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Tiger Avon - CANbus Progression
Huttojb - 15/11/16 at 03:14 AM

Hey



I have finally took some videos and want to see other people opinions. Let me start from the start,
My background is in Automotive Systems and worked 10 years in TRW Automotive within Warranty Analysis of the Electric Steering System. I was heavily involved in many aspects of the business and preformed dealer visits, Vehicle investigations and root cause analysis to component level. I was very interested in the CANbus and learnt within the business the concept and application of the CANbus.
I wanted to buy a Kit Car with a very top level spec, I didn’t know much about Kit Cars but knew I wanted a Seven type Style. So I brought a registered Tiger Avon in 2014 from a garage in Reading. Unfortunately when I got it home I noticed a serious oil leak from the engine. After ringing the garage and being unsuccessful for any support I decided to find an alternative method to get it fixed.
I am not mechanical minded and more electrical so engines are not my speciality, I phones garages who wouldn’t fix the oil leak because it was a motorcycle engine, I phone motorcycle specialist who wouldn’t touch it because it was a car…. So was alittle stuck. It took over 12 months but I finally found a garage who would fix it.
After getting my car back the electrics were shocking… I had a meter of wire that would change 3 to 4 times with 2 to 3 spurs, it was really bad. I wanted to try something different; I wanted to incorporate my interest. I decided to remove all the vehicle electrics (Not engine) and re-wire on a CANbus, I wanted to fit an Electric Steering (because I can) and I wanted to update the dash.
When I have spoken to people about my plans, I have been questions “Why?, it’s a kit car, it should be simple?” I reply, because it’s what interests me…. I want to do something that hasn’t been done, I want to do something that interest me.
So over the last year I have been writing the software and building the electronics for my Car. It took a lot longer because I was also getting married. I have now got to a point where I have most things working and the CANbus is active and live.
I have fitted an EPS (one of the platforms I used to work with), I know how to control the EPS, I can remap the boost curve, I can re-map the Torque vs Speed and remap the steering feel. I can monitor any signal on my car and see all activity.
So essentially I have 4 Nodes; Front, 2 in Dash, and Rear. The dash nodes read the switches controls the gauges and LEDs. Rear and Front control relay banks for lights etc… So for example, Headlights, I press a button on the dash – tells Node 1 I have pressed the button, sends CAN message, Node 3 reads CAN message and drives relay to switch on lights. So no switch is directly connected to the output. No LED is directly connected to the switch. I have full independent control of all aspects. I can change any switch to perform any activity.
This can be seen on Power on.. LED display of switches.

Youtube Link - LED Display CANbus

My CANbus can be seen here

Youtube Link - Tiger General CANbus
Youtube Link - Breaklights CANbus

Because of my software I can logically change anything, or put anything on timer. Or change the timer of my indicators for example.

Youtube Link - Dashlight Timer
Youtube Link - Indicator Timer

My EPS can be seen here

Youtube Link - EPS Function

My Fuel sender is not directly connected to the gauge, so basically the fuel is monitored by Node 3, sent on the CAN bus and the Node 1 Controls the gauge.
This is me bouncing on the car to make the petrol in the tank move;

Youtube Link - Fuel Sender Function


I have not finished yet but wanted to put something on here to show my progression…

jeffw - 15/11/16 at 06:27 AM

Very impressed....do you want to do mine

dinosaurjuice - 15/11/16 at 08:50 AM

Thats brilliant. Ive done a few projects with canbus, but only ever on the workbench or temporarily in the car for diagnostics. What youve done is very smart

wylliezx9r - 15/11/16 at 10:37 AM

Awesome, fair play.

Huttojb - 15/11/16 at 02:23 PM

Thank you all, someting else to look at

Youtube Link - Streering and pedals

Video removed by YouTube... looking into it. !!

This is a monitoring of steering and pedals, probably perfect for racing and seeing where lost time and if people are braking through corners ect....

I'm gonna post later with some more details.

[Edited on 15/11/16 by Huttojb]

Huttojb - 15/11/16 at 09:10 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Huttojb
Youtube Link - Streering and pedals

Video removed by YouTube... looking into it. !!


Still looking to resolve the video - Youtube being alittle silly!

Thanks lads for your positive comments, I was very surprised to have such positive comments, when I have spoken to people about this before i had very negative feedback.

Just a few things. By transferring the vehicle to a CANbus I have saves weight by removing the wiring loom. there are now only 4 wires travelling from the dash to the rear of the vehicle (VBATT, GRD, CANH and CANL). previsously there were over 26 wires going up and down my vehicle. I have now localised fuses and control.

Wires Removed;

huttojb-RemovedWires
huttojb-RemovedWires

As you can see with the videos, it's looking pretty good and gives alot more scope to the vehicle electrics.... for example, When the speedo has completed I can use the signal for several configurations. 1: If the speed decreases an amount by a given time flash the rear hazzards, basically high braking - same as the FIAT.

easily monitor 0 - 60mph time, 0 - 30mph time and send this out on the CANbus ect..

If I accelerate and then lift off but don't press the brake then flash the breaklights (just like the F1 spec on speed decrease)

These are just a few options you can configure quite easy once all the signals are on the CANbus.

Once the CANbus is completed my next addon would be an xBee so I can monitor the vehicle wirelessly (looking good for tracedays)

... and then next will be a GLCD, I really want to have a screen like the F1 cars, where I can monitor in real time on the GLCD.

The options are endless just something I can look into;
active suspension
accelerometer
- meaure GForce
- monitor vehcile role
Add GPS

Use the signals to monitor steering where breaking, time lost on corners monitor what exactly is happening.

Now questions / Help required

dinosaurjuice - did you ever use a GLCD (what Micro and compiler are you using) - I'm using PIC18F4680 C18. Would love some help on the GLCD.

jeffw - I was toying with option to offer out a plug and play set-up. I'm looking to complete mine and use it as a testbed / demo version (possible). Will help anyone to add an EPS if you want. I can set the controller for that with ease. The elctronics for the EPS would be around the £25.00 mark, and you can source an EPS for £40.00 so quite a cheap option if you think abount it.

Huttojb - 15/11/16 at 09:43 PM

Ok. Try this website - added to dailymotion whilst YouTube sort there game out (Seems like dailymotion has an advertisment on the start of every video so please be patient)

Video Upload - TigerMonitor

The video in the top right hand corner is delayed, for somereason when I was recording it slowed the video feed.

take notice of the Green and Red signal on top left graphic (Brake and accelerator) showing acceleration throug steering input ect...

Let me know what people think

big_wasa - 15/11/16 at 09:57 PM

Very interesting. I need to find the time to sit down and read about CANbus.

What interests me is running an engine on its oem Ecu out of the donor. So next years idea is to run an eco boost on its own ecu.

jeffw - 15/11/16 at 10:16 PM

I already run logging from the ECU to the Video 4/Dash2 but I'd like to run Canbus at some point instead of serial links everywhere.

locost@mintynet.com - 15/11/16 at 11:10 PM

Jason

I like what you have done with CANBus, if you are looking for a LCD display with touch screen, have a look at the itead NEXTION display. Size from 2.4" to 7", including touchscreen and they are driven from a serial input. I have the 2.8" display attached to my Arduino Mega2560, with dials for MPH/RPM, linear guage for TPS/AFR/CLT/MAT then a menu page to adjust one of the 2 20x4 LCDs

Regards

Ian

Huttojb - 16/11/16 at 11:46 AM

quote:
Originally posted by locost@mintynet.com
if you are looking for a LCD display with touch screen, have a look at the itead NEXTION display.


Just ordered a 2.4"Screen to mess with, if it's something I want I might buy alittle bigger but looking at the videos it seems that screens are interchangeable with the software - you just need to rescale everything.

Really interested in this screen - I have U2U you aswell with a reply but wanted to post on here aswell.

We definately need to meet up and see what each other has done, dinosaurjuice is doing the same sort of stuff aswell so we definately need to get together. Problem is I'm using the PIC18F4680 and cannot change now, so need to convince both of you to chnage!! lol

quote:
Originally posted by jeffw
I already run logging from the ECU to the Video 4/Dash2 but I'd like to run Canbus at some point instead of serial links everywhere.


I'm sure we can help.

quote:
Originally posted by big_wasa
Very interesting. I need to find the time to sit down and read about CANbus.

What interests me is running an engine on its oem Ecu out of the donor. So next years idea is to run an eco boost on its own ecu.


Speaking to dinosaurjuice, he has done this so maybe you 2 need to get talking to each other. Mapping the OEM CANbus isn't that hard, and you can easily gather the data you require.

Huttojb - 20/11/16 at 11:35 AM

Youtube re-established link

You tube link

R7 WSC - 20/11/16 at 11:48 AM

Nice video and project, well done!

tims31 - 20/11/16 at 04:48 PM

I love the idea of this and shows the posibilities and development that people are using kits for now, not just a car built in your garage which is some peoples perception.

Will follow this project with interest, keep the updates coming please Jason.

locost@mintynet.com - 20/11/16 at 09:35 PM

Here are a couple of pics of my Arduino GPS Speedo/Logger with MS2 logging via CANBus.

Below is the main case with 20x4 LCD, alternate 20x4 LCD, the Nextion 2.8" display and twisted cable to the MS2.


Overview display on main case



Remote display showing TPS/MAT & CLT



Nextion display showing RPM



I'll try to get a video of the different information on the Nextion and the remote LCD

Regards

Ian

Huttojb - 20/11/16 at 10:19 PM

quote:
Originally posted by tims31
Will follow this project with interest, keep the updates coming please Jason.


Tims31, will do. Thanks for your positive feedback.

Thanks Ian. I received your email and will keep you posted of my progress.

Haven't been on the car for a few days, Wife's birthday. When I get back on it, will send the data.

Jason.

Huttojb - 9/1/17 at 03:50 PM

Nextion screen trial.

Youtube link - Nextion

loggyboy - 9/1/17 at 04:33 PM

This is cool!
Do you have plans to sell these or release details to allow others to use?
Can this be linked/combined with a OBD2 compatible device? Id like to add steering angle and braking force to my OBD based datalogger on the tin top and also like a full range of logging and fuctionality on the kit when its done.

FuryRebuild - 9/1/17 at 05:56 PM

Not only cool, but I think this project is actually really important.

We are only now just seeing power management systems turn up on race cars, and as kits that can be bought and configured. They're an amazing price, and that's kept me away from them (that and a carbon fibre addiction). I've always thought we need to move on from the usual many kg of wiring to a simple power bus and a controller bus (CAN or otherwise). It think it would simplify kit-car wiring massively, and reduce weight as well.

I think the components in these systems are really reliable now (CAN standard, Arduino, etc.) and rather than introduce complexity, moving this to software would (I hypothesize) increase simplicity and reduce weight.

Just imagine how great it would be to put the power loom in, the serial bus, and a module at each corner to handle the control. Now we're moving on to LED lights everywhere, the benign spiral starts acting, and the power demands are coming down, reducing weight of wiring, solid state switches, not relays, and the components required to drive them become lighter and lower power spec.

I hadn't thought of using XBee to communicate between the corners - if it can handle the RFI then it's an even more simple system. One power loom, configuration and bobs your uncle.

My last idea in this domain was to simplify the dash for those of us who still have analogue(ish) instruments. Each instrument is on a serial link/CAN and that's how they get their signal - then you can daisy-chain a simple plug between each instrument and all the dash-spaghetti is a thing of the past. You could extend this further, and each instrument is a round pod with an OLED display, and then it's totally soft in its configuration.

Imagine each warning light is the same - simple plug into a loom and then a software command to control it.

So, Huttojb, I think you're doing great work, and there is a vista of application to the kit and race car fraternity.

FuryRebuild - 9/1/17 at 06:07 PM

and further to my ramble above, round OLEDs are available, and vary from $3 to $40 depending on colours. This is from Alibaba. they all tend to be 1.2" to 1.4" (from watches I assume).

Huttojb - 10/1/17 at 09:44 AM

quote:
Originally posted by loggyboy
This is cool!


quote:
Originally posted by FuryRebuild
Not only cool, but I think this project is actually really important.


Thank you both - Much appreciated.

quote:
Originally posted by loggyboy
Do you have plans to sell these or release details to allow others to use?


This was my first consideration, I wanted to make plug and play Node to fit at Front, Dash and Rear of the vehicle, connected with the CANbus and inputs to each node. I have spoken to my local Kit Car Garage who make Kit Cars for race and general public who are interested. I wanted to get mine working first with all the issues and changes I've made as a learning curve. I think I will try and do something, but may need to do it a couple of times free of charge just to test and get a following..

The amount of witring and weight I have removed is unreal - I wished I weighed my vehicle before and post my project.

huttojbRemovedWires
huttojbRemovedWires

I would also help anyone trying to get theres working because every experience will be a learning curve for this project.

quote:
Originally posted by loggyboy
Can this be linked/combined with a OBD2 compatible device? Id like to add steering angle and braking force to my OBD based datalogger on the tin top and also like a full range of logging and fuctionality on the kit when its done.


I don't know, OBD2 using the diagnostics protocol, I believe. So if you can add Raw CAN messages into your OBD Tool then it's possible.

I have fitted an EPS System on the car, which I can configure or switch off if I want the vehicle to be Raw. So my Steering Angle is transmitted onto the CANbus via the EPS which I can read and display. I'm not using any in-vehicle logging tools yet because I have the tools where I can plug into my OBD (Fitted to Vehicle) and monitor all signals and capture if required. I think at some point I'll add another Node which will just sit there and record all the CANbus data for external evaluation.

As I have mentioned before above, I would want to add an xBee to transmit the data wirelessly, but after using a UART LCD Screen, I doubt it would be fast enough. Well, we will see once I have finished it.

quote:
Originally posted by FuryRebuild
So, Huttojb, I think you're doing great work, and there is a vista of application to the kit and race car fraternity.


Thank you again, I also think the same, the possibilities are endless. Also easy to add to the CANbus, when I'm finished my current plan and want to add other devises it's a simple of just adding them to the CANbus and writing the logic in one of the nodes.

I'll keep this post updated of progress and hopefully will finally get this completed

FuryRebuild - 10/1/17 at 10:47 AM

Dammit - I have about 10 projects on the go at the minute, otherwise I'd love to be involved and to help.