Tablet touchscreen dash display with ODB2. AI says to use proven Dakota

[skrit]

UPDATED with results from AI in my recent post from 10/11/26.


Touchy subject...my build is not going to be original but a modern-ish restomod...my son destroyed my original speedo cluster when he was a kid years ago... so I'm looking at a new solution thats not Dakota digital.

I have a "what was modern before Coyote" Explorer 5.0L reusing ODB2. Was going to mount an Andoid tablet to cover the original speedo cluster hole in the dash and use an ODB Link wired connection and RealDash app for everything and a push to start ignition.... anyone attempt?

 

[Yeller]

It’s been a while but has been done, don’t remember the guys handle, was 2019 time frame. I’m sure there have been others but that one stood out

 

[fordguy]

The tricky part is going to be making it look presentable. I run a tablet or phone on a mount with an original cluster (have not installed mount yet) Mine is a restomod with explorer EFI. The table would look good in my lower console.

 

[Yeller]

I’ve used a tablet watching stuff through OBDII on my tablet, and a WiFi OBDII dongle but it was purely an exercise in what is the ecm seeing compared to my ears and mechanical gauges. Watching timing curves was interesting.

 

[ba123]

I run an Atoto dash unit that runs on Android and have an app that allows me to connect my Megasquirt. I was able to make a dash screen to show exactly what I wanted.

Pretty sure there are apps for OBDII as well.

Bought my Atoto S8 unit on Amazon. Looking now, it even says it has a BT OBD scanner (click here)

 

[gnsteam]

Interesting thread. I am looking for a app to load on an android tablet to see my OBDII, for diagnostics. Probably connect via Bluetooth. So I will be following.

 

[ba123]

Interesting thread. I am looking for a app to load on an android tablet to see my OBDII, for diagnostics. Probably connect via Bluetooth. So I will be following.

Well, looking at the Atoto deck I posted, it shows they are using an app called "Torque".

Torque Pro (OBD 2 & Car) - Apps on Google Play

Measure BHP, Torque & 0-60 Clear car OBD faults View engine data in Google Earth

play.google.com

 

[73azbronco]

I would recommend a tablet that mounts via an arm and suction cup on dash or front window. Why instead full dash mount? Cost, every few years something newer better comes out, an Ipad can go 10 years and you can update to whatever new software exists.

 

[Yeller]

Know a guy running one in his CJ7. He uses a kydex case that the tablet snaps into that is Velcro’d to the dash. He’s changed tablets a couple of times and forms a new case from kydex.

 

[ba123]

but tell me what you gain from that in a Bronco? I mean unless you want to remove it? If you do, great, but why not built in? It can look better, be fully integrated, easy to swap and prob less expensive. That one I linked above has a ton of features and on sale with Prime Day for $200. Can't beat it. Also with 4G tracking if you want.

 

[ssray]

but tell me what you gain from that in a Bronco? I mean unless you want to remove it? If you do, great, but why not built in? It can look better, be fully integrated, easy to swap and prob less expensive. That one I linked above has a ton of features and on sale with Prime Day for $200. Can't beat it. Also with 4G tracking if you want.

That brings up a point I was wondering abvout with a regular Tablet which is temp rating so I did a quick search. Consumer devices seem to be rated from 32° to 95° normal operating conditions. Storage seems to run -4° to 113°. Samsung mentions operating temperatures up to 113° under heavy gaming or GPS tracking but also says the tab will take steps to limit or even shut down. Articles mentioned possible damage from high temps whereas low temps just caused temporary issues. Something to think about. A couple levels of "toughbooks" are available if you spend some money!

 

[skrit]

Thanks all for your input so far. I'm going to do this. I used a Bluetooth OBD Blue Driver dongle in the past just for diagnostics but BlueDriver does not have a good "dash" display and bluetooth has lag.

That's why I'm going to use a wired OBSLink EX device connected to tablet via USB-C... basically Forscan. Looking into either Torque Pro or Real Dash apps.

I'll be modifying my dash such that the tablet covers the existing speedo hole via a surface mount case. I'd ike to use the Wild Horses blank dash overlay but shipping basically doubles the price and it would probably arrive damaged from shipping.

I'll be using info from this old thread...
Post in thread 'Tablet for gauges (OBDII)' https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threads/tablet-for-gauges-obdii.293966/post-3183191

 

[ba123]

No idea how it is but came across these guys on eBay while looking for interior q-panel ideas.

Here is a dash overlay and free shipping. They have reg aluminum and diamond plate.
https://ebay.io/m/4skaPh

 

[skrit]

I may end up abandoning my digital tablet dash idea. I asked Claude AI and it said that it would be better to use a proven speedo solution from Dakota Digital for primary functions and only use the OBD2 related info for diagnostics. I've trained the AI on my exact build so it knows what I'm trying to accomplish. I thought that it might be the case but was hoping I could do what Dakota does on the cheap.

I had it overlay my wiring diagram with what is required for the Dakota and gave me a detailed step by step build sheet.

 

[Johnnyb]

I love my Dakota Digital VHX. I can put pretty much anything I want on the right-hand LCD, I usually leave it on fuel pressure.

-JB

 

[ba123]

That's a great point from Johnny.

You could just get this interface if you have a Dakota Digital dash or use this as reason to get one:

OBD-II / CAN Interface

Dakota Digital manufactures digital instrumentation and accessories for the automotive, motorcycle and car audio enthusiast.

www.dakotadigital.com

Edit: Missed the post above where you said you have one.

 

[ZOSO]

I run an atoto with torque app all the time. Has been my go to. Only thing missing are oil pressure and fuel level.