Lotus dash guage font type needed for custom dashDAQ screen

[Whiskey]

I am trying to create a custom skin for my DashDAQ. So far, all I have is updated graphics for the default skin and these will likely change. For a nice touch, I would like to know what font mostly resembles numbers and lettering on the gauge cluster. I have over a 1000 fonts on my computer and could not find one that had similar serifs or shapes.

The gauges can be assigned and altered in just about any way with DashDAQ's skin editor. Go to dashdaq.com to get more info.

Please post or PM me the font file if you have one available. I'll post the images of my current screens whenever I get home.

[Whiskey]

Here are a few sample screen shots for my Storm Ti. I will probably change everything, but this is the first attempt at creating screens. I simply used the default theme and changed the graphics to appear more like the lotus. I really would like to have a similar font installed to make this look decent. Some work on the surrounds and background is needed.

A night version of a skin will be needed because the white gauges are so intense even with the dimmer turned all the way down. I will likely color the gauges with the factory backlit yellow color. But, I won't do this till I figure out a better way to display the info in the bright daylight. Higher contrast is definitely a must, and the look isn't "there" yet.

Just the first attempt, but really need a source on the font.

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by Whiskey

I am trying to create a custom skin for my DashDAQ. So far, all I have is updated graphics for the default skin and these will likely change. For a nice touch, I would like to know what font mostly resembles numbers and lettering on the gauge cluster. I have over a 1000 fonts on my computer and could not find one that had similar serifs or shapes.

The gauges can be assigned and altered in just about any way with DashDAQ's skin editor. Go to dashdaq.com to get more info.

Please post or PM me the font file if you have one available. I'll post the images of my current screens whenever I get home.

Will very nice job so far. I myself have been sitting on the dasdaq skin editor because I just haven't had the time yet to play with it. Any chance you might be willing to pass on your skins when you are finished? or maybe even collaborate after I've had the opportunity to play with it?

[Whiskey]

Absolutely scottyb. I may need your help with the install of my Innovate Motorsports LC-1. I believe you have one on your setup. I was thinking about adding a boost sensor and accelerometer with their LMA-3. Any help would by nice. Displaying the accelerometer would be pretty sweet beside the triple gauges.

Not like there is a huge market for Lotus owning DashDAQ users, but I will try my best at making a universal version vs the storm ti look. Night brightness levels really gets to me and I will probably make a version similar to "neon" or "night" skins, with the background and buttons almost completely blackened out. I will most likely modify the default theme bitmaps and put my own shading on everything, just as I have done with this first iteration.

[charliex]

My company/artist did the graphics for the DashDAQ, i'll ask him what font he used, you can probably buy it off one of the various truetype font sites.

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by charliex

My company/artist did the graphics for the DashDAQ, i'll ask him what font he used, you can probably buy it off one of the various truetype font sites.

Just to clarify. I am looking for the font used by Lotus on the gauge cluster and around the a/c controls of an Elise/Exige. It is italicized, all caps, and has very straight lines similar to a "tahoma" or "century gothic", but also include a serif on the 2 and 7 but not the 4. The 3 and 8 are somewhat squared up and the 6.... well you can just see that I am looking at all the little details. As you stated, I need the true type font if possible.

Thanks for any help. Hopefully you guys can have a decent looking dashdaq system and possibly some choices when I'm done with these iterations.

[charliex]

yep he pretty much knows all the fonts, i'll swing it by him. From recollection though its not off the shelf and has some bitmapped mods too it same as the logos

[Whiskey]

Another skin....
Similar, but I am using more of the original dash colors. I need to get the shadow to come over the gauge vs the current, gauge over the grey. (see actual dash)

Lots of other tweaks to do, but I would still like to know or receive a font that resembles the lotus gauge font.

The text still doesn't look right in this v 2.0

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I will continue to work occasionally on a skin until satisfied but will post any .ddskin versions that you see here if requested. If you see or want a slight change that I can pull off, let me know. I am still learning how to work with tga graphics and their alpha channel, so don't expect wonders, just reworks of the basics.

By the way, the greyish color at the bottom, nav area, looks a lot lighter on the actual DashDAQ, and more closely resembles the exterior shell of the unit. Tons of work to do. The last pic is the splash screen image when the dashdaq turns on. Little touches matter...

[jimmyhoffa]

Please post pics of the finished in car version!

[dma550]

Whiskey, this is cool! Does the dashdaq work well with the CAN bus? Do you get all readings from it, or did you have to run additional sensors? Is this going to be your cluster or an additional panel, and if so, where are you mounting it Inquiring minds who love gadgets want to know!

[Whiskey]

DMA,

I haven't had my car back from the dealer since I purchased the DashDAQ. Added 3M clear bra, and a paint touch-up. Had a bypass-valve actuator replaced and inspected a few other issues. Anyway, I don't know how I will mount the unit. Cool thing about a DashDAQ is that it is running Linux so it should be an all in one system. GPS/Gauges/ODBII scan tool/Media. The navigation software is still in beta, after months of waiting. There was a post about a media player, but I haven't seen squat about development of the vaporware. But, the gauges do work, and many customized screens can be developed and any data shown on those screens can be recorded to an SD card.

I was thinking of placing it just below the AC controls, just out of the way and because the unit can record, so I don't have to keep my eyes on the gauges.
It'd be nice to mount it higher, but I haven't seen any way of installing it in a way that looks livable. I don't want wires running all over the dash. I wouldn't be entirely against cutting the dash and mounting the unit just behind the center AC vents if I could get a shroud to house it.

What would be neat is to have a custom piece made to hold units like this, for gps, real analog gauges, etc., that will replace the vent/radio piece. Wiring would be tucked away and go through the dash. The AC/Radio piece is part number 9 on the picture. http://www.lotusgarage.com/shop/imag....05b_large.jpg

Or, have an instrument cowl that would include a similar space just above the speedo for additional gps, real gauges, etc. Part 7 http://www.lotusgarage.com/shop/imag...4.10_large.jpg . Something similar to any of the carbon fiber covers that we have all seen, with an added rectangular opening and maybe a tapered back to give an oem look to the part.

I haven't been able to tinker with this stuff. Jotted down a few drawings to explain my thoughts. These are rough, and all of the curves etc for styling aren't there, but you get the picture. I think a more "universal" product like these could be sold more easily. Leave the dark rectangular area in full so you can cut out the gauge, dashdaq or otherwise into the space. All of the cabling will go under the cowl and through the dash.

Now, who could make such a univeral mount like this?

[...m...]

...how deep is the dashDAQ display, stripped out?..i'm picturing a spare main instrument cowl, shaved inside, to mount an LCD sandwiched in front of the stock gauge location, effectively replacing them...

[Whiskey]

I can't answer you on the tech specs.

Here's a link to pretty much all of Drew Tech's info on the DashDAQ.
DashDAQ Series II - Technical Specifications

There is also a forum.
DashDAQ • Index page

[charliex]

the dashdaq doesn't use the can bus on the lotus, it uses the K lines so its still pretty slow, since its basically serial.

i mounted my in car display with a RAM mount.

[Whiskey]

I just received my car back from MAG in Dublin, OH. I hooked up the DashDAQ and immediately found the following.

The 2005 Lotus OBDII is somewhat slow, just like CX said.

I suctioned the unit to the glass, next to the left air vent and felt like it looked a bit temporary and messy. Most installation positions do not look factory or seem acceptable except for scottyb's.(just right of the AC control unit, see image). The unit is exactly dimensioned to wedge itself in our shelf. It is an oddly proper fit. I may position the unit just below the the aluminum tray, just under the AC, and see if it is functional and visible. But, so far, the tray is the most fitting place to put the unit. Viewing information as well as recording data is the Dashdaq's bit. Having the small screen next to the AC control is just as far away as a vertical gauge pod and without my knee in the way.

The graphics I created above did not match the interior of the car. The "neon" gauge type almost resemble the night time colors of the AC controls, so my next work will be toward that night skin..... At least I have my car back to create this accordingly.

The following image is from scottyb's article on creating a analog gauge pod. How to make your own Center Gauge Pod

[Whiskey]

Thought I'd post a few images from my night skin for the 05' lotus. The colors match the interior once they are viewed from the dashDAQ. The yellow actually matches the dash and the reddish orange matches the AC control lights. You might have to crank up the brightness on your computer monitor to actually see the all of the greys and dark colors. Color matching is difficult and depending on the exact angle viewed on the dashdaq, the hue changes slightly moving from my monitor to the car. Ah well... good ol' lcd tech.

I still haven't figured out a good style for the border of the digital gauges. Maybe some fiddling this weekend may help further development.

Also, I still need to install the wideband O2 sensor. But, that also requires time.

[scottyb]

Wow, looking great!

[dma550]

Looks good... Do you have any videos of it working? That would be very cool to see

[Tullamore]

BUMP! Is there any more on this project?

[Whiskey]

I just received a PM from another user about this as well. I have a night and day version, and mount the unit in a similar way as scottyb in post #15. I'll post images in the next few days of the screens.

I finally finished the yard work and now am reminded of yet another project that I want to complete.