Digital dual boost/temp gauge... opinions?

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I just came across this one:
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http://spatechnique.com/instruments.html

Even HVAC will be challenged to peg this one #ad
. If I heard the salesguy correct, it goes to 600PSI and has peak hold for both temp and pressure along with the ability to drive warning lights at programmed thresholds. Not sure if I can get it to interface with the turbo temp shutdown module.

From their page:
"All SPA Design dual gauges have been redesigned for 1998. A larger display gives improved visibility. Microprocessor controlled for accuracy, all dual gauges come in a standard 52mm diameter and offer the following features:

Selectable display units for pressure, bar, psi, kg cm2.
Selectable display for temperature, in Fahrenheit and Celsius.
Low pressure warning light.
Over temperature warning light.
Backlit display
Programmable low battery warning.
Digital calibration.
External outputs for warning lights.
Solid machined stainless pressure sensors to IP65.
All settings and memory stored without power needed.
Maximum values stored and recalled from memory. "

I think the digital combo gauge is under 3bills and has lots of features not found in analog gauges. I suspect the ability to drive warning lights may address the problem with the brain digesting digital data to slowly.

Any opinions out there on this kind of gauge?
UK engineering but there is a US distributor:SPA TECHNIQUE tel 317
271 7941 speak to Ron Mathis


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Green Monster's cyber garage (and TDR multimedia sandbox)


[This message has been edited by David_VT (edited 04-08-2000). ]

 

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Looks way slick. Does the temperature go high enough? Is the probe meant to withstand over 1000 degrees? If they do, this looks like the way to go.

 

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Let's keep this thread alive a while yet-

Looks like it could be a nice find David. I'll call Monday and see if I can get some precise specs on range and accuracy. I they're using a 600# transducer I'm concerned about accuracy at 0-50.

Like the idea of warning lights. I may be busy watching other things when max EGT comes up. Wonder if the thresholds are 'user' programmable or only factory.

Also wonder about the lighting. Good night illumination without being overly bright is important to me. Haven't seen to many digital gauges I liked at night.

Mike

 

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I think my fifty something boost days are over David_VT. Lawrence set the wastegate on my new turbo to 45 psi to prevent detonation.
The gauges are cool #ad
Have you spoken to Blue Chip? They are coming out with digital gauges too. $595 though. The digital gauges will have the ability to trigger the blue box to defuel at a set point to prevent engine meltdown. Good idea I think #ad

 

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I like the idea of warning lights, too. I've thought it would be great to have an amber warning light come on at, say, 800 degrees (post turbo), and a red light at 1000 degrees. I know 800 is safe, but that would be a nice way to remind yourself that you're burning a lot of fuel. I use the pyrometer to monitor how hard I'm working the engine. Clessie Cummins himself commented on how the fuel mileage went up when he kept the EGT's down.
I flew in the cockpit of a DC-10 recently ("jumpseating" on a FedEx freighter). They have analog pyrometer gauges that have a digital readout in the middle. I thought those were pretty cool.
Andy

 

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I just checked out that website. Their "DG110" is a dual temperature gauge. That would be cool way to monitor the intake air temperature before and after the intercooler. That would be a neat way to see if air filter modifications make a difference, or maybe to see if you've cut down on the intercooler's efficiency by adding a bunch of off road lights, a winch bumper, or anything else that might cut air flow.
Andy

 

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I have pondered the thought Andy mentioned. I would like to do some experimentation and monitor intake temps remotely. I plan to check some HVAC control manufacturers for such an item.

David_VT, I may need two of those dual function guages, one like the one you posted the picture of, and another with blood pressure and pulse #ad
This way, just like the astronauts, my vital signs can be monitored remotely, and just in the nick of time the blue box would cut back fuel #ad
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Pheew... close one! #ad
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Digital gauges are nice for reading static information. What you lose in a dynamic situation is rate of change of what you are measuring.

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Ordered 03-Mar-2000. "D" status 16-Mar-2000. "D1" status 27-Mar-2000. "KZT" status 01-Apr-2000. Truck Arrived Npltwest, Nebraska 05-Apr-2000. Destination Kent, Washington 12-Apr-2000.

2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Regular Cab SLT 4X4 LWB G Package, Flame Red - Camel/Tan.
ETH, 6-Speed, Sport Appearance, Trailer Tow, Auxiliary Rear, Travel Convenience, 4-Wheel ABS, HD Transfer Case, 3. 54 Limited-Slip, Remote Keyless, Vehicle Theft, Driver 6-Way Power, AM/FM w/CD, Sliding Rear Window.

TBA: Rear Fog, Rear Backup Lights, Espar Heater, PIAA 90 Pro Projection Fog/Driving Lights, Horton Fan Clutch, Immobiliser Mystique, ISSPRO Boost/Pyro Gauges, and Turbo Temp Monitor.

 

[Archive]

One more observation-

Digital is great for accuracy in measuring a stable signal.

It stinks for rapidly fluctuating signals or cases where it's important to get a sense of rate of change.

I think I would prefer analog in order to better relate the boost and EGT to the 'seat of pants' meter.
I might be a little different than most in that max temperatures are not going to be towing situations. #ad


Mike

 

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Mike,
I agree about the rate of change issues, etc.

I was looking at this as an alternative to the analog dual guage (Geno I think).

I think this guage has peak hold which would be nice. My usage is not towing but rather how hard to push the Cummins in 'play' without risking it.

I suspect the digital will be better for trying to tweak throttle for best fuel mileage since that is the type of steady state it would be good for.

I am waiting for them to reply regarding if I could use this guage to make my own turbo cool down ignition control.

 

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Well, finally got a 'round tuit'. Per the distributor:
This info is re the DG 106 Turbo Boost/Temperature guage.

It is a 16 bar transducer (about 235 psi range). Stated accuracy for pressure is +/- 1 psi in the range of 0-200 psi. That's the combined error of transducer & gauge.

Stated temperature accuracy is +/- 1 degree C. at 25 C.
That's with the brass sending unit included with the gauge.
There is an optional stainless steel type K thermocouple and signal converter available. No accuracy specs with this adapter.

Mike

 

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Mike,is that good or bad?

 

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David, as long as it uses a K type thermocouple you can use it with the turbo temp monitor. Did you get yours yet? I LOVE mine!



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-Steve St. Laurent - President of the Great Lakes TDR, Chapter Forums Moderator
'98 Quad Cab Long Bed (CMNSPWR), 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 4. 10 LSD, Prime-loc remote fuel filter, boost & pyro gauges, TST Powermax, muffler eliminator, 5" chrome tip, BD Exhaust Brake, Isspro turbo temp monitor, Permatech spray in liner, Grizzly stainless nerf bars, Stull SS grill & bumper inserts, Front Draw-Tite receiver, BFG 285/75R16 AT KO's

 

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Good is a relative term... #ad


Relative to any analog gauge I've seen these are very good specs.

Specifications for temperature are incomplete with type K; but I would have no concerns about accuracy for our type of application.

Just my opinion.

Mike

 

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Steve,
Between the stock market and paying taxes, I've been dragging my feet on the turbo shutdown module.
I've been waiting for feedback from these gauge folks to see if I can make my own cooldown module and drive it from their external indicator outputs.
Say I set the output light for 350, seems I could drive my own relay circuit to keep the truck running until it cools below the 350 signal.

 

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AH,
Nothing like a dose of HVAC's rig to get the HP juices flowing again...

Back to the pursuit of parts... I will order this gauge and let you all know how it goes.

David

 

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OK,
It is on order.
It will drive a shutdown relay with one of it's outputs.

Thus I can skip the shutdown controller purchase and just buy the relays needed to power the ignition during cooldown. This gauge will drive the relay(s).

I'll power the gauge from the same circuit so it will power down when it kills the engine.

Naturally the TC will have to deal with the incoming manifold temp rather than a second TC downstream of the turbo. I can lower the cooling threshold to say 250 if this is a problem.

switching to new thread: https://www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/000738.html


[This message has been edited by David_VT (edited 04-24-2000). ]

[This message has been edited by David_VT (edited 05-03-2000). ]