Banks’ iDash 1.8, a Supercomputer for your Motorhome
The more information you can get about your motorhome when it’s running, the better. Banks Engineering’s new iDash 1.8 looks like just another digital gauge, but it’s actually a computer and a monitor that reads and calculates all the data your vehicle makes available.
The iDash Super Gauge can display up to eight parameters (per gauge) and can datalog up to 20 minimum/maximum values, dependent on what is actually available on your vehicle’s bus. It’s compatible with just about any vehicle 2008 or newer.
This instrument monitors, displays, and logs multiple vehicle parameters such as speed, EGT, AFR, RPM, and engine temp. In addition, the iDash 1.8 calculates Banks proprietary and/or patented information such as manifold air density, intercooler effectiveness and more. It can also set custom alerts that you establish. The iDash 1.8 can also be used in pre-OBD-II vehicles by utilizing Banks expansion modules as well as numerous aftermarket ECUs.
Among the features on the iDash 1.8 are a single start/stop button, 10 samples per second recording, an on-screen indicator and a 4gb card that allows recording for more than a month straight. Owners can also review transfer files to their computer and the data is compatible with the popular Excel computer software.
To stay ahead of problems, the iDash lets you monitor system vitals and alerts you to a problem before a dummy light illuminates. Because the alerts can be customized, you’ll be able to head off a problem, not just react to it when it’s too late. You can check diagnostic codes and clear them if there’s no issue and logged events are reported in plain English so you don’t need a factory repair manual to know what you’re seeing.
With the Max Values screen, you can see just how high certain parameters are reaching. This allows you to focus on other things, like driving, and check back at your convenience to see just how hot your engine ran or how high it revved.
For those who always want more, add up to three more iDash 1.8 Super Gauges to increase the total monitoring and control. You can see up to 32 gauge readings at the same time.
Perhaps the best thing about the iDash 1.8 Super Gauge is that it fits in a standard 2 1/16” diameter hole, including most universal gauge mounts like A-pillar, the steering column, dash mount or windshield mount. Learn more at the Banks Engineering website.
Supported ECUs are as follows:
• Motec: M400, M600, M800, M880, M84
• Haltech: All Can Bus Equiped Haltech ECUs
• AEM: Infinity EMS (30?71XX), AEM V2 & EMS?4 (30?6XXX)
• Link: All Link G4+ ECUs
• Megasquirt: MS2, MS3, MSPNP, MS3pro, MS3Pro PNP
