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I have been thinking of a shift light. I don't care for installing equipment into the Mini to make it looks cool. Only things that have utility would get pass the first go/no go. I have to admit that I have at time been distracted on the track only to be saved by the RPM cutout in the DME. Most race shift gauges has more features than I think I need. Additionally the cockpit in the Mini is very constrained for any additional gauges if you want to maintain the elegant interior design.
I actually quite like this very reasonably priced Auto Meter shift light. It is the most reasonably priced product like this. However Mini already has a very legible rev counter at the most prominent location, so another tachometer just does not make sense for well-sorted car. Most race shift lights has gear indicator, which seem like a nice feature. The truth is I don't think anyone driving on the track find the gear indicator of much use.
Auto Meter 233911 Autogage Shift-Lite Tachometer
The only place to mount the Autogage Shift-Lite Tachometer is on top of the dash as it is quite large. The techometer diameter is 5 inches. The problem is the extra techometer is redundant and obscures a good part of the windshield. This is why I am thinking of making my own shift light, which would only have a single shift indicator light - mounted by the stock techometer. The only reason that I would want to bother with a project like this is I cannot find a minimalist shift light. A project like this can be done with a cheap Arduino controller. For the shift light alone, still the time and work required is hard to justified. To take advantage of the synergy I can bundle a few other functions that are sorely desired for the Mini.
The ones that comes to mind are:
Switch off the ASC traction control when the engine starts (making it opt-in instead of opt-out)
One touch passenger window autoup (this would be the most challenging to code)
Oil pressure loss siren and indicator and may be immediate engine shut off
These are just a few ideas that come to mind.
a simple indicator light like this mounted by the stock techometer would be ideal; it is essentially what the Auto Meter gauge but utilizing the stock techometer
For me I can be happy just to hard-code the RPM the indicator triggers as it is easy enough to modify and update the code.
Last edited by pnwR53S; Nov 22, 2017 at 11:59 AM.
Reason: added second photo
Oooooh it would be really cool if you were able to do something like this, with added buttons to control the aforementioned features!
I could be missing something. With that many LEDs, if it does not show the gear you are in, I do not see the merit. I may misunderstand how it work. I want something simplier.
The one that sarom058 posted a link to are just like the shift lights in a Ferrari. They light in sequentially then flash when you hit the redline. Cool and handy in my book if you track your call a lot.
I'm a kind of what I thought that is how it work. The LEDs illuminates like the tech. Green when you are not close to redline, and yellow as you get close, and red when you hit the wall. It is very easy to implement and code, but not so easy to fabricate a cohesive display assembly.
The key to human engineering is you want the most information with peripheral vision. Can achieve similar with one single indicator lamp that is tri colour. Needs to be very bright.
It sounds like you're thinking about designing another version of the highly in demand, but no longer available, Ian Cull auto-up circuit with an added provision for a shift light.
In the last version, v7, it would do the windows and had options for auto fog lights, DSC defeat on start-up, and a "hidden" aux switch output using one of the toggles in the switch bank.
I have been thinking of a shift light. I don't care for installing equipment into the Mini to make it looks cool. Only things that have utility would get pass the first go/no go. I have to admit that I have at time been distracted on the track only to be saved by the RPM cutout in the DME. Most race shift gauges has more features than I think I need. Additionally the cockpit in the Mini is very constrained for any additional gauges if you want to maintain the elegant interior design.
I actually quite like this very reasonably priced Auto Meter shift light. It is the most reasonably priced product like this. However Mini already has a very legible rev counter at the most prominent location, so another tachometer just does not make sense for well-sorted car. Most race shift lights has gear indicator, which seem like a nice feature. The truth is I don't think anyone driving on the track find the gear indicator of much use.
Auto Meter 233911 Autogage Shift-Lite Tachometer
The only place to mount the Autogage Shift-Lite Tachometer is on top of the dash as it is quite large. The techometer diameter is 5 inches. The problem is the extra techometer is redundant and obscures a good part of the windshield.
a simple indicator light like this mounted by the stock techometer would be ideal; it is essentially what the Auto Meter gauge but utilizing the stock techometer
Those are the perfect ones for the R53 methinks, as they are small and compact, plus the bracket could be easily bent and modified for nice mounting on back of our rev-counter similar to how the Alta gauge pods work --- it is the best solution for a clean look.
However,
I think that both those models require the digital controller...
...which adds $160 to the price, and also the conundrum of where to mount the little black box so it is clean as possible as to not become an unwanted eyesore.
So,
considering the price point involved, I am pushed toward the R56 JCW clone,
which would also be a very clean install and even look quite factory.
Big bonus is a very simple no-hassle install as well.
It's currently on sale over at Orranje for around $235 USD:
I'm still debating between the two --- both have their pros & cons.
I'm leaning toward the AutoMeter tube style though because it's more like a "peak indicator" and remains off until it hits the preset limits.
I'm not sure I'd be too fond of those LED lights always glaring in my eyeballs with the JCW style sequential unit,
like the green light is always on...
I should have known that they'd be configurable to whatever parameter the user may choose.
The sequential style is more like a WRC rally thing, while the tube style is more Nascar.
I usually don't go for Nascar style, but in this case I just like how it looks and operates.
Many of the Mustang guys use a brand called Raptor and they're a small style like the Autometer 5332/5334 mentioned above,
also note the nice whine of this GT500!
Missed shift?
LOL
