The Dakota Digital ECD-200BT is an electronic cable drive designed to operate a cable-driven speedometer. It can receive speed signals from a transmission, an ECM (Engine Control Module), or an OBDII port connection. This device is engineered to provide precise speedometer operation in vehicles that may have undergone modifications affecting their original speed signal.
Function Description:
The primary function of the ECD-200BT is to convert an electronic speed signal into a mechanical cable rotation, thereby driving a traditional cable-driven speedometer. This is particularly useful in custom builds, engine swaps, or vehicles where the original speedometer cable is no longer compatible with the modern speed signal source. The module is fully sealed, allowing for flexible mounting options either under the dash or in the engine compartment, though mounting under the vehicle is explicitly advised against due to the risk of road debris damage.
The unit offers extensive adjustability, which can be performed from the driver's seat using a supplied switch assembly or through the Dakota Digital Accessory app, available for iOS and Android devices. This app enhances the user experience by providing a convenient interface for setup and calibration.
Technical Specifications and Features:
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Speed Signal Input:
- Can accept electric speed signals from a transmission or ECM.
- Supports OBDII port connections for speed data, compatible with 1996 and newer GM and Ford vehicles, and 2003 and newer Chrysler/Jeep vehicles. It does not support CAN speed from aftermarket ECMs (like Holley or FAST) or non-US standard protocols.
- VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) wiring: For 2-wire sensors, polarity does not matter; one wire connects to the BROWN wire on the ECD-200, and the other to a ground point. Twisting signal and ground wires is recommended for interference protection. For ECM/transmission controller VSS outputs, connect the VSS wire to the BROWN wire. Avoid tapping into a VSS High between the transmission and ECM/TCM. Three-wire VSS sensors (common in Chrysler products) can share the VSS signal wire.
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Output: Drives a cable-driven speedometer. The module is designed to replace the vehicle's original speedometer cable, which should not be used with this unit.
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Display Panel (LED Readout):
- Located on the end of the ECD-200BT, it provides visual feedback during setup and diagnostics.
- Displays setup options and indicates the current function being accessed.
- LED indicators:
- Steady Dot: Powered without signal.
- Flashing Dot: Signal present.
- 'CBL...LOC': Stuck speedometer.
- Bluetooth Status: Steady Flash (Ready/Waiting), Double Flash (Connected).
- During normal operation, the display shows "0" when stationary and "- :" with flashing dots when moving.
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Wiring Connections:
- RED: 12V power (key-on).
- BLACK: Ground.
- BROWN: Vehicle speed signal.
- ORANGE: Input for setup switch (ground to activate).
- 6-pin connector: For OBDII adapter cable.
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Calibration and Setup:
- Setup Entry: Hold the supplied function switch while turning the key on.
- Navigation: Tap the switch to change selections, hold to enter a sub-menu or save an option.
- Speedometer Needle Feedback: During the first four menus, the speedometer needle will move to indicate the function being accessed, which is helpful if the LED panel is not easily visible.
- Reverse Cable Rotation (10 MPH / LED: rEU): Allows reversing the cable rotation direction.
- Auto-Calibrate (30 MPH / LED: Ato): Calibrates speed by driving one marked mile. The unit counts pulses per mile (e.g., "08.0" for 8,000 pulses per mile).
- Adjust (20 MPH / LED: Adu): Fine-tunes speedometer speed (faster/slower) in 1 MPH increments.
- Preset (45 MPH / LED: SEE): Offers preset speed input signals (PPM - pulses per mile) for common configurations:
- 10 MPH = 4000 ppm (LED: 4)
- 20 MPH = 8000 ppm (LED: 8)
- 30 MPH = 16000 ppm (LED: 16)
- 40 MPH = 64000 ppm (LED: 64)
- 50 MPH = 128000 ppm (LED: 128)
- 0 MPH = factory preset (LED: rSt)
- Calibration Menu Adjust (0 MPH / LED: CAL): Adjusts speed calibration from 75% to 125% of the current value (+/- 25%).
- Pulses Menu Display (LED: PLS): Shows the current pulse rate the ECD is set to drive the speedometer (e.g., "08.0" for 8,000 PPM).
- Input Source Menu (LED: In): Selects between VSS (5 In) or OBDII (bUS) as the speed signal source. For OBDII, it allows selection from four ODBII channels (61, 62, F1, F2) if conflicts with a scanner occur.
- Version Menu Display (LED: UEr): Displays the current software code of the ECD-200BT.
- Bluetooth Menu Display (LED: bLU): Configures Bluetooth connectivity for the Dakota Digital Accessory app. Options include "ALL" (Bluetooth always active) or "SEE" (Bluetooth active only in setup mode). A "Safe Mode" sets Bluetooth to setup mode only; clearing it requires selecting "ALL" in the Bluetooth menu.
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Bluetooth Connectivity:
- Allows setup and adjustments via the Dakota Digital Accessory app on iOS or Android devices.
- Provides real-time adjustments while driving if "ALL" Bluetooth mode is selected.
Usage Features:
- Ease of Setup: The accessory app simplifies the setup procedure significantly.
- Driver's Seat Adjustability: Calibration and adjustments can be made conveniently from inside the vehicle.
- Diagnostic Feedback: The LED display and speedometer needle movements provide clear indications during setup and troubleshooting.
- Robust Design: The module is fully sealed for protection against environmental elements when mounted appropriately.
Maintenance Features:
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting table to diagnose common issues such as no power, stuck cable, no input signal, incorrect input type, grounding interference, damaged speedometer, or incorrect calibration.
- Service and Repair: Dakota Digital offers complete service and repair. Technical support is available for installation or operational questions. Returns for repair require a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number, a detailed problem description, and proof of purchase for warranty work.
- Warranty: A 24-month warranty covers defects in material or workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage from alteration, improper installation, mishandling, misuse, neglect, or accidents.
Important Notes:
- Do not use the vehicle's original speedometer cable with the ECD-200BT.
- Do not mount the module under the vehicle due to the danger of road debris.
- For OBDII connections, the Red power, Black ground, and Orange switch wires are still required, even though the OBDII harness supplies speed data.
- If the ECM's speedometer reading is significantly off (beyond 75%-125% adjustment range), the ECM should be reprogrammed or its input signal corrected.
- The product contains lead, requiring a California Proposition 65 warning.
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