GT3 DDU Fire Sim Racing Dashboard

I am delighted to present my preferred budget-friendly solution for a sophisticated sim racing dashboard, leveraging a Fire7 Tablet, an Arduino Nano, and a selection of 3D-printed and electronic components. The display can be detached, wired, and positioned as desired on your racing rig.

DIY Sim Racing Dashboard Guide

Required Components:
Fire7 Tablet
Arduino Nano
WS2812b LED Strips (144 LEDs/m)
USB C Male/Female Connectors
Screws and Heat-Set Inserts
Button Extensions (for tablet buttons)
Switch (for power mode selection)
Filament for Button Joint
Soldering Equipment
Hot Glue

Essential Tools:
Soldering Iron and Solder
Screwdriver
Hot Glue Gun

Constructing Your Sim Racing Dashboard:
Print the model.

Prepare the Electronics:

Trim the WS2812b LED strip to the required length and solder wires to the ends.

Solder the LED strip to the Arduino Nano, adhering to the WS2812b wiring diagram (DIN, VCC, GND).

Consult the SimHub Documentation. https://github.com/SHWotever/SimHub/wiki

Solder the USB connectors in parallel, but sever the data line to the tablet. This enables power sharing while maintaining data line isolation.

Incorporate a Power Switch (optional).

Solder a switch into the power line. This facilitates toggling between “Gaming” mode (Arduino-powered) and “Charging” mode (tablet-powered).

Ensure the switch interrupts only the positive (VCC) line.

Component Mounting:
Utilize screws and heat-set inserts to secure the Arduino Nano and LED strips to the 3D-printed mount.

Apply adhesive to the LED strips if necessary.

Installing Button Extensions:

Affix the button extensions to the dashboard to enhance tablet button accessibility. Employ a filament segment as a joint to allow articulation.

Software Configuration:

Download and install SimHub on your PC for LED programming and dashboard customization.

For dashboard display, you can either:
Employ a web browser on the Fire7 Tablet to access the SimHub dashboard.
Root the Fire7 Tablet and directly install the SimHub app from the Google Play Store.
Software Configuration:

SimHub LED Setup:

Connect your Arduino Nano to your PC.
Launch SimHub and configure the LED strip settings, mapping the LEDs to in-game telemetry data.
Dashboard Display:

If using a browser, open the SimHub dashboard URL on your tablet.
If using the app, follow the app's instructions to connect it to your SimHub installation.

Usage:
Gaming Mode: Switch the power to the Arduino Nano, ensuring it regulates the LEDs and receives telemetry data.
Charging Mode: Switch the power to the Fire7 Tablet to initiate charging.
Support and Customization:

Feel free to request assistance should you encounter any difficulties or desire to modify the original model.

By adhering to these instructions, you will construct a personalized, cost-effective sim racing dashboard that elevates your racing experience.

Enjoy your DIY project!

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I am pleased to share my solution for an affordable sim racing dashboard, utilizing a Fire7 Tablet, an Arduino Nano, and several printed and electronic components. The display is removable and can be mounted on your rig as desired.

DIY Sim Racing Dashboard Instructions

Required Components:

• Fire7 Tablet
• Arduino Nano
• WS2812b LED Strips (144 LEDs/m)
• USB-C Connectors (male/female)
• Screws and Heat-Set Inserts
• Button Extensions (for tablet buttons)
• Switch (for power mode selection)
• Filament for Button Extensions
• Soldering Equipment
• Hot Glue

Required Tools:

• Soldering Iron and Solder
• Screwdriver
• Hot Glue Gun

Steps to Build Your Sim Racing Dashboard:

Print the model.

Prepare the Electronics:

• Cut the WS2812b LED strip to the desired length and solder wires to the strip.
• Solder the LED strip to the Arduino Nano according to the WS2812b wiring diagram (DIN, VCC, GND).
• Consult the SimHub documentation. https://github.com/SHWotever/SimHub/wiki
• Solder the USB connectors in parallel, but disconnect the data line to the tablet. This allows power sharing while keeping data lines separate.
• Add a power switch (optional). Solder a switch to the power line. This allows you to switch between “Gaming” mode (Arduino powered) and “Charging” mode (tablet powered).
• Ensure that the switch only interrupts the positive (VCC) line.

1. Mount the Components:

• Attach the Arduino Nano and the LED strips to the 3D-printed mount using screws and heat-set inserts.
• Glue the LED strips in place if necessary.

1. Install the Button Extensions:

• Mount the button extensions on the dashboard to facilitate pressing the tablet buttons. Use a piece of filament as a joint to allow movement.

1. Configure the Software:

• Download and install SimHub on your PC for LED programming and dashboard setup.

For the dashboard display, you can either:

• Use a web browser on the Fire7 Tablet to connect to the SimHub dashboard.
• Root the Fire7 Tablet and install the SimHub app directly from the Google Play Store.

1. Software Configuration:

SimHub LED Setup:

• Connect your Arduino Nano to your PC.
• Open SimHub and configure the LED strip settings, mapping the LEDs to in-game telemetry.

Dashboard Display:

• If using a browser, open the SimHub dashboard URL on your tablet.
• If using the app, follow the instructions to link the app to your SimHub installation.

Usage:

• Gaming Mode: Switch the power to the Arduino Nano, ensuring it controls the LEDs and receives telemetry data.
• Charging Mode: Switch the power to the Fire7 Tablet to charge it.

Support and Customization:

• Feel free to ask for support if you encounter any issues or if you wish to modify the original model.

By following these steps, you will have a custom, cost-effective Sim Racing Dashboard that enhances your racing experience.

Enjoy!