[netman]

So anyone have any ideas as to how to imbed the lights into a custom steering wheel and make the required electrical connections?

[StefVan]

Originally Posted by netman

So anyone have any ideas as to how to imbed the lights into a custom steering wheel and make the required electrical connections?

In theory, it would be very possible to do. But I'm not sure it's worth it

[StefVan]

This video is a bench test of the Plug and Play Shift Light for the F430. As mentioned before, this Shift Light integrates a specific CAN Bus Interface which plugs directly on the F430 OBD-II diagnostics connector. Grace to the broadcasted data on the F430 CAN Bus, the Interface manages the powering of the Shift Light as well as the RPM pulses generated from the CAN Bus data. Every 50ms, RPM data is sent to the Shift Light display.

The Quality Control of each assembled Shift Light is made on a real test bench CAN Bus having several ECU's including the CAN Bus interface which is part of the Shift Light solution. The Shift Light is connected to the bench CAN Bus with it's OBD-II J1962 connector. A specifically developed software simulates the F430 by sending the specific F430 data on the bench CAN Bus.

As you can see in this video, when the F430 ignition is switched on, the Can Bus Interface wakes up. The Shift Light is then automatically powered and after its visual initialisation sequence, displays the supplied voltage. The oscilloscope displays no RPM pulses. When the engine is cranked on a real F430, the voltage drop will be displayed on the Shift Light (obviously this can't be simulated on the bench). As soon as the engine start phase is finished and starts idling, the approx 1000 RPM is displayed on the Shift Light. The engine is then revved several times up to the limiter which can be observed by the flashing LED’s. On the oscilloscope, the pulse frequency changes can be also be seen and matches a ratio of 1rpm=16.66Hz. Notice how fast the Shift Light reacts when revving hard up to the limiter. When the engine is stopped, the Interface switches off automatically the power of the Shift Light and the Interface itself goes in sleep mode.

[Tio]

Wow!

This is perfect Stef.
Can wait for it, I am really looking forward to getting it installed on the car!
Thanks on behalf of all of us and keep up the good work!

[StefVan]

Thanks very much Harry . I just got delivered today of all parts for the first batch and will start assembling and delivering them in the next days

[430Addict]

Hey buddy. I'm back. Sent you the payment earlier today. Apologies for the delay.

[StefVan]

No worries and thanks very much buddy Your parcel has been shipped this morning (I sent you an email)

[Tio]

He He!

Thanks Santa Stef!


I expect mine any day too!

On behalf of all of us, a BIG thanks for all your help!

[StefVan]

Thanks very much my friend Harry

[Tio]

I got my parcel!
Thanks so my Stef!
I have to admit the quality of the whole unit is beyond belief!
You must have spent an awful lot of time preparing these unit.
Thank you soooo much!

I will post some pictures nice I install it.

Thanks again my friend!

[StefVan]

Thanks very much Harry I'm very glad you received your parcel and liked the unit. Our cars deserve the best technology Can't wait to see your pictures and your review. As you will discover, you can configure the Shift Light in many many ways. For instance, you can configure the LED's to illuminate only in a certain range of rpm as well as the desired steps like for instance every 500 rpm or 250 rpm. You can play around with all the parameters. Just remember, if you make a full reset, to configure again the calibration value to 1 (the factory default is 2).

There is also another feature I didn't mention here yet. If you install the Shift Light unit exactly as I described in the installation manual (positionned right behind the VIN number), you'll have a perfect reflexion of the LED lights at the top of the windscreen. It is bright enough to see them in the windscreen without having to put your eyes down towards the steering wheel. It's pretty useful especially when you want to observe the rpm while you're in a turn. I use it very often

Enjoy my friend

[netman]

Stef;
Does your system work in the 360?

[StefVan]

Netman, the 360 doesn't have a B Can-bus on the OBD connector but there may be another way around, still using the OBD connector. I'm investigating this and will let you know

[netman]

Thanks. I look forward to hearing your findings

[430Addict]

"Impossible" does not exist in Stef's dictionary.

[Tio]

Originally Posted by 430Addict

"Impossible" does not exist in Stef's dictionary.

F430 Addict, did you get one set as well?
I will try to install mine today, since I finish work early and it's a nice sunny day to spend some quality time with the car!

[StefVan]

Hi Harry, F430Addict got one as well as Anders and some other non FL members

How is the installation going on your car? Did you have time to try it out?

[Tio]

Originally Posted by StefVan

Hi Harry, F430Addict got one as well as Anders and some other non FL members

How is the installation going on your car? Did you have time to try it out?

Hi Stef!

Yes, I installed it last Sunday and it was basically foolproof!
The way you made it, it's a piece of cake!

I was so busy these last few days that I didn't get the chance to sit and browse the internet at all!

It works fantastically well!

I haven't positioned the unit permanently yet because I am experimenting with the location.
I will post a couple of pictures this evening to give me your idea.

Thanks so much Stef!

[Tio]

Just so everyone can see, the first pictures shows the contents of the parcel, the second and third show the 2 different places that the unit can be installed.
I am not sure what everyone thinks, but I found that if it is placed facing upwards at the back of the steering wheel cover, it doesn't restrict at all the view of the instrument panel and also it is more pleasant to the eyes.
It can still be seen from the corner of your eye, while driving without having to take your eyes off the road.

Stef, I have temporarily left it in this position as a trial and then I will see if there are any other options.

Once again, thank you very much!
It is a brilliant idea and so well executed that puts many factories to shame!


Keep up the good work and thanks for helping us all my friend!

[StefVan]

Hi Harry,

Thank you so much for sharing your impressions in your different posts! I’m very happy you like it which counts most of all

I like very much how you positioned the Shift Light which is certainly better as it will not restrict at all the instrument panel. Very nice finding ! I’m quite tall which makes it easier to see the instrument panel when positioned on the VIN flat area but your idea is ideal.

The fact this part of the steering wheel column is rounded and the Shift Light is flat, is the Shift Light sitting still stable enough on the steering column? I will definitely try this position also this WE . I’m wondering if positioned as such, I still would see the Shift Light LED reflection in the windscreen.

Anders also is trying different positions as he installed already a digital speedometer there. He will report his findings also.

I noticed one thing on your picture. The Shift Light indicates a voltage value between 11 and 12 volts. Are you certain that your battery is in good condition or maybe you left the ignition on for a while? With the shift light, you can check the voltage drop when starting the engine. At a minimum, the first LED should remain on (=9 volts), the best being 2 LED’s on. I’ve tested a lot this part together with my oscilloscope to have an accurate reading of voltage drop.

Thanks again very very much my friend!