Manual #650345
BIM-17-1
Bus Interface Module for compass and outside temperature
GND PWR
T-
T+
To gauge control box
or another BIM
R
E
D
W
IR
E
B
L
A
C
K
W
IR
E
Connect to main
chassis ground
+12V
KEY ON POWER
(fused 5 - 20 AMP max)
Mount the
temperature sensor
in the front grill area
or another location
that can get good air
flow while the
vehicle is being
driven.
Mount the module
on a flat surface so
that it is level with
the road. Avoid
fans, speakers,
heavy wiring, and
steel bars.
It is preferable to
mount it as high in
the vehicle as
possible to minimize
interference from the
road.
P
W
R
G
N
D
BIM-17-1
COMPASS / TEMP
A
IR
+
A
IR
-
I/
O
I/
O
www.dakotadigital.com
605-332-6513
This Bus Interface Module has an internal compass sensor and an input for the included digital air temperature sensor,
SEN-15-1. There are two interface ports on the module. Either one can be connected to the gauge system or to
another module, allowing several units to be daisy chained together. Do not connect the I/O port to anything other
than a Dakota Digital gauge or BIM. Do not mount the module in the engine compartment; it should be mounted in
interior of the vehicle. If there are several modules being used, it may be easiest to attach this one as the last module
in the series. Six foot and twelve foot cables are included to allow flexibility in the mounting location of the compass
module and routing of the cable.
Each unit connected to the bus needs a unique ID number assigned to it. It can be assigned an ID from 1 – 16 or
turned off. The factory default ID number is 8. The compass must be calibrated in the vehicle before it can begin
reading properly. The display will flash between ‘
SET
’ and ‘
-CL
’ until it has been calibrated in your vehicle.
Specs for each input are:
Sensor
Range
resolution
warning
Internal compass
N-NE-E-SE-S-SW-W-NW
1° internally
when outside interference is present
SEN-15
-40 – 255 °F
1°F
-24 – 40
Temperature unit will follow the unit set for the main water temp gauge.
Air temperature sensor mounting:
Make sure the temperature sensor probe can get adequate air flow. For outside temperature measurement,
the front grill area or above the front bumper may be a good location. It should be in a location that can get good air
flow across it while the vehicle is moving. When you are sitting still for a long period of time after driving the
temperature reading may begin to rise due to the engine heat radiating forward.
