Just bought this 4 days ago. It came in today and I have soldered the whole kit together already. (Fit kit) Tomorrow I will install and I'm stoked! Thanks John!
Just bought one last week will be installing it soon. Only downside to this setup s the wire's, that connects to the shift light needs to be much much longer so you can mount the light far from the control box.
Is there a way to add 4 segments of colors instead of 3? The shift lights have 16 leds, if 4 segments are added instead of 3 that even the number of LEDs...you can then have 4 segments with 4 different colors. Instead of 3 segments that you are forced to have one segments with 5 LEDs and only 3 colors. Just curious if that is possible.
Nice work! What kind of tach signal voltage are you expecting to see coming into the unit? If you were to hook this directly to the negative side of an ignition coil would it still work? Or would you need an ignition box with a 12v digital tach output signal?
Thanks! this shift light works with a 5-12v DC digital tach output, typically from an engine control module/computer or ignition module. It has not been tested directly to an ignition coil and I wouldn't recommend it. Thanks again!
I just learned of this company called Dakota Digital that makes various conversion products that would work perfectly with my shift light! Talk about good timing! (Thanks "Infamous Drift Team") www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=127/category_id=694/mode=prod/prd127.htm
Chippernut so if I’m understanding the mechanics of their unit, you connect your existing ignition signal to it and it outputs a lower, more usable digital signal that the shift light is more compatible with. This is similar to what an MSD ignition does with its 12v digital tach output and its how my Shift Light is operating now. I did have it running off the negative side of my coil prior to getting the MSD but you need a 30k resistor on the input signal.
I believe you are correct. I haven't tested these products, but I'm going to. This could be a great companion for those with vehicles that don't have the necessary signal for the chippernut shift light.
Hello. thanks for your interest. The LED strip length is variable based on the number of LEDs and the type of LEDs you choose. It can be 3/8" to about 12" using the standard LEDs. Head to the product pages on Chippernut.com to see the actual sizing specs for the LED strip. Thanks again
Im trying to do this off of a macchina M2 device, however im not sure how to do the programing and connect everything as it will all be wired to the output side of the M2 as opposed to off a board, any advice? This is my first arduino project
i am really interested in doinf something like his as a HUD in my track day car. My only concern is how i would connect it to the car. Would i be able to wire it through the obd2 port in the car or would this involve pulling apart the dash and splicing wires?
@@franknativi out of curiosity what year mini you have? I'm about to give it a go and install it in a Audi S3 2016 and I'm suspecting that I will need to tap the obd2 port. Since mini is german it should be similar to my Audi.
Eli Thanos I have a 02 mini Cooper S r53. And yea most likely you'll be tapping on the odb2. Make sure you'll do it from the back so you always have easy access to connect the odb2 reader
@@franknativi thanks a lot. I'm a bit confused about it...if I can just tap straight to cable as you said from the back of the obd port or If I need the obd ll tachometer interface from dakota digital.
Eli Thanos as far as I know most car have a rpm signal going thru odb2 port but im willing to be there are other places in the car where you can find rpm signal. Odb2 is easiest tho.
So I have the first Gen. Works great but im planing on ordering the v3 I'm just wondering if I can order it with the last led you displayed on the video (the very thin and flexible one). Can we? Or I can order it separately I don't mind. Just need the model for the led.
Hi Frank, Hopefully soon. I've been emailing the manufacturer just about every week for the last 6 months to get more of them on-hand. I was told I should have them in a couple of weeks, Fingers Crossed. Thanks again and glad to hear you like the shift light! If you can find them elsewhere, they are the APA102C-2020 model LED. They are in extremely high demand right now.
Hello - Excellent question. The challenge is the power draw caused by the LEDs. In some instances, the LEDS can use quite a bit of power, and the dip in current can starve the Amtel chip causing issues. To solve this, I use a dedicated L78L09 to feed the onboard "nano" 7805. Sounds kinda silly, but it made the most sense considering the processor needs a steady 5v to run and it already has a 5v regulator on the "nano" board. In previous iterations of the shift light, the "nano" board got power directly from the 12v input supply. The problem here is, most vehicles either have more than 12v while running (sometimes 14-16v from the alternator) or a very, very noisy supply. This caused premature failure of the amtel chip or overheating of the onboard 7805 -- which really shouldn't ever exceed 12v. So the designed setup is quite stable in that it's filtered and regulated twice. Hope this clarifies for you -- thanks again for stopping by.
if I pull from the crankshaft sensor is that RPM? It's tapped for my gear shift indicator that works flawlessly but you have to be clutched out at 2k RPM so I'm not sure if it would read? I need a mount for this and I'm worried doing triple digits would make this fly away if I hot glue? Is the RPM reading accurate or it has to be calibrated? I want my first green light to activate at like 10k rpm then gradually ramp up and massive blink at 16k.
Unfortunately the shift light will not operate off the crankshaft sensor, it must be a 5v-12v square wave, typically from a computer controlled igntion system or engine controller - stock or aftermarket. You'll have to research your particular application to determine where you can get this signal from. This does not work off sensors or spark wires. In regard to mounting, the flexible strip has a 3M VHB backing, but I would recommend incorporating it into your instrument cluster or building/buying an enclosure for the LEDs. Once connected to a good RPM signal, the RPM reading is extremely accurate - it can be fine-tuned in the menu system as well. You can totally customize when each section starts/stops and at what RPM it activates. Hope this helps
Can it be configured to a 2 cyl? Was wanting to install on a HD nightrod, from what I have gathered it doesn't have a standard pulse signal. That's where the whole thing went over my head.
Hi +Ace Man Yes, it can, so long as the engine has a computer controlled ignition. Otherwise you'll need a tach-adapter. Autometer and Dakota Digital both sell units that might work to convert conventional ignition into a digital signal. Hope this helps
about that last led set, it looks like you have it available in 1 meter increments on your site. Are you going to offer it in 16 led increments in the future?
Great question. I am working with the manufacturer to design a smaller, modular segment. I'm thinking in groups of 10 LEDs, but might change that to 8 or 16 depending on feedback from the community.
Yes definitely. Up to 32 LEDs. You can add more than that if you modify the code and add a larger power supply, the internal buck regulator follows the standard pinout for most 7805 and other chips. Hope this helps. You can also get the APA102 in an LED strip with various spacing - check amazon and ebay. Thanks!!
The shift light is tested over 20,000 rpm. Just make sure you have a reliable signal from an ignition controller or engine computer. Several companies make tach adapters if you do not.
this is amazing work and i want to buy it because i currently lack a Tach... BUT my ecu uses some kind of strange algorithm of sorts and cannot just tap to its signal (nissan 350z vq35de swap on another car) so would i need something like a dakota digital converter to use with this tack? or can i use the existing signal from something like say... the crank or cam sensor?
Great questions! thanks for watching. I've never heard of that dakota digital converter before, thanks for mentioning it. That's very interesting! Actually they have quite a few products that would help a good number of potential customers (like those with CDI ignition). Crazy I've never heard of this before. Based on what I can get from the manuals, this would work perfectly with the shift light! I can't thank you enough for sharing this.
check out chippernuts forums , someone was asking the same question on there. I think he ended up tapping into one of the coil packs, but don't quote me on this.
The flexible micro LED (apa102-2020) is not available in reasonable lengths. The manufacturer only produces 1m lengths and they are quite expensive and hard to source. That's why we created our own version called the StarChip16 board. Same LEDs, but much more reasonably priced and plenty available.
How can i install to mu car bro. My car don't have dimmer shift light so only 1 rpm wire need to tap, but how can i detected correctly wire for rpm signal? My car is kia picanto. And other bike is honda cbr 600 2016 many thank.
hey man, I have gone through your code, and boy this is one long code for me but was very interesting to see how everything works. can you please explain to me how the rotary encoder code works, you know the rotaryprocess() that you wrote.it would be very helpful and kind from you if you could explain it, cuz I am a beginner/student who loves to code, trying to learn.
While the input is protected against AC signals, the maximum voltage is 12v. It's designed for a digital signal from an engine controller, ignition controller, or other tachometer signal source. If you wish to pickup the signal via inductive or capacitive pickup, I would recommend a tachometer adapter from Dakota Digital, Autometer, or MSD depending on your application.
Keep it up love this kinda stuff, when you get a chance i would love to chat about a question, i posted on the forums if that helps. Again awesome work, can't wait to complete my project myself
Hello! This is super cool and I been thinking of doing a project using this. My goal is to mod my steering wheel to look like BMW's v2 steering wheel. Has anyone done anything close to this and installed the LEDs on the steering wheel? Thank you
Are you still in business? I have try contacting you over eBay and via your website and I put a order yesterday for 20 StarChip Digital LED Strip Black APA102C 144mm as I need a led strip replacement. I would appreciate if you answer my emails as I have a question on my order.
Yes I am still in business. :-) I'm just a little slow to respond to emails each week. I did get your messages and your order will ship tomorrow. For more info, please see my FAQ. www.chippernut.com/faq.html#/
Would you be interested in building something similar for me I’m working on bringing a product to market I’d purchase a lot of them from you. Pm me for more info I don’t wanna post my plans on the comments
Just bought this 4 days ago. It came in today and I have soldered the whole kit together already. (Fit kit) Tomorrow I will install and I'm stoked! Thanks John!
I have made this myself after your schematics and works great on my Ford Focus 2 1.6 TDCI. It's great. Keep up the good work.
I also want to make one for my bike please tell me what to do
Sure you did.
Just bought one last week will be installing it soon. Only downside to this setup s the wire's, that connects to the shift light needs to be much much longer so you can mount the light far from the control box.
When will the super skinny leds be available? Like at the end of video
what type of led strip is the last one you show in the video? I'm interested in being very flexible
Please update oled display for v2
Is there a way to add 4 segments of colors instead of 3? The shift lights have 16 leds, if 4 segments are added instead of 3 that even the number of LEDs...you can then have 4 segments with 4 different colors. Instead of 3 segments that you are forced to have one segments with 5 LEDs and only 3 colors. Just curious if that is possible.
Are you going to be offering that smaller 2020 led strip in your v3 kit? I'm still not seeing it on your site. Thanks.
Functional for 13krpm of dirtbike kx125cc? If so, to buy it on eBay
Can you make a V3 with WS2812B. Thank you so much
Nice work! What kind of tach signal voltage are you expecting to see coming into the unit? If you were to hook this directly to the negative side of an ignition coil would it still work? Or would you need an ignition box with a 12v digital tach output signal?
Thanks! this shift light works with a 5-12v DC digital tach output, typically from an engine control module/computer or ignition module. It has not been tested directly to an ignition coil and I wouldn't recommend it. Thanks again!
I just learned of this company called Dakota Digital that makes various conversion products that would work perfectly with my shift light! Talk about good timing! (Thanks "Infamous Drift Team") www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=127/category_id=694/mode=prod/prd127.htm
Chippernut so if I’m understanding the mechanics of their unit, you connect your existing ignition signal to it and it outputs a lower, more usable digital signal that the shift light is more compatible with. This is similar to what an MSD ignition does with its 12v digital tach output and its how my Shift Light is operating now. I did have it running off the negative side of my coil prior to getting the MSD but you need a 30k resistor on the input signal.
I believe you are correct. I haven't tested these products, but I'm going to. This could be a great companion for those with vehicles that don't have the necessary signal for the chippernut shift light.
Chippernut I agree!
What is the total length of the LED strip? And are there any mounting options?
Hello. thanks for your interest. The LED strip length is variable based on the number of LEDs and the type of LEDs you choose. It can be 3/8" to about 12" using the standard LEDs. Head to the product pages on Chippernut.com to see the actual sizing specs for the LED strip. Thanks again
funciona pero tener en cuenta la direccion de la tira led
I plan to replace the led RGB ws2812 with a 5mm red led dip. Which program do I need to change ??
Great 👍, I’ve buy it , it’s working good!!
Im trying to do this off of a macchina M2 device, however im not sure how to do the programing and connect everything as it will all be wired to the output side of the M2 as opposed to off a board, any advice? This is my first arduino project
i am really interested in doinf something like his as a HUD in my track day car. My only concern is how i would connect it to the car. Would i be able to wire it through the obd2 port in the car or would this involve pulling apart the dash and splicing wires?
Dan app I think it would depend on the car. On my mini cooper I was able to get he rpm signal from the odb2 connector
@@franknativi out of curiosity what year mini you have? I'm about to give it a go and install it in a Audi S3 2016 and I'm suspecting that I will need to tap the obd2 port. Since mini is german it should be similar to my Audi.
Eli Thanos I have a 02 mini Cooper S r53. And yea most likely you'll be tapping on the odb2. Make sure you'll do it from the back so you always have easy access to connect the odb2 reader
@@franknativi thanks a lot. I'm a bit confused about it...if I can just tap straight to cable as you said from the back of the obd port or If I need the obd ll tachometer interface from dakota digital.
Eli Thanos as far as I know most car have a rpm signal going thru odb2 port but im willing to be there are other places in the car where you can find rpm signal. Odb2 is easiest tho.
So I have the first Gen. Works great but im planing on ordering the v3 I'm just wondering if I can order it with the last led you displayed on the video (the very thin and flexible one). Can we? Or I can order it separately I don't mind. Just need the model for the led.
Hi Frank,
Hopefully soon. I've been emailing the manufacturer just about every week for the last 6 months to get more of them on-hand. I was told I should have them in a couple of weeks, Fingers Crossed. Thanks again and glad to hear you like the shift light! If you can find them elsewhere, they are the APA102C-2020 model LED. They are in extremely high demand right now.
Chippernut ok great thanks. Fingers crossed
please please please share with me the code only for the tachometer...i have my signal from the car but im having trouble with the code
www.chippernut.com/shift-light-v31.html#/
Hi can you power the nano or a atmega from the buck instead of having a separate 7805?
Hello - Excellent question. The challenge is the power draw caused by the LEDs. In some instances, the LEDS can use quite a bit of power, and the dip in current can starve the Amtel chip causing issues. To solve this, I use a dedicated L78L09 to feed the onboard "nano" 7805. Sounds kinda silly, but it made the most sense considering the processor needs a steady 5v to run and it already has a 5v regulator on the "nano" board. In previous iterations of the shift light, the "nano" board got power directly from the 12v input supply. The problem here is, most vehicles either have more than 12v while running (sometimes 14-16v from the alternator) or a very, very noisy supply. This caused premature failure of the amtel chip or overheating of the onboard 7805 -- which really shouldn't ever exceed 12v. So the designed setup is quite stable in that it's filtered and regulated twice. Hope this clarifies for you -- thanks again for stopping by.
+Chippernut, does it work for 16k RPM?
Yes, it's been tested to work higher than 20k RPM
if I pull from the crankshaft sensor is that RPM? It's tapped for my gear shift indicator that works flawlessly but you have to be clutched out at 2k RPM so I'm not sure if it would read? I need a mount for this and I'm worried doing triple digits would make this fly away if I hot glue? Is the RPM reading accurate or it has to be calibrated? I want my first green light to activate at like 10k rpm then gradually ramp up and massive blink at 16k.
Unfortunately the shift light will not operate off the crankshaft sensor, it must be a 5v-12v square wave, typically from a computer controlled igntion system or engine controller - stock or aftermarket. You'll have to research your particular application to determine where you can get this signal from. This does not work off sensors or spark wires. In regard to mounting, the flexible strip has a 3M VHB backing, but I would recommend incorporating it into your instrument cluster or building/buying an enclosure for the LEDs. Once connected to a good RPM signal, the RPM reading is extremely accurate - it can be fine-tuned in the menu system as well. You can totally customize when each section starts/stops and at what RPM it activates. Hope this helps
Where can I buy? Plzzz
Can it be configured to a 2 cyl? Was wanting to install on a HD nightrod, from what I have gathered it doesn't have a standard pulse signal. That's where the whole thing went over my head.
Hi +Ace Man Yes, it can, so long as the engine has a computer controlled ignition. Otherwise you'll need a tach-adapter. Autometer and Dakota Digital both sell units that might work to convert conventional ignition into a digital signal. Hope this helps
about that last led set, it looks like you have it available in 1 meter increments on your site. Are you going to offer it in 16 led increments in the future?
Great question. I am working with the manufacturer to design a smaller, modular segment. I'm thinking in groups of 10 LEDs, but might change that to 8 or 16 depending on feedback from the community.
Would this be possible with more LEDs wanting to build a pillar type gauge
Yes definitely. Up to 32 LEDs. You can add more than that if you modify the code and add a larger power supply, the internal buck regulator follows the standard pinout for most 7805 and other chips. Hope this helps. You can also get the APA102 in an LED strip with various spacing - check amazon and ebay. Thanks!!
Chippernut awesome thank you I was going to use something like this for my race car
Awesome!! Thanks for your interest. If you do decide to go with our shift light, please share pictures / videos. :) We love seeing custom installs.
Chippernut will do hopefully it'll be something nobody's ever seen before
Will this work up to 16000rpm?
(Planning on installing it in my 2000 Yamaha R6)
follow
The shift light is tested over 20,000 rpm. Just make sure you have a reliable signal from an ignition controller or engine computer. Several companies make tach adapters if you do not.
Can I use neopixel led strip for this version?
No - you must use an APA102C or compatible LED. Neopixels will not work.
Where will I get the buck convertor
Just search online bro...5v 3 amps would be enough
this is amazing work and i want to buy it because i currently lack a Tach... BUT my ecu uses some kind of strange algorithm of sorts and cannot just tap to its signal (nissan 350z vq35de swap on another car)
so would i need something like a dakota digital converter to use with this tack?
or can i use the existing signal from something like say... the crank or cam sensor?
Great questions! thanks for watching. I've never heard of that dakota digital converter before, thanks for mentioning it. That's very interesting! Actually they have quite a few products that would help a good number of potential customers (like those with CDI ignition). Crazy I've never heard of this before. Based on what I can get from the manuals, this would work perfectly with the shift light! I can't thank you enough for sharing this.
check out chippernuts forums , someone was asking the same question on there. I think he ended up tapping into one of the coil packs, but don't quote me on this.
Cool👍Where can I buy and how much?
What's the third style led bro? I just buy 1 set from you.
The flexible micro LED (apa102-2020) is not available in reasonable lengths. The manufacturer only produces 1m lengths and they are quite expensive and hard to source. That's why we created our own version called the StarChip16 board. Same LEDs, but much more reasonably priced and plenty available.
How can i install to mu car bro. My car don't have dimmer shift light so only 1 rpm wire need to tap, but how can i detected correctly wire for rpm signal? My car is kia picanto. And other bike is honda cbr 600 2016 many thank.
hey man, I have gone through your code, and boy this is one long code for me but was very interesting to see how everything works. can you please explain to me how the rotary encoder code works, you know the rotaryprocess() that you wrote.it would be very helpful and kind from you if you could explain it, cuz I am a beginner/student who loves to code, trying to learn.
brilliant code, by the way, thumbs up
Please respond
it's safe for AC electrical ignition? if yes i'll pick up at CDI out pins to the coil:D if not, how? thanks bro✨
the voltage around 12v
While the input is protected against AC signals, the maximum voltage is 12v. It's designed for a digital signal from an engine controller, ignition controller, or other tachometer signal source. If you wish to pickup the signal via inductive or capacitive pickup, I would recommend a tachometer adapter from Dakota Digital, Autometer, or MSD depending on your application.
@@Chippernut is it available tach adapter for motorcycle?
Keep it up love this kinda stuff, when you get a chance i would love to chat about a question, i posted on the forums if that helps. Again awesome work, can't wait to complete my project myself
I'll check out the forums - thanks for commenting!
Hello! This is super cool and I been thinking of doing a project using this. My goal is to mod my steering wheel to look like BMW's v2 steering wheel. Has anyone done anything close to this and installed the LEDs on the steering wheel? Thank you
you bet. a few people have done it
ua-cam.com/video/hHr0QIVnMCE/v-deo.html
One more 25350363.weebly.talkiforum.com/20141214/lowrys-2003-zo6-corvette-4441691/
Are you still in business? I have try contacting you over eBay and via your website and I put a order yesterday for 20 StarChip Digital LED Strip Black APA102C 144mm as I need a led strip replacement. I would appreciate if you answer my emails as I have a question on my order.
Yes I am still in business. :-) I'm just a little slow to respond to emails each week. I did get your messages and your order will ship tomorrow. For more info, please see my FAQ. www.chippernut.com/faq.html#/
👍
hi!! can you giveme the codes}'?
absolutely :) github.com/chippernut
@@Chippernut you are the number ONE
Would you be interested in building something similar for me I’m working on bringing a product to market I’d purchase a lot of them from you. Pm me for more info I don’t wanna post my plans on the comments