So, with that said, HD might have it setup in a way that a voltage value will be read differently unless you know what "data" is being sent to interpret their data???

I HIGHLY agree that you should call the people that makes the gauge.

I hope this makes sense?

 

Wouldn't it be simpler to just use the correct sensor instead of trying to tie in a different one?

https://www.google.com/search?q=199...&ved=0ahUKEwj2lbbOoZfUAhVLNiYKHVi_DCsQgTYIlgI

 

And THEN, there is this obvious choice, LOL!!!

 

Double check on the "built in GPS", seems as if the GPS function comes from a separate GPS module.

 

I give up up up!!! LOL!!!

 

Yeah, that's exactly what I was trying to ask. I have no idea if temp sensors have some kind of universal degree-to-voltage ratio, or if they're each totally different in that regard. I'll be contacting Dakota Digital to clarify some stuff.

That's the one I was looking to get, but the more I research I did, it appears that it is intended as an intake temp sensor for the fuel injected models. No idea if that's a separate sensor or if HD's use the same sensor for both fueling and the ambient temp gauge. If this is the case, I'm not surprised by reading the HD ambient temp gauges show higher than actual temps, given proximity to the engine.

According to page 3 of the manual I linked to, the GPS receiver is in the gauge.

Where are the ambient temp sensors located in the 2nd gens? I imagine placement is pretty crucial to accuracy.

 

Placement doesnt matter. Youre not trying for space shuttle to mars accuracy, just a general outside temp. It will be within a degree or 2 just line every bank sign has a close but rarely identical temp. My bmws have them behind the front bumper, my jeeps have them in a fender. Just keep it out of the sun and out of the engine bay.

 

Tbh you can probably use any 2 wire sensor made and come close, then fine tune with a variable resistor. Ebay...

 

"Designed to be used in place of the 96-13 factory air temperature gauge
It uses the factory gauge cup and plugs directly into the existing gauge wiring
Ambient air tempereature uses the factory ambient air temperature sender
Altimeter
LCD readout displays compass heading, air temperature and elevation in eight LED backlit color choices
Requires the use of GPS compass module Mfr# MBM-17 and air temperature sensor Mfr# SEN-1701(sold separately)"

Last line has your answers. Compass module will be a couple hundred,

 

No. I have a gentex mirror and a GM sensor reads way to low but the correct Nissan temp sender works fine.(mirror came out of a Nissan)

 

Where are you getting that last line? Doesn't show up on the Amazon page or the product manual. I'll obviously need a temp sensor, but the MBM-17, according to its description, looks to be an add-on intended for MCL and MVX series gauges. I've attached a wiring schematic of the gauge. There's a plug for the included selector switch, and a 3-prong plug: +12v, ground and temp wire. There are no other inputs or outputs to accept the MBM-17.

Per the DD website: "The MCH-GPS17 instrument has an internal, GPS-based Compass and Altimeter sensor for easy installation (no external antenna required)."
Per the manual: "The MCH-GPS17 uses the same GPS (Global Positioning System) signals that many common navigation systems use to determine location in the world. This location data is used to determine your motorcycle’s direction of travel. Altimeter (height above sea-level) and time data is also available from these signals and either or both can be displayed on the MCH-GPS17. To function properly, the GPS receiver in the gauge must have a clear view of the satellites in the sky to receive the correct signals."

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^THIS!^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^