1953- 55 Ford Pickup RTX Instruments
From Dakota Digital RTX
What can you say about an instrument system that fits the original dashboard, includes a chrome plated billet aluminum bezel, new lens, and is packed with modern technology? We kept the original look and style of the 1953-55 Ford F100 pickup instrument cluster, but added a pile of modern features such as a large, full-color TFT message center and precision needle movements!
The RTX series is the latest from Dakota Digital, focused on retaining that stock look without sacrificing the late-model features you love. Every effort has been put forth to incorporate OEM design elements regarding the layout, face styling and indicators. A casual glance may dismiss these as original equipment, but once you hit the switch and the LED backlighting comes on in your favorite color scheme, all doubts will be removed.
Starting from scratch, CNC machined housings are filled with electronics designed and built in-house, helping Dakota Digital once again raise the bar for aftermarket instrumentation. The high-definition TFT message centers can be fully configured to display just about any piece of information needed. As you’ve come to expect from Dakota Digital, the RTX series utilizes a central control box to make installation and setup as easy as possible. Click the tabs below for a more in-depth look at the RTX series!
- Pictures
- Specifications
- Options
- Expansion
- Manuals
- App
Pictures
Specifications
Analog Gauges |
|
Speedometer |
·0 -120 MPH (optional metric version 0- 200 kmh) |
|
Oil Pressure |
·0- 80 psi |
|
Water Temperature |
·100- 260ºF (optional metric version 40- 120ºC) |
|
Fuel Level |
·E, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, F |
|
Voltmeter |
·9- 17 VDC |
|
Digital Bar Graph Gauges |
|
Tachometer |
·0- 8,000 RPM |
|
Digital Message Centers |
|
Standard Displays |
·Odometer (One time user settable, Million Mile) |
·Dual (A/B) Trip Meter (0- 9,999.9) |
·Clock (12 hour) |
·Estimated Range/ Miles to Empty |
|
Performance Meters |
·0- 60 MPH Timer (0- 100 kmh) |
·1/4 and 1/8 mile time |
·1/4 and 1/8 mile end speed (trap speed) |
·High speed recall |
·High RPM recall |
|
Built-in Indicators |
|
Indicators |
·Turn Signals (Left/ Right) |
·High Beam |
·Check Engine |
·Parking Brake |
·Cruise Control (On/ On & Engaged when vehicle is equipped) |
·Gear Position (Optional GSS-3000 sensor required) |
·4 x 4 (When vehicle is equipped) |
·Wait to Start (When vehicle is equipped) |
·Two Auxiliary input indicators with user-programmable labels |
·Each analog gauge sweep contains a red LED indicator for quick notice of a warning condition (except speedometer) |
**Not all OEM indicator lamp functions will be replaced.
|
|
Lighting Technology |
|
Colors |
·Over 30 user-selectable color options allow you to independently change the needle color, sweep color and digital TFT display color. |
|
Brightness |
·Both daytime and nighttime brightness can be easily controlled through the RTX setup menu, allowing you to choose your preferred lighting intensity level, toggled by the activation of the headlight switch. If on-the-fly rotary type control is desired, the DIM-1 is a common accessory to add this functionality. |
|
Themes |
·With 12 factory preset color themes, you can quickly create a beautiful looking system. Or, for the ultimate in customization, choose all of the color zones yourself. |
|
Technology |
·Full LED backlighting provides a strikingly visual gauge package, with sharp contrast for ease of viewing both night and day. Full RBG backlighting allows you to create the specific color you want, with a unique daytime and nighttime theme if desired. Whether your goal is an OE look or something truly bold, the RTX Series lets you make that choice. |
|
Included Sensors |
|
Water Temperature |
·1/8" NPT, ground isolated sensor with a 10 ft harness. |
|
Oil Pressure |
·1/8" NPT solid state sensor with a 10 ft harness. |
|
Cable Driven Speed Sensor/ Generator |
·Replaces Ford and/ or GM style speedometer cables with a 10 ft harness. Sensor requires approximately 5" clearance extending between the cable drive output and any obstruction. Part # 130011 (sold separately) allows for relocation of the pulse generator when additional clearance is required. |
|
Bushings |
·Each kit comes with 1/8" to 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" NPT bushings along with bushings for 12mm and 16mm x 1.5 threads. |
|
Control Box Dimensions |
5.5" x 3.5"x 1" |
|
Calibration and Use |
|
Pushbutton Control |
·Dakota Digital instrument systems are programmed and operated by the push of a button. A two-sided rocker switch is included with each package; mount this switch in an easily accessible location when in the driving position. The rocker switch provide quick and consistent access to all functions, either in driving mode or while in the setup menu. Button-press feedback is available through the TFT Message Center, or through the included buzzer. Once configured, this same switch is used to access the wealth of information located in the digital message centers. |
|
Mobile App |
·RTX instrument systems can also be completely configured through the available mobile app, suitable to Android and Apple devices. Using your existing tablet or smart phone, download the free app, sync your device to the RTX system, and enjoy quick and convenient menu navigation and real time gauge readouts for diagnostic use or a secondary display. |
|
Calibration |
·All calibration settings are handled through the included pushbutton switch or the remote Bluetooth app. While many calibration settings exist, the speedometer and fuel level are completed in most cases (unless GPS-50-2 is used, negating the need to calibrate the speedometer) through a few taps of the pushbuttons and a short test drive of the vehicle. |
Options
Which extras items that are not included with this kit does Dakota Digital recommend that you consider?
Because Dakota Digital includes the required sensors for the Oil Pressure, Water Temperature and Speedometer with all its RTX, HDX, VHX and VFD instrument systems, in many cases no additional parts will be required. However, you may wish to consider the following optional items.
GSS-3000 - Universal Gear Position Sensor All Instrument packages contain a gear shift indicator display allowing the transmission gear position (Park, Reverse, etc.) to be shown within the message center. The GSS-3000 accommodates automatic transmissions with 2- 4 forward gears and enjoys a simple and straightforward installation. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION DIM-1 - Light Dimming Knob Although Dakota Digital instrument systems are programmable for both day and night intensity levels, the DIM-1 will allow rotary, or on-the-fly brightness adjustment added convenience. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION SEN-06-1 - Fuel Level Sensor Dakota Digital instrument systems are designed to utilize a stock or aftermarket fuel level sensor. If a universal or replacement sensor is desired, the SEN-06-1 is a great choice. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION BIM-01-2 - ODB II/ Can Interface Module The BIM-01-2 OBD-II (J1850/CAN) Interface connects directly to the ECM diagnostic port to extract engine and transmission data and supply it to the VFD/ VHX/ HDX/ RTX instrument, making installation a breeze. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION BIM-17-2 - Compass w/ Outside Temperature Module The Dakota Digital BIM-17-2 makes it easy to add compass and outside air temperature information to your VFD/ VHX/HDX/ RTX instrument system. Readouts are visible in the instrument system's message centers; sending units and mounting hardware included. |
Expansion
Dakota Digital is proud to introduce the BIM Expansion modules for Dakota Digital VFD, VHX, HDX and RTX instrument systems. The introduction of the Dakota Digital BIM modules allow you to add up to an additional 16 gauges, that's right we said SIXTEEN specialty gauges to your vehicle without the need to cut extra holes in the dash or installing pillar and pod mounts to your columns or under the dash.
Please note that the BIM modules are only compatible with current VFD, VHX, HDX and RTX control boxes which have a black plastic housing. Older control boxes with metal housings are not compatible with the BIM modules.