Koso Mini LCD Engine Temperature Gauge

[cberkeley]

I came across this little goodie in the J&P Cycles catalog and having recently rebuilt my engine, I felt that it may be a good idea to keep tabs on the engine temp (OK, I'm a tech-type and just could not resist one more instrument in the cockpit).:-D
The unit is very small 2 1/8” x 1 1/8” x 3/8” and mounts to any clean flat surface with the supplied adhesive-backed Velcro pad.

[brveagle]

impressive read, thanks

And if i may ask, what are the LED's on your gauge clusters? Did you wire them to act as highbeam and battery light?

[prefect]

I remember seeing the digital clock/thermometer/voltage meter you have just below your bars on ebay. I was thinking it would be something nice to have, but I wasn't sure if it would be too obtrusive. However, your pic has definitely sold me on one. The problem is, I can't remember how I came across it on ebay. Did you pick that up somewhere else, perchance?

Would you mind directing me to an auction or parts supply store where I can pick one of those up?

cheers

[cberkeley]

impressive read, thanks

And if i may ask, what are the LED's on your gauge clusters? Did you wire them to act as highbeam and battery light?

The blue one flashes when the alarm is armed and he red flashes when the side-kickstand is down.

[cberkeley]

I remember seeing the digital clock/thermometer/voltage meter you have just below your bars on ebay. I was thinking it would be something nice to have, but I wasn't sure if it would be too obtrusive. However, your pic has definitely sold me on one. The problem is, I can't remember how I came across it on ebay. Did you pick that up somewhere else, perchance?

Would you mind directing me to an auction or parts supply store where I can pick one of those up?

cheers

Best price I've found and purchased mine from:

http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=14124&Category_Code=Electronics

[first timer]

Best price I've found and purchased mine from:
http://www.casporttouring.com/store/...de=Electronics

CB why are you running 2 temp gauges? doesn't the one listed above show oil temp too if you wired the sensor into it?

-ryan

[cberkeley]

That one has internal and remote thermistors for measuring ambient temperatures. Therefore the range is low for oil temp purposes. I would have had to interface a different sensor to the remote unit for the oil temp and therefore would have had to mess with calibraion and the like. Was just easier to get he little Koso unit.

[first timer]

how hard would it be to set up that unit to run engine temp, i love the idea of having everything centrally located.

your a eletronics guy right? what would it take? if i bought all the parts you think a tv repair guy could make it work?

-ryan

[cberkeley]

how hard would it be to set up that unit to run engine temp, i love the idea of having everything centrally located.

your a eletronics guy right? what would it take? if i bought all the parts you think a tv repair guy could make it work?

-ryan

I really have not had a good look at that aspect. It depends on where the limitations are, for instance; is it just the sensor's upper temp limit or the electronics may not count that far upscale, type of sensors and compatibility would be another issue. An electronics tech should be able to do some experimentation and see what gives. Will try to find some time and investigate further, however, I feel the costs may quickly add-up and exceed the little Koso unit.

[Dave8338]

:shock: So here’s the reply from Koso:

“Hello Sir,


The way to change the battery is very easy, you just need to remove the facing sticker on the front of the gauge and you will have access to the battery. If you need to change the battery let me know and I will send you an extra facing sticker by mail.

Best regards
Pascal “

In other words, "tear it apart, screws/slide chamber were too expensive to manufacture". :? I like the idea and functions and it looks good, but shred the thing to get a new battery in...Hmmmmmmm

[cberkeley]

Ha, Ha, ...I asked the dude to kindly send me two of them there stickers. While II' waiting for that to arrive I'm going to build me a tiny 12V to 3V C voltage Regulator. When the battery eventually dies, I'm going to find a spot to drill a small hole in he side to pass the small DC cord. This cord will go to the regulator, which I will connect and tuck away in the headlamp bucket. If there's apropriate space in there, I will also put an LED to illuminate the gauge. I'm not beat yet:-D

[Dave8338]

Ha, Ha, ... If there's apropriate space in there, I will also put an LED to illuminate the gauge. I'm not beat yet:-D

Never a doubt in my mind...:-D Now all you have to do is patent the process and sell them back the manufacturing rights. Oh wait, they were to lazy to make this option available in the first place. \\/

Dave

[cberkeley]

Koso has responded by sending me two faceplate stickers which would allow me to change the battery if I needed to. They also stated that, if the unit was left continuously powered on, the battery lasts up to two years and the lifespan is even greater if I remember to turn the unit off when not in use, so there should be little concern. I have however built myself a 12v to 3.3v regulator (tiny, simple thing), which I may retrofit to the unit when the time comes to change the battery.
Sorry about the double-post folks, but I felt that in all fairness to Koso, I should clear-up this issue .....it's just the way I am.