DIY RGB Gauges for 05-09's (MyColor Alternative!) - Bluetooth controlled

smartass_garage

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Hey everyone, I created an instructional video demonstration explaining how I was able to have RGB control over my gauges using my phone.

This is for 05-09 Mustang's.

 
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groundpounder

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Very cool! Nice work. Wish Ford had made all the LEDs color changing, ie, radio, locks, windows, etc.
 

smartass_garage

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Very cool! Nice work. Wish Ford had made all the LEDs color changing, ie, radio, locks, windows, etc.

Thanks! I do have an experiment planned for that, I'll eventually tackle it and post my results on YouTube regardless of it working good or not
 

raredesign

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Hello, I created an instructional video demonstration how I was able to have RGB control over my gauges using my phone.

This is for 05-09 Mustang's.


Nicely done bud.

Very cool! Nice work. Wish Ford had made all the LEDs color changing, ie, radio, locks, windows, etc.

I am curious if the console has similar routing channels, where the old LCD's (probably a ton of them) can be desoldered, and the multi-color strip can be routed behind the same as this.
 

smartass_garage

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Nicely done bud.


I am curious if the console has similar routing channels, where the old LCD's (probably a ton of them) can be desoldered, and the multi-color strip can be routed behind the same as this.

Thank you, and yup.. I think I could possibly fit a section of RGB led strip under each button and wire each one individually like that.. Had that idea boiling away in my head, I may tackle it soon once I get bored enough.. I just know that it's going to be a lot of work to do that... mostly with soldering wires onto the strips
 
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raredesign

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Yup, I think I could possibly fit a section of RGB led strip under each button and wire each one individually like that.. Had that idea boiling away in my head, I may tackle it soon once I get bored enough.. I just know that it's going to be a lot of work to do that... mostly with soldering wires onto the strips

If you nail a system down, I bet you can charge a pretty penny. I know there is quite a demand for it.
 

i am ryan

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There used to be a few people on here that did bulb swaps for people by desoldering and replacing bulbs. It was a very intensive process!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

smartass_garage

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There used to be a few people on here that did bulb swaps for people by desoldering and replacing bulbs. It was a very intensive process!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yup, I did that originally with my gauges but when I had them apart I realized I could fit RGB led strip inside and have more functionality as a result

My center console/steering wheel buttons/every green led I desoldered and soldered in 403nm ("blacklight") leds, it took quite some time

Here's a picture of my dash
 

raredesign

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Yup, I did that originally with my gauges but when I had them apart I realized I could fit RGB led strip inside and have more functionality as a result

My center console/steering wheel buttons/every green led I desoldered and soldered in 403nm ("blacklight") leds, it took quite some time

Here's a picture of my dash



That’s fantastic! Thanks to your video, I may dive into mine as well as the console. Great idea.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

smartass_garage

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That’s fantastic! Thanks to your video, I may dive into mine as well as the console. Great idea.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

If you're not confident with your soldering skills it wouldn't hurt to practice, desoldering the leds is the riskiest part because if you aren't patient and careful you could rip a pad off.

I would also recommend a good temperature controlled iron with a fine point tip, keeping it as clean as possible.

I got my surface mount leds from mouser.com

Let me know if you end up having any questions, I'll be keeping an eye on this forum
 

RocketcarX

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Aret those TPI chevy intake runners on the book shelf against the wall?
 

raredesign

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If you're not confident with your soldering skills it wouldn't hurt to practice, desoldering the leds is the riskiest part because if you aren't patient and careful you could rip a pad off.



I would also recommend a good temperature controlled iron with a fine point tip, keeping it as clean as possible.



I got my surface mount leds from mouser.com



Let me know if you end up having any questions, I'll be keeping an eye on this forum



Thank you for the word of caution as those are great tips.

Thankfully, I’m actually pretty good with it since I’ve built and repaired a few circuit boards :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

smartass_garage

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Aret those TPI chevy intake runners on the book shelf against the wall?

Why yes they are haha, my 85 Iroc is my toy and my Mustang is my daily

Good eye and a reminder to me that I have to pay attention to what's in the background haha
 

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