Banks iDash + Aeroforce Single Gauge Pod

[B58_ hwAyaq]

Just finished installing a Banks iDash Gauge and Scan Tool inside of an Aeroforce Single Gauge Pod (thanks for @Insomniac for pointing these pods out to me).

Why I picked this combo:

• I've been looking for both a non-tacked on single gauge pod as well as a gauge that displays multiple parameters at once.
• I tried making an OBDLink dashboard with my phone, but 1) I was having issues with a super slow refresh rate, and 2) this would require me to pull my phone out, mount it, connect, open app, etc. etc. every time I'm in the car (I often never remove my phone from my pocket due to wireless CarPlay).
• The P3 is a great looking gauge, but for the price, I would have liked a higher res screen and more than one parameter.
• The Banks gauge can display up to 8 parameters on a layout, and you can can save 5 layouts for switching on the fly.

FYI, the Banks gauge uses the OBD2 port, so this gauge is not recommended for those with a JB4 or using the OBD2 port full-time for something else.

Install Notes:

• The install is exactly like the P3 gauge install.
• I let the headlight switch panel hang instead of unplugging it (the connecter was very snug like the video mentions). I just put a microfiber on it to prevent scratches.
• The Aeroforce gauge pod fits 2 1/16" (52 mm) gauges, but the inner diameter is a bit wider than the outer diameter of the Banks gauge. It comes with adhesive putty which is a mess. The majority of my time on this install was cleaning this up. Plan how you'll secure the gauge in the pod before starting to prevent frustration.
  • The Banks gauge does come with a backing plate and nuts to secure the gauge to other types of pods, but this does not apply to the Aeroforce pod given the nature of its shape.
• I placed a small, hard-ish tool case above the defroster vent to prevent myself from drilling into the a-pillar. (don't need to with a steady hand, but it's cheap insurance)

Install Pics:

Fully Installed Pics Attached

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[FLtrackdays]

Dude that is so badass!!!! Love all the pics and details you’ve provided ? Assuming it’s easy to unplug as the JB4 and put right back in. Since the JB4 bluetooth connector doesn’t need to be plugged in to stay on your current map, thinking I could plug this in and put the JB4 connector back in only when changing maps or Jesse is doing an update for me. Does that sound feasible?

It’d be cool (pun intended) to see the IATs while tracking!

Couldn’t find the Toyota Supra or any BMW on their website:

https://bankspower.com/collections/idash-digital-monitor

With the JB4 tapped into the CANbus, I’m wondering if there’d be other incompatibilitIes. You are obviously way beyond my pay grade in the knowledge dept with this kind of stuff. And I’m learning not to ask questions on other threads beyond mashing the brake pedal and hitting the throttle, lol. Thanks for entertaining my stupid questions!

 

[B58_ hwAyaq]

Dude that is so badass!!!!

Thank you! Happy to answer your questions the best I can.

It plugs into the OBD2 port and stays there to function. It is just like the JB4 or any other OBD tool or dongle. It does have a retention clip to help it stay put (and prevent accidental unplugs) which can be a bit stiff, but consider it a feature.

I believe the JB4 does need to stay plugged in to function at its full feature set. (It did when I ran it on another platform, but I’ll let someone else confirm that for the Supra.) There are OBD splitters, but I believe that @zrk mentioned in the past that there’s not enough bandwidth to support splitting the OBD signal and running a JB4.

The banks website will pull up a handful of other BMWs, but I didn’t find the Supra or newer BMWs. It’s compatible with all cars that support OBD, but I believe that if they have a model listed on their site, there are even more parameters that can be pulled for that vehicle.

I appreciate the kind words, but I have a lot to learn, as well. These banks gauges are way more known in the truck world, but they seemed to fit exactly what I was looking for.

 

[FLtrackdays]

The banks website will pull up a handful of other BMWs, but I didn’t find the Supra or newer BMWs. It’s compatible with all cars that support OBD, but I believe that if they have a model listed on their site, there are even more parameters that can be pulled for that vehicle.

Mega helpful! And I know I’m going to want to do this someday, just because…. Your’s looks so damn good and it really would be nice on track. I’ll have to look into the OBD splitter you mentioned.

Since they don’t have our car listed, do you have a link to the one you are using?

thanks again ?

 

[B58_ hwAyaq]

Since they don’t have our car listed, do you have a link to the one you are using?

Sure! It’s this one: https://bankspower.com/products/electronic-gauge-66560-all-2008-obdii-can-bus-vehicles

Use their spin to win or abandon your cart for a bit to get another 10% off.

I’m excited to play around with it more with more focused layouts, high/low warnings, shift light, etc.

 

[Delta1Seven]

Thanks for the write up @B58_ hwAyaq

I am about to order myself a JB4 very very soon and would love to have this pod. You are 100% right on the P3 gauge, a lot of money for only 1 parameter. It sure does look OEM but I would like to see a few values at the same time.

@FLtrackdays Please let us know if you find out any more info on how to run a gauge with a JB4. I'm curious what is the actual limitation of the splitters. I wonder if it's the splitter not being able to provide the bandwidth, or just the OBD port in general.

 

[B58_ hwAyaq]

Obligatory daytime pics:

 

[DarkZupra]

Does this display Oil Temp and Coolant Temp? How does it handle dimming?

 

[B58_ hwAyaq]

Does this display Oil Temp and Coolant Temp? How does it handle dimming?

Yes, both of those. (Can be seen as EOT and ECT in my original photos.)

There is an ambient light sensor at the top, and there are settings where you can specify min and max brightness levels. FWIW, I have my car’s dash coded for max brightness always. I didn’t touch the default iDash dimming settings, and everything looks good to me. No issues with it looking too dark or bright. (Attached photos of dimming settings. Ignore the pixelation of the screen - you know what phone cameras do to screens.)

 

[FLtrackdays]

Yes, both of those. (Can be seen as EOT and ECT in my original photos.)

There is an ambient light sensor at the top, and there are settings where you can specify min and max brightness levels. FWIW, I have my car’s dash coded for max brightness always. I didn’t touch the default iDash dimming settings, and everything looks good to me. No issues with it looking too dark or bright. (Attached photos of dimming settings. Ignore the pixelation of the screen - you know what phone cameras do to screens.)

That is so badass! I did find out you were absolutely right… my JB4 needs to be plugged in to be working. The replacement windshield people must have unplugged it and I was mashing the pedal in town a few times, asking myself, what’s wrong with my car?!? Totally depressing… Get home and see the JB4 Bluetooth plug just dangling ?. How rude!!!!

I’d definitely have to do the splitter thing if I ever put in your cool gauge. Another thing to add to my Supra to do list ?

 

[DarkZupra]

Yes, both of those. (Can be seen as EOT and ECT in my original photos.)

There is an ambient light sensor at the top, and there are settings where you can specify min and max brightness levels. FWIW, I have my car’s dash coded for max brightness always. I didn’t touch the default iDash dimming settings, and everything looks good to me. No issues with it looking too dark or bright. (Attached photos of dimming settings. Ignore the pixelation of the screen - you know what phone cameras do to screens.)

Thanks for the info. Im happy with my P3 so far, but its nice to know theres an option that can show multiple items at once out there.

I’d definitely have to do the splitter thing if I ever put in your cool gauge. Another thing to add to my Supra to do list ?

Cant use a splitter with either this or JB4. Both require full bandwidth OBD2 access.

 

[BMWAF]

Thanks for the info. Im happy with my P3 so far, but its nice to know theres an option that can show multiple items at once out there.



Cant use a splitter with either this or JB4. Both require full bandwidth OBD2 access.

Is there a way around this as I see it as a bit of a project ending problem.

 

[DarkZupra]

Is there a way around this as I see it as a bit of a project ending problem.

Nope. Limitation in how much power the OBD2 port puts out. Time to unlock that ECU and go with BM3 or MHD.

 

[Mason]

These are the gauges I have. Unlike any other obd2 gauges, these can daisy chain together. I currently have 2 at the same time, each displaying 3 parameters each.

 

[Thraxbert]

I also have two of these. Nice solution for the Supra.

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