Dakota dig vs Speedhut

[aussiewannabee69]

Hi im tossing up whether to buy a Dakota Digital gauge cluster or Speedhut gauges. Visually i like both and both are very different. The Dakota has a few more options/ add ons but the speedhut is GPS. Has anyone had experience with both or either one. The prices are very similar

 

[Mike67]

I've installed the VHX's in my my father in laws 67 Nova and loved the ease and quality. The only thing I didn't like are the programming buttons are separate from the cluster and have to be remotely mounted and connected to the ecu. Programming & calibration is pretty easy.
I'm installing a set in a 57 TBird as we speak.

 

[Yatzee]

Hi im tossing up whether to buy a Dakota Digital gauge cluster or Speedhut gauges. Visually i like both and both are very different. The Dakota has a few more options/ add ons but the speedhut is GPS. Has anyone had experience with both or either one. The prices are very similar

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I've installed a lot of Dakota Digital equipment and I must say, the stuff lasts and looks good. I have been told that the GPS speedometer is not as responsive to speed changes as the DD speedo head but you'll have to discover that for yourself.

 

[Riverdawg]

My brother put DD in the 70 Charger he built, he really liked them. Sorry I don't have a pic.

 

[Mike67]

I forgot to mention that the VHX series allows you to use GPS, you just have to purchase the additional module.

 

[aussiewannabee69]

I forgot to mention that the VHX series allows you to use GPS, you just have to purchase the additional module.

Oh really. Thats very interesting. I didnt know that. Im looking at thr HDX wo ive emailed them about it. Hopefully they do. Leaning towards the Dakota i reckon. Cheers.

 

[Mike67]

Here's the link
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index....t_id=837/category_id=646/mode=prod/prd837.htm

 

[funknut]

Speedhut has a lot of different gauges, and they have both GPS and non-GPS speedometers. They also allow for a ton of customization of the gauge face, bezel, font, etc.

I don't have a set yet, but that's what I intend to get when it's time to re-do the dash.

 

[the mississippi madman]

I like the Dakota's they look good

 

[aussiewannabee69]

I emailed DD about the GPS and heres there response.

Glenn,
Dakota Digital decided to make the GPS a optional part that you can add to any of our systems instead of forcing you to use it or having duplicate kits, one with and one without GPS. In most cases we recommend installing the sensor that is provided with the HDX, VHX or VFD kits or in many cases transmissions equipped with a Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). We feel that the GPS should be considered as a last ditch effort to get a speed signal for a few reasons (see below). If possible to use a physical sensor you will be much happier with the refresh rates and reliability. If you are changing tire sizes often then a GPS will self-calibrate and with the GPS-50-2 connected to the HDX gauge kit you will also get the added functions of a Compass and Altimeter.

Things to consider with any GPS speed sensor.
1) If you lose GPS line of sight you lose your speedometer reading.
a. Dakota Digital’s GPS-50-2 does have a 30 second buffer that will maintain the last speed signal it received allowing you a little time to regain the speed signal.
2) The closest GPS satellite to us is approximately 2,500 miles away which creates a lag no matter how many satellites it tracks and how fast your GPS sensor updates.
a. The industry standard is 10x per second or 10Hz.
b. The Dakota Digital GPS-50-2 will track up to 12 satellites at any given moment if there are 12 visible satellites, which adds to the bulk of the cost of our GPS. With that said the more satellites that you can track the more stable your speed will be and allows you more chances to maintain a signal. Many lower cost units track less satellites (think boats because there are less obstacles on water and acceleration is slow) some units track 1 satellite which can bring their cost below $100.00US however when passing semi’s, going under bridges, around large buildings the speed will jump (30 mph jump to 40+ then back to 30) or fall out all together.


Thank you,

 

[aussiewannabee69]

Im going to get the DD with the GPS.
I live on the Coast in Aus so i there isnt many big buildings, overpasses or **** like that. There is a fair bit of bush though so i will how it goes through that.
Once its all in i will post pics and my review, although i think it will be pretty damn good. And if the GPS is no good, i will just hook the speed sensor in.
Cheers.