Heineken's Garage

Introduction
The NSX Gauge Cluster provides a large number of functions and displays, resulting in roughly 60 pins across two green connectors. Testing all of them manually is a error-prone task, requires special equipment and takes a lot of time. To speed things up, it helps to have a tester that provides all of these functions in a compact way and utilizing the original connectors.

Requirements
A simple user interface. Usage of the original connectors. Adaptable for multiple build years. Ease of build
Control of the following functionality:

• Temperature, Oil Pressure and Fuel Gauge (resistance controlled)
• Illumination (PWM controlled)
• ~30 indicators lights (various controls via battery voltage and ground)
• Shift Indicator Display (battery voltage controlled logic)
• Roof Lock Logic (ground controlled logic input and output)
• Courtesy Light Logic (ground controlling output)
• Neutral/Park Logic (ground controlling output)
• Speed gauge (battery voltage rectangle)
• Tachometer (ground controlled rectangle)

Realization
Localizing the original AG5 connectors and pins as well as a crimping tool - a good option being the ENGINEER PA-20. An Arduino Mega for sufficient output pins and two frequency generators. ULN 2803A (GND) and UDN 2981 (VBAT) drivers to control the cluster. A rotational encoder with push-button functionality to control the tester and an OLED display for a quick response. KI-CAD based PCB design to be used without an extra case.

Basic On/Off Functionality



PWM Controlled Mini Gauges




Complex Gear Control



Frequency Controlled Speed

Supported Clusters
Cables for 1990-1995 and 1996-2005 clusters have been created successfully. With the right software and loom, the tester should be able to drive many Honda and other clusters from a similar age, too. Tests with a Honda Legend and a VW Golf 3 cluster have been successful so far.

Firmware Updates
Software updates are provided as soon as they become available - tester owners will be additionally notified by e-mail.
Below .zip files are compatible with Windows and contain the update utility, the firmware bin file and a script to perform the update.
The script assumes the Arduino to occupy as specific COM port when connected to the PC - if it differs, one line of the scripts needs to be changed accordingly.

Download link for latest V1.1.1 from 2022-02-14 is here: http://lln.prelude.de/~lars/CalibratorMk2V1.1.1.zip
Previous V1.1.0 from 2021-12-28 is downloadable from here: http://lln.prelude.de/~lars/CalibratorMk2V1.1.0.zip