Official MPGuino preassembled now available - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

drimportracing · 03-01-2009, 04:25 AM

I've been interested in the MPGuino since last year, I've got a 1992 Geo Metro LSi 3 cylinder convertible. I have a few questions:

If your on version 74 now and some later version looks better how do you update? I'm not program or electronic savvy; as a point, this will be the first thing I've soldered in over 20 years and have no idea how to load a program for the MPGuino.

If you want to encase the MPGuino what is a good option for the nontech user?

Can the 4 wires be built into a plug in harness and allow the MPGuino to be plugged in rather than hard wired? This seems like a very doable mod. Any suggestions? - Dale

dcb · 03-01-2009, 06:54 AM

randerson, the software is all loaded, v 0.75 is currently being shipped, working on options for tdi/audi at the moment. You can start with the wiki (don't need the assembly instructions). MPGuino - EcoModder , You will need battery power, ground, vss and injector leads, then once installed you can go into the setup screen by pressing left and right buttons simultaneously (briefly) and use left and right buttons to navigate the values and middle button to change the digit at the cursor or select OK or XX (Cancel) in the setup screen while in the vehicle.

dri, if you should need an update for some reason, you can "chip swap" with an existing arduino. If you are really in a bind I can reflash it if you send it (the chip or the unit) back via S.A.S.E, for say, 6 months from receipt.

I would suggect check out the enclosure threads, I don't usually bother, but they can be made out of anything. The plug-in would require custom plugs for every conceivable vehicle, and the plugs would probably cost twice as much as the unit. It does come with a 3.5 floppy style power connector and crimp pins so you can unplug the guino easily once installed.

dremd · 03-01-2009, 10:01 AM

If somebody is thinking about this; I say go for it.

II ordered all of my parts, then lost the guino; this way you only have 1 part to loose.

SVOboy · 03-01-2009, 04:26 PM

Posting in the weekly roundup, will have a dedicated blog post up this week to help promote the guino,

Ryland · 03-02-2009, 01:17 AM

This is exactly what I have been looking for! I will be making a donation as soon as I make sure the rest of my bills are paid as this device should pay for it's self within a year or two.
As far as plugs go, I would think if someone came up with a plug that would fit the civic, and one for the metro that they could easily sell them, because if you figure out how to make one then make a small batch of them.

SVOboy · 03-02-2009, 03:47 AM

The post will go live on the blog tomorrow.

Keep up the good work!

Sean T. · 03-13-2009, 02:17 AM

I am kindof confused also. What are the "updates"? Do we have to plug the MPGuino into the computer and download new software when an update is released?

Also, Can I order the pre-assembled one with the blue LCD screen? Or would I have to buy both and switch it out myself?

dcb · 03-13-2009, 03:17 AM

If your mpguino is working, you don't "have" to do anything. The subject of programming gets exponentially complicated from there, but if it isn't working at all and you don't have the facilities to reprogram it, then send it in with return shipping for reprogramming, for 6 months.

This is the bare bones mpg gauge, meant to be tossed onto the dashboard and used, not designed for development/programming/updating but the chip is socketed so it is not hard to reprogram it:
Open source PCB design

re: blue LCD, tried them, lots of glare, harsh at night. The yellow green ones have the best visibility under the most conditions after trying lots of LCDs and doing lots of testing with this model, so that is what I ship. Not enough unit volume here to get into a lot of hardware options here (each option requires testing too imho), but I can leave the LCD unsoldered if you really want to use one of your own choosing. Just make sure to communicate that.

P.S. this uses a standard 3.5 floppy power connector if you are looking to put plugs in multiple vehicles and have an old power supply handy.

Sean T. · 03-13-2009, 11:17 AM

So does the prebuilt model still show all the different readouts the kit does? Or does it only show tank mpg?

Daox · 03-13-2009, 11:19 AM

I ordered mine a week ago or so. It came a day or two later. Can't wait to install it! Accurate MPG with EOC, priceless!!!