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TFT display

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7.4K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  barbagris  
#1 ·
I'll start with a question.

Has anybody (track guys really) used their 790 WITHOUT the instrument display fitted? - it's just to know if the bike works without it (I know the indicators will not).

I know it is more than a display - but I am really getting to the point that the TFT is starting to annoy me. I don't mean take a hammer to it annoy - but I was out today and it was either in NIGHT mode where it was in fact light or the reflection off the screen protector was such that I could see nothing. It's an issue if there is a police car behind you!.

I've mentioned elsewhere that I find similar issues with my car's TFT display. There are some designers out there who need a good slapping. They probably go everywhere on electric bicycles too.

So I have been wondering whether it may be possible to fit alternative Instrumentation. I have the workshop manual and have been going through the wiring charts, but it's not helping so far. The Alternative is fit a secondary speedo somehow. I had to do the same on my Triumph as the back lighting on the Speedo makes the needle invisible at night.

Is nothing easy?
 
S
#2 ·
Just disable the night mode. I don't think it's a good idea to replace the whole screen only because of reflections on night mode. You will loose the hability to configure the bike and see the data
 
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#3 ·
I wasn't aware that the day/night switching can be disabled or controlled. I recall many forum threads complaining of this very issue. If you have found a way - I am happy to be informed.
Keeping the display in NIGHT mode is easy. Tape over the sensor. The issue is that a TFT display will NEVER be as bright as the sun. In the car - I know that the mfr has understood the issue and is looking for a solution.
 
#5 ·
OK - A different observation. Now I'll confess I'd already suspected this from all the dash moisture issues reported.

The DASH module does NOT compensate well for internal/external pressure differences. If you leave the bike out in strong sun the whole unit bulges - screen is then convex and not flat. This I have seen first hand as I had a tempered glass screen protector on. In extreme sun - it would lift all around the edge and would reseal as it cooled down - I mentioned it to the protector mfr and they said yes, they knew and had dropped glass screens because the KTM screen bows out in heat and now offered a flexible one that flexes with the original. They sent me one - and it works.

If the dash is HOT and suddenly cools (heavy rain - or Washing) it will contract FAST - causing a slight vacuum and any moisture on "seals" can and does get drawn in. There looks to be a breather on the unit but it is either useless or prone to blockage.

I have had this on a different device - Was in the sun - sudden storm - and the fat lady sang.

Over winter I want to see if I can design/build a shield - even if only a parking sun cover.

I do have a secondary Speedo (GPS) fitted now too.
 
M
#6 ·
barbagris said:
OK - A different observation. Now I'll confess I'd already suspected this from all the dash moisture issues reported.

The DASH module does NOT compensate well for internal/external pressure differences. If you leave the bike out in strong sun the whole unit bulges - screen is then convex and not flat. This I have seen first hand as I had a tempered glass screen protector on. In extreme sun - it would lift all around the edge and would reseal as it cooled down - I mentioned it to the protector mfr and they said yes, they knew and had dropped glass screens because the KTM screen bows out in heat and now offered a flexible one that flexes with the original. They sent me one - and it works.

If the dash is HOT and suddenly cools (heavy rain - or Washing) it will contract FAST - causing a slight vacuum and any moisture on "seals" can and does get drawn in. There looks to be a breather on the unit but it is either useless or prone to blockage.

I have had this on a different device - Was in the sun - sudden storm - and the fat lady sang.

Over winter I want to see if I can design/build a shield - even if only a parking sun cover.

I do have a secondary Speedo (GPS) fitted now too.
Click to expand...
According to KTM, the instrument cluster is not sealed. It is a vented unit. So moisture in the cluster is normal and does not warant replacement.
Most modern (insert proprietary name) plastic electronic units are designed this way. They are vented for heat release so moisture becomes "acceptable and will clear with use"
I recently replaced a $5000 Vw Golf headlight due to moisture (WoF fail here) and it was misted up again an hour after replacement. When queried with Vw, they sent me pictures of misted headlights to show what level of moisture (actual runs) is not acceptable. Customer was not impressed.
 
#7 ·
The thing is that the KTM "vent" is VERY exposed. My guess is that it easily blocks with crud or is even how water gets in. Getting it out after is a PITA.

I have the same issue on an EARLY JW-Speaker headlight set. Water got in and there's no way to get it out. OK - I could drill the bodies and fit an air blower,
Later ones were dry N2 purged and have a GoreTex seal. No issues.
Surprised at that VW light - I took a damaged Audi LED unit apart - It had a ruddy big fan inside to circulate air.
The issue with lights is that the moisture ends up condesing on the coldest bit - On a LED light this is the lens over unused leds. And driving makes it worse still as there is wind chill.
 
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