Tested Gauge Clusters

[mudnut]

Because of the amount of threads about faulty gauges, lately, I am toying with the idea of buying some GQ gauge clusters and testing/repairing and selling them on an exchange basis on the forum, to trusted members. This would not be a full on business but more of a hobby, to start with. If it is successful, I am thinking of also doing the more technically advanced GU clusters. I have been interested in buying a good oscilloscope and signal generator for a long time, and this is a good reason to do so. To get started, I would need some help to get readings such as differing voltage inputs etc. And even average speed sensor readings for different tyre sizes. I would also need opinions on how much members would shell out for a tested cluster. The exchange would only work if everyone promptly returns their cluster and also I need to find replacement parts. Postage to my location may be a prohibitive cost too. This is only a pie in the sky idea at the moment, but let me know what you think. If I cant find original parts, I might have to retro fit after market ones.

[mudnut]

Any interest at all?

[BigRAWesty]

I was wondering if there was a test sequences for them.. Ie x voltage is half tank, or high oil pressure.

Is there such a thing coz I'd like to test mine to eliminate it from my issues..

[mudnut]

On the early model gauges, most of the input signals can be replicated by a simple voltage and variable resistor and the gauges tested with a multimeter. I want to view, (on an oscilloscope), the average inputs for the tacho and speedos and use a signal generator to produce almost the exact inputs for accurate measurement.

[BillsGU]

Most of them are rated at FSD at a certain current. All you would need to do is build yourself a variable constant current source (using a 7805 or such) and then get the gauge specs. Some gauges have the FSD spec written on them.

[mudnut]

I have the guts out of a few different power supplies left over from some other jobs, so it won't be a problem to build one to test Full scale deflection. But I would like to get some wiring looms and make a plug 'n' play unit. And the "Dearest, I need a an oscilloscope and signal generator" factor is at play here too.

[BillsGU]

You won't need much of a signal generator as it would need to be more of a pulse generator. Again a simple kit from Jaycar would do the job. The CRO would also need to be fairly basic as you would not need one with a high frequency response or a large bandwidth. You are mainly looking at pulses at low frequencies.

[mudnut]

I have done a bit of research and found some basic gear for reasonable prices. Brand new portable LCD oscilloscopes have come a long way since the CRO. I have even found one that has an in built sig gen. I also wish to get back into electronics, which has changed so much since the days of my apprenticeship, in the eighties. I have been shopping around for a small second hand metal lathe as well, so I can have the option of fully reconditioning alternator slip rings.

[megatexture]

Drop cuppa a pm incase he has missed this thread as I know his cluster was playing up.

[mudnut]

I'll pm him now, thanks.