Yamaha Outboard gauge replacement.

While on a diving trip to Florida, I had the opportunity to replace non-working Yamaha multi-function gauges with a SeaGauge-X4 unit.

The SeaGauge-x4 replaced both Yamaha gauges and provided tachometer, hour meter, engine temperature, voltage, water pump pressure, trim, fuel tank level in gallons, GPS speed, GPS course, GPS range, and Sonar depth – all in one unit.

The only additional sender installed was the pump PSI sender as Yamaha did not have one installed. This required cutting the water indicator tube in the outboard at the exit point and installing a barbed “T” with 1/8” NPT for the sender. The sender was a VDO 30 PSI isolated ground #360 043D. The Yamaha wire harness had two extra wires from the outboard to the digital gauge harness so we did not have to run any additional wires in the boat. The sender tells us the PSI produced by the water pump so we can know if the impeller is going bad or if the inlet is clogged.

For the temperature pick-up, we tapped into the existing temperature sender mounted in the engine water jacket and just read the voltage being generated for the Outboard ECM. Since the SeaGauge-X4 has programmable calibration tables – we were able to just download a new table that mapped the sender voltage to temperature. Now instead of just getting a temperature alarm – we can now read the actual temperature of the engine with a digital readout.

For the fuel tank level we used the existing sender and downloaded a linear calibration table that started from 0 and ran to 255 and max level. We then emptied the 50 gallon tank and started filling in 5 gallon increments. As we filled, we noted the gauge reading on the linear scale. Once filled, we were able to reprogram the linear table with a new one that matched the 50 gallon fill up. This gave us a very accurate fuel level reading in gallons as most fuel tanks are odd shaped and do not fill evenly.

We were able to maintain the temperature alarm and oil-level alarms from the outboard by connecting them to unused inputs that had a pull up resistor (unused pressure inputs). The Yamaha alarm signal goes to ground when active so we load a new table with warning text when the signal was low and “Normal Operation” when high.

To complete the wiring, we were able to cut and splice the old Yamaha harness into the SeaGauge-X4 connectors in about an hour. All signal levels including the tachometer matched up to the SeaGauge-X4.

For GPS/Sonar inputs we used a Lowrance LMS160 and connected the NMEA 0183 output to the SeaGauge-X4 NMEA input with ground. We set both units to operate at 9600 baud and away they went. We were getting GPS SPEED, COURSE, RANGE TO WAYPOINT, and SONAR DEPTH all displayed on the SeaGauge-X4 instrumentation page. Now when running the boat, the operator gets engine data and GPS information on one easy to read display.

The entire project took about 8 hours including the cutout of the dashboard and filling with marine putty. The SeaGauge-X4 is just about the same size as the two Yamaha gauges so the cut-out was more of a trim to fit. The result was a really easy to see gauge panel in very bright sunlight with an expanded list of functions including actual temperature and fuel tank levels. The addition of SONAR DEPTH and GPS SPEED is a real benefit when operating the boat.

Virtual Digital Instrumentation

vDash is a virtual digital gauge application for any Windows XP compatible PC or Laptop that allows creation of custom dashboards in real-time. Now get digital instrumentation display of a variety of engine performance parameters such as TACHOMETER, RPM, OIL PRESSURE, ENGINE TEMPERATURE, FUEL LEVEL, VOLTMETER, MAIN and AUXILIARY BATTERY, and much more on your laptop or PC. vDash will work with any vGauge unit . Use Bluetooth technology and NMEA 0183 formats to transmit gauge readings to laptops and PDA's.

vDash contains a library of eight graphic display modes which can be placed on a virtual dashboard using simple mouse clicks. Sensor names are assigned by entering them into configuration dialogs. Up to 8 dashboard configuration screens can be created to show instrumentation data in easy to read formats. Custom sensor calibration tables can be loaded and modified using on screen dialogs. Set min/max alarms for each sensor value with the click of the mouse

vDash saves all configuration data into a series of text files that can be downloaded to any vGauge unit in real-time using built-in FLASH memory programming algorithms. Configuration data can also be saved in project files to allow multiple applications such as street driving and off-road.

vDash accepts real-time data via built-in serial port or wireless Bluetooth connections for display and data logging. NMEA 0183 integrated instrumentation sentences ($IIXDR) ensure compatibility. Bluetooth wireless connectivity allows a laptop or PDA to receive data up to 100 feet away. The Bluetooth wireless capabilities allows you laptop of PC to located in a convenient location while a vGauge unit is mounted at an alternate location. View live instrumentation data without wires.

vDash can be programmed to match your existing sensors/senders. Simply attach to a computer via serial cable or wireless ports - and download a text file to recalibrate. All display values are user programmable by typing values in any text editor and downloading to the device. Unit can be upgraded in the field without removing from the dash. Use vDash to test out new calibrations instantly before downloading to vGauge No matter what your current sender/sensors are currently installed - vDash can adapt.

vDash will work with any vGauge - even the display less remote unit. Simply install the remote unit near sensor locations and attach to PC/Laptop for live dashboard display and data logging in a compact - cost efficient package. vDash will replace 16 mechanical instruments in a fraction of the space. Install multiple remote vGauge units in different vehicles and simply take your laptop to view and record data.

For more detailed information on vDash download the complete user manual .

vGaugeG8 is a multi-function digital gauge that replaces mechanical instruments and gauges in many automotive and RV applications. Now get digital instrumentation display of a variety of engine performance parameters such as TACHOMETER, RPM, OIL PRESSURE, ENGINE TEMPERATURE, FUEL LEVEL, VOLTMETER, MAIN and AUXILIARY BATTERY, and much more all in a compact sealed design.

vGaugeG8 will replace existing instruments and gauges without having to rewire or replace sensors. Uses Bluetooth technology and NMEA 0183 formats to transmit gauge readings to laptops and PDA's.

vGaugeG8 is based on a advanced high-speed graphic VFD display which can create an variety of instrumentation display formats. Over eight graphic display modes are available to create a truly virtual dashboard.

vGaugeG8 uses a sealed screen and microprocessor control to allow you to create up to ten custom gauge positions selectable with a single button. Select which sensor readings are visible at all times while the remaining values are recalled with a single scroll button. You can custom design it to match your instrumentation and monitoring requirements.

vGaugeG8 can transmit gauge readings via built-in serial port or wireless Bluetooth connections to your laptop or PDA for real-time display and data logging. NMEA 0183 integrated instrumentation sentences ($IIXDR) ensure compatibility with on-board equipment. Gauge readings can be transmitted and displayed on other NMEA 0183 devices.

vGauge can also decode and display NMEA 0183 sentences such as GPS information. Bluetooth wireless connectivity allows a laptop or PDA to receive data up to 100 feet away. Optional software for personal computer or PDA (PocketPC 2003) is available for display and real-time data capture.

The Bluetooth wireless capabilities allows one unit to be installed in the engine room or helm while a second unit can mounted at an alternate location without running additional wires.
vGaugeG8 can be programmed to match you existing sensors/senders. Simply attach to a computer or PDA via serial cable or wireless ports - and download a text file to recalibrate. All display values are user programmable by typing values in any text editor and downloading to the device. Unit can be upgraded in the field without removing from the dash. No matter what your current sender/sensors are currently installed - vGauge can adapt.

vGaugeG8 utilizes an advanced four-layer faceplate design that significantly reduces glare and fogging of the display. A customized multi-level gasket system guarantees that moisture will not leak past the two silicone-sealed buttons making the unit completely water tight. vGauge-G8 can be mounted on any wet deck and take the punishment of marine use. Extensive testing in marine environments has proven durability and function.

vGaugeG8 is compact in size, big on function. Use vGaugeG8 on your dash to replace old analog instruments which take up valuable space. One vGauge will replace nine mechanical instruments in one quarter of the space. Now you will have room for that new sonar or GPS unit. Transform your entire dash into a solid-state sealed digital panel occupying a fraction of the space of your old dash.

vGaugeG8 is available with a easy to read Vacuum Fluorescent display (VFD) for interior applications. The 512 character graphic display shows the gauge name and current value for 16 instruments at a time. A built-in microprocessor constantly monitors 10 sensors and transmits data out two built-in ports. Gauge readings can organized into groups and a water-proof membrane switch will cycle through them. If you want a full color display of all 10 sensors - simply connect a PDA or laptop to our Bluetooh link and experience real-time display anywhere on your vessel.

For custom applications, check out our OEM MODULE. Includes all the features of the vGauge-G8 minus the case. A simple 5" X 2" cutout in your dash and you have 10 digital instruments. Add your own faceplate for a factory installed look.

vGaugeG8 is also available as a remote mount unit that will send data to a PC/Laptop or PDA via a Bluetooth wireless or Serial interface. Place the remote unit in the engine compartment or other suitable location and use your PC or PDA to view and log real-time sensor data without altering your dash or installing additional equipment

vGaugeG8 is housed in a solid one-piece aluminum water-tight box measuring only 7" x 5" X 1.2" deep to fit easily into any dash configuration. Its small size allows you replace larger mechanical gauges while maintaining lighted position display of all positions. Unlike mechanical instruments, vGaugeG8 is sealed to the environment and can even be mounted on the open deck. vGauge-G8 can be flush mounted into your dash or gimbal mounted on top of the dash. Checkout our installation page to see how others have upgraded their dash

vGaugeG8 is ideal for any application where space is at a minimum and exposed to the elements. Use vGaugeG8 on your open cockpit runabout or sailboat. vGaugeG8 is perfect for that river sled or jet boat where keeping water and the elements out of the boat is always a problem. Transform your dash into the digital age.

I work with a digital instrumentation company (www.chetcodigital.com) which makes multi-function gauges for automotive / RV / marine markets. My responsibility is to develop products that people want so I will to use this BLOG to find out what features are desired and which would make a good product.

I am looking for comments and feedback from anyone who is interested in updating their automotive or marine dashboard to improve engine and vehicle monitoring. I have a lot of experience in working with people installing these gauges in a wide variety of applications. I can help in determining the best way to improve monitoring engine temperature, oil pressure, fuel tank level, voltage and amperage, exhaust gas temperature, boost pressure, O2, and a whole lot more.

We also work with various engine control modules to provide real-time display of ECM data on the dashboard so any questions on this topic I would be glad to try to answer.

I will start by posting some current product info to find out what features are of interest and what can be improved.