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Introduction to the X-Gauge

The X-Gauge is a sophisticated electronic module with a 128x64-pixel graphic display that replaces the original module inside the cockpit clock of a smart® fortwo (city-coupé) perfectly. It can not only tell time, but also date, battery voltage, inside temperature and a number of engine parameters in real-time (see list below). These parameters are retrieved from the car's engine control unit (ECU) through the on-board diagnostic (OBD) interface. The module can also display and clear diagnostic trouble codes that the ECU might have stored.
	The X-Gauge is delivered as a kit that includes module, cables, connectors, faceplate, user manual and an installation guide which illustrates the step-by-step procedure for replacing the cockpit clock module with the X-Gauge module. Besides the original 3-wire hookup from the clock, there are two additional wires that get plugged into the diagnostic connector under the dashboard. All functions of the X-Gauge are controlled through the same two buttons that were already used for adjusting the clock.

There are 5 display modes that can be selected. Changing from one mode to another can be done at any time.

Display Mode: Time	This mode shows the parameters Date, Time, Battery Voltage and Inside Temperature. No communications with the ECU are taking place. This mode is also activated for the duration of 30 seconds while the ignition is turned off and either one of the two buttons is pushed.
Display Mode: Main	Up to 7 parameters can be displayed concurrently in this mode. Which parameter is displayed in which display location is freely selectable. The screen shot on the left shows Fuel System Status (top left), Average Fuel Consumption (top center), Coolant Temperature (top right), Intake Absolute Pressure (center), Battery Voltage (bottom left), Time (bottom center) and Inside Temperature (bottom right).
Display Mode: Text	This display mode shows descriptions and corresponding values of up to 4 parameters. Assignment of parameters to display lines is freely selectable. Descriptions can be chosen to be either in English, German, French, Italian or Spanish, and parameter values can be represented in English or metric units.
Display Mode: Graphic	Values of up to 2 parameters are plotted as x-y graphs that are scrolling from right to left. The second graph is plotted with a darker color than the first one so that the two can be easily distinguished. The example on the left shows the voltages of oxygen sensors 1 and 2 (while fuel system operates in closed loop mode). Updating (scrolling) of the graphs can be turned on/off at any time. Graphs are kept in memory when turned off even if display mode gets changed or if ignition is turned off, so that they can be re-displayed at a later time.
Display Mode: Trouble Codes	Confirmed and pending diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are repeatedly retrieved from the ECU and displayed while this display mode is active. Top line shows the number of confirmed/pending codes stored by the ECU, bottom line indicates the type of code currently displayed. Trouble codes can be cleared from the ECU via a menu position of the user interface.

Issue 14 (winter 2006) of the smartimes magazine features a 2-page review of the X-Gauge (pages 55-56). You can view and download this particular issue, by clicking on the picture below.