A dedicated dash display pulls critical telemetry out of your game's HUD and places it exactly where your eyes expect it - just above the steering wheel rim, mimicking the sightlines of a real race car cockpit. Instead of hunting for RPM, gear position, or fuel levels in screen corners while navigating a high-speed corner, a physical dash lets you monitor engine temperature, lap deltas, and flag warnings with a quick downward glance, keeping your focus on the apex.
This guide walks through building a DIY sim racing dash display using a USB LCD screen and SimHub software. The approach avoids proprietary hardware ecosystems and skips microcontroller programming; if you can install an application, connect a USB device, and route a cable through your rig, you have the skills required. The result is a customizable display that works across multiple sim titles, updates telemetry in real time, and mounts securely to most cockpit frames or monitor stands.
USB LCD screens connect directly to your PC without external power supplies or soldering, and SimHub provides pre-built dash templates alongside a visual editor for layout changes. You will choose hardware based on screen size and resolution tradeoffs, configure the software to pull data from your sim, and mount the display within your natural field of view. The process is modular: start with a basic setup, then refine this product, data fields, and positioning as you drive.
Removing overlay clutter from your main display also improves immersion. When lap times, tire wear, and pit strategy information live on a separate physical screen, your primary monitor shows the track and competitors without distraction, replicating the clean view a driver has through a windshield. For endurance racing or competitive practice sessions where fuel calculations and consistency matter, a dedicated dash becomes a functional tool rather than a visual novelty.
Essential Hardware: Choosing the Right USB LCD Screen and Mounting Options
Screen size dictates both the amount of information you can display and where the dash will fit in your sim rig. A 5-inch panel offers compact portability and fits easily above smaller wheel bases or on crowded desks, but limits you to four or five large gauge readouts before text becomes unreadable. Seven-inch screens strike a practical balance for most cockpits, providing enough real estate for telemetry grids, lap timers, and RPM bars without overwhelming your field of view. The 8.8-inch ultra-wide format opens room for full race standings or multi-class delta bars, though it demands more horizontal space and draws additional USB power.
Resolution matters more than marketing sheets suggest. An 800×480 panel works well for analog-style gauges and bold numeric displays, keeping CPU overhead low and refresh rates smooth even on older systems. If you plan to show detailed leaderboards or small text elements, 1920×480 or 1280×400 resolutions deliver sharper fonts, but verify your graphics card supports the unusual aspect ratio without forcing letterboxing. Higher pixel counts also increase power consumption, sometimes exceeding the 500 mA ceiling of a single USB 2.0 port.
VoCore and Waveshare modules appear frequently in sim racing forums because they ship with Linux-compatible drivers and reliable capacitive touch layers, useful if you want on-screen button boxes. Generic no-name panels from marketplace vendors can cost half as much, but driver quality varies and some require manual INF edits on Windows to register as secondary displays rather than HID devices. Check whether the vendor provides a working Windows driver package and read recent buyer feedback about plug-and-play reliability.
this product becomes critical in rooms with windows or overhead lighting. Panels rated below 300 nits wash out under daylight, forcing you to angle the screen or add a hood. Capacitive touch screens typically include a glossy top layer that catches reflections, while resistive touch models use matte coatings but feel less responsive. If you mount the dash above your wheel and never plan to touch it during a session, skip the touch feature entirely and save money on a display-only module.
Viewing angle specifications tell you how far off-center you can sit before colors shift or contrast drops. TN panels degrade quickly past twenty degrees, problematic if you mount the screen high and look up at it. IPS and VA technologies maintain color accuracy across wider angles, though IPS panels sometimes suffer from backlight bleed around the edges in dark cockpit environments.
VESA mount compatibility simplifies integration with monitor arms and rig profiles, but most small USB screens lack threaded inserts. Adapters exist that clamp or adhere to the back of the panel, or you can 3D-print a bracket that hugs the bezel and attaches to standard 75×75 mm or 100×100 mm patterns. Verify the screen's weight and the mount's load rating to avoid sag during heavy braking inputs that shake the rig.
Cable length determines how far the screen can sit from your PC. Most USB LCD modules ship with 1-meter cables, adequate for wheel-mounted dashes but restrictive for overhead or side-pod placements. USB signal integrity degrades beyond five meters without active repeaters, so plan your routing before committing to a screen location. If your motherboard USB ports cluster at the rear and you want a clean front-facing setup, budget for a quality powered USB hub rated at least 2 amps per port to prevent voltage drops that cause screen flicker or random disconnects.
Powered hubs become necessary when daisy-chaining multiple peripherals or running an 8.8-inch screen alongside a wheel base, pedals, and button boxes. Self-powered screens that draw more than one amp will brownout on passive hubs or cause the entire USB controller to reset mid-race. Check the module's specifications for typical and peak current draw, then add twenty percent margin when selecting a hub to avoid this product operation.
Pre-Build Checklist: What You Need Before Starting
- USB LCD screen (5-8 inches, minimum 800x480 resolution)
- Available USB 3.0 port with sufficient power output
- SimHub software license (free for basic dash use)
- Mounting bracket or VESA adapter compatible with your rig
- USB extension cable if screen will mount more than 3 feet from PC
- Zip ties or cable management clips for clean routing
Software Deep Dive: Installing and Configuring SimHub for Your Dash
SimHub is the most widely used telemetry software for DIY sim racing displays, and getting it configured correctly is the foundation of your dash project. Start by downloading the latest version from the official SimHub website and run the installer. Once installed, launch SimHub and navigate to the Display module - this is where the software will detect your USB LCD screen as a secondary monitor. Windows must be set to extend displays rather than duplicate them, because SimHub needs to render the dash interface to its own dedicated screen space. Open Windows display settings, identify your USB screen by its resolution or manufacturer name, and select "Extend these displays" in the multiple displays dropdown. Position the screen in the virtual layout to match your physical setup, though the actual placement won't affect SimHub's output.
Inside SimHub, go to Settings and then the Displays tab to confirm your USB screen appears in the list of available outputs. Select it as your target dash display and set the resolution to match the native resolution of your screen - common sizes are 800×480, 1024×600, or 1920×480 for ultrawide panels. If your screen is mounted in portrait orientation, adjust the rotation setting here rather than in Windows. Next, enable the game plugins for the simulators you use: iRacing, Assetto Corsa, Assetto Corsa Competizione, rFactor 2, and others each have their own plugin that must be activated in the Games tab. SimHub reads telemetry data directly from these games, so without the plugin enabled, your dash will remain blank during gameplay. The USB device detection panel under Settings will show your screen's connection status - if it flickers or disconnects, check your USB cable quality and whether the screen is drawing too much power from a single port.
Framerate and CPU overhead are important considerations when configuring SimHub. The default dash refresh rate is 30 FPS, which balances smooth animation with CPU usage. Higher refresh rates like 60 FPS make needle movements and digit changes feel more responsive, but they increase the CPU load on your system - this matters if you're already running demanding sims at high settings. You can adjust the framerate cap in the Display settings under the Performance section. If you notice stuttering in your sim or the dash lagging behind actual telemetry, lower the refresh rate or simplify your dash layout by reducing the number of animated elements. SimHub's Dash Studio editor is where you'll design the actual interface, choosing which gauges, shift lights, lap timers, and telemetry readouts appear on screen. The software includes dozens of pre-made dashboard templates you can load and customize, or you can build from scratch using the drag-and-drop widget system. Once your layout is ready, SimHub will push it to your USB screen whenever a supported game is running, turning the secondary display into a dedicated telemetry output that updates in real time.
Step-by-Step: Building Your First Custom Dashboard Layout in SimHub
SimHub's Dash Studio provides a drag-and-drop environment where you design every element of your dashboard layout. Start by opening Dash Studio from the main menu, then choose whether to modify an existing template or build from scratch on a blank canvas. Templates offer a faster starting point with preset widgets, while blank layouts give you complete creative control over every pixel.
Add your first gauge by selecting a widget type from the left panel - RPM bars, speed readouts, gear indicators, fuel levels, and tire temperature displays are the most commonly used elements. Click and drag each widget onto the canvas, then resize and position it where your eyes will naturally glance during a race. The RPM bar typically sits at the top or center, gear position near the middle for instant recognition, and auxiliary data like fuel and tire temps along the edges.
Bind telemetry data to each widget by clicking the widget, opening its properties panel, and selecting the corresponding data field from the game telemetry stream. SimHub automatically maps available data sources when a game is running, so you can preview live values in real time. This instant feedback loop lets you verify that the correct data appears in each widget before you finalize placement.
Font size and color contrast determine whether your dashboard remains legible at arm's length while driving. Scale fonts large enough to read during quick glances - test by sitting in your driving position and checking if you can identify numbers without squinting. Use high-contrast color pairs: white or bright green text on dark backgrounds works well, while low-contrast combinations like gray on black become invisible under cockpit lighting. Adjust this product opacity if you want translucency, but ensure foreground elements stay bold and sharp.
Preview the layout in real time by launching a supported sim with SimHub running in the this product. Your USB LCD screen should display the layout immediately, updating with live telemetry as you drive. Make adjustments to widget positions or sizes based on what feels natural during actual use - what looks balanced in the editor may need tweaking once you're gripping the wheel and glancing at data mid-corner.
Save your layout with a descriptive name so you can switch between different configurations for different car types or racing disciplines. Activate the layout by selecting it from the display output settings and assigning it to your USB LCD screen. Once saved and activated, SimHub will load that layout automatically whenever you launch a game, turning your screen into a functional racing instrument cluster.
Physical Integration: How to Securely Mount the Screen to Your Rig
Mounting your USB LCD screen correctly determines whether it becomes an intuitive part of your driving experience or a frustrating distraction. The strategy that works best depends on your cockpit type and how much you're willing to modify the setup.
Owners of 8020 aluminum profile rigs have the easiest path. T-slot nuts slide directly into the extrusion channels, letting you attach flat brackets or adjustable arms without drilling. Position the screen 18 to 24 inches from your eyes and angle it slightly downward so you can glance at telemetry without tilting your head. Many aluminum cockpit builders use a short crossbar above the wheel to create a dedicated monitor shelf, which keeps cables organized and leaves steering rotation unobstructed.
Desk-mounted wheelbases need a different approach. Articulating monitor arms with VESA adapters work well if your screen has mounting holes on the back. Clamp the arm to the desk edge, extend it over the wheel, and lock the joints once you find the right height. If your LCD lacks VESA threads, a flat plate adapter with adhesive or zip ties bridges the gap. Check that the arm's weight rating exceeds your screen's mass; undersized arms sag during long sessions and throw off your sight line.
Compact or portable rigs benefit from adhesive-backed mounts or heavy-duty velcro straps. Adhesive solutions create a clean look but commit you to a fixed position. Velcro gives you flexibility to reposition the screen between sessions without leaving residue. Either way, test the bond strength before a race; a screen sliding mid-corner ruins immersion and risks damage.
Vibration becomes an issue when the screen sits in a lightweight case or mounts to a bracket with play in the joints. Direct-drive wheelbases generate enough force to blur small text on poorly secured displays. Foam tape between the screen and mount absorbs high-frequency shakes, and tightening every bolt in the chain eliminates rattles. For plastic-cased screens, a thin rubber washer under each screw spreads clamping force and prevents cracking.
Cable routing deserves as much attention as the mount itself. USB and power leads should drop behind the wheel base or run along the cockpit frame, secured every few inches with zip ties or velcro wraps. Loose cables catch on wheel spokes during fast inputs, pulling the connector loose or introducing lag. Leave a small service loop near the screen so you can adjust position later without re-routing the entire run.
Glare control comes down to angle and ambient light. Tilt the screen forward five to ten degrees from vertical so overhead lights reflect away from your eyes. If you race near a window, a matte screen protector cuts reflections without the expense of replacing the panel. The goal is to read gear, RPM, and delta times with a quick eye flick, not a head movement that costs you the racing line.
Game Configuration: Linking Your Dash to iRacing, Assetto Corsa, and Other Sims
Each racing simulator feeds telemetry data through its own interface, and SimHub bridges those protocols to your DIY sim racing dash display through game-specific plugins. Open SimHub's settings panel and navigate to the Plugins tab, where you will find checkboxes for iRacing SDK, Assetto Corsa shared memory, Assetto Corsa Competizione shared memory, rFactor 2, and other supported titles. Enable the plugin that matches your primary sim - iRacing and Assetto Corsa typically require no additional configuration once the checkbox is ticked, while rFactor 2 may prompt you to install a small helper plugin into the game's directory.
Windows Firewall and antivirus software sometimes block SimHub from reading shared memory or establishing local connections. If your dash remains blank after launching a session, check Windows Defender's blocked-app log or temporarily disable third-party antivirus to confirm the software is not quarantining SimHub's memory hooks. Adding SimHub to your firewall's allowed-applications list resolves most connectivity problems without disabling broader protection.
Launch SimHub before you start your racing simulator. The software listens for telemetry streams at startup, and opening the sim first can prevent the handshake. Once both are running, enter a practice session or test drive and watch the SimHub log window - green entries confirm that data packets are arriving, while red warnings indicate a missing plugin or permissions issue. Most sims broadcast telemetry automatically during any session, but iRacing users should verify that the telemetry option is enabled in the sim's app.ini file if the connection fails.
Switching between simulators does not require you to rebuild or reload your dash layout. SimHub reads the active data source and populates the same dashboard elements - RPM bar, speed readout, gear indicator - with whichever sim is currently running. You can toggle plugins on or off in real time, so if you move from Assetto Corsa to iRacing mid-evening, simply enable the iRacing plugin, close Assetto Corsa, and launch iRacing while SimHub remains open. The dash will adapt to the new telemetry feed without manual intervention, letting you maintain a single layout across your entire sim library.
Troubleshooting Common Problems and Performance Tweaks
Screen not detected is usually a power issue - many USB ports cannot deliver enough current for LCD panels larger than 5 inches. Connect the screen to a powered USB hub or use a USB Y-cable that draws power from two ports. Check Device Manager in Windows to confirm the display appears under Monitors; if it shows as a generic device, the driver may need manual installation. Telemetry not updating typically means the plugin is disabled in SimHub or the sim is not broadcasting data. Open SimHub settings, navigate to the game you are running, and verify the plugin checkbox is ticked. Some titles like ACC require you to enable shared memory output in their own config files before SimHub can read anything.
Stuttering or lag often comes from setting the dash refresh rate too high or loading too many animated widgets. Cap the refresh rate at 30 Hz in SimHub display settings - going higher rarely improves readability and taxes both the USB bus and CPU. Disable widgets you do not actively use, especially video overlays and weather maps. If the screen goes black mid-session, Windows power management is likely suspending the USB port. Open Device Manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click each USB Root Hub, select Properties, go to Power Management, and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." Reduce transparency effects and complex gradients in your dash theme to lower rendering overhead, particularly if running on older hardware or alongside VR.
The Final Result and Next-Level Customization Ideas
Once you mount the display and finalize your first layout, the difference becomes clear during your first race session. Glancing down to see real-time RPM, tire temperature, fuel percentage, and lap delta means fewer surprises and better preparation for pit windows or late-race tire degradation. Many builders report that consistent awareness of fuel consumption and optimal shift points can shave tenths off lap times, particularly in endurance scenarios where managing resources matters as much as raw pace.
Beyond the basic setup, SimHub opens several paths for deeper customization. Adding a second or third USB LCD screen creates a multi-panel dash array, letting you dedicate one screen to timing data, another to telemetry, and a third to pit strategy or track maps. Conditional formatting transforms static numbers into dynamic warnings: this product colors can shift to red when oil temperature climbs past safe thresholds, or fuel bars can pulse when you drop below a critical lap's worth of reserve. Widgets for race position, gap to the car ahead, and sector-by-sector delta time add strategic depth, particularly in online competition.
Integrating a button box or rotary encoder expands control further. You can assign hardware inputs to cycle between dash pages - one for qualifying, another for race pace, and a third for pit-lane speed limits - without reaching for the keyboard mid-session. This approach mirrors the page-switching behavior of real motorsport steering wheels and keeps your hands on the wheel and eyes forward.
The SimHub community maintains active forums and shared template libraries where experienced builders upload polished layouts, from replica Formula 1 dash designs to minimalist endurance configurations. Browsing these resources accelerates your learning curve and offers tested starting points for less common titles or niche telemetry needs. As your comfort with the NCalc language and layout editor grows, you can refine every detail - font weight, refresh rate priority, widget spacing - to match your cockpit aesthetic and information priorities. The modular nature of the build means you can evolve the system over months, layering in new hardware or reworking screens as your racing focus shifts, without starting from scratch each time.