If you have a 1971-1980 International Scout II, or you plan on getting one, you’ll want to know about Dakota Digital’s RTX series of instrumentation. This new Retrotech package looks like the factory Scout II instrumentation, but it actually features LED backlighting and a slew of high-tech features.
CNC-Machined Housings, In-House Designed And Built Electronics
Dakota Digital set out to create drop-in Scout II instrumentation that retains the stock look while adding features found on late-model vehicles. The company incorporated OEM design elements, including the layout, face styling, and indicators. CNC-machined housings are filled with electronics that are designed and built in-house at Dakota Digital. Included are high-definition TFT message centers that can be configured to display a wide range of information. Installation of the instruments is said to be easy, thanks to the RTX series’ central control box.
Analog Gauges Plus Digital Bar Graph Gauges
The Scout II instruments feature analog gauges for speed (0-120 mph), oil pressure (0-80 psi), water temperature (100-260 degrees F), fuel level, and volts (9-17 VDC). Indicators include turn signals, parking brake, high beam, and check engine. There are also indicators for 4×4 and cruise control for vehicles equipped with those features. Additionally, a “Wait to Start” indicator is included for diesel-equipped vehicles, along with two auxiliary input indicators with user-programmable labels, and a gear position indicator (optional sensor required).
In addition, there is a collection of digital bar graph gauges, including a tachometer (0-8,000 rpm) and digital message centers. The standard display shows the odometer, a dual trip meter, clock, and estimated range/miles to empty. Several performance meters are also included, such as a 0-60 mph timer, 1/4- and 1/8-mile times and end speeds, high-speed recall, and high rpm recall.
Customizable Colors And More
The full RTX series LED backlighting offers easy viewing both day and night. The RGB backlighting allows you to create the color you want, and you can even create separate daytime and nighttime themes. Daytime and nighttime brightness are controlled through the RTX’s setup menu. You can choose your preferred lighting intensity level, which is toggled by activating the headlight switch.
There are 12 factory preset color themes, or you can choose from the color zones. Over 30 color options allow you to change the needle color, sweep color, and digital TFT display color.
Pushbutton Programming And Operation
Included with the RTX series kit are a water temperature sensor, oil pressure sensor, and a cable-driven speed sensor/generator, along with bushings and the RTX control box. The system offers pushbutton programming and operation. It includes a two-way rocker switch, which should be installed in a convenient location within the driver’s reach. This switch allows control of all system functions, whether in driving mode or navigating the setup menu. User feedback is provided via the TFT Message Center or an included buzzer. Once the system is configured, the same rocker switch offers easy access to the data displayed on the digital message centers.
It’s important to note that RTX instrument systems can be configured through the available mobile app for Android and Apple devices. After syncing your device to the RTX system, you’ll have access to menu navigation and real-time gauge readouts. These readouts can be used for diagnostics or as a secondary display.
Calibration of the system is managed through the provided pushbutton switch or via the remote Bluetooth app. While there are numerous calibration options available, the speedometer and fuel level are typically calibrated with minimal effort. In most cases, this process involves a few presses of the pushbutton and a brief test drive. If Dakota Digital’s GPS-50-2 module is used, it eliminates the need for speedometer calibration altogether.
The Bottom Line
This new RTX series Retrotech package from Dakota Digital is a slick setup. It brings high-tech features to the Scout II’s instrumentation, while retaining the overall original factory look. That’s a win-win.