BMW Outgauge Cluster

I am working on getting a BMW E46 cluster working with BeamNG (OutGauge) and I was wonder if anyone here had done the same thing. I am wondering also if anyone has some good resources. This thread will become kind of a progress log type of thing also.

 

I saw a YouTube video of a guy who had this running.
--- Post updated ---
Here you go. There is a GitHub project in the description.

 

Thanks. This is a helluva lot better than the one I was looking at.

 

I'll be sure to post videos on progress

 

There should be some progress by the end of the week. I am getting some of the parts in today

 

Cool project!

 

Thanks. I convinced my teacher to allow me to do it since he wanted a project that "did something". So instead of a plain server, I thought let's use the ESP Microcontroller to display data from BeamNG.

 

Hopefully there will be progress today. It's been very slow

 

Progress is a little late. I only have power sent to the cluster so far.

 

I uploaded the video to youtube so you don't have to download it.

I sound odd since I am just getting off of a cold. I had a stroke pressing the button on the power supply lol

 

I guess you could say you had a Powerstroke (HD)

 

Jesus, I sound like a 12 year old girl that smokes wicked amounts of marlboros

 

I'll be working on it more today! I won't be in class from Wednesday to next Thursday so there will be no progress at that time

 

I am still working on this but progress has been stopped since I have other class projects to work on

 

Coolant overheating*
Connecting rods damaged*
Engine broken*.

 

While progress has been slow, I finally am starting to get somewhere. I just went up to the carpentry class at my tech school and worked with the teacher and we are going to be making a really nice box for the cluster. If this project is not done by 31/05, There will be no progress due to the fact that I will be out of school for the summer. Since the person that I am currently working with will be graduating this year, I will probably be going to be working with @Knight75 as he is a very close friend of mine and is in the same shop class as me (Engineering Technology, formerly Computer Information Technology)

 

Finally got back to this, I am going to be doing a full PCB for this.
here is my current outline:

CLUSTER Project Steps

Step 1: Design the PCB in EasyEDA
1. Creating a New Project:
· Log in to EasyEDA.
· Start a new project by clicking "Cluster". (your choice of name)
2. Design the Schematic:
· Use the Schematic Editor to design the circuit.
· Add components by searching for them in the component library.
· Connect components with wires to complete the circuit.
3. Convert to PCB Layout:
· Click "Convert to PCB" to transfer your schematic to the PCB layout editor.
· Define the board outline by drawing a boundary around your PCB.
4. Place and Route Components:
· Arrange the components on the board within the defined outline.
· Use the auto-router or manually route the traces.
5. Design Rules Check (DRC):
· Run the DRC tool to ensure there are no design violations.
· Adjust trace widths, clearances, and other parameters as needed.
6. Export the Gerber Files:
· Once the PCB layout is complete, click "Fabrication Output" > "Gerber".
· Download the generated Gerber files, which include all necessary layers.
Step 2: Construct and Test Prototype PCB
7. Gather Prototype PCB Parts:
· Double-sided PCB Prototype Kit
· Cluster connectors, electronic connectors, parts, and modules.
8. Gather Soldering and Wiring Supplies:
· Soldering iron, solder, copper tinsel (for cleaning), wet sponge
· Wire for electronic connections
9. Construct Prototype PCB:
· Layout parts as placed per EasyEDA design.
· Solder parts to double-sided PCB prototype board.
· Solder wires between connection points as routed by EasyEDA design.
· Connect modules to connectors on a double-sided PCB prototype board.
· Check connections using a multimeter.
10. Create a test plan for Prototype PCB
· (test plan steps and result criteria should allow the project to objectively state that PCB design is as expected)
11. Evaluate Prototype PCB:
· Add JST connectors to the Cluster wiring harness.
· Connect Cluster connectors to modules and PCB connectors.
· Connect power to Prototype PCB
· Follow and execute the test plan.
12. Check the results of tests
· If any tests fail, and a design change is required, Go to Step 1
· If all tests passed, Go to Step 2
Step 3: PREPARE FOR the PCB for Milling
13. Convert Gerber to G-code:
· Use a tool like FlatCAM to convert the Gerber files into G-code files compatible with the Carbide 3D Nomad 883.
· Import the Gerber files into FlatCAM and define parameters such as cutting depth, tool diameter, and feed rate.
· Generate separate G-code files for:
o Trace Isolation: Cutting COPPER traces.
o Drilling: Drilling through-hole components.
o Cutout: Cutting the PCB outline.
14. Verify G-code:
· Load the G-code into a simulator (e.g., Camotics) to check the toolpaths and avoid errors.
Step 4: Engrave the PCB with Carbide 3D Nomad 883
15. Set Up the Nomad 883:
· Secure the PCB blank (copper-clad board) to the machine bed using double-sided tape or clamps.
· Install the appropriate engraving bit (e.g., a 0.1mm V-bit for trace isolation).
16. Load the G-code:
· Open Carbide Motion, the control software for Nomad.
· Connect the Nomad to your computer and load the G-code files.
17. Zero the Machine:
· Use the manual controls in Carbide Motion to zero the tool to the PCB surface.
· Set the X, Y, and Z axes to the origin as defined in your G-code.
18. Engrave the PCB:
· Start the job to engrave the copper layer, following the trace isolation G-code.
· If through-hole components are required, change the tool to a drill bit and load the drilling G-code.
19. Cut the PCB Outline:
· Switch to a cutting tool (e.g., an end mill) and load the cutout G-code to trim the PCB to its final size.
Step 5: Post-Processing
20. Clean the PCB:
· Remove burst and copper dust using fine sandpaper or a scouring pad.
· Wash the board with isopropyl alcohol to remove debris.
21. Drill Holes and Populate Components:
· If it is not already done during milling, drill holes for through-hole components.
· Populate the PCB with components and solder them in place.