gear indicator

This sim racing gear indicator displays gear ratios and flags in racing games. It's easy to print and assemble.

For printing, I used a carbon fiber effect sheet for the front for a better look; for the rest, I used a textured sheet.

For assembly, you will need:

• A soldering iron and solder
• An 8x8 WS2812B matrix for Arduino
• An Arduino Micro Pro
• 4 M8 x 45mm screws
• 4 M5 x 30mm screws

• 2 or 4 M5 x 15mm screws

   

For the Arduino, solder the matrix's GND wire to the Arduino's GND, the matrix's 5V wire to the Arduino's VCC, and the matrix's IN wire to the Arduino's pin 6. See the image for the diagram.

For assembly, attach the case housing using the M5 x 15mm screws. Then, insert the plexiglass into the front, the shim, the matrix, and the base. Next, place the Arduino in the housing with screws and insert the faceplate and other components into the housing. Secure the rear with the 4 M5 x 30mm screws, and assemble the remaining components.

Once assembled, you will need the SimHub software, downloadable from wwwsimhubdashcom. In the software, connect your gear indicator to your PC and disconnect other peripherals, such as button boxes. Go to the Arduino section in the left column and click on "My Hardware" in the upper right. Then, click "Open Arduino Configuration Tool." A window will open. Under "Device," enter the desired name for your gear indicator. Scroll down to "WS2812B Matrix" and click "On." Ensure that "Digital Pin Number" shows 6. Then, in the upper right, under "Board," select "Arduino Pro Micro" and, in the adjacent field, select "Arduino Micro." Read the safety notice advising you to disconnect other peripherals from your PC, click "I understand," and click "Upload to Arduino." Wait for the data transfer; your gear indicator is then ready. You only need to configure it in SimHub in the Arduino and RGB Matrix section. See the image for an example.