X-Gauge

Mod Description

The X-Gauge is a digital gauge capable of displaying up to 7 parameters from the ECU onto a screen that fits into the standard clock pod.

Mod Details

PremiumNo Difficulty Mod ID618 Creditevilution For Linkhttps://dev.evilution.co.uk/mod/x-gauge.htm Copy to Clipboard

 The X-Gauge

The first thing worth mentioning about the X-Gauge is the wow factor, as soon as you turn your car on you are greeted by a nice little intro.

X-Gauge logo.
Welte Engineering logo and then
A picture of the smart.

This start up can be shortened or turned off but why would you want to? The second thing is the information available to the X-Gauge is very impressive. Sure there are a few things that you may never use or understand but it’s all configurable to how you like it. The information may be displayed on a small screen but because the display is of such a high resolution and quality, viewing isn’t a problem.

How Accurate Is The Info?

It’s spot on. Overshadowing the mechanical gauges by a mile.

RPM – spot on
Coolant temperature – spot on
Intake pressure – spot on (taking into account ambient pressure too)
Throttle position sensor – spot on

This brings me to the vehicle speed display.

We all know that the standard speedo reads fast (usually by 3mph) and to have an accurate reading you need to look to sat nav. I have news for you, the X-Gauge displayed the same speed as my Tomtom Go all the way up to the national speed limit. (I will test it higher when the road conditions are safe to do so). Not only is it there for measuring performance, it can be used very successfully to get better Miles Per Gallon. I had ‘Average MPG’, ‘Throttle position’, ‘Engine load’ and ‘Boost’ displayed and found it was easy to balance these to get really good MPG. I also found it stopped me speeding in an attempt to get a decent petrol payback. There seems to be so many possibilities, these are just a few I have discovered in the last week. I’m sure some of you dedicated smart weirdos can think of many more.

Fitting – Easy Or Not?

Easy, plus you don’t really need a whole bunch of tools.

From start to finish took just over 30 minutes, no swearing, no injuries, no head scratching. Follow the instructions packaged with the X-Gauge and have a peek at my fitting pics.

The only discrepancy I found was feeding the wires through the pod, the hole in the base of the pod is too small and really needs to be drilled out a bit to allow the OBD pins to pass through.

The only part I found hard was clipping the module in place, scary amount of force needed to seat it properly. The trick is not to push the screen.

Disadvantages To Using The X-Gauge

The main problem is keeping your eyes on the road, with the gauge displaying its mesmerising yellow aura the road comes second.

So many parameters to choose from – I recommend deciding what you want displayed and where on the screen BEFORE you go for that first drive. Fumbling with menus whilst driving or at traffic lights isn’t ideal.

Problems With My Test X-Gauge

These problems will be reported to Welte-Engineering so they can be looked at before they are made for public sale.

The original clock has rubber membrane switches whereas the X-Gauge has micro switches. The micro switches are much more reliable and have a better tactile feel but I found the buttons rattle against them.

One problem that I had is noted in the manual. There are a few parameters that are too long to fit next to each other so you may get part of the number flashing. Not a major problem, you just have to rearrange a few things.

Updates

Apr-20-2006 – Software version 1.5

The one delivered with the first production units, adds the following new features:

– Tracking of maximum vehicle speed.
– Correction factor for vehicle speed (error compensation, wheel size adjustment).
– Turbo cool down timer.
– Constant ambient pressure value can be deducted from absolute intake pressure.
– Display can be switched between normal and inverse type.
– Deceleration measurement is no longer available.

I am proud to say that 4 of the new parameters were suggested by me.

July-16-2006 – Software version 1.6

I am happy to announce this update as it has been a setting that I have wanted to play with since first getting the X-Gauge.

– Horizontal and Vertical screen flip added.
– Start-up ‘FOR’ picture removed.

I have been considering a rudimetary H.U.D. (head up display) for the smart, I suggested it to Roland and thankfully it was easily added.

Is It Worth Getting Then?

Oh my God yes, this is the most important product of 2006.

There are 3 categories of people:

I think, as you have read this far, that you fall into the first or second category. I’m sure some will be both 1 and 2.

The most important things about the X-Gauge are that it’s cheap for what it is and very easy to fit.

I count myself as being very lucky to be the first X-Gauge owner in the UK but I am sure by the end of the year it will be the norm to own one if you are into modifying. Even if you aren’t modifying it’s worth getting as it gives you the opportunity to diagnose problems with your car simply by viewing the readouts on the display.

Start saving up your paper round and pocket money, sell your Mum’s best china and go on the game. If your birthday is soon ask for an X-Gauge. Don’t ask for one for Christmas because that’s too far away.

Pros

• Displays up to 7 parameters
• Looks standard when in the pod
• Allows you to check performance of parts
• Allows you to drive more efficiently
• Easy to fit
• Deletion of ECU error codes

Cons

• Careful of the screen when you push the PCB into the pod
• Finding a clock pod can be hard now
• Initially very distracting

Evilution Conclusion Still the best bit of kit for the smart even after 2 years. Opens up possibilties and gives you the opportunity to check facts and figures. (Evil)