VSG100 - Variable Scale Gauge
- Displays J1939 CAN Bus parameters
- Digital flexibility with real analog movement
- Single meter movement, expandable scale
- Programmable limits (warning, danger)
- Monitors parameters when not being displayed
- Automatically jumps to parameter in alarm condition
- Synchronizes with other VSGs on CAN Bus
- Zoom in and out function
- Dual-color backlight, changes to alert the user
- Custom parameter groups possible with OEM agreement
- Monitor up to 10 parameters at one time
- Supports Standard and Metric systems
The Variable Scale Gauge gives the user analog comfort along with the digital flexibility. Because the gauge uses an actual meter movement, users can view the status of the parameter from a distance without the annoying flicker of a digital representation and having to read numbers. And, unlike dedicated gauges, within seconds, the scale of this gauge is easily changed so it can represent multiple parameters (see list of selectable Gauges).
The VSG can monitor up to 10 live parameters from 3 unique ECUs. Currently, the VSG includes engine, transmission and several generator parameters, as specified by J1939-75. Custom parameter groups are possible with an OEM agreement.
The VSG can listen to 3 different ECUs and provides a configurable CAN address parameter for each. These are parameters are designated as A, B, & C.
Within each monitored gauge, the user can configure the source ECU (A, B, or C), the nominal value, the size of the scale, the alarms to trigger on (e.g., high or low), the low alarm set point, and the high alarm set point.
Bi-color Backlight
The gauge is equipped with a bi-color backlight. When the displayed parameter is within the normal operating range, the backlight is white. When a monitored parameter crosses the alarm threshold, the backlight will alternate between white and red. Because the backlight color flashes during an alarm condition, this state can be recognized from a distance. The unit can also be configured to jump to a parameter in a failing condition.
Nominal Value
Each gauge within the VSG is configured with a nominal value. The VSG places the nominal value in the center of its scale. For the user, this is where the pointer should be located during normal operation. Like the flashing back light, this allows the user to observe the gauge from a distance and know that the parameter is within range. If the pointer is deflected to either side, the user can tell a parameter is not optimal.
Sync to other gauges
Using the CAN Bus, the VSG can sync with other gauges to display like parameters. For example, if three gauges are used on a generator, the user can have all three show voltage, current, and frequency with each phase being displayed on its own gauge. This reduces the total number of gauges, eliminates the need for custom switches, reduces the number of wires, and significantly reduces the labor to assemble.
Operating modes
Operating the VSG is simple. There are three primary operating modes – Automatic, Alarm, and Manual. There are also modes for configuring the VSG.
By default the VSG will be in Auto Mode, automatically cycle through the gauges selected by the user. When an alarm occurs and JUMP is enabled, the VSG will switch to Alarm Mode. In Alarm Mode the VSG will only display the parameters in an alarm state.
In Manual Mode, the user can manually cycle through the parameters (by pressing the NEXT and PREVIOUS buttons), zoom in on the value being displayed, move the pointer and get information about the parameter being displayed.
Beyond the operating modes, there are three modes for adjusting the operation of the VSG: Configuration, Edit, and Needle Configuration.
Zoom function
To aid in the viewing of a parameter, the Variable Scale Gauge is equipped with a zoom button. As the user zooms, the scale is dynamically modified to reflect the new limits. The pointer is then placed within the scale at the appropriate position.