Digital technology: Dashboard adds light bar message center

By Control Engineering Staff October 12, 2006
Light bar message center from Ametek Dixson adds digital technology to the company’s modular Next Generation Instrumentation (NGI) system. Amber backlighted LCD features two, 20-character lines.

A light bar message center (LMC) that incorporates digital technology is the latest addition to Ametek Dixson ‘s modular Next Generation Instrumentation (NGI) system. Designed for commercial, heavy-duty, and construction vehicles, the center receives messages from the vehicle data bus and signals from discrete switches and analog sensors throughout the vehicle. It processes data to drive telltales and gauge pointers, display vehicle information, or broadcast messages on the vehicle data bus.

The LMC features SAE J1587/1939 (CAN) data bus communication; automatic self-test on each power up; eleven switched inputs; seven analog inputs, two switched outputs and an audible warning device; push-button selectable displays and test functions; selectable primary display screens; backlight control for LCD and MGI gauges; and 12- or 24-V operation.

Amber backlighted LCD contains two, 20-character lines. Two switches with tactile feedback select and display trip information, fuel use, service data, and several diagnostic screens. LMC also displays fault codes and warning messages in real time. It can drive up to 12 NGI gauges and contains 18 telltales, each illuminated by red, green, blue, amber, or white LEDs. The LMC meets SAE J1455 and J1113 requirements for vehicular instrumentation and can withstand harsh conditions.

The NGI system is a digital, multiplexed dashboard instrument system developed as an alternative to traditional analog gauges. It is modular and suited for retrofits and new dashboard panels.