We improve the dashboard of the car. LED backlighting of the dashboard (optitron) Do-it-yourself dashboard manufacturing

Many motorists are not happy with the illumination of their dashboard in the evening and at night. But poor-quality lighting or its complete absence negatively affects safety. traffic. Therefore, many craftsmen do auto-tuning with their own hands, making additional lighting your car. And first of all, the dashboard lighting is done.

Very often, LEDs are used for these purposes, which have a lot of advantages and allow you to create high-quality lighting inside the car interior with your own hands. This article will tell you how you can install this type of backlight in the dashboard and the nuances that should be observed in this situation.

Why do you need additional lighting?

Today, car tuning is carried out not only outside, but also inside its interior and best place than the dashboard is not found. Diodes built into the panel will achieve the following positive points:

• give the dashboard a new unusual look;
• high-quality highlight important elements of the dashboard;
• do additional illumination vehicle interior;
• make driving more comfortable;
• improve road safety. When the instrument panel is well lit, all indicators are clearly visible on it, which allow you to correctly assess the position of the car on the road and not violate the rules of the road by driving.

by the most in a simple way lighting such an element of the machine as the dashboard is the installation of diodes in it. Here you can use the following types of LED products:

• individual diodes. Using them as a backlight, you can create a full-fledged or decorative dashboard lighting. It is worth noting that LEDs can glow in different colors. Therefore, such LED lighting can beautifully complement external tuning, glowing with it in the same color scheme;

Note! Additional lighting of the dashboard, created with the help of such diodes, allows you to embed them in almost any part of the board. As a result, the backlight will fully meet the requirements of the car owner and provide lighting where there is really a need for it.

• LED Strip Light. Such a tape is very often used as a decorative lighting not only for a car, but also for home premises or street elements. It can be easily replaced with another one, which will allow you to change the boring color scheme to a new one. The LED strip has a self-adhesive base, with the help of which its installation by one's own hands is carried out quite easily and quite quickly.

LED Strip Light

Despite the simplicity of working with LED strip, diodes are most often used to illuminate the dashboard of a car. This choice is associated with certain advantages of using this type of illumination.

Why is LED lighting preferred?

At the moment, there are a variety of products on the lighting market that can be used to illuminate any brand of car.

Note! Not every brand of car actually needs this kind of lighting. Some manufacturers already at the production stage include in dashboard quality LED backlight. Usually this situation is typical for expensive foreign cars.

Industrial dashboard lighting

But in most vehicles, such additional lighting is absent or defective. This situation is especially relevant for older models that were made at a time when LED backlighting was not yet heard.
When choosing an LED type of lighting, car owners are guided by the following positive aspects of such lighting:

• diodes of this kind have small dimensions, which allows them to be installed anywhere on the dashboard. At the same time, they are easily massaged;
• simple soldering of LEDs for their various connection to each other. Moreover, if the LED strip is soldered, then this procedure is carried out according to certain rules, which are also typical for working with individual diodes;
• even a small number of diodes installed on the panel can create a full-fledged type of lighting sufficient for comfortable driving;

Pay attention! With the help of such elements, even alarms can be backlit.

• the ability to make not only white, but also colored backlighting. Diodes can give a beautiful and frequent glow of green, yellow, red, purple, green or blue. At the same time, a replacement for a new color is possible in the future and will not require excessive efforts from the car owner;

Glow of LEDs

• this type of lighting consumes a minimum amount of electricity, which is very important for a car and its battery-powered alarm.

At the same time, the installation of diodes is not very difficult. Here you only need to correctly connect the elements of the lighting system to each other. Almost any person can handle such work with their own hands.

Features of the organization of LED backlighting

Car led light bulb

Using LED lighting for a car, you can use diode bulbs with a standard base. In this way, the instrument buttons on the panel can be illuminated. In a situation where several devices should be illuminated at once, for high-quality lighting, you should use an LED bulb placed in a special cartridge. This requires a special soldering. But you can just buy it in a store or on the market.

In addition, to illuminate the dashboard of a car and its signaling, you can use light bulbs that give a narrow luminous flux. It can be obtained from an ordinary light bulb by using a special diffuser (lens) for lighting. Thus, in the first situation, the illumination will be point, and in the second, the luminous flux will fall at a certain angle.
When organizing the backlighting of buttons, you can use light sources with a directional light flux. But to illuminate the speedometer panel and signaling, preference should be given to bulbs that give a large dispersion angle. Although this can already be left to the individual choice of the car owner.

How the backlighting of the arrows is organized

Very often, in a car, it is precisely the illumination of the arrows on the dashboard that is needed.

Instrument pointer illumination

In a situation where it is necessary to establish diode lighting arrow on the dashboard, you must do the following manipulations:

• we clean the paint arrows from three sides. Stripping paint is carried out from the bottom of the arrow and on its sides;
• after that, the cleaned surfaces should be painted over with a clerical white stroke or white nail polish. You can also use plain white paint, but it will be a little more fiddly;

Note! Painting the arrow white will help increase the lighting effect.

Painted speedometer needles

• after that we take three LEDs. They need to be soldered together in series;
• soldered LEDs should be placed in the dashboard. In it, you first need to drill holes for installing diodes and masking wires.

After that, they are connected to a power source and your arrow will glow in the shade of what color the LEDs were chosen.
Some craftsmen make the illumination of the arrow in such a way that it can change color depending on the change in the speedometer readings. to organize such a backlight, you need to use diodes of three different colors:

• green;
• red;
• blue.

These colors are standard. Remember that for each arrow you need to use three diodes in the sequence in which you want to get a glow. Thus, the luminous flux will be sufficient for high-quality illumination of the metric part of the device.

Finished arrow illumination

Usually, green is used for minimum indicators, and red for maximum indicators. Diodes should be placed under each arrow in a circle of its movement.

Organization of the backlight of the stove control buttons

The second most popular situation in organizing dashboard lighting in a car is the backlighting of the stove control buttons.

Foil reflector

The organization of the illumination of the console buttons intended for controlling the stove is carried out as follows:

• first remove the handles, as well as the glass from the control unit;
• make a reflector out of foil. It will need to be fixed under the removed glass;
• then carefully unscrew the lower part from the console. Under it, there will be a cartridge with an old light source, which must be replaced;
• replace the old light bulb with an LED;

Note! An LED strip can be installed under the bottom of the console. She, thanks to its self-adhesive base, will easily take the necessary position. In this situation, it will be connected with its wires through the cartridge. The main thing here is to observe the polarity of the wires, otherwise the LED strip will not glow.

• after installing the LED, we return all parts of the console to their original place in reverse order.

Finished console lighting

The easiest way to create a backlight involves the following manipulations:

• we get the button from the console;
• we disassemble it into its constituent elements;
• inside such a button there should be a light bulb that changes to an LED;
• if necessary, you can remove the light filter from the button or combine it with a new glow of the diode. As a result, you can get a new beautiful and unique shade.

As you can see, the backlight of the console, designed to control the stove in the car, is quite easy.

Combined instrument lighting

To implement this type of lighting, you need to stock up on the following materials:

• double sided tape;
• LED in the cartridge (three pieces);
• foil.

In order to remove the dashboard, it is necessary to clarify the removal steps with the instructions that are attached to vehicle. The algorithm of actions here is as follows:

• removal of the instrument cluster;
• carefully unscrew the speedometer cable and disconnect all available plugs;
• at the top of the dashboard should be placed light sources - three light bulbs. There will also be a green light filter. It can be removed or left;
• the light bulb is replaced with LEDs and a foil diffuser is installed. We fix it with double-sided tape.

Finished dashboard lighting

After that, it remains only to collect all the details of the panel and install them in their original places.

Note! In any case, organizing the backlight, you can safely experiment with the colors of the LEDs to get the most beautiful type of glow.

Conclusion

In order to qualitatively replace the lighting of the dashboard, you can use both individual LEDs and a whole LED strip. In this case, the illumination can be carried out as a separate part of the console, and its entire area. The main thing is to correctly connect the diodes and the tape, without confusing the polarity of the wires.

To make your car stand out from the gray mass, many car owners do tuning. However, today to make tuning - it means not only to improve appearance car, but also to improve the interior in its cabin. One of the options for improving the interior is tuning the dashboard. You can learn more about this procedure, as well as upgrade options, from the material below.

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Decorative tuning method

If you decide to produce, then you first need to ensure the optimal combination of the device with the salon interior. In addition, in the end, the dashboard must in any case meet all the requirements of passive safety.

So, the process of decorative improvement itself consists in adding external elements to the existing control panel, for example:

• you can use leatherette for covering with shield material;
• it is possible to carry out the procedure of sticking special overlays on the scales;
• tidy tuning can also be to provide a brighter glow of the device.

Please note that in order to perform tuning yourself, in any case, you will either have to partially or completely dismantle the tidy. Next, we briefly describe each of the methods.

Fitting tidy

The PP hauling procedure is relevant if the device has lost its original appearance, and there are defects on its surface. As a material for the waist, you can use leatherette, leatherette or other materials. But keep in mind that some materials after constriction can create glare in the sun, as well as highlight bad smell. Therefore, the issue of material selection should be approached responsibly.

For example, if you decide to use leatherette for constriction, then first you need to cut it, while taking into account the size of the PP, as well as its shape. This is done so that the leatherette does not stretch and does not gather into folds, therefore, for constriction, you always need to dismantle the tidy. In this case, you can make more accurate and even seams and joints, and you can use ordinary cardboard for cutting. All the constituent components of the cutting are sewn together, while all the seams must be hidden inside. The sheathing material itself can be fixed with glue or self-tapping screws (the author of the video about the hauling is the Puls Avto channel).

In order not to waste time and effort on constriction, you can do it easier - you buy a special cape on the instrument panel and simply install it on top. Such an overlay must be selected in accordance with the model of the car.

Color solutions

Tuning the instrument panel can also consist in changing color schemes.

The procedure consists of the following steps:

1. First of all, you need to take dimensions from the PP.
2. Next, a new scale is being prepared - all the necessary divisions and numbers should be applied to it (there are many options on the Web, you can download a ready-made one). Also, ready-made decorative dashboards are sold in stores, so if your budget allows, you can buy a full-fledged branded device.
3. After that, the template that you made or downloaded should be attached to the material that will be used on the new scale. Alternatively, thin plastic, photographic paper, etc. can be used as the material.
4. If you decide to install chrome rings in the dashboard on a tachometer or speedometer, or simply put a new scale, then the instrument arrows should be removed for better fixation. Chrome rings can also be bought at the store or online. Of course, later it will need to be installed in place.

Photo gallery "Tuning options"

Installing LEDs

Do-it-yourself LED panel is also quite simple and one of the most common tuning options.

This procedure is carried out as follows:

1. First, the PCB must be dismantled, all standard bulbs must be removed.
2. Next, you need to determine the places where you will mount the diode lighting sources - of course, for better visibility, they should be placed around the perimeter.
3. Decide on the color of the diodes - it should provide comfortable conditions while driving, while not disturbing the driver.
4. Further, you have two options - either simply replace the light bulbs with diodes by buying the appropriate ones in the store so that they fit standard cartridges, or start installing diodes in new places. To do this, you will need to drill holes on the PCB where the light source will be installed. Of course, the first option is simpler, there is nothing complicated in its implementation, but we will consider the second method.
5. After the holes are drilled, the light sources should be connected to each other by soldering - you can take a flexible wire for the connection, its thickness should be small.
6. So that later you can adjust the brightness of the lighting, you can add a variable resistor to the circuit. Depending on the model, an autorheostat installed during production can be used for this purpose.
7. If you are using white light sources, you can paint the light bulb with varnish or special paper to provide a different shade.
8. The diode elements should be soldered to the power circuit, and then connected to the PCB, while it is important to observe the polarity.
9. Then the control panel is diagnosed and its further installation on the car (the author of the video is Lesha Master).

Painting tidy

Another option is to paint the instrument panel, or rather, the scales themselves - the tachometer, speedometer, you can also paint the temperature sensors, fuel volume, etc. If you install diode lighting sources in the shield, then painting the PP (necessarily with luminescent paint) will make it brighter and modern look device. It is necessary to paint carefully so as not to splatter paint on the shield, otherwise not only scales will stand out, but also traces of paint, and this will not look aesthetically pleasing.

Such a dashboard can be assembled on any car, it is a universal device. We assembled a dashboard based on an existing one called Venator.

To create it, you will need the following components:

• Arduino MEGA controller
• Tablet with Android operating systems
• wifi module esp8266
• Power converter from 12 to 5 volts (you can use any automotive Charger for mobile phones).

All vehicle sensors are connected to the Arduino controller. In our case, it was also necessary to install a speed sensor in the gearbox instead of the speedometer drive cable. And also lead the wire into the car from the ignition switch so that the controller can display engine speed (this had to be done, since a tachometer was not installed in OKE).

Scheme

Sensors must be connected to the controller as follows:

Sketch (firmware) for the Arduino Mega controller

You can download the finished sketch in a file by .

unsigned long micros_sp = 0, micros_th = 0;
volatile int tz;
volatile int sz;
volatile int sp; // speedometer pulses
volatile int th; //tachometer pulses
int analogInput ; //an array of analog values
int digitalInput; // array of digital values
StringresultString = ""; //line
int i; // cycle counter

void setup()(
for(i=0; i<=14; i++){ //обнуление массива аналоговых значений
digitalInput[i]=0;
}
for(i=0; i<=28; i++){ //обнуление массива цифровых значений
analogInput[i]=0;
}
Serial.begin(115200);
Serial2.begin(115200); //com port initialization
attachInterrupt(0, speedometer, RISING); // interrupt the speedometer on the edges of the pulse
attachInterrupt(1, tahometer, RISING); // interrupt the tachometer on the fronts of the pulse
}
//********************************************************************
void loop()(
analogInput = analogRead(0); // B13 voltage
analogInput = analogRead(1); // B24 fuel
analogInput = analogRead(2); // B21 cooling temperature
analogInput = analogRead(8); //
analogInput = analogRead(7); //
analogInput = analogRead(3); //
analogInput = analogRead(4); //
analogInput = analogRead(9); //
analogInput = analogRead(10); //
analogInput = analogRead(11); //
analogInput = analogRead(12); //
analogInput = analogRead(13); //
analogInput = analogRead(14); //
analogInput = analogRead(15); //
analogInput = analogRead(6); //

DigitalInput = digitalRead(4); // ignition
// digitalInput = digitalRead(5); //
//********************************************************************
digitalInput = digitalRead(53) + //
digitalRead(51) * 2; //
//********************************************************************
digitalInput = digitalRead(5) + // A14 left turn
digitalRead(6) * 2; // A13 right turn
//********************************************************************
digitalInput = digitalRead(8) + // A18 near
digitalRead(9) * 2; // A17 far
//********************************************************************
digitalInput = digitalRead(10) + // A16 PTF front
digitalRead(11) * 2; // A15 PTF rear
//********************************************************************
digitalInput = digitalRead(23); // A23 check
digitalInput = !digitalRead(21); // B 9 - level tzh
digitalInput = !digitalRead(31); // A19 - handbrake
digitalInput = digitalRead(25); // B 3 pad wear
digitalInput = !digitalRead(45); // B10 - fuel lamp
digitalInput = !digitalRead(51); // B12 - coolant level
digitalInput = !digitalRead(47); // A24 - oil pressure
digitalInput = digitalRead(27); // A20 fan lamp
digitalInput = !digitalRead(29); // A23 charging
digitalInput = digitalRead(33); // A 5 abs
digitalInput = digitalRead(35); // A20 srs
digitalInput = digitalRead(37); // A 3 belt
digitalInput = digitalRead(39); // B 1 doors
digitalInput = 0;//digitalRead(22); // B 2 p
digitalInput = 0;//digitalRead(24); // A22 r
digitalInput = 0;//digitalRead(26); // A 7 n
digitalInput = 0;//digitalRead(28); // B 6 d
digitalInput = 0;//digitalRead(30); // B 5 s
digitalInput = digitalRead(41); // A 8 reserve
digitalInput = 0;//digitalRead(32); // A 9 reserve
digitalInput = digitalRead(43); // A10 reserved
digitalInput = 0;//digitalRead(34); // A11 reserve
digitalInput = digitalRead(49); // B 4 reserve

ResultString = String(resultString + sp);

resultString = String(resultString + th*10);
resultString = String(resultString + ",");
for(i=0; i<=14; i++){ //передаем аналоговые данные из массива в COM-port
resultString = String(resultString + analogInput[i]);
resultString = String(resultString + ",");
}
for(i=0; i<=28; i++){ //передаем цифровые данные из массива в COM-port
resultString = String(resultString + digitalInput[i]);
}
resultString = String(resultString + ":\n");
// Serial2.print(resultString);
Serial.print(resultString);
resultString = String("");
tz = tz - 1;
sz = sz - 1;
if (tz == 0)(th = 0;)
if (sz == 0)(sp = 0;)
delay(50);
}
//********************************************************************
void speedometr()( //measure the frequency at the input of the speedometer by interrupt
sp=(900000.0/(micros() - micros_sp));
micros_sp = micros();
sz = 10;
}
//********************************************************************
void tahometr()( //measure the frequency at the input of the tachometer by interrupt
th=(2900000.0/(micros() - micros_th));
micros_th = micros();
ts = 10;
}

Setting up the ESP-8266

Before connecting the ESP8266 Module to the circuit, it must be flashed and configured in the Tcp2uart (tcp to uart) transparent bridge mode so that it transmits the received data from the com port to the tablet via Wi-Fi.

It is better to flash through a USB-UART converter, which must have a 3.3V source output to power the ESP8266. Also, this source must provide the required current of at least 200mA.

The CPIO0 pin determines the module's operating mode. When the contact is not connected, the module operates normally and executes AT commands. When the contact is closed to ground, the module is switched to the firmware update mode. Putting the module into firmware mode requires that the CPIO0 pin be connected to ground when power is applied to the module. If you close the contact while the module is running, the module will not switch to the firmware update mode. Now you need to run Write down the COM port of your converter and select the fullflash_tcp2uart.bin () firmware itself.
Click Download and wait until the execution process reaches 99%. At this point, it will stop and you can turn off the module. Next, you need to supply power to the ESP8266, or immediately connect it to the Arduino controller according to the scheme. After appearing on the power module, start searching for wifi networks on your computer. The ESP8266 network should appear. Connect to her. After that, you need to go to the address http://192.168.4.1/fsupload in the browser (Enter the data Name: ESP8266 Password: 0123456789) and upload the WEBFiles.bin file (it is in the archive with firmware) to the device. It remains to configure the Tcp-Uart bridge. To do this, go to http://192.168.4.1 in a browser. Go to the TCP-UART Settings tab and set the settings as in the screenshot below:

Ready! Now, when the ESP-8266 module is connected to the arduino, it works in transparent bridge mode and transmits the necessary data via Wi-Fi.

Tablet Dashboard App

Thanks to user Frud of the Drive2 portal for the published version of the application and the description of the application installation method:

After installation, the application will already work. In order to enable its autoload, you must do the following:

After installation, you need to go to the Android settings, in the "Home screen" section, select the VenatorLite2 dashboard application. A very important point! You cannot exit the Android settings from the dashboard application to return the standard Launcher. Before installing the application instead of Launcher, you need to make sure that you can access the settings from the statusbar. Otherwise, returning the standard launcher will be problematic.

NOTE! Before installing autoload, it is desirable to configure and debug the application.

After launching the application, you need to go to the settings (click on the gear icon in the upper right). Here you need to specify the ip-address and port (In our example, these values ​​are: address 192.168.4.1 and port 3333).

It remains to connect and test everything. If everything is done correctly, then when the device is turned on and a “plus” is applied to the 4th pin of the arduino, the dashboard will turn on.

And here is how the dashboard installed in the OKU looks like:

We wish you success in the implementation of this project

The dashboard is one of the most important components of the car interior, the driver constantly pays attention to it while driving. The appearance of this part of the interior of the car is always striking. But as it turned out, many motorists do not know the car with their own hands.

When modernizing the design of this part of the cabin, it is important that it eventually blends harmoniously with the overall design and meets all safety requirements.

If your dashboard is disgusting to you and you can no longer look at it, then tuning will come to your aid, which you can do yourself quickly and inexpensively

Decorative dashboard tuning

This method consists in adding external decor elements to the existing one. For example, covering the panel with leather or leatherette, stickers for decorative overlays, the use of bright colors for the instrument scale.

To change the appearance and style of the dashboard, you will have to disassemble it.

instrument scale

To replace the instrument scale, you need to measure the old one and make a blank for the new one. To make everything work out at the highest level, you can use a special computer program for applying numbers and divisions. You can play around with fonts and experiment with size, then print and attach to a blank, which, in turn, can be made of plastic or self-adhesive film, photographic paper, or, in extreme cases, colored tape.

If you decide on a speedometer with your own hands, before installing a new scale, do not forget to remove the arrow and put it back after completion.

Covering the interior with material

Usually they think about the dashboard plastic hauling if its coating has lost its original appearance and obvious defects have appeared.

It is possible to perform high-quality fitting only by removing the panel. Try not to mess up with the sizes so that you don’t make mistakes during cutting. Otherwise, leatherette will fold or stretch.

It is advisable to make a pattern and cut out the material on it to see how accurately the components are combined into one whole. When the preparatory procedures are completed, we sew all the components and fix them on the dashboard with hot glue and self-tapping screws.

Important!, consider its functional parameters. Far from always liked material looks harmonious with the interior. It can glare when the sun hits it, emit unpleasant odors, or, in general, lose its original appearance under the influence of high temperature.

Console enhancement

These changes are meant to improve the functionality of the console. Tidy tuning can consist in increasing standard shapes and sizes, increasing brightness by replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs and installing additional buttons.

Badges

Replacing icons can also be part of an overall upgrade, but you need to be clear about the layout of the panel and understand what you want to get as a result.

To replace the buttons on the instrument panel, you need to remove the shield and remove the factory cartridges and incandescent bulbs. Then decide on the location of the LEDs to be installed. Try to pay special attention to the choice of the shade of LED lamps, as some eyes get tired at night, and the clarity of the instrument readings may decrease. The shade should not be very bright, but at the same time noticeable.

Sticking stickers

Tuning the instrument panel can be done using special stickers. To do this, you need to disassemble the instrument panel and get the substrate with the numbers. Do not forget that each car model has its own replacement sticker options. Before sticking, try on your own panel, whether it is suitable in size and location of the fasteners, whether nothing interferes with sticking it.

When all the preparatory steps are completed, degrease the surface and paste a new background for the console.

Complete replacement

If all of the listed types of tuning do not suit your taste, you want something more substantial, then you can replace the dashboard with a new one, there are a huge number of options for each model, but do not forget to be careful when choosing, since they are all very different and it’s not a fact that fit exactly for your car. Now consoles with a large display are especially popular, of course, this pleasure is not cheap, but it looks serious.

Of course, we have given in the article only the most instrument panel, you can do anything with your car, for which there is only enough imagination.

What exactly you come up with will be your chip.

The dashboard is a multifunctional element of the car, which is always in front of the driver. It contains the main instrumentation. The light shows in which operating mode the main units of the car operate. As a rule, the design of the panel is designed according to factory parameters, which do not always fit harmoniously into. Tuning the dashboard will help make the driver's seat of the vehicle not only original, but also more convenient to use.

Decorative tuning method

When making changes in the design of this part of the machine, it is necessary to ensure a harmonious combination of the finished product with the overall interior of the cabin. The final structure must fully comply with all passive safety requirements. Most car owners want to replace a conventional panel with a new one. That is why we will tell in the article about the most interesting methods for improving this part of the machine.

The method of decorative tuning is performed with the addition of external details to the main element. These details can be:

• leatherette for covering the panel;
• overlays;
• use of bright colors for instrument scales.

To fully perform all the operations of the decorative method, it is necessary to partially or completely disassemble the car dashboard.

Color change

1. To replace the color on the instrument scale, you need to take the dimensions from the old one.
2. Next, a new scale is prepared. Numbers and divisions are applied to it. In this case, a computer program with graphics functions can be used. It will contribute to the process of making a beautiful blank, for which you can choose the font you like, and help you adjust the size of the inscriptions.
3. The resulting template is applied to the prepared material, which is intended for the new scale. For this, such materials are suitable - plastic, self-adhesive film, photographic paper, colored tape, vinyl film.
4. In a situation where the tachometer or speedometer is improved it is necessary to remove the measurement arrow before mounting the improved scale, and then put it back.

It should be remembered that tuning the dashboard with your own hands is a long process that requires patience and care.

Tightening is used when the coating has lost its original appearance and there are obvious defects on the surface. Using leatherette for fitting, it is cut according to the size and shape of the product. This is necessary so that the material does not gather into folds and does not stretch. High-quality execution of the process is possible only with the panel removed. On the removed product, the seams and joints will be more accurate. Ordinary cardboard can act as cutting. Having made the cutting, we check how all the parts are combined into one whole. We sew all the cutting elements into a single product. We do this so that all the seams are hidden inside. The final fixation of the cross-linked leatherette is carried out using special glue and original self-tapping screws.

The selection of material requires special attention. Choosing the cut you like does not mean that it will fully comply with the functional parameters. Some materials may create glare when exposed to sunlight. Others will emit an unpleasant odor into the cabin or lose their properties under the influence of elevated temperatures.

Technical method of tuning

The technical view refers to the improvement of this part of the machine in the direction of increasing its functional parameters. An exemplary example of such work can be the replacement of standard shapes and sizes of control devices, the installation of bright and economical LEDs instead of incandescent lamps, the installation of various switches and devices. The icons on the dashboard can also be part of the overall tuning.

To perform the process at a high level, you need to clearly have a panel diagram in front of you and clearly understand what result you want to get. Such a statement of the problem is necessary in order to correctly connect additional consumers to the on-board network.

Installing LEDs

Installing LEDs instead of incandescent lamps is the most common method of technical tuning. To complete this process, you need to do the following:

1. The first step is to remove the instrument panel.
2. Factory cartridges and lamps are removed.
3. Places where LED lamps will be installed are determined. As a rule, they are placed around the entire perimeter of the instrument scales.
4. The shade that LED lamps will give should create comfortable driving conditions without straining your eyesight. At the same time, it should not be too bright in the dark and be clearly visible at dusk..
5. A hole is drilled into which the LED housing is placed.
6. The LEDs are connected to each other by soldering. For this, a flexible wire of small thickness is used.
7. The use of a variable resistor will allow you to adjust the brightness of the instrument lighting. In some models, a regular rheostat can be used for this.
8. LED bulbs in the dashboard can be installed in white. The desired shade can be obtained using a light filter. To do this, you can use such improvised means as nail polish, self-adhesive paper or transparent plastic, which was part of the old appliances.
9. After soldering the LEDs to the power wires, we connect them to the dashboard. This is done in the correct polarity.
10. If the lamps work well in different lighting conditions, then you can collect everything.

Hand illumination

The arrows can be illuminated by attaching LED lamps to the backlight plexiglass. If you conduct power from the red block, then you can make the illumination of the arrows separately from the entire product. A key feature of such a connection will be the lighting of the arrows at the start. By installing an LED next to the arrow, it will be possible to change the color of the arrow itself with an increase in the speed of the car.

Now you know all the basic methods for improving the appearance of a car dashboard. By making this car part, you can significantly improve the interior design and increase driver comfort while using the vehicle.