Harry--
I found an interesting article about installing a low-cost tablet dashboard in an amateur race car.
https://nasaspeed.news/toolshed-enginee ... dashboard/
They used this software for Android, called Shadow Dash MS from EFI Analytics (which also makes ECU tuning software called TunerStudio).
http://tunerstudio.com/index.php/shadowdashmsmenu
In this case, they connected the tablet to the ECU (Megasquirt in a Miata), but the article mentions that the app works with OBD-II data also. How well it works with ODB-II, they don't say. The website is ECU-oriented, and doesn't mention OBD-II very much.
Personally, I would pay a lot to get this kind of instrumentation in my race car, a Porsche 986 Boxster.
Unfortunately, my class rules, for Spec Boxster by the Porsche Club of America, doesn't allow replacing the ECU, so I would need an OBDII-based solution. I know Porsche generates additional data on the OBDII connection, which can be captured using this USB adapter:
http://www.durametric.com
The Durametric diagnostic software knows about the Porsche-specific data on the OBDII port. I don't know if this additional data would be enough to make something similar to the Shadow Dash software (engine RPM, throttle position, oil pressure, oil and water tempurature, etc.). Or update fast enough. But it might be worth talking to Durametric about partnering with them for a Porsche-specific solution (use their adapter, understand the Porsche data).
I wonder if I could use this Durametric cable with HLT on Android? I expect that it wouldn't give me the Porsche data in HLT, but I wonder if it would give the standard OBDII data?
The other aspect to the dashboard-replacement scenario (besides getting the right data) is the ability to get multiple gauges on a single large screen. In the article, they used a 9" screen.
Where does supporting large screens with new (configurable?) graphical layouts fit in your priorities?
Yes, it's a different market than a lap-timer. You'd be competing with Traqmate, AIM, etc. But you could also sell the software for more than $28 (in my opinion). It could be a separate product from HLT. I think a complete system with software, a tablet, sensors, mounting, GPS, and cameras could be a business opportunity. The Traqmate systems start at $1,200. The AIM MXL2 is $2,000.
I think an important part of this scenario for racers is sophisticated data analytics after the race. Probably on a bigger screen, such as on a laptop.
What are your thoughts on the race dashboard/data-collection-analysis market? Maybe just a closer relationship with Autosport Labs?
Greg