Dakota Digital VHX Installation And Operation Manual

IMPORTANT NOTE!

This

system

has an odometer preset option that is only

for in

structions

and setup information

.

VHX

Analog / Digital Gauge System

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

Please read this before beginning installation or wiring.

available for the first 100 miles of operation. See odometer preset section (pg 26)

MAN 650314C

1

Thank you for purchasing a VHX system from DAKOTA DIGITAL. VHX is a loose

acronym for Vehicle Hybrid Instrument Systems. Representing the latest electronic dashboard
technology for the street rodder, car, and truck enthusiast alike, the VHX system combines
modern digital electronics with a traditional look to give the driver up-to-date and accurate
information on the operation of his or her vehicle. Fully lit needles, backlit faces, and highly
visible LCD message centers are a few features that make the VHX lineup stand out from other
aftermarket instrumentation. The VHX system boasts excellent daytime visibility and while under
computer control, fully backlit and dimmable for nighttime driving. Monitoring solid state sensors
with microprocessor technology and driving precision stepper motors, the VHX dashboard gives
the driver unparalleled accuracy. User-customizable display feedback and additional features not
typically found on any other brand or type of instrumentation are standard in the VHX system.
Digital accuracy and solid state reliability will give you, the driver, quality service for miles down
the road that includes a limited lifetime warranty on a product engineered and manufactured in
the USA!

VHX INSTRUMENT SYSTEM FEATURES

Digital LCD displays

• Each of the six analog gauges can be displayed here as well as additional functions listed below. Features
are available on either display (L or R).

Mileage readings

• Million mile odometer

• Two (A/B) re-settable trip mileage (0-9999.9)

• Re-settable service mileage (0-9999 countdown)

Performance readings

• High speed recall. This can be manually reset during normal operation.

• High rpm recall. This can be manually reset during normal operation.

• 0-60 mph (0-100kmh) time.

• ¼ mile time. This can manually reset during normal operation.

• ¼ mile end speed (trap speed). This is reset when the ¼ mile time restarts.

Hour meter

• Resettable hours (0-999.9)

English/metric conversion

• Alternate speed and temperature can be displayed in LCD display.

Built-in Indicators

• Left/Right Turn signal indicators

• High Beam indicator

• Check Engine indicator

• Brake warning indicator

• 4x4 indicator

• Wait to Start indicator

• Cruise control indicator

• Gear position indicator which displays full gear word with use of Dakota Digital GSS-2000

(purchased separately)

Special outputs

• Shift output to activate external light

• Selectable 2000ppm or 4000ppm speed output for cruise or ECM

Demonstration mode

• Holding Switch 2 while turning on the key will start the system going through a preset sequence of readings.
To exit the demo mode, turn the key off. You may also wire up a separate switch to power the gauges for
demo mode without powering the entire vehicle.

Auxiliary gauge readings in LCD message displays with expansion bus interface modules (BIM)

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2

TYPICAL VHX DISPLAY LAYOUTS

Speed/LCD1 Message Center

Speed/LCD1 Message Center

Tach/LCD2 Message Center

Tach/LCD2 Message Center

Speed/LCD1 Message Center

Speed/LCD1 Message Center

MAN 650314C

Tach/LCD2 Message Center

Tach/LCD2 Message Center

3

WARNING

These are precision instruments and must be handled with care. Do not disassemble gauges.

CARE AND CLEANING

Never open the system or attempt to remove the needles as the calibration of the
instrument system could be thrown off. All systems are calibrated and tested before they
leave Dakota Digital.

The clear lens on the front of the VHX system can be cleaned with a mild soap and water

solution or common glass cleaners. Use a soft cloth such as a micro-fiber for wiping the lens
clean.

MOUNTING SYSTEMS

Most VHX systems and kits will come with a separate instruction sheet with mounting

details. Follow this sheet for mounting the actual display system in the dash, and then refer to
this manual for wiring and operation instructions.

CONTROL BOX MOUNTING

Once the display panel is in place, mount the control box within reach of the supplied

networking cable (approximately three (3) feet). If a longer cable is required, replacement CAT5
cables are available online as well as your local electronics stores. Choose a mounting location
that will allow you access to wire all of the inputs on either side of the control box. Double sided
tape, hook and loop fasteners or screws in the two tabs on the case work fine for securing the
control box under the dash.

When selecting a mounting location, avoid placing the control module next to or

just opposite of the firewall from ignition components, ie: Ignition coil, HEI, etc. Ignition
components can emit tremendous amounts of electrical noise, affecting the operation of
electrical components which can cause erratic operation.

***If you are purchasing a longer network cable to connect the display system to the
control box please make sure to get a CAT 5, CAT5E, or CAT6 “patch cable” and NOT a
“cross over” cable. Replacement cable should be seven feet or less.

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4

WIRING

While the control box contains several connections, the wiring is straightforward.

Depending on how many auxiliary functions you want displayed, not every terminal will be used in
most applications. On the pages that follow, we describe the function of each terminal, what they
do, and how to wire them.

DISPLAY PANEL

Connect to tail light circuit,
LED backlights will turn on
when termianl has +12V

Tail Light

ECU/ECM

check engine

output

PARKING BRAKE

SWITCH

HIGH BEAM

WIRE

LEFT TURN

SIGNAL WIRE

SIGNAL WIRE

RIGHT TURN

transfer case

4x4

switch

DAKOTA DIGITAL

GSS UNIT

Additional ground wire to fuel
sensor body or mounting screw.

EXSISTING
FUEL LEVEL
SENSOR

CAT 5
CABLE
(TO DISPLAY)

PRESSURE SENSOR

SEN-03-8
0-100 PSI

DISPLAY
CABLE

www.dakotadigital.com

[e-mail]

605-332-6513

OIL +

OIL SND

OIL -

FUEL +

FUEL SND

FUEL -

RED

WHITE

BLACK

CONNECTION

VHX

CONTROL BOX

ADJ -

WTR SND

WTR -

BROWN or BLACK

BLUE or RED

BIM

ONLY!

AUX.

ADJ SND

1-Wire output

Optional

Glow Plug Relay

or

Wait to start output

Cruise Control

I/O

DIM (+)

CHECK ENG (-)

SPD -

SPD OUT

SW2 (-)

SW1 (-)

BLACK

4x4 (-)

LEFT (+)

HIGH (+)

BRAKE (-)

SPD +

SPD SND

RED

WHITE

WAIT (+)

RIGHT (+)

CRUISE (-)

GEAR (1 WIRE)

ACC. POWER

CONST. POWER

GROUND

TACH

WARN

STATUS LED

Connect to main
chassis ground

+12V

CONSTANT POWER

(fused 5 - 20 AMP max)

+12V

(fused 5 - 20 AMP max)

- +

Ignition Coil
(negative side)

Engage Output

KEY ON POWER

ECU/ECM

or Ignition Box

(tach output)

TEMP SENSOR

SEN-04-5
100-300 F

MAN 650314C

DIM-1

Optional

MO

M

ENTARY SW

M

O

MENT

A

RY SW1

SPEED OUT
(2k or 4k PPM)

2

P

U

G

LSE

E

NERA

T

OR

ECU/ECM

Speed Output

SPEED SENSOR

SEN-01-5
16k PPM

Light or Buzzer
(4 Watts or less)

Relay

Light or Buzzer
(4 Watts or more)

5

TERMINAL DESCRIPTIONS

FUEL LEVEL SENSOR GROUND OUTPUT

FUEL LEVEL SENSOR INPUT

FUEL LEVEL SENSOR POWER OUTPUT

OIL PRESSURE SENSORGROUND OUTPUT

OIL PRESSURE SENSOR INPUT

OIL PRESSURE SENSORPOWER OUTPUT

WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR GROUND OUTPUT

WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR INPUT

NIGHT DIMMING ADJUSTMENT GROUND OUTPUT

NIGHT DIMMING ADJUSTMENT INPUT

SPEED SELECT SWITCH INPUT SW1

TACH SELECT SWITCH INPUT SW2

2000 PPM SPEED SIGNAL OUTPUT

VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR GROUND OUTPUT

VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR SIGNAL INPUT

VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR POWER OUTPUT

RPM WARNING/SHIFT OUTPUT

TACHOMETER INPUT

+12 VOLT ACCESSORY POWER INPUT

+12 VOLT CONSTANT POWER INPUT

MAIN CHASSIS GROUND INPUT

STATUS LED

FUEL ­ FUEL SND
FUEL +

OIL ­ OIL SND
OIL +

WTR ­ WTR SND

ADJ ­ ADJ SND

SW1 (-)
SW2 (-)

SPD OUT
SPD ­ SPD SND
SPD +

WARN
TACH
ACC. POWER
CONST. POWER
GROUND

[e-mail]

www.dakotadigital.com

605-332-6513

CONTROL BOX

VHX

DIM (+)

CHECK ENG (-)

BRAKE (-)

HIGH (+)
LEFT (+)

RIGHT (+)

GEAR (1 WIRE)

WAIT (+)

CRUISE (-)

I/O

4x4 (-)

TO DISPLAY

DISPLAY

CABLE

AUX.

CONNECTOR

(Doesn't matter which one)

NIGHT DIMMING INPUT
CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR INPUT
BRAKE SYSTEM/PARKING BRAKE WARNING INPUT
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR INPUT
LEFT TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR INPUT
RIGHT TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR INPUT
4 WHEEL DRIVE INDICATOR INPUT
1-WIRE GEAR INDICATOR INPUT (FROM GSS UNIT)
WAIT TO START INDICATOR INPUT
CRUISE ENGAGED INDICATOR INPUT

STATUS LED

This LED is located at the corner of the control box, next to the GROUND terminal. The
LED is used for diagnostics and for a quick visual check if power is present.

• A steady flash, on and off, about twice a second indicates the system is powered and
operating normally.

• On steady indicates low power, below 9V, at the POWER terminals, or that the system is
in DEMO mode.

• A short flash once every four seconds indicates the CONSTANT POWER terminal is
powered and the system is in stand-by mode.

• Not flashing or lighting indicates loss of power or ground.

GROUND

This is the main ground for the display system. A wire should be run from this terminal to

the vehicle’s main chassis ground. Use 18 AWG or larger wire to ensure sufficient grounding.

Proper vehicle grounding is extremely important for any gauge (or electronics) to operate

correctly. The engine block should have heavy ground cables to the battery, frame, firewall, and
body. Failure to properly ground the engine block or the control box can cause incorrect

or erratic operation.
CONST. POWER

Connect the CONST. POWER terminal to a +12V power from the fuse panel that is “hot”

all of the time, or a fussed wire (5-20 amp) direct to battery power. This terminal should have
power all of the time. The constant +12V supply source should be a fused 5 - 20 amp circuit, the
system draws less than 1 amp, so sharing an existing constant power circuit will generally be fine.
Use 18 AWG wire to ensure the system receives a sufficient power feed. This terminal keeps the
clock memory as well as returning the needles to zero when the system is shut off.

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ACC. POWER

Connect the ACC. POWER terminal to accessory +12V power from the fuse panel or

vehicle wiring harness. This terminal should have power when the key is on or in the ‘accessory’
position. In addition to turning on the display system, this is also where the voltmeter gauge
senses the vehicle electrical system voltage. The accessory +12V supply source should be a
fused 5 - 20 amp circuit, the system draws less than 1 amp, so sharing an existing accessory
circuit will generally be fine. Use 18 AWG wire to ensure the system receives a sufficient power
feed.

*** Never connect any power terminal to a battery charger alone. The system needs to
have a 12 volt battery connected to it. Battery chargers have an unregulated voltage
output that will cause the system to not operate properly and may cause damage to the
control box.

TACH

Connect the TACH terminal to the ignition system. •On vehicles using a separate ignition

coil, connect to the negative side of the coil. The negative side of the coil will be the wire that
goes to the points or electronic ignition module. •For GM HEI ignition equipped engines, connect
to the terminal marked “TACH” or on some systems, a single white wire with a spade terminal on
it. •On some aftermarket ignition systems, connect to the TACH output terminal. •On computer
controlled ignition systems consult a service manual for the wire color and location. •With a
magneto system, connect to the kill wire for the tach signal. Do not connect the TACH terminal

to the secondary, or high voltage, side of the ignition coil.

To ensure that the ignition system does not interfere with any other dashboard functions,

do not run the tachometer wire alongside any other sender or input wires. DO NOT USE SOLID
CORE SPARK PLUG WIRES WITH THIS DASHBOARD SYSTEM. Solid core ignition wires
cause a large amount of electromagnetic and radio frequency interference which can disrupt the
system operation.

The tachometer is compatible with almost all gasoline engines. The engine cylinder

selection, display update rate, tach signal type, and rpm warning point can be adjusted in the
setup menu under “TACH”. If a diesel engine is being used, you will need a tach interface such as
Dakota Digital’s DSL-1 or DSL-2. Be aware of the cylinder setting when using computer outputs
or reading the tach signal from an ECU. Some GM LS1 engines require the tach to be set up for
a 4 cylinder, low voltage signal when reading from the ECU even though it is a V8 engine.

WARN

The WARN terminal is an output to activate a small light or relay for a red-line or shift

indicator. The output is ground-activated when the preset warn RPM limit is exceeded. This
output can turn on a 4 Watt or smaller 12V bulb or can activate a relay to turn on a larger bulb or
buzzer. To wire a warning light to this output, connect one wire from the bulb to 12 volt accessory
power and connect the other wire to the WARN terminal.

MAN 650314C

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If you need the warn output to be “active high” or provide a +12V voltage to power

something larger than 4wattt, a standard 12V relay can be used to accomplish this.

30

85

86

87

DO NOT CONNECT

SPD +

This terminal is used to supply power to Dakota Digital speed sensor SEN-01-5. This

supplies 5V DC to the sensor and should not be hooked up to anything else. Connect the red
wire from the SEN-01-5 to this terminal.

If you are using a 1-wire VSS output from a computer or a two wire pulse generator this

terminal should be left open.

***DO NOT use this terminal to power any other devices; it is a low current +5V output.
SPD SND

This is where the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) connects. The signal supplied to this

terminal will be used by the control box to calculate the speed reading on the display and also for
calculating and saving odometer mileage.

Dakota Digital supplies a 3-wire sensor for most of its kits, SEN-01-5. If you are using this

sensor, the white wire is the speed signal; connect to SPD SND. The red and black wires in the
cable are power and ground (5V DC) and their connection is discussed in SPD + and SPD -.

For two wire speed sensors such as a cable driven pulse generator, the polarity of the

wires does not matter. Connect one wire to the SPD – (Ground) and the other to the SPD SND
terminal. The speed sensor ground wire should be brought back to the control box to ensure a
proper signal is received. Twisting the ground and signal wires around each other provides an
additional level of interference protection. The speed signal wire should not be routed alongside
tach, ignition, or other high current or high voltage wires.

For vehicles which have a vehicle speed signal from a transmission sensor or ECM, tap

into the VSS wire and connect it to the SPD SND. Consult a vehicle service manual or wiring
diagram to determine wire color and location.

This system can accept 4,000 ppm – 128,000 ppm speed signals with room for

adjustment. The speedometer is fully adjustable and calibration is discussed in a later section.

***Failure to calibrate the speedometer may cause your odometer mileage to

increase very rapidly if the speedometer is reading too fast.

*** The speed signal wire should NOT be routed alongside ignition or other high

current/voltage wires.
SPD –

This terminal is used for speed sensor ground. This insures a proper ground as well as
providing proper hook-up for a twisted pair of wires, or a solid state sensor. Only ground the
speed sensor here. If you are using a single wire output from a computer for the VSS then this
terminal should be left open.

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SPD OUT

This terminal can be used to supply a speed signal to auxiliary devices such as a cruise
control or radio volume adjustment. The output is scaled to the input speed signal coming into
the SPD SND terminal. It can be set to 2,000 PPM or 4,000 PPM.

***If you are using the bus speed signal option, with the output from a BIM module,
this output will NOT work.

SW2 (-) or Tach switch

The SW2 terminal is used for selecting the various RPM, engine, and performance

displays and also for entering the demonstration mode. The SW2 input is activated by a ground
connection. The push button switch supplied (or any normally open, momentary switch) is wired
by connecting one terminal to SW2 and the other terminal to a ground. When the button is
pressed and released, the tach/LCD2 message display will change. When the button is pressed
and held for a few seconds, any re-settable information displayed will be zeroed.

To enter DEMO mode, press and hold SW2 while turning the key on. The system will light

up and say DAKOTA DIGITAL on the message readouts; release the switch and the system will
stay in demo mode until the power is cycled off and back on without the switch held. All back
lights will be on in demo mode and the needles will sweep back and forth on the gauges.

SW1 (-) or Speed switch

The SW1 terminal is used for selecting the various speed, distance, and warning displays

and also for entering the setup menu. The SW1 input is activated by a ground connection. The
push button switch supplied (or any momentary normally open switch) is wired by connecting one
terminal to SW1 and the other terminal to a ground. When the button is pressed and released,
the speed/LCD1 message display will change. When the button is pressed and held for a few
seconds, any re-settable information displayed will be zeroed.

ADJ SND

The ADJ SND terminal is an optionally used input that allows you to have control over the

dimming brightness. By default, the system will turn on the back lights when the DIM terminal
has power, +12V, but this level is adjustable in the Lighting setup menu. Using the ADJ SND
terminal allows you to have a dash mounted control to vary the brightness while the headlights
are on. This requires Dakota Digital’s DIM-1 kit; a stock headlight rheostat will not work.

The DIM-1 has two wires, one connects to the ADJ SND terminal and the other connects

to ADJ - ground. The dash mounted dimmer will only vary the display brightness when the DIM
terminal has power, +12V.

ADJ –
This terminal provides a ground reference for the optionally installed DIM-1 for dash

mounted dimming control. One wire from the potentiometer will connect to the ADJ – terminal,
the other connects to the ADJ SND.

*This terminal should not be used for grounding other sensors or devices or damage to
the control box will occur. If not using a Dakota Digital DIM-1, this terminal should be left
open.

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WTR SND

The water temperature sender included with this system must be used. Other

senders will cause incorrect readings or damage to the control box.

The supplied sensor, Dakota Digital SEN-04-5, is a 100-300ºF(40-150ºC) temp sensor.

The sender mounts on the engine block or into the intake manifold so that the end of the sensor
is in the engine coolant flow. It has 1/8” NPT threads, adaptor bushings may be used to adapt it
for various applications.

The water temp sensor has two wires coming from the harness. One wire will connect to

the WTR SND terminal; the other wire will connect to the WTR – terminal. It does not matter
which wire goes into either location.

Due to the construction of the sensor, readings at lower temperatures below 100 ºF will be

inaccurate. The sensor is designed to be accurate from approximately 100 ºF - 300 ºF.

WTR –

This is the ground reference used for two-wire water temp sensors. This will connect to

one of the wires from the Dakota Digital SEN-04-5. The other wire will connect to the WTR SND
terminal, and it doesn’t matter which wire goes into either location.

OIL +

This terminal is used to supply power to Dakota Digital pressure sensor SEN-03-8. This

supplies 5V DC to the sensor and should not be connected to anything else. Connect the red
wire from the SEN-03-8 to this terminal.

***DO NOT use this terminal to power any other devices; it is a low current +5V output.
OIL SND

The oil pressure sender included with this system must be used. Other senders will

cause incorrect readings or damage to the control box.

The supplied sensor, Dakota Digital SEN-03-8, is a 0-100 psi solid state pressure sensor.

The sender can mount on the engine block or in an oil pressure line off of the block. The sender
has 1/8” NPT threads. Adaptor bushings may be used to adapt it for various applications.

The oil pressure sensor has three wires coming from the harness, plus one bare shield

wire. The WHITE wire will connect to the OIL SND terminal, the RED to OIL + (5V DC), and the
black and bare shield wire to OIL –. Do not route the oil sender wire alongside a spark plug wire
or other high current or high voltage wires. Doing so can cause incorrect or erratic gauge
readings.

If the oil pressure drops below an adjustable warning point, the reading will flash as a low

oil pressure warning. The default warning point is 10 psi. If the oil display shows in a LCD
message screen as “ - - ”, this indicates that the control box is sensing a short to ground or out-of­range error from the sender or sender wire. If the oil display shows “EEE” this indicates that the
control box is sensing an open circuit or out-of-range error from the sender. If either indication
remains on the display, inspect the sender wire for damage, check the routing of the sender wire,
check the sending unit grounding, and check that the correct sending unit is connected.

OIL –

This is the ground reference used for three-wire pressure sensor. This will connect to the

black wire as well as the bare silver shield wire from the Dakota Digital SEN-03-8.

***The bare wire is the shield wire; connect this wire to the OIL – along with the black wire
***DO NOT connect this terminal to any other devices

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FUEL +

This output is not typically used. It is a low current +12V supply for powering solid state

fuel sensors. Currently, it does not have an application for any Dakota Digital fuel level sensors.

***This terminal should not be used with a typical resistive type fuel sensor. For

most applications, leave this terminal open. Do not try to power other devices from this
terminal or damage to the control box will occur.

FUEL SND

The fuel gauge sending unit is not normally supplied because the display system can use

the existing fuel sending unit that is already in the tank in many cases. The sending units that are
compatible with this system are as follows: GM, Ford, VDO, and Stewart Warner. It is also
possible to program a custom setting for senders that are not pre-programmed into the system.

Dakota Digital recommends that you run two wires back to the fuel level sensor to insure

proper grounds. Use the FUEL - and FUEL SND terminals and run a twisted pair of wires back
to your fuel level sensor. Connect the FUEL - terminal to the fuel level sensor body or a
mounting screw to insure the sensor is sufficiently grounded. The other wire is the sensor signal
which goes to the FUEL SND terminal.

If your wiring harness already has a single wire routed through the vehicle for the fuel

sender then it may be used. If using a wire from an existing harness, make sure that the wire
does not have power. The fuel sender gets power from the control box only. Fuel senders
reference their ground from the sender mounting plate. Make sure that a ground wire is
connected from one of the sender mounting bolts to the vehicle frame.

The fuel sender type is selected using the fuel setup menu under “SENDER”. The settings

are discussed later in the setup section. Anytime the fuel level is below 10%, the reading will
flash as a warning of low fuel.

The fuel gauge will initially display “EEEE” until the fuel sender type has been set, and a

message will be displayed that says to “set Fuel sender”. If the message display shows “ --­%FUEL” this indicates that the control box is sensing a short to ground or out-of-range error from
the sender or sender wire. If the message display shows “EEE %FUEL” this indicates that the
control box is sensing an open circuit or out-of-range error from the sender. If either indication
remains on the display, inspect the sender wire for damage, check the routing of the sender wire,
check the sending unit grounding, and check that the sender selection is set correctly for the
sending unit that is connected.

FUEL –

This terminal is used to provide a ground connection for the fuel level sensor. Dakota
Digital recommends that you use the FUEL - terminal and run a twisted pair of wires back to your
fuel level sensor. Connect the FUEL - terminal to the fuel level sensor body or a mounting screw
to insure the sensor is sufficiently grounded. One terminal on the sensor is the signal which goes
to the FUEL SND terminal.

***For fuel level sensors that are attached to an electric fuel pump, or if you have an

electric fuel pump in the tank, make sure that the fuel pump is externally grounded to the
vehicle chassis. Attempting to ground the fuel pump to the Dakota Digital control box will
result in erratic operation and damage to the control box.

CRUISE (-)

The CRUISE terminal can be used as a “cruise engaged” indicator. The CRUISE input is

activated by a ground signal from a compatible cruise control harness. Whenever the CRUISE
input is grounded, the system will display a small green “cruise engage” indicator.

MAN 650314C

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