How to make Digital Gauges with an old Smartphone

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Ever wanted to have versatile digital gauges in your car, but sick of stuffing around with apps trying to get it the way you want?
In this video I'll show you how to make a fully automated digital gauge cluster and media centre for your car using an old smartphone and OBD-II reader.
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[@weebparrelromania9239]

Genius, i've been using his method and it's insanely confortable and accurate for an old phone in my car.

[@brandonp3962]

Exactly what i needed to fill in the gaps of info I needed to complete my own diy HEADS UP DISPLAY for my knew car using an old cell phone of mine! Much appreciated!

[@boostedmedia]

You’re welcome mate. Glad it helped :)

[@FlaviaPitariu]

This is a very nice video. I'm tempted to save my WiFi tablet (sim port is broken) and build it into a custom dash for a project car. Thank you for the great video

[@boostedmedia]

You're welcome! Glad you found it useful!

[@1airforcebrat283]

If you do that make and upload a videos on your page and let us know how it works out. I might do the tablet job to my Corvette project next year.

[@VDubberStrevs]

Brilliant video Mate, I've been wanting to fit a boost, volt and oil temp gauges in my car for ages. But being new to all this I've not been sure how to do this on my car and didn't wanna drill and bolt dials into dash with out being sure first. This will give me all I want with out screwing a single hole in dash. Ordered my Bluetooth OBD so hope it works for my car but even if not it's a great video! 5* dude

[@boostedmedia]

Thanks mate. Glad it helped.

[@VDubberStrevs]

Boosted Media I've been using the app and obd reader every day since I set it all up. I love it can see everything my car is doing. Even the exhaust temp

[@mun33y]

Does it have oil pressure for LS equipped vehicles

[@ameyagundale]

One of the best video on this topic.. I learned a lot and am installing on my fiat linea

[@seamusc508]

My truck 12v socket is hot. So I use a 4 toggle switch box. It works like a charm. My phone is a old s6. Great video and apps 👍👍

[@Objectional_Opinion]

May/01/2020 - Llama app changed... but there's Automate made by LlamaLab. (Also found MacroDroid but that requires a rooted device.) In Automate I went under Community and then searched for Torque. Two good ones to choose from. I'm using a Motorola One and it's way different under settings as well, because it's a Moto and because new Android OS of course. I also bought a thin/stealth OBD2 adapter to extend the female plugin and hide the bluetooth OBD2 itself above my pedals so I don't see any blinking lights or device jetting out. Only thing I'm having trouble with is where to mount it and keep the cable neat and hidden, as well as easily visible without taking my line of vision too far from forward like you have to with that setup you have. --- This may get annoying every now and then when I run MHD tune or other OBD2 logging apps with my iPhone but eh, this is the best gauge setup I have seen for BMW's! Especially price wise. THANKS for this 4 year old video that's still holding strong!!!

[@ThayerDevelopment]

you rock!! Thank you! My LS swapped g30 needs a new gauge setup and this is exactly what I was looking for for my tablet dash.

I just tried this with a Samsung and just couldn't get it to work 😢

[@jasper022679]

This answered all of my questions about making a digital ins panel. Thanks for this video!

[@boostedmedia]

+jasper proctor you're welcome :)

[@brettwardle4723]

Thanks for this vid mate, I was thinking of doing this with an old phone but was unsure off what apps to use with torque. Nice one

[@garyrobinson7128]

Found this just by chance! fantastic!! thanks mate!

[@mannyavila3629]

Great vid! You can change graph line color through the properties file btw. I believe it's "graphlinecolour=". In case you didn't want the green.

[@BAMVR6]

What's the name of the app?

[@ianjobernsdrivinginstructor]

Thank you for your high-quality, plain-speaking video tutorial - greatly appreciated. My own priorities are tacho and shift lights. Have you any views/experience on Realdash? Or is Torque Pro the best option? Thanks again.

[@KiwiKuraun]

what an excellent video, have a new car on the way, have been looking at all sorts of gauge options but this is going to be perfect! thank you so much

[@boostedmedia]

You’re welcome mate. Glad it helped :)

[@krisraps]

We are living in such a great time now.

[@charliehippler770]

Exact setup I’m trying to do! Awesome vid!

[@boostedmedia]

+Charlie Hippler let us know how it goes!

[@VS666]

thanks man, been wanting to do this for awhile but my previous car didnt have shit for oem sensors. installing this setup on my evo x next month after i get it re-tuned

[@boostedmedia]

You're welcome! Glad you found the video useful. Let us know how you go with your Evo :)

[@SebastianZub]

Thx for all the info, even after 2 years for me it's really helpful :)

[@Rok_Satanas]

You can disable the lock screen from within the android settings, you don't need the second app. Where you can set the lock type (pattern, pin etc.) there is an option for none, at least on Vanilla android (I am not talking about the swipe option)

[@boostedmedia]

+Atanasov Goran I had issues with the phone not going to sleep properly and chewing batteries when I used that method.

[@Rok_Satanas]

Really? That's shouldn't happen, anyways, I always root my android devices and use custom roms so I don't know what happens with the Default OS. I would suggested using Greenify to hibernate unused apps, but I am not sure how well it works unrooted.

[@boostedmedia]

+Atanasov Goran greenish doesn't do much but rooted. I usually compile my own custom ROMs and kernels for this type of thing to give me full control, but for the sake of the video I did it using easily available and no root required software. If you ever used "SentinelROM", that was me.

[@Rok_Satanas]

I have heard of it, never used it. XDA all the way :P

[@2fast4udk]

YES.I was just looking for something like Llama but now I found it thanks to you.

[@boostedmedia]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@ameyagundale]

I think macro android is a better app than llama

[@NishikoRyuu]

That's really neat! A very good and informative video :3

[@boostedmedia]

Thanks very much. I'm glad you found it useful.

[@blizteredthumbs7911]

Geez, the least you could have done is explained as you went along! :) great job, I don't think you missed any info. Or at least I'm shocked if anyone came away with a question :) gudday from Ireland!

[@boostedmedia]

Thanks mate

[@blizteredthumbs7911]

Boosted Media no worries, you should do relationship counciling or something. You explain well :) make them realise where they're going wrong. But on a serious note. I'm modifying a little pocket rocket race/rally car I bought a couple of weeks ago, spied your video somehow and I think this may just be somethin I've been looking for :) light weight and very informative. I just wonder how awesome it will look with a twin engine set up :)

[@boostedmedia]

Haha you’re not the first person to say that. I actually do a bit of that kinda stuff on the side.

[@blizteredthumbs7911]

Boosted Media somehow I don't think you're joking :) but yes, maybe open a phone line for stressed out suicidal people to call. You could have them back to loving life in 90 seconds. Ha :)

[@boostedmedia]

I’m not joking. Have a watch of this.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZmldKKErpiYiNU I actually seriously considered starting a men’s mental health channel at the start of the year. But decided against it because I don’t think I could handle the pressure. I do plan on doing more videos about this stuff though with the recent rebrand. Mentioned here too... kzbin.info/www/bejne/aF7VZYSLpbZmmtU

[@midnightspecial2990]

Nice setup, I got a Z3 roadster, so I might rock your M theme.

[@RypienGT]

Ive been a follower of your channel for a while, and enjoy both you and your brothers content. This years old video just popped up in my feed ....... and its just what i need 👍 Still relevant today? or would you recommend any other Apps/Devices? Perhaps an updated vid .....

[@jurgenbussche]

my first car had a turbo gauge (r5 turbo) almost no cars show's it anymore still it a good and very useful gauge

[@RussellAdamsphotography]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@oliverthomas5175]

Great Video.. thank you.. but for me tried several times and dif devices.. but cant get LLama to kill Torque.. even rooted samsung s7..so got airplane mode to work but thats it... does this only work with old hardware.. or is there a better version of llama etc...? Cheers.

[@Kyee71]

You're a champion thanks for info about Llama etc, been looking for a simple version to do this for along time, outstanding!.

[@boostedmedia]

Glad it helped mate! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@boostedmedia]

I don’t believe so.

[@jacobsebastien3910]

OBD Link MX+ is the Absolute Best Bluetooth Scanner" 👍👍

[@myfakeaddymaryjane6611]

I know this video is billions of years old, wonder if you still had this set up. Im only curious what was the version # of Llama you we're running. I have access to a repository of older apps (this is in there). I'm going to decompile your version and make it work with current stuff for the culture!!!

[@dainiux753]

voooov, that is such a good video! thank you, thank you!

[@qfloyd25]

This is awesome thanks. The No lock app doesn’t work for me. The lock screen is still there when I power on. Any suggestions?

[@NINJUTSUguy]

A well spoken useful video . Thanks I was wondering if this setup would apply to motorcycles which also have a diagnostic port ? (usually under the tank ) of course waterproofing everything must be done at a high level but after that can you see any sort of problem that might prevent me from a similar setup ?

[@boostedmedia]

+Brian Ninjutsu as long as it's a standard OBD-II compliant port then yes.

[@DaytonCarCare]

Is there software to convert old GPS devices for this sort of thing? I have an old Garmin and also a Sony NavU

[@yungprototype]

excellent idea for the upcoming tesla model 3 lack of dash guages

[@boostedmedia]

+T.I. Managi will be very interested to see what sort of data you can get or of an EV.

[@umerjavaid]

How did u connect to the obd and the car's stereo system (both with bluetooth) at the same time?

[@Lettusfarm]

Very knowledgeable, thank you sir.

[@ibizee7060990]

pity Llama is no longer available on the app store... I'm nowhere near this smart but I'm trying to figure out Macrodroid as a replacement for that.

[@tony7369]

Following yah

[@kinghearted8826]

I'm a truck driver, do they make this for semi trucks also?

[@hugoloza9]

Hi there! You have a great video here. Unfortunately is been a while since you did it and seems like llama and few apps are being discontinued since then. Looking to have this setup to my LS swap. Any recommendations what to use now or where to find those apps?

[@domenicodipasquale4590]

Hi I love your video I'm in the negotiation stage of buying a 04 maserati that needs a new dash cluster can we use realdash with you other apps to turn on and off my dash with the key like you did I'll also need blinkers to work for roadworthy check

[@MrOzzyglenn]

G'day mate, thanks for your effort nice vid.

[@blackjacko]

I tried to find the Llama app and could not find the automation version you mention, I did find one called Automate that I think was the version you installed, am I wrong on this matter? Thank you great instructional video

[@greggregorich8048]

no one builds nicer (then newest)digital cluster for older models 2010-2015 ,is that that hard to code?

[@SourceEastAnglia]

Never Used The Liama. But Sure I Could Put This To Good Use So Thanks For The Advice With This, As For The Lock Screen You Dont Need The "No Lock" App, You Could Use The (Stay Awake When Charging) In The Developer Options Folder. Why Add Apps For Features That Android Has Built In.

[@boostedmedia]

Without the no lock app, the phone still locks when the car is turned off.

[@saby8765]

That's pretty good. How about auto dimming?

[@JJHD13]

What is the biggest difference between this and the BlueDriver, can you also use this application with the BlueDriver?

[@mikebart2956]

Any recommendations for an alternative to Llama that does not require rooting for the same startup controls?

[@saneauto]

Do you have a video showing how to do this with a Tablet?

[@boostedmedia]

It’s exactly the same. Just use a tablet instead of a phone.

[@adriankavanagh7748]

Hi great video. Could you show how do this but for making your old phone into a touch screen to control an Android head unit?

[@ledmk2]

Nice product

[@mianzhiwang1961]

19:54 :1.5 inchHg vacuum idling, Valvetronic at work

[@shaneanderson8358]

could you remove the battery from the phone entirely and then it would only run off the vehicle? then the power down would be immediate. great vid. got my gears turning.

[@boostedmedia]

I don’t think most android devices will turn on with no battery installed and just powered via USB. But you could defiantly rig up a fake battery system that supplies power when the car is on. Would be quite a bit of work though.

[@shaneanderson8358]

yea exactly. find out what kind of power is required to fake it. it would get the appropriate power through the vehicle accessory/on ignition switch. not sure what kind of capacitors/diodes or other gear is needed, but would make for a super clean install!

[@boostedmedia]

There’s a lot of smarts in smartphone batteries to regulate charge, temperature; etc. I s not think it’ll be as simple as just supplying voltage.

[@jeepdoctv]

Can you do all this on a tablet too?

[@vijayp845]

How did you get the M logo installed? I'm having difficulties can you help?

[@tusharkantihansdah]

Very very very useful app thnx bro.....

[@cartoonguy2241]

Which gauges will be beneficial for my daily Hyundai buzz car? It only comes with tachometer, rev counter.

[@boostedmedia]

Cartoon Guy depends how you drive it but probably coolant and oil temp.

[@betterlatethannever4529]

Can this be done for a motorcycle?

[@denisvaughan2085]

The best clip I have seen on YT. Thank you.

[@boostedmedia]

+Denis Vaughan you're welcome. Glad it helped.

[@sailorsanjoy]

Great video . Thanks 👍

[@mattn8963]

Can you make a updated video on how to to it will the upgraded version of liama

[@bodhievel9503]

would this work with a tablet instead of a phone? Id like bigger gauges for various items and I have an older car with a huge top center dash console that I could put a tablet in.

[@boostedmedia]

Yep any android device.

[@00HiGhGuY00]

When you're using that particular Bluetooth dongle, how responsive are the gauges. Have you tested out a speedo or tach, is it "real time" as fast and responsive as the cars own gauges?

[@boostedmedia]

There’s a very slight delay. I’d say maybe 50ms. This particular dongle is quite old now though. I’d recommend getting a KIWI3

[@ivyrajesh6834]

Very useful video, mate! Just a couple of questions: When you turn off the engine is the USB port still charging the phone or does the power to the USB socket also turn off after a few mins? Also, do you leave the OBD2 dongle always connected and does it also power off after a few mins once you turn off the ignition? It would be great if both turn off automatically, else they would drain the car battery. Hope this set-up is still working fine.

[@boostedmedia]

Charging ports turn off after a few minutes. Depending on the OBD2 dongle, it also goes in to sleep mode.

[@n0tlance314]

what version of android does llama support? i can't find it at all on the playstore.

[@blk77sunshn]

Ok this is really great is love to set this up in both of my cars with 2 old no longer used or registered android phones, How do I get the apps on the phones?

[@boostedmedia]

Just connect them to WIFI

[@alexayala639]

Have you had any issues with the battery draining in standby when you leave the phone in the car for a long period of time?

[@boostedmedia]

None at all. With the screen off, apps killed and in aircraft mode (which is all done through LLAMA), it draws jack all power while it's in standby mode.

[@boostedmedia]

Just to update you, with this particular phone, it takes about a week for the battery to go flat in standby mode. So basically it's not a problem unless i dont drive for a week.

[@SenjayaXiera]

Hi I've found it very good. And I just cannot find the setting delay for 10 seconds in Llama app. Could you help me?

[@codyives7906]

Can't figure out how to use any other apps to do this with the llama app not available. Do you have another video on this

[@boostedmedia]

No sorry.

[@loadeddog3017]

Works exactly as described, however, turned off the engine, ten seconds later blank screen etc... About 2 hrs later, got into the car and unit was red hot. Appears that Car launcher caused overheat alarm and caused a shut down. As part of the "power off event, I toggled car launcher off. Will see what happens.

[@sadikazeez4884]

does the app just lock the screen or power off the phone..when the power is unplugged ...????

[@slavsz7279]

Any alternative apps for iPhone? Llama and No Lock cannot be found in iTunes app store.

[@boostedmedia]

Not that I’m aware of without jailbreak

[@TairnKA]

Does the drivers door when closed hide the OBD unit? In your demo I didn't see if you removed it after setup was done? I tried to find a HUD for my car but there's only two with an 8K red line and both are sold in Europe. :-(

[@deividasbaltrimas1748]

How to make exact gauge theme as yours? I can't make it myself

[@MmohammedALSheikhly]

Nice video 👌👍

[@Bjintexas]

Truly EXCELENT video and presentation, my hats off to you! I too am using an "Android" system (Samsung Galaxy Series). Having said that, for the life of me I can not find the "Liama" app ANYWHERE. My "Torque PRO" edition, which I've downloaded (Nov 2019) does seem to be different than yours in as far as the "Home Screen" that I have and what you seem to have on the video.... Having said that, I can't find the "Liama" app anywhere in the "Torque PRO" app or, the "Play Store".... nor do I find it when I "Google" it. Any suggestions you might have would be GREATLY appreciated! BTW, I too ordered and "Tried" the "OBDLink MX" Bluetooth Module and sadly, it was a total Disaster for me. THAT was highly disappointing, as all the "Research" I did, the OBDLink MX, seemed to the an Excellent Option and Choice... but as I said, it just didn't work. I'm pretty sure I received a Defective one, but after over 8 hours trying to get it to Work, Pair And Connect with my vehicle and Two (2) different "Devices" (My Samsung Galaxy and a Amazon Fire 7), I just gave up and returned it. Now trying "other" OBD readers and hoping for better results...

[@johnnyy83]

I think it's called automate now... doesn't look as friendly as liama

[@palerider6757]

Does it have a oil pressure reading?

[@mallorca6297]

Great video mate ! Cheers!

[@875daily]

Cool video, i had this in my old car with a tablet but had to set it up manually evertime i drove. Where does the USB connect to? Cigarette lighter? Also, does the phone need to have service in order to have Bluetooth?

[@boostedmedia]

+Tony F yes power connects to cigarette lighter. No service required for the gauge features.

[@875daily]

Thanks but what about getting apps and bluetooth? I have an Iphone but i would kindly get a Android phone if thats easier. I don't want service on another phone. I like the idea of this being automatic. The Torque app was great on my old Android phone. thanks for your help

[@blackdatto]

Considering how easy it is for a thief to program a new key into a BMW when they connect to the ODB port, what protection is there with the Bluetooth? Allowing a radio connection externally could make it even easier for them? (Other makes if cars are affected also)

[@boostedmedia]

+blackdatto the ignition needs to be running and the device physically put in pairing mode for someone to connect to it

[@charlesrussell4295]

should OBD11 work with this?

[@robertlewis3772]

would this work on an Android Tablet, v7.0 7? Great presentation, thank you!

[@Mr1Schoolmaster]

Where can you find llama don't see that icon in the app store.

[@8000pendragon]

great vid mate, thanks for all the info. cheers

[@boostedmedia]

You’re welcome :)

[@bubuwander7840]

Hello mate, Cant find Llama app now, is there any other apps that have the same feature? Cheers

[@borrero2000]

Hello friend, your video was fantastic. vien explained. but it took like a week trying to put the logo of (M) to my BMW M5 ON THE SCREEN ... AS YOU HAVE IT IN THE VDIEO .. I WILL APPRECIATE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART GRASIAS AND GOD BLESS YOU

[@boostedmedia]

That’s an easy one. You can do that with Carly or Bimmercode.

[@estudioaditivo7424]

Do you think that the bluethooth adapter could work with a motobike?

[@boostedmedia]

I believe most bikes these days support OBD2

[@jarodvincent6199]

Can you put a tachometer on that app? And would a Kindle fire had work? Thanks

[@ridingwithjander5520]

i think you can do almost anything. even speed, rpm, tac and more

[@rintoantony5449]

so you jzt leeve the phone in the car? wat if the battery dies? wouldn't i have to wait for the whole bootup to complete?

[@boostedmedia]

Yes if the battery dies you have to wait for it to boot up. However it takes 3-5 days for the battery to go flat inc standby mode with the screen off on most phones.

[@69muscat]

Hi love the clip , can you use a tablet instead of a phone ? thanks

[@boostedmedia]

Sure can! Works with any Android device with Bluetooth and Android 2.3 or newer.

[@69muscat]

Cool thanks

[@lawrencepage7668]

I am unable to find the "llama" app on the Google Play Store. There are 79 apps with llama in the name. Is it still available?

[@matthewbeauchamp1652]

its unavailable now but u can use an app called "automate" its made by LlamaLab

[@regboss6237]

Have you used this with iphone?

[@5432Krishna]

What is OBD? and its full form

[@iTripzzzz]

How accurate is the speedo? Looking to mount phone over my mph speedo while overseas for kmh.

[@boostedmedia]

Capt America no issues with accuracy at all. You can even use gps for the speedo if you want.

[@iTripzzzz]

thanks, Im trying to stay away from using data (internet) on the phone, and pulling all the straight from the ECU. thanks again

[@boostedmedia]

GPS speedometer apps dont use any data. :)

[@BBBearIsAwesome]

What's the app we need?

[@maiomango]

Llama

[@sw4yt00th]

I know this video is over a year old now, but I'm stuck on the first app instruction (Llama). I'm looking to alter the phone power config, but the new version of Llama gives me a list of profiles to set, unlike your example. There's no simple 'event' option anymore for 'power off' settings... Is there an old version of the app I should dlownoad, or am I missing something?

[@PilotUriel]

Can you dim it externally? i want to use two phones for tach and speed. thanks. not too familiar with androids but do they have auto dim like iPhones?

[@boostedmedia]

Yep. The screen can be dimmed manually or depending on ambient light. You can even set it to dim when it receives power if you want.

[@machsp33d]

The problem is when one phone is using the Bluetooth to the obd adapter the other phone won't be able to see it and connect to it...

[@boostedmedia]

Why would you need to connect to the OBD adaptor with two phones? I just use the gauge phone. You can have the adapter paired to two phones if you want to and just switch between them by putting the adapter back in pairing mode.

[@PilotUriel]

I own a 1969 Camaro and was thinking of setting the 2 phones (RPM and Speed) behind the stock bezels.

[@boostedmedia]

This setup only works with modern cars with OBD2 diagnostics. You’ll need an aftermarket ECU for this to work.

[@omgitslizify]

what if you already have obd from insurance like metromile or team moble synup can you use it off that its bluetooth

[@FAINTEN17]

can you show us for the brz and how would you go about mounting it? i have a brz as well. but i don't gauges

[@boostedmedia]

+FAINTEN17 I don't have the BRZ anymore but I know a lot of people who mount to the passenger side plastic panel on the dash.

[@vwpac]

i have a mega squirt ....its a standalone ECU ...would a serial port blue tooth adapter work ???

[@allwyndavid6154]

use shadow dash ms

[@onieboysantos5319]

What app you use brother