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4.4.6 BIM-17-2 (Compass/Outside Temperature Module)

Dakota Digital BIM-17-2 Compass/Temperature

Type: Digital Compass / Outside Air Temperature Module

Model: BIM-17-2

Manufacturer: Dakota Digital

Product Page: Compass w/Outside Temperature Module

Overview

8-direction digital compass with outside air temperature sensor. Displays compass heading and outside temperature in dashboard message center.

Mounting: HDPE panel on firewall (behind dashboard)

Power: Via BIM/IO cable from HDX control box (no separate power wiring)

Specifications

Compass:

  • Directions: 8-point (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW)
  • Internal Resolution: 1° (displayed as 8 directions)
  • Calibration: Automatic via internal accelerometers
  • Current Draw: TBD (powered via BIM cable)

Temperature (SEN-15-1 Sender Included):

  • Range: -40°F to 255°F
  • Resolution: 1°F
  • Warning Threshold: Configurable (-24°F to 40°F for low temp warning)
  • Sensor Mounting: Grille area (behind grille, out of direct airflow)

Wiring

Connection Wire Gauge Source Destination Distance Notes
Constant 18 AWG ✓ Critical Cabin PDU Slot 6 BIM-17-2 power ~1-2 ft BIM CONSTANT power
BIM/IO Proprietary HDX control box BIM-17-2 input Varies Data via daisy-chain
Temp Probe Sensor wire BIM-17-2 SEN-15-1 (grille area) ~6-8 ft Through firewall Grommet 6

Firewall Penetration:

  • Temperature probe wire from BIM-17-2 (HDPE panel, cabin side) → Grommet 6 → grille area
  • See Firewall Ingress for Grommet 6 routing details

Display Integration

Dashboard Message Center:

  • Compass heading: 8-direction display (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW)
  • Outside temperature: Numeric display with degree symbol
  • Low temperature warning: Configurable threshold (ice warning)

Compass vs. GPS-50-2 Comparison

Note: GPS-50-2 also provides compass functionality. Redundant with BIM-17-2 compass if both modules are used.

Feature BIM-17-2 Compass GPS-50-2 Compass
Directions 8-point (N, NE, E, etc.) Digital heading
Source Internal compass module GPS satellite-based
Accuracy 1° internal resolution GPS-dependent
Stationary Works when stopped Requires vehicle movement
Calibration Automatic Automatic

Recommendation:

  • Use BIM-17-2 for primary compass (works at standstill)
  • Use GPS-50-2 compass as backup or if BIM-17-2 not installed

Outstanding Items

  • Determine outside temperature probe mounting location in grille area
  • Determine primary compass source (BIM-17-2 vs GPS-50-2)