Installing the Dashboard Monitors and Power Boost

KITT Dashboard Monitors and Power Boost mod contents

Please take the time to read and follow these instructions carefully.

Failure to do so may result in damaging the monitor screen controller or the models circuit board.

“My animations aren’t playing!?”

Please note: Supplying power to the device alone will not activate the animations. All cables need to be connected correctly and wired back to the mainboard as per the instructions before the animations will play. If you would like to preview the animations ahead of the full installation please refer to ‘Test Mode‘. For more troubleshooting tips please see ‘Troubleshooting‘ below.

Please take the time to read and follow these instructions carefully.

Failure to do so may result in damaging the monitor screen controller or the models circuit board.

“My animations aren’t playing!?”

Using your own animations

Using your own animations

Troubleshooting

Buy here

Technical Specifications

Power

Input power: 4.5v-6v DC
Max power consumption: 0.04A @ 5v
Estimated run-time using standard alkaline AAA batteries: 12hrs*
Estimated run-time using Fanhome USB-C rechargeable power bank: 6hrs*

*Performance may vary depending on make and composition of battery and how many other devices are enabled on the model.

USB-C

The screens can be powered by practically anything with a USB-C connection, such as a USB power bank or even a laptop. However, to provide enough power to the whole model and support all its features, a USB-C power adaptor with 4.5v-6v DC Output at a minimum 2A (10W) is recommended.

Most phone fast chargers will be suitable, but please check the rating on the adaptor before use.

Power

*Performance may vary depending on make and composition of battery and how many other devices are enabled on the model.

USB-C

Most phone fast chargers will be suitable, but please check the rating on the adaptor before use.

Installation

Step 1 Powering down

Important: Before you begin, switch the model OFF via the switch under the battery compartment. Remove any batteries and ensure that any alternative power sources (such as third-party power mods) are disconnected from the mains power supply.

This modification contains sensitive electronics. To avoid static shock which could damage the device, please ensure you handle the device with care and avoid touching the metal parts whenever possible.

Later in this guide you will be able to choose exactly how you wish to power your model.

You will have the option to power KITT via any one of these methods, but never at the same time:

Via a USB-C power adaptor (Recommended)
Via a USB-C rechargeable power bank
Via existing AAA batteries (Estimated run-time 12hrs*)
Via a third-party power mod or alternative power source

Important: Before you begin, switch the model OFF via the switch under the battery compartment. Remove any batteries and ensure that any alternative power sources (such as third-party power mods) are disconnected from the mains power supply.

Later in this guide you will be able to choose exactly how you wish to power your model.

You will have the option to power KITT via any one of these methods, but never at the same time:

Via a USB-C power adaptor (Recommended)
Via a USB-C rechargeable power bank
Via existing AAA batteries (Estimated run-time 12hrs*)
Via a third-party power mod or alternative power source

Step 2 Preparing the dashboard

This modification is designed to be installed at Issue 44.

If you’re not at that stage yet, you can test your screens and preview the animations in ‘test mode’ here.

To continue with the full installation, you’ll need to get the underside of your dashboard to this point.

The following parts can be removed from the dashboard and will no longer be needed: 4C, 4D, 4J, 4P, 48H. They will be replaced with the new monitor assembly.

You can continue to install the battery compartment, just don’t connect the battery cable C to the mainboard. For now you can coil the cable inside the battery compartment.

LED cable H (part 44C) from Issue 44 can also be disconnected from the main circuit board and removed as it will no longer be needed.

Step 3 Installing the dual monitor bezel

Ensure the lens is clean on both sides before installing.

Using tweezers, remove the 3M backing and install into position, starting at the bottom-right corner of the bezel.

Step 4 Installing the stock dashboard panel

Install the stock dashboard panel (part 4I) from Issue 4 into the new monitor assembly.

When handling the device, take care not to hold or put any pressure on the LCD screen. This is a fragile component and may break if not handled with care.

Step 5 Installing the LED’s

Install the three LED’s from Issue 44 into the rear of the new monitor assembly. You will need part 44E (J) with the yellow cables and part 44B (G) with the red cable.

You will notice that part 44E (J) with the yellow cables has three LED’s. For now, we will only be utilising two of these LED’s. The third LED gets installed into the dash panel to the left of the steering wheel at issue 47.

Step 6 Connecting the cables to the screen controller

Take the long single black cable provided within this kit and connect to the G.O socket on the screen controller, as pictured.

Take the long black and grey cable provided within this kit and connect to the PWR socket on the screen controller, as pictured.

Ensure that all cable connections match the photos exactly! Connecting the PWR cable to the incorrect socket may damage the circuit board when power is supplied.

Long single black cable and long black and grey cable

Step 7 Installing the USB-C cable (Optional but recommended)

In this configuration, you must ensure that USB power is your models only power source.

Never have batteries or other power mods installed at the same time as powering your model via USB-C.

Power option 1 – USB-C (Recommended)

If you would like to power your entire KITT model via USB-C (recommended), remove any existing power sources, power mods, and/or batteries and continue to connect the angled end of the supplied USB-C cable to the USB-C port on the side of the screen controller.

Bonus feature

Did you know, that powering that model via USB-C will also allow you to use a rechargeable USB-C power bank for portability!

Also, having the USB-C cable installed will allow you to easily upload future software releases, patches and firmware upgrades to the monitors screen controller!

Power option 2 – Standard AAA batteries or third-party power mods

If you would like to continue using an existing power source, such as the standard AAA batteries or a third-party power mod, skip this step and do not install the provided USB-C cable. Instructions for providing alternative power to the monitor screens are provided later on in this guide.

Step 8 Fitting the monitor assembly to the dashboard

Carefully insert the monitor assembly into the dashboard, checking alignment with the screw holes and that any cables don’t get trapped beneath the assembly.

Using a PH0 screwdriver, install the monitor assembly using 3 x BP screws provided with Issue 4. You should have plenty of spare BP screws by the time you reach this stage.

Awesome screwdrivers

I would highly recommend a set of these Wera screwdrivers, they’re by far the best modelling screwdrivers I’ve ever owned. You can also purchase the PH0 screwdriver individually here.

Step 9 LED (G) adjustment

After installing the monitor assembly, carefully bend LED part 44B (G) with the red cable downwards into the dashboard.

Tuck the red and black LED cable beneath the monitor bracket and circuit board. This will help hide the cable from view once the installation is complete.

Step 10 Fitting the remaining stock dashboard parts

Epic mod incoming

At this stage, it’s worth noting that there is a future, pretty epic mod incoming – the Electronic Dashboard, Scanner and Alpha Circuit Pro:

If you’re interested in this upgrade, it would be worth holding off installing the remaining stock parts of the dashboard to allow easier access in future. In the meantime, if you would like to enjoy the monitor animations you can skip to Step 14 and continue to connect the electronics.

To be the first to know when this new upgrade is available, please subscribe to my mailing list here.

If you’re happy to continue with the stock dashboard parts, continue with the magazine instructions at Issue 48 – completing the underside of the dashboard and steering wheel assembly.

Route the LED, USB-C (if installed at step 7) and monitor cables under the cutout section of part 48A. When fixing part 48A ensure no cables are trapped beneath.

Remember that part 48H is not needed and will not be fitted as part of this upgrade.

Step 11 Running the cables back to the main circuit board

As per the magazine’s instructions at Issue 65, feed all the dashboard cables and USB-C cable (if installed at step 7) through the centre console and footwells (part 52A).

Feeding USB cables through centre console

Step 12 Routing the USB-C cable through the engine bay

All of the dashboard cables, except for the USB-C cable, will route back towards the rear of the model to the main circuit board.

If you’ve chosen to power you model via USB, route the USB-C cable forward beneath the footwells and down the right-hand side of the turbine engine so that it appears beneath the model.

Step 13 Routing the USB-C cable beneath KITT

Temporarily remove the bracket beneath KITT holding the silver exhausts in place, lift the left exhaust slightly and pull the USB-C cable through.

Reattach the exhaust bracket to keep the USB-C cable in place.

Replacing bracket holding silver exhausts in place

Step 14 Cable connections to the main circuit board

Disconnect the stock LED cable from socket H (part 44C). These LED’s are no longer needed and will be replaced with the dashboard monitors.

Disconnect cable L (part 44E installed at Issue 44) from the main circuit board and move it to socket H.

Connect the long single black cable coming from the dashboard monitors into socket L.

Switching the cables as detailed above may sound unusual, but this is an important step for the dashboard monitors to perform correctly.

Ensure that the cable colours and wire orientations match the photos exactly!

Step 15a Cable connections for USB-C power

To power your model via the USB-C cable, disconnect the battery connector cable (C), or any other alternative power source from the 5VIN socket and replace with the long black and grey cable coming from the monitors.

Ensure that the cable colours and wire orientations match the photos exactly!

Step 15b Cable connections for alternative power sources

Alternatively, if you would like to continue using an existing power source, such as the standard AAA batteries or a third-party power mod, connect the black and grey Y-splitter cable into the spare socket directly next to the 5VIN socket and leave your existing power source connected to the 5VIN socket.

Then, connect the long black and grey cable coming from the monitors into one of the connectors on the Y-splitter cable.

The spare connector on the Y-splitter cable is provided for future modifications. Important: Do not connect anything else to this unless instructed to do so in future modifications.

Ensure that the cable colours and wire orientations match the photos exactly!

Long single black monitor cable to main circuit board

Step 16 Powering up

The installation is now complete!

If powering via the original AAA batteries or an alternative power source, you can now switch on power to the model.

If powering via USB-C, you can now connect your power adaptor or power bank to the USB-C port beneath the model.

You’re now ready to activate KITT via the watch to enjoy your upgraded monitor screens.

If your monitor screens don’t behave as expected, please return to the instructions above and/or refer to the troubleshooting tips below.

Test Mode

If you’d like to test the device and preview the animations ahead of installation, you can enable the ‘test mode’ feature. This will play the animations continuously on loop when connected via USB-C power.

Please note:

This is only intended for previewing the screens and will require disabling ahead of the full installation.
The contents of the config file must match the format exactly as shown.
The values are case sensitive so ensure you match the case of the letters.

To enable test mode, follow these steps:

1. Ensure the device is powered off and remove the SD card – the SD card is spring loaded, push the card in for it to eject.
2. Insert the SD card into a suitable reader on your PC or Mac.
3. Edit the config.txt file located on the SD card and change the value of ‘TestMode’ from off to on, as shown below:
  TestMode:on,
4. Save the file and reinsert the card before powering up the device again.
5. Before full installation, you will need to repeat this process and disable test mode as follows:
  TestMode:off,

Don’t see TestMode? If you don’t see the TestMode setting in your config file, it means your monitor screens will require a firmware update to enable this feature. Simply adding the missing ‘TestMode:on,’ text to the config file will not work until the firmware is updated. Please click here for step-by-step instructions on how to update the devices firmware. Once you have updated the firmware you will be able to add TestMode:on, to your config file for this added functionality.

If you’d like to test the device and preview the animations ahead of installation, you can enable the ‘test mode’ feature. This will play the animations continuously on loop when connected via USB-C power.

Please note:

This is only intended for previewing the screens and will require disabling ahead of the full installation.
The contents of the config file must match the format exactly as shown.
The values are case sensitive so ensure you match the case of the letters.

To enable test mode, follow these steps:

1. Ensure the device is powered off and remove the SD card – the SD card is spring loaded, push the card in for it to eject.
2. Insert the SD card into a suitable reader on your PC or Mac.
3. Edit the config.txt file located on the SD card and change the value of ‘TestMode’ from off to on, as shown below:
  TestMode:on,
4. Save the file and reinsert the card before powering up the device again.
5. Before full installation, you will need to repeat this process and disable test mode as follows:
  TestMode:off,

Adjustable Settings

Adjusting the screen brightness

The screen brightness has been pre-set to ensure optimal blacks and rich colours. However, if you wish to adjust the brightness of the screens you can do so by following these steps:

Turn off the model and disconnect power.
Eject the MicroSD card from the screen controller.
Insert the MicroSD card into a PC so that you can browse the contents. The MicroSD card will either be named NO NAME or KITT on your PC.
Within the contents of the MicroSD card, you will find a config.txt file.
Open the config.txt file and you will find brightness:50 within the configuration settings.
brightness:50 indicates a 50% brightness. This can be adjusted to a setting between 0-254.
Once you’ve made your changes, save the config.txt file to the MicroSD card and reinsert the MicroSD card into the screen controller
Reconnect power to the model and enjoy your updated settings.

Adjusting the vertical height

The vertical height of the animations have been pre-set to ensure correct placement within the dual monitor bezels. However, if you wish to adjust the vertical height, for instance if they look too low within your monitor screens, you can do so by following these steps:

Turn off the model and disconnect power.
Eject the MicroSD card from the screen controller.
Insert the MicroSD card into a PC so that you can browse the contents. The MicroSD card will either be named NO NAME or KITT on your PC.
Within the contents of the MicroSD card, you will find a config.txt file.
Open the config.txt file and you will find the value player_y:8 within the configuration settings.
player_y:8 indicates that the screens have been lowered by 8 pixels from the top. This setting has been pre-applied for a perfect fit for most installations. However if your animations look too low on the monitor screens, reduce this setting back to 6 for example to raise the animations by 2 pixels. If your monitor screens look too high, increase this setting to 10 for example to lower the animations by a further 2 pixels from the standard 8.
Once you’ve made your changes, save the config.txt file to the MicroSD card and reinsert the MicroSD card into the screen controller
Reconnect power to the model and enjoy your updated settings.

Adjusting the screen brightness

The screen brightness has been pre-set to ensure optimal blacks and rich colours. However, if you wish to adjust the brightness of the screens you can do so by following these steps:

Turn off the model and disconnect power.
Eject the MicroSD card from the screen controller.
Insert the MicroSD card into a PC so that you can browse the contents. The MicroSD card will either be named NO NAME or KITT on your PC.
Within the contents of the MicroSD card, you will find a config.txt file.
Open the config.txt file and you will find brightness:50 within the configuration settings.
brightness:50 indicates a 50% brightness. This can be adjusted to a setting between 0-254.
Once you’ve made your changes, save the config.txt file to the MicroSD card and reinsert the MicroSD card into the screen controller
Reconnect power to the model and enjoy your updated settings.

Adjusting the vertical height

Turn off the model and disconnect power.
Eject the MicroSD card from the screen controller.
Insert the MicroSD card into a PC so that you can browse the contents. The MicroSD card will either be named NO NAME or KITT on your PC.
Within the contents of the MicroSD card, you will find a config.txt file.
Open the config.txt file and you will find the value player_y:8 within the configuration settings.
player_y:8 indicates that the screens have been lowered by 8 pixels from the top. This setting has been pre-applied for a perfect fit for most installations. However if your animations look too low on the monitor screens, reduce this setting back to 6 for example to raise the animations by 2 pixels. If your monitor screens look too high, increase this setting to 10 for example to lower the animations by a further 2 pixels from the standard 8.
Once you’ve made your changes, save the config.txt file to the MicroSD card and reinsert the MicroSD card into the screen controller
Reconnect power to the model and enjoy your updated settings.

Troubleshooting

Please note: Each device has been fully tested before dispatch to ensure you have an issue-free installation.

The majority of questions I get asked are easily answered by carefully following the installation instructions above.

If you experience any unexpected results, please check back over the instructions carefully, check all connections, then refer to the troubleshooting tips below if you need further assistance.

If you still need help, please contact me for assistance.

The screen shows the message “SD card error”

This occurs if the Micro SD card cannot be read or contains corrupt data. Any failure to initialise the SD card will result in an error message being displayed on screen.

Check the card is fully inserted into the screen controller. The card should sit flush with the edge of the screen controllers circuit board. The card is spring loaded – with the power off, push the card in for it to eject and try re-inserting.
Ensure that the contents of the card are only as per supplied. Removing, renaming or changing the file structure or folders on the SD card will likely result in incorrect operation.

The screens don’t power up.

Check all supplied cables are connected correctly in the appropriate sockets, as per the instructions above. If you have only connected the USB-C power cable, the screens will not load correctly. The screen controller needs to be correctly wired back to KITT’s main circuit board as per the instructions above to function correctly.
Try disconnecting the mains power to KITT, reconnect, and try powering up KITT again from the watch.
When powered up correctly, a small green LED will be lit on the screen controller circuit board. Check for this light.
The screen will only power up when the dashboard is illuminated by pressing the appropriate button on the K2000 Comlink watch and will automatically power off when the dash lights go out. The monitors will turn off once the current animation has finished playing.
Run a visual check on the ribbon cable feeding from the screen controller to the screen – checking that it hasn’t been damaged during installation. Don’t pull or interfere with the ribbon cable as it may become damaged.

The screens remain on all the time.

Check the supplied single black cable is properly connected at both ends to the correct sockets, as per the instructions above.
Ensure the dashboard LEDs supplied with the original kit are connected to port ‘J’ on KITT’s main circuit board.

An animation freezes, looks fragmented, doesn’t complete or doesn’t continue to the next animation.

This may occur if the Micro SD card cannot be read or contains corrupt data.

Ensure that the contents of the card are only as per supplied. Removing, renaming or changing the file structure or folders on the SD card will likely result in incorrect operation.
If you’ve made no changes to the cards contents and still experience this issue, please get in touch for assistance.

The first LED on the circuit board is GREEN, but the second LED FLASHES ORANGE

A flashing orange LED indicates that your monitor screens may be missing its firmware or that the firmware is corrupt. This can easily be addressed with our firmware updater. Please click here for step-by-step instructions on how to update the devices firmware.

The first LED on the circuit board is GREEN, but the second LED PULSES ORANGE (LED dims to zero and then slowly to full brightness as a cycle)

Your monitor screens may have entered boot mode, which is a testing state during production. This can easily be addressed with our firmware updater. Please click here for step-by-step instructions on how to update the devices firmware.

Please note: Each device has been fully tested before dispatch to ensure you have an issue-free installation.

The majority of questions I get asked are easily answered by carefully following the installation instructions above.

If you experience any unexpected results, please check back over the instructions carefully, check all connections, then refer to the troubleshooting tips below if you need further assistance.

If you still need help, please contact me for assistance.

The screen shows the message “SD card error”

This occurs if the Micro SD card cannot be read or contains corrupt data. Any failure to initialise the SD card will result in an error message being displayed on screen.

Check the card is fully inserted into the screen controller. The card should sit flush with the edge of the screen controllers circuit board. The card is spring loaded – with the power off, push the card in for it to eject and try re-inserting.
Ensure that the contents of the card are only as per supplied. Removing, renaming or changing the file structure or folders on the SD card will likely result in incorrect operation.

The screens don’t power up.

Check all supplied cables are connected correctly in the appropriate sockets, as per the instructions above. If you have only connected the USB-C power cable, the screens will not load correctly. The screen controller needs to be correctly wired back to KITT’s main circuit board as per the instructions above to function correctly.
Try disconnecting the mains power to KITT, reconnect, and try powering up KITT again from the watch.
When powered up correctly, a small green LED will be lit on the screen controller circuit board. Check for this light.
The screen will only power up when the dashboard is illuminated by pressing the appropriate button on the K2000 Comlink watch and will automatically power off when the dash lights go out. The monitors will turn off once the current animation has finished playing.
Run a visual check on the ribbon cable feeding from the screen controller to the screen – checking that it hasn’t been damaged during installation. Don’t pull or interfere with the ribbon cable as it may become damaged.

The screens remain on all the time.

Check the supplied single black cable is properly connected at both ends to the correct sockets, as per the instructions above.
Ensure the dashboard LEDs supplied with the original kit are connected to port ‘J’ on KITT’s main circuit board.

An animation freezes, looks fragmented, doesn’t complete or doesn’t continue to the next animation.

This may occur if the Micro SD card cannot be read or contains corrupt data.

Ensure that the contents of the card are only as per supplied. Removing, renaming or changing the file structure or folders on the SD card will likely result in incorrect operation.
If you’ve made no changes to the cards contents and still experience this issue, please get in touch for assistance.

The first LED on the circuit board is GREEN, but the second LED FLASHES ORANGE

The first LED on the circuit board is GREEN, but the second LED PULSES ORANGE (LED dims to zero and then slowly to full brightness as a cycle)