Gauges Analog or Digital

BenK wrote:
Most all digital gauges displays a single number...

analog gauges have a needle over laid on a face plate that a scale from Zero to max

Viewing a digital number, you have to mentally do some calculations of where that
number is in reference to the range...Zero to max

Viewing the needle, you don't need to do any mental calculations...it is at
whatever position on the scale...half way, 1/4 way, 3/4 way...etc...till it
touches the 'red' zone

I prefer analog gauges over digital

So that's why I like the analog gauges :B

But all the digital gauges I have seen do have provisions for min/max settings on them.

Don

I prefer an analog gauge while driving. Easy to see if it's in the proper range with a quick glance. However, the gauge should be calibrated with the appropriate scaling in Volts, PSI, Degrees F, etc. In my 2003 Dakota I have analog gauges labeled with Hi/Lo rather than actual values. Useless!

Carl

kzspree320 wrote:

APT wrote:
$10 pre-paid Android Cell phone
$5 Torque Pro
$15 Bluetooth OBDII Adapter

Analog, or digital, take your pick. Even graph the data and keep min/max. Still uses the primary vehicle computer data vs. secondary measurements.

I originally did this before the Edge. It's a good option and works well, but for my 2008 Dodge 2500 CTD it would not show the transmission temp, which is critical to me. I understand it does show the tranny temps for Ford and Chevy, but not for Dodge.

It won't show EGT's for Chevy/GMC.

My Edge Insight would freeze up about every 6 times I would start the truck. It would also not turn off sometimes. One time I went on a week fishing trip to come back to my Insight still on.

APT wrote:
$10 pre-paid Android Cell phone
$5 Torque Pro
$15 Bluetooth OBDII Adapter

Analog, or digital, take your pick. Even graph the data and keep min/max. Still uses the primary vehicle computer data vs. secondary measurements.

I originally did this before the Edge. It's a good option and works well, but for my 2008 Dodge 2500 CTD it would not show the transmission temp, which is critical to me. I understand it does show the tranny temps for Ford and Chevy, but not for Dodge.

I like my Edge Insight CTS. As you know, you can make it show analog readouts and it looks much like an analog gauge. Best thing is you can set alarms on just about everything and not really have to pay attention as much since the alarm will go off when the parameter reaches the set point you select. Example, when my post NOX EGT reaches 900F set point I know my regeneration is getting ready to occur. I have many alarms set for important parameters I want to monitor. Analog will also work, but you can't set alarm parameters. Good luck.

I went with an analog. EGT gauge.
Which ever way you go...mount the probe PRE-TURBO. It will be much more accurate.

$10 pre-paid Android Cell phone
$5 Torque Pro
$15 Bluetooth OBDII Adapter

Analog, or digital, take your pick. Even graph the data and keep min/max. Still uses the primary vehicle computer data vs. secondary measurements.

I believe the big difference between digital and analog is reaction time. I saw a video where a guy had both an analog and digital boost gauge and you could see the lag in the needles.

Edit. I was thinking electronic vs mechanical.
Mechanical vs electrical boost gauge comparison -…: http://youtu.be/BsVTAHf8foY

I don't have experience with that engine, but I don't think 2006 is old enough to be using actual analog senders that drive gauges directly for the various things that can be monitored.

It's been my experience with my own older vehicles (as far back as '96) that the analog gauges are "simulated" ... the computer (using the term loosely) is using a DAC - digital to analog converter to drive a motor in the analog gauge based on computed data from the OBD system, rather than an actual cable running from that gauge a sensor somewhere.

If you have a smartphone or tablet, check out an app called TORQUE - it works with a $20 wireless OBDII reader and will give you gauges on whatever data is exposed by the interface.

Personally I prefer the analog gauges because they are easier for me to read. I can just glance and see where the needle is on the gauge and have a good idea if it is where it should be. It only takes a glance. A digital gauge has to be actually read to see what the numbers are, and for me that takes more than just a glance.

I do like the idea of the gauges independent of the central computer. Just kind of a fall back condition.