Gamdash problems

Hi I am new to the forums and sim racing for that matter, I only found out about Xsimulator when I saw a google search on using the 2.8 LCD Arduino project. I decided to build the project and could only get it to show the labels and all buttons seem to function correctly.
My problem was the project would not see data and stayed blank, my system sees the Arduino uno. I saw in the project that for the SIM to talk to the Arduino I needed gamedash so downloaded it and tried following the pictures with the project but nothing.
I have tried searching and cant find anything on setting up gamedash, I also tried Simtools and still cant get it to work. Can someone point me to tutorial or a step by step guide or something. All the posts in the project are saying great work and had mine up in 5 minutes blah blah blah.
I regard myself as a reasonably intelligent technician but I don't no which way to go. I could go back to my TM1638 dash but I prefer the 2.8 LCD. Beside I made a custom switch box and actually installed the 2.8" LCD in the box and it looks great shame it didn't work
I know I am rambling but can anyone help me?

thanks for your fast reply, in answer i have not got to the plugin stage since i reinstalled my systm but the 3 main sims i use are pcars, assetto corsa and have started iracing. i also have race7, f1 2015 but untill i know the setup steps i have nothing going.

the main sim i prefer is pcars but find it very buggy and its the only sim that loses my fanatec wheel which is a real annoyance. as i said in my first post i am a newbie and for whatever reason i cant get my head around gamedash. My failings are wierd as my job i setup security, networks and acces control and every system is complete,y different (programming wise) and yet i seem to be at a loss at something that look faily simple.

i will have a look at the link you sent and hopefully jogs my mind into gear

thanks loads

Thanks again, from what I have gathered I have to install a plugin with gamedash (speed, revs etc) first before I can actually start using and if I have comm port setup correctly for the particular game the gauges should work. Or have I over simplified?