For those passionate about vehicle efficiency and real-time monitoring, the MPGuino project emerges as a fascinating creation. Born from the collaborative efforts at opengauge.org, MPGuino is designed to enhance energy monitoring in vehicles, providing users with a detailed view of their fuel consumption.
This innovative device boasts a range of display screens, capable of simultaneously showing instant and current trip data. Whether you’re interested in real-time MPG figures, tank data, or larger, more easily readable MPG numbers for instant, current, and tank readings, MPGuino delivers. Its precision in tracking fuel usage and distance is a standout feature, offering accurate insights into your vehicle’s fuel economy.
The development of MPGuino is a testament to community collaboration, with significant input, testing, and patience from numerous individuals. A special acknowledgment is due to the Arduino community, whose user-friendly microprocessors and shared examples have been instrumental in simplifying the complexities of this project.
Delving into the code reveals advanced concepts, including:
- Event scheduler: This feature allows users to predefine event functions and schedule their next call in milliseconds, proving invaluable for debouncing in interrupt schemes and general task scheduling.
- Microseconds and elapsedmicroseconds functions: These functions offer precise time measurement, surpassing millisecond accuracy. This setup enables simultaneous timing of multiple events, independent of hardware timer limitations. (Note: These functions utilize a custom ISR on timer 2, remaining independent of timer1 and timer0.)
- Arrays of function pointers, Class definitions of Objects, and Namespaces: These programming paradigms contribute to the code’s structure and efficiency.
- Interrupts: Utilized for injectors, buttons, and speed signal processing, ensuring real-time data acquisition.
- EEProm & Progmem: Employed for storing setup values and reducing RAM usage, respectively, optimizing resource management.
- String formatting & 64-bit math routines: Custom routines enhance data presentation and calculation accuracy.
- Double digit display precision: Provides detailed fuel consumption metrics.
- Button/Screen navigation & Value editor: Facilitates user-friendly interaction and customization.
- Non-consecutive LCD data pins: Offers flexibility in hardware setup.
- CPU utilization and free RAM monitor: Keeps users informed about system performance.
The accessibility of the code, designed for easy “cut and paste” implementation, lowers the barrier to entry for enthusiasts.
However, the most compelling aspect of MPGuino is its practical utility as a genuine MPG gauge. Users are already leveraging it to refine their driving habits for enhanced fuel efficiency, driven by various motivations for fuel conservation.
Explore the source code: http://opengauge.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/mpguino/mpguino.pde
For those interested in building their own MPGuino, an Arduino-friendly wiring diagram simplifies the process.
The project’s evolution is showcased through images of earlier prototypes, illustrating its development journey.
Moreover, for those with the expertise, a cost-effective scratch build option is achievable for around $20.
Further details on installation and specifications are available at:
http://ecomodder.com/wiki/index.php/MPGuino
MPGuino stands as a testament to the power of open-source collaboration and the potential for DIY solutions in enhancing vehicle diagnostics and fuel efficiency. It offers a hands-on approach to understanding and optimizing fuel consumption, making it a valuable tool for eco-conscious drivers and automotive enthusiasts alike.
