What Gauges Do You Like Better

[dontfeelcold]

Just after an opinion.

I am thinking of making some gauges up using a microcontroller I have. I can do it 2 ways. The 1st is to use a small motor or servo, and put a needle and scale on a circumference like a regular gauge. The 2nd option is to use a couple "seven segment displays" (fully lit up they show an eight) to show what the reading is.

What do you reackon is easier to read? and which one looks nicer?

[scathing]

An analogue-face gauge is easier to read at a glance. Visually, the angle of a needle registers a lot faster than an actual number. You glance at a needle and know its in the "safe" zone as a learned reaction. You can't glance at a string of digits - you need to actually "read" that number (which takes longer and requires your eyes to focus.) Your brain then needs to compare the viewed number with what it knows to be a safe value, which also requires more brain power.

58 and 68 look a lot different on an analogue face - if you're glancing at those numbers on a digital display they look almost the same. You need to "think" more about it.

This is especially the case on a speedo, or any other meter that has constantly fluctuating numbers. The biggest problem digital speedos had back in the day is that they refreshed quickly, and people had to sit and stare at the speedo to "register" how fast they're going.

For data that's not as likely to change as quickly (water and oil temps, battery voltage, etc) a digital display would be good. That way the user can register an exact number, for more accurate logging, to make better comparisons.

EDIT: Wait, when you say numbers do you mean actual numbers (0-9), or a row of bars that sequentially light up like an S2000 tacho?

[pablo101]

traditional analog for me, dont like digital in cars

[dontfeelcold]

My thoughts exactly on the numbers vs dials. Will stick with the dials then.

I meant Actual numbers 0-9. I was thinking of doing bar thing like S2000 dash or the data loggers. I was hoping to find a colour LCD screen that was fast enough, but I haven't tried that hard yet.

[Modena]

Dials with some numbers...

[700HP-GTR33]

Should have conducted a pole,,,,,

I miss the analogue watch in the car mounted like a show-piece.

The answer to you is....depends on what you are trying to read.

I.E.Love looking at the rev meter in my Nismo Cluster,but would also like a digital format below that will let me know when to change gear,or help me to change gears.ie drag racing

So it depends...function is better than looks.

[dontfeelcold]

With a simple micrcontroller you could make some funky gauges. Instead of having a needle that rotates to point to a reading, you could have LEDs on a circumference that light up as the temp/pressure etc goes up, then if it goes over a certain value the LEDs turn red. That would be even easier.

[700HP-GTR33]

With a simple micrcontroller you could make some funky gauges. Instead of having a needle that rotates to point to a reading, you could have LEDs on a circumference that light up as the temp/pressure etc goes up, then if it goes over a certain value the LEDs turn red. That would be even easier.

Your looking for a Christmas tree?

I though you were more interested in the way they design them...........

It is so you are not distracted by them and cause an accident.....

A good design is a functional one.......without the light show.....

[a20089]

Show some pictures of what you plan and get a more accurate result. Some things look good digital, but it's all in the layout.

[dontfeelcold]

I was curious as to what designs people like as far as functionality goes or what they find easier to read. Pretty much what scathing said. SO I won't be going with a number style display as it could possibly distracting.

I will make some models up, then post them.

Edited March 31, 2007 by dontfeelcold

[dontfeelcold]

regular needle style and christams tree.

(just imagine there are numbers on them)

[700HP-GTR33]

FOR RPM Nismo type gauges,,...with green to red light show below...running from left to right...that might look good.

This will indicate when to change gears.

Speedo kms...Nismo type sucks...

Large digital read out with car odometer underneath this....analogue.

Boost ,torque split and oil all to be like the nismo cluster"centre"...except for boost level.....Digital in centre.

And digital clock ...like a gentlemens time piece...analogue with clear numbers around it.

[dontfeelcold]

I will start with a oil pressure gauge, I don't have one on my R31.

I will have a play with needle style one first (the PICAXE microcontroller I have will do this easily) as the LED and Digital character types are easier to program for, but I will need a microcontroller with a lot more outputs unless I can think of a way to program it with only a few outputs.