To answer the Frequently asked questions: How does it connect to the ecu? - Via USB connection from the Megasquirt MS3 ECU direct to the RasPi. Why didn't you use XYZ off the shelf product? - Because I like to tinker, and I can customise this how I like. What about OBD2, or some other aftermarket ECU? - Sorry, I have never tried this for anything other than the Megasquirt family of ECUs... You can check out a product called 'OpenAuto': bluewavestudio.io/shop/openauto-pro-car-head-unit-solution/ Or if you have a different aftermarket ECU, or OEM ECU with OBD2, or even a carby car, consider trying this software instead: OneGauge, theonegauge.com Or, I am sure you can find other info online though for software options that might work for your car!
@@Tarun_Kausthub Hi Tarun, sorry to say that is quite a different solution to what I presented here, a bit too far outside of my realm - you are effectively starting from scratch from a software perspective.
Years ago, building my first turbo miata, I found your channel and you had the exact videos I needed at the time! Today I'm here because I bought a 7" and 10" touch screen to build a pi dash for this season and low and behold the perfect video pops up aging from you! Thanks you for the forever great content 🤘
Got mine up and running last night! Just wanna say thanks for making this video. My oem dashboard just shorted out and almost caught fire due to a design flaw in BMW's Rxd diagnostic bus wire. I had a 7 inch screen and a pi 4 laying around for another project so setting this up was the perfect solution. I downloaded some of your dashboard designs too, great work!
Dude, this is amazing! I have looked into this many times before and always turned away because the results looked unpolished, but this is clear, concise and polished. Thank you so much for sharing!
This is really awesome. You might think about modifying your shutdown script to take advantage of a relay instead. Connect the relay to your 12v + and - so it detects when the car is on. When you turn the car off it would then close the relay invoking the clean shut down sequence.
I have considered it, and definitely that would make sense for some people/cars, but for my purposes i like the simplicity and control i have with the current setup.
With a race car, you won’t want to wait 30 or 40 seconds every time you’ve switched off the ignition. My Fiat ignition switch goes from zero to start no problem. But just switch on but don’t start and you have to switch it off & on to start the engine. A Pi dash would need its own switch. Or maybe a relay connection with the door locking.
Might have to give this a go to update my current dash. I mounted mine in the center console and also removed the stock climate controls. Since it's a street car I have a tuner studio dash on it but also wrote a python app to control an Arduino that runs some relays and servos to have touch screen control of my climate control. Not fully implemented in the car yet but prototype is currently working.
@@Bbeavis He doesn't realize you need an aftermarket ecu to make it work yet. LOL You probably should have let everyone know in the beginning that you can't do this project with an OBDII stock ecu. Or at least these instructions won't help you with that project. I am sure there is a way to take a Pi and pickup the neccesary pids for the gauges from the OBDII it's just not in this video.
This was LEGIT! I LOVE it when people have thought out and kind of practiced what they are going to say. I can NOT stand videos full of blah blah blah. Saved and Bookmarked for sure.
love the idea, simple enough, and looks useful for those of us needing a new dashboard where either a new one is too expensive or in my case nonexistent for my project. Thanks for the set-up idea!!
Wild idea brought to light. Theres just not enough new automotive video tutorials on the web anymore. Sort of tempted to do this on my Audi mk1 TT centre console.
Thank you Steve. I think I tend to agree. My view is there are a lot of automotive vids on youtube, but they are more about doing crazy builds or making click bait, as opposed to more traditional info/how-to type videos.
A nice bundled answer - I’ve had similar luck using ASL’s solutions with my AIM and standalone data loggers in RR cars. You’ve got a great build, thumbs up x100.
Stumbled on this video a few weeks ago, and today ordered the parts to build my own. Aftermarket digital dashes are all really small and would look weird in my stock gauge cluster (excluding the fact they're $1000+). I bought two screens to run independently and line up with my 1978 Hilux stock dash bezel. Never messed with a Raspberry Pi so I'm looking forward to this! I'll have an EMU Black talking to it, hopefully I can get the Tuner Studio to play nice but if not I'll just run the EMU Black tuning software and configure a dash inside of that to display. Thanks for all the info, I'll be watching this video a few more times!
This is great! Can you show us how you assembled the raspberry pi electrical in the last bit of the video and put links where to buy the parts or what they look like? Truly love this build!
The circuit is rather basic, as follows: crcit.net/c/76405c09cb11400ab9f697d3f3d343a0 Parts required: - Raspberry Pi 3+ / 4 / 5 - Toggle switch - 12v to 5v DC converter - Optional: 5v or 12v fan to suit Pi, to your preference - Various cables/wires/solder etc.
@@BbeavisThank you for the diagram! I have one more question (I apologize as I’ve never worked with Raspberry Pis before). I am looking for the 12vto5v step down, but I’m unsure how to find one that will connect to the GPIO pins. Is that something I can buy premade or do I have to create those connections myself? If I do have to make them, is there a name for those types of connections?
@@exsimedia73 You will find some good examples of the 12v to 5v DC converter via this link: www.amazon.com/s?k=12V+to+5V+3A+Step-Down+Waterproof+Miniature+DC-DC+Converter+Power+Supply+Module&ref=nb_sb_noss Then, you will need to solder the wires, or use "dupont connector leads".
This is impressive. I've been thinking of doing something like this to supplement my vehicle's existing dash. Add gauges for things that currently only have dummy lights, or nothing (like the turbo).
I looked at Dash options and saw several solutions but, needed something I could make a custom dash with. In particular I wanted something like retro Smiths instruments and options were limited. I looked at Pi Dash but was uncertain on what it could and couldn’t do. Noting how powerful a little Pi is, I considered starting from scratch but, that’s a little beyond me. Your solution looks good but I’d want to use it with a non-MS ECU via CAN. I’ll look into you solution a little deeper. Nice clear presentation by the way!
Awesome work! I created a very similar dash, the only difference is that I designed a safe-shut down circuit that utilizes the ignition signal and a little bit of hardware logic to automatically boot and shut down with the car keys. The initial prototype was just kluged together on a breadboard but I turned it into a PCB but have yet to get it made. Hopefully one day...
Nice work Cyrus, thanks for sharing your setup. For me, I have a hard battery kill switch, theres no ignition key in my track car, so that wasn't really going to work for my setup.
@@blaneandgame9 automotive electronics (battery/alternator) are inherently noisy and contain a lot of transient voltage spikes. That said, sensitive electronics like RPi’s need protection from these voltage transients to avoid eventual death from the shock treatment they will certainly receive. Additionally, memory for computer systems like RPi’s can be corrupted when not safely shutdown (eg: yanking the power plug without pressing “shutdown” in the system menu). My circuitry provides three main features: 1. Protection against high voltage spikes, 2. Turn on with ignition on, 3. Safe shut down of the RPi when the ignition is turned off. Meaning the control circuitry has hardware logic working in conjunction with a Python script in the RPi to shutdown the RPi safely despite ignition telling the circuit to turn off… I hope that helps highlight for you the problems I encountered and the methods I took to address those problems.
Not sure if you're still responding to comments on this video but I am super interested in making some type of retrowave/vfd type of display for my bike. I assume when you know how to it isn't that hard but would be interesting to see with the old 80's font types and VFD blue/green/orange/red colours.
This particular software probably wont be suitable for a bike. But the visuals I use in the dashboard are all just designed in photoshop, so anyone could do it - if you want a particular aesthetic, it should be possible.
This is really cool. I want to build this for my Overlander. I'm going to watch more of your videos because I want to find out how you connecting the pi to the can lines. Thanks so much!
This is awesome. I'm goofing off with getting a speeduino ready for a car and saw this and was like this is definitely an alternative from using Dash MS on a tablet.
Big thanks! Just did this successfully. One quick tip is right click the etcher app on the desktop and run etcher as administrator first. I had to do it that way or it etcher would give an error trying to upload the OS from file. I’m on windows 10 btw
This is awesome and has definitely encouraged me to try to build a pi dash. Although Ill be using an ecu masters standalone instead of the ms3 but I believe it should still work via their extension port
This' very good. I had no idea there were guys out there taking raspberry pi / car combo setups seriously .. I've been using an Android headhunt to get all my data and it's been "not so good". RPM lags behind actual RPM, temps are okay, but vacuum pressures are sketchy, and voltages are a little hit or miss.. Bookmarked all the way :). Thanks much, I've got my winter project defined now :).
Thank you. I initially ran an Android tablet and found the feature-set and responsiveness to be inferior to this solution.... but maybe with a more modern tablet, and the newer Apps on the market it would be worth a revisit now.
Very nicely done video! I've been making my own diy VW Digifiz inspired software for a dashboard in my classic pre-obd car. Good fun! Thanks for your perspective.
Hello Gavin, did you find any doc or info how to wire RPI to stock ECU? I'm currently thinking about how to make it in my 93 honda delsol. I can't find any sources how to do this without standalone ecu
18 sec Desktop 34 sec Dashboard It is really nice! And I appreciate your presentation. Now I know - it is possible. Looks good and gives possibility for creative design.
@@Bbeavis Cheaper overall maybe, but price to performance and reliability never. My normal Pi starts faster than his Dietpie and for the price, somehere in the comments he assumed 20$ for the SD-Card, I just ordered an 256GB SSD for 17€. Then add a cheap USB3 to SATA cable/case for 5€(AliEspress or from 8€ on Amazon) or less. Hmm after checking AliEpress now, such USB-SATA cables start at less than 50 Cent. So for a similar price you can get ~10x the read speeds. An if size matters for you you can still remove the case of the SATA SSD and reduce the size even further, they are usually less than half of the 2,5" cases size.
@@StefanHajdu Indeed I agree there are many options. For my needs, the 30sec boot up time is absolutely no issue for me. Some others who want a more instant-on setup may want to follow your method for even quicker performance.
Clearly no one reads comments before posting a comment…ugghh. Sorry you have to keep answering the same question over and over again. “NO IT DOESNT WORK ON YOUR MAMAS STOCK PCM COOTER MOBILE!!”😂
Thanks mate! I am just glad lots of people are discovering these solutions are out there, yes a lot of people ask the same thing, but its an opportunity to give them more info in a new video for the different people and their different needs.
@@Bbeavis is it possible to us the gpio pins to run a VSS to tuner studio? I don't have a spare io on my microsquirt and want to get my car road legal with this set up. TIA
Awesome guide. Thanks for this. Have been back and forth on doing one of these for years. I am assuming you're using a megasquirt for the data connection to tuner studio? I'm going to have to look into if there is connection with other ECUs possible . The screen looks pretty nice and bright. I'd definitely have to get boot times down a bit and have it automatically turn on and off with ignition. But this has definitely renewed my interest. Great stuff
Thank you, yes indeed this is using the TunerStudio software, specific to the Megsquirt ECUs. This car runs an MS3 which connects to the Pi via USB cable. I agree on loading times, I'm constantly trying to improve them.
Thanks for the detailed video , i was actually thinking of building one for my daily driver but it has a stock ecu so i don't know from where to pull the parameters from.
Hey Suyash, So sorry, that is something I glossed over, if you wanted to use OBD2, perhaps the OpenAuto software would work for you... or consider trying this software instead: OneGauge, theonegauge.com. Hope that helps, thanks very much for watching.
I thought of doing something similar but with a different approach: automating the windows, air conditioning, and many other features of an 80s model car using a Raspberry Pi. However, from what I've seen, the operating system takes around 10 seconds to boot up on the screen. So, I thought of implementing this system with a PLC, using Arduino or Raspberry Pi to collect some data and sending ON and OFF signals to the PLC's HDMI unit. Maybe an external set of buttons could also be added, as it makes more sense to use the screen solely as a display behind the steering wheel.
Nice ideas. In general all of these things are pretty much 100% possible its just being wise around the electronics/technology and spending the time to learn how to do whatever it is you want to do.
i was looking for something similar to this for CAN-Bus to read A/F, Turbo Boost Pressure and Oil Pressure. My other ideal is to get into the ECM and see if I can code it.
This is sooo cool.. thanks for sharing. If you can help me a bit will be more than appreciated. I’m planning to do a project that is going to collect a lot of data and store it. The data will be coming constantly from some devices connected by Wi-Fi. Data can be few Mb. Additionally, I’ll need some computer power to do some simple calculations and transmit some results over Bluetooth. All this needs to be powered using a regular cigarette socket found in a car. To be fair, I’m kind of stuck because not sure if a pi can be powered using the cigarette socket (12v
If your RPi doesn't write any state to flash memory during runtime, you could set it to mount the disk in read-only mode. This should allow you to skip the power down button, as I believe data corruption is the only concern not to unplug it directly. To apply patches, you would need to remove the read-only filesystem flag when needed.
I’m super excited to try this! I’m experimenting with screens and found a thinner 12 inch screen I will try to use and emulate an oem type design with customizable flare. How do I make my own gauges and such? Is it literally as simple as just using the correct file type? I’ve never tried, but I’m not technologically stupid either, as I’ve done tons of pi research for arcade cabinets too and other audio, computer, and camera maintenance. Any tips would be helpful, I’m usually just a plug and play type guy, but I’m eager to learn
All my images/gauges are created using a standard photo editing application - if you don't have photoshop, photopea or Gimp are great free alternatives. Then, they may be imported into TunerStudio as gauge backgrounds. If you are normally a plug-n-play type person, this is perhaps the complete opposite of that - so you will need to be ready to tinker, and get your feet wet with this project.
In some regards, that is the most challenging or convoluted part of the process, because there are so many different car interfaces. In the case of this video it is via USB connection from the Megasquirt MS3 ECU direct to the RasPi.
Hey, So sorry, that is something I glossed over forgetting that not everyone viewing would have the context that this is for a Megasquirt ECU. I'm running this dash in a track car that uses a Megasquirt MS3 ECU. So all my sensors, speed, temps etc go direct to the ECU. Then the ECU has a USB connection direct to the Pi to feed the data for the dash software. Note that the TunerStudio software is specific to the Megsquirt ECUs which is what my car runs. If you wanted to use OBD2, perhaps the OpenAuto software would work for you... or if you have a different aftermarket ECU, or even a carby car, consider trying this software instead: OneGauge, theonegauge.com. Hope that helps, thanks very much for watching.
Great video! I originally fitted my PiDash using a Mausberry Circuits 5v converter/switch. The Mausberry converter eventually failed and I decided to wire mine up like yours, constant 12v to switch, to converter. It's nice to be able to leave it on and make changes or not shut down the Pi if you only need to turn the engine off for a few minutes. However....have you experienced any involuntary shut downs of the Pi on engine restarts? If my engine doesn't start immediately I think the voltage drops just enough to kill the Pi. Which requires a full reboot cycling the switch. It'd be nice to add a small battery pack just to keep the voltage high enough.
Thanks very much for sharing. Yes your issue is something I have also noted. Voltage drop due to cranking pulls juice away from the Pi. My solution was to add some capacitors to keep the Pi powered just long enough to mitigate a drop due to cranking, so far it seems ok, but I am still testing it.
@@Bbeavis Cool! I'll look into that as well! Thanks! While researching I saw a post about an idea of using a lithium battery that'd take over at less than 10volts similar to the capacitors and you'd get probably a year or two of starts before needing to be replaced.
That's one sweet dashboard - I tried building a similar dashboard for my Volvo XC90 but the bloody cars electronics were too sensitive... the slightest unexpected power draw from a line pulled up error message after error message.
Hey Erik, So sorry, that is something I glossed over forgetting that not everyone viewing would have the context that this is for a Megasquirt ECU. So all my sensors, speed, temps etc go direct to the ECU. Then the ECU has a USB connection direct to the Pi to feed the data for the dash software. Note that the TunerStudio software is specific to the Megsquirt ECUs which is what my car runs. If you wanted to use OBD2 or if you have a different aftermarket ECU, I have another video coming soon on how to build a similar dash solution in that use case. Hope that helps, thanks very much for watching.
Nice setup. Going to have to update my OS. Only thing I did different was instead of the shut down button I used an on-screen shutdown button through TS
That's absolutely brilliant. Would it be possible to add external sensors to it like an oil temp sensor? My car doesn't have an oil temp sensor as standard. Would I be able to program that sensor into the program I stead of it reading it from the ECU? Also an amazing video. Very detailed and easy to follow.
Thanks Craig. For me I wired additional sensors, such as the oil temp/pressure into my ECU. This was the best way for me to easily get the data displayed on the dashboard.
Just like you mention, this is too night for me - but I might try to build a mock-up just to learn the dash software. How does the pi get car data? Odb2 or something else? Thanks for creating this content - I'd love to see more video of the dash software DISPLAYING car data. Thanks.
Thanks Paul. I'm running this dash in a track car that uses a Megasquirt MS3 ECU and the interface between the Pi and the cars ECU is via USB, to the ECU's serial interface. The software uses a propriety comms protocol. I do have lots of videos of this in-use when driving the car if thats any help to see it in action.
Good luck! Since you have a different aftermarket ECU, perhaps either the OpenAuto software, or OneGauge theonegauge.com, may work for you. Hope that helps, thanks very much for watching.
I'm running this dash in a track car that uses a Megasquirt MS3 ECU. So all my sensors, speed, temps etc go direct to the ECU. Then the ECU has a USB connection direct to the Pi to feed the data for the dash software.
Bad ass I had a similar idea years ago but never got ahold of a mega squirt back when gen 2 came out and they were a really small company selling there own stuff to people. Killer video. When things start going better I'm going to try to do a build with this in mind makes all the gues work taken out lol thank you so much for the video!!!!!!!!
Very nice instruction video! But one thing what i missed was the communication from the vehicle, is there some specific can database or how and where the rasp is taking the data out?
Hi pesosenjarmo, The interface between the Pi and the cars ECU is via USB, to the ECU's serial interface. The car runs a Megasquirt MS3 ECU, this uses it's own serial protocol over USB to communicated with the TunerStudio software on the Pi. Unfortunately in this case, TunerStudio will only work with a Megasquirt family of ECU. Hope that helps.
Thanks for sharing the process. Two questions arose: #1. How did you access the car data? ODB2? #2. Is there any software to draw the displayed interface? Is it possible to create animated interfaces?
Hi Elson, 1. The interface between the Pi and the cars ECU is via USB, to the ECU's serial interface. The car runs a Megasquirt MS3 ECU, this uses it's own serial protocol over USB to communicated with the TunerStudio software on the Pi. 2. I create the dashboards myself in standard image editing software (Photoshop, GNUImp, etc) and then embed these in the TunerStudio software's dashboard designer tool. It's not perfect but does offer some level of customisation and animation, within the limits of the software. Hope that helps.
You certainly could, there are raspi based headunit type solutions out there, you'd need to find a way to control or switch between headunit and car dash, so perhaps a touchscreen would be a good choice.
Pretty darn cool. Didn't know about the dash board project but had thought that a pi or the like would be a great way to present info. Fantastic basic tutorial there! Thanks!
Very Nice Video, I like to put this in a Daily Driver car. the only thing im Missing in this video is how the Pi gets all of the informations? How is it connected to the Engine Values?
Hey, So sorry, that is something I glossed over forgetting that not everyone viewing would have the context that this is for a Megasquirt ECU. I'm running this dash in a track car that uses a Megasquirt MS3 ECU. So all my sensors, speed, temps etc go direct to the ECU. Then the ECU has a USB connection direct to the Pi to feed the data for the dash software. Note that the TunerStudio software is specific to the Megsquirt ECUs which is what my car runs. If you wanted to use OBD2, perhaps the OpenAuto software would work for you... or if you have a different aftermarket ECU, or even a carby car, consider trying this software instead: OneGauge, theonegauge.com. Hope that helps, thanks very much for watching.
Great video... actually covering the software installation not just the physical installation.... for your power requirements there is a couple power supplies that would remove the two switches (main power and momentary switch). One is called the M2-ATX and the other is the M4-ATX both of which are ignition controlled power supplies that are designed to turn on/off PC motherboards much like a standard car amplifier. They can be set to turn off the system while leaving enough time for the operating system to save details and boot up the operating system like OEM systems with the key.
Cool video, thank you, is there any sort of tutorial on how to actually integrate in the vehicle? Lets say for instance if you wanted to swap in to your daily driver? or for setting up in a race car?
Hi FOTW, thanks for your comment. I guess I didn't touch on that element of this dash setup as much as I should've. This is using the TunerStudio software, specific to the Megsquirt ECUs. This car runs an MS3 which connects to the Pi via USB cable. If you run a Megasquirt family of ECU in your car, then you can apply the same software process as I have detailed in the video. If you run another ECU, or the factory computer, then you'll need to find some appropriate data/dash type software for your car/ECU.
The interface between the Pi and the cars ECU is via USB, to the ECU's serial interface. The car runs a Megasquirt MS3 ECU, this uses it's own serial protocol over USB to communicated with the TunerStudio software on the Pi. TunerStudio will only work with a Megasquirt family of ECU. If you want to run an OEM ECU, perhaps using OBD2 for comms, then maybe the OpenAuto software would work.
Did you try ESP32 + Nextion 7" ? It will take some 3 sec for loading + touchscreen. But not that fashionable graphics. And no need for safe shutdown as no Oper. Sys. used.
@@Bbeavis Ok. If I make and finish the project, I will show it to you. Then you decide if it is interesting for you. The only question is how Raspnerry get those PID-codes to gather info from OBD2 / CAN bus.
I'm running this dash in a track car that uses a Megasquirt MS3 ECU. So all my sensors, speed, temps etc go direct to the ECU. Then the ECU has a USB connection direct to the Pi to feed the data for the dash software.
Would be good if you could Make a video on how you actually get the data in from your ecu. I have a link ecu, would it be able to display data from that? Great project!
Thank you, i will endeavour to put together a video detailing how to get the ECU connection setup. In this case, the TunerStudio software wont work for a Link ECU. Instead, perhaps either the OpenAuto software would work for you over OBD2 or CAN?
looking awsome. just getting into cars myself. Just one comment: maybe keep the power input for the fan away from the pi. just using it for signals makes them live longer ;)
Ive been wanting and trying to build a rpi dash for my golf for years now - Its a lot of work to make it look nice - I need materials and a 3D printer and etc. and etc.
If you are a tinkerer, and hobbyist who likes to DIY, then owning a 3D printer can be really valuable, and they are surprisingly cheap these days - especially if you find a used one.
Great video! I'm trying to use this type of system in my v6 Camaro but I'm also adding some "exhaust acoustics" with the rpm readings. I'm curious if you have ever heard these active exhausts for the Mach E mustang or Tesla's with acoustic exhaust, systems similar to the BMW's design with these small speakers in a metal bubble, and on open pipe the size of a muffler tip, literally playing exhaust sounds of v8. Any thought please comment
I was looking for digital gauges to put on a bike, but this is a nice project. Is there a 'cutdown' version of the software (just rpm,fuel,oil,km), maybe a smaller screen that you know of?
Hey Cade. The dash image/data is very customizable within the TunerStudio software, so almost any design is possible. You could run a different size screen, more or less any display that uses an HDMI port should work, I've had smaller 7" screens before, and I'm sure there are even smaller options if that's better for you. You'll need to experiment or check out websites like aliexpress for low cost displays.
Thanks very much Francisco. In this case I am using the TunerStudio software which is specific to the Megsquirt ECUs. My car runs an 'MS3' which connects to the Pi via USB cable. I'm sure there is some OBD based dash software out there for the Pi, that may work for your needs.... You'll need to get a little inventive and look into what options are out there.
Damm, i would have never thought of this. this is also usable for all the speeduino guys out there. Ad you can have a keyboard/mouse combo with you and change things when needed
if you want to get a bit more technical there should be a way to completely disable the desktop manager/environment and have just the dash software load up in full screen, probably eliminating about 10 seconds from the boot time. i'm not familiar enough with linux to get into the specifics but from what i know it should be possible (see retropie)
You are on the right track - I do something like this for my HomeAssistant dashboard... when I find some more spare time I am going to build a new image that does this for my car dash display.
I’m wondering if there’s a way to further improve boot time, such as recompiling the kernel (not sure you’ve tried trimming that) and using a readonly card so you can just turn off the system with the ignition, w/o having to kick off the shutdown process
I've no doubt there's going to be tweaks here and there at the OS level that could save time. TS Dash saves a further 10secs or so. Could try a faster boot media, perhaps USB m.2 sata disk. The ~30secs to boot up doesn't bother me, I'm sure it would be a deal breaker for some, but I just don't see a scenario where I NEED to have the dash live instantly.
How do you set it up with a "read only" card and how does that help, does the OS know it's read only and not do all of the back ground crap computers do these days...?
Is it possible to wire the pi/screen assembly to a relay to turn on with ignition? Also can it be programmed to do a safe shut down after the ignition is shut off? Wouldn't require a separate battery?
Hey J, yes definitely. You could wire the pi to auto power up with the ignition, and then trigger it to safely power off when the keys are switch off. You'd need a short term power source to keep the pi alive just long enough to shut it down, perhaps with some capacitors rather than a battery.
Hi DG, what in particular did you want clarification on that wasn't already covered in the final part of this video? I don't have another video as yet, was there something about the hardware side of things that you specifically wanted more detail or description about? I can definitely get more detail for you.
@@Bbeavis good morning this for the reply free looking at the video again I believe I understand the power supplier u have setup ,I do however would like to know how would I run my ecu system as I’ll be running kpro for my Integra with boost gear
@@DirtyGarageTx The solution I have shared does depend on using the Megasquirt family of ECU, so you'd need to see if there is a software/hardware solution that can communicate with Honda computer. This is not something I have experience with sorry.
I'm planning on doing one with an Arduino connected to the can bus, but this looks easier. I'm just curious how you connected the car to the raspberry pi to get the cars info, like rpm, etc...
The interface between the Pi and the cars ECU is via USB, to the ECU's serial interface. The software uses a propriety comms protocol. if you are looking at an Arduino and perhaps CAN comms, then you are probably going to need to look for a different software option.... I am sure the Pi has offerings that would work with CANBUS.
To answer the Frequently asked questions:
How does it connect to the ecu? - Via USB connection from the Megasquirt MS3 ECU direct to the RasPi.
Why didn't you use XYZ off the shelf product? - Because I like to tinker, and I can customise this how I like.
What about OBD2, or some other aftermarket ECU? - Sorry, I have never tried this for anything other than the Megasquirt family of ECUs... You can check out a product called 'OpenAuto': bluewavestudio.io/shop/openauto-pro-car-head-unit-solution/
Or if you have a different aftermarket ECU, or OEM ECU with OBD2, or even a carby car, consider trying this software instead: OneGauge, theonegauge.com
Or, I am sure you can find other info online though for software options that might work for your car!
I want to use this for my Bike, which doesn't have a ECU. Can you help me with a possible solution?
@@Tarun_Kausthub Hi Tarun, sorry to say that is quite a different solution to what I presented here, a bit too far outside of my realm - you are effectively starting from scratch from a software perspective.
@@Bbeavis Ok, Thank you for the reply!
Hi, reckon this can work with a haltech ecu?
For a different ECU you may need to try the OpenAuto software or instead: OneGauge.
Crazy to see how people figure all this out and build it themselfes. Gets me very motivated
Thank you.
Years ago, building my first turbo miata, I found your channel and you had the exact videos I needed at the time! Today I'm here because I bought a 7" and 10" touch screen to build a pi dash for this season and low and behold the perfect video pops up aging from you! Thanks you for the forever great content 🤘
Awesome! Thank you for the kind words of appreciation Jaren, glad I could help - again!
First?
Got mine up and running last night! Just wanna say thanks for making this video. My oem dashboard just shorted out and almost caught fire due to a design flaw in BMW's Rxd diagnostic bus wire. I had a 7 inch screen and a pi 4 laying around for another project so setting this up was the perfect solution. I downloaded some of your dashboard designs too, great work!
Great to hear!
Dude, this is amazing! I have looked into this many times before and always turned away because the results looked unpolished, but this is clear, concise and polished. Thank you so much for sharing!
Glad I could help!
This is really awesome. You might think about modifying your shutdown script to take advantage of a relay instead. Connect the relay to your 12v + and - so it detects when the car is on. When you turn the car off it would then close the relay invoking the clean shut down sequence.
I have considered it, and definitely that would make sense for some people/cars, but for my purposes i like the simplicity and control i have with the current setup.
With a race car, you won’t want to wait 30 or 40 seconds every time you’ve switched off the ignition.
My Fiat ignition switch goes from zero to start no problem. But just switch on but don’t start and you have to switch it off & on to start the engine. A Pi dash would need its own switch. Or maybe a relay connection with the door locking.
basicly acts like a sense pin (looking fo acc. min.) for key turn i take it?
Am I the only one impressed that he’s still using Netscape? great job on the video by the way. 😅
I swear Netscape Navigator peaked in the mid 90's.... what a time to be alive.
I wish it was still around
Lol
Not "still using", check the URL just "about" while 'clicked' 🤭
He couldnt escape from it
Hands down for your build! Everything you do has a purpose and you give us all that Info for free, you are absolutely killing it!
Thank you Felix, you are too kind.
Might have to give this a go to update my current dash. I mounted mine in the center console and also removed the stock climate controls. Since it's a street car I have a tuner studio dash on it but also wrote a python app to control an Arduino that runs some relays and servos to have touch screen control of my climate control. Not fully implemented in the car yet but prototype is currently working.
Nice work mate, sounds like you have it all under control already, but maybe theres a few options offered here that you can get some benefit from.
Of all the car videos i've watched over the years, this one is by far the one I've waited for! AMAZING
Wow, thanks very much, may I ask what did you find so valuable about it?
@@Bbeavis He doesn't realize you need an aftermarket ecu to make it work yet. LOL You probably should have let everyone know in the beginning that you can't do this project with an OBDII stock ecu. Or at least these instructions won't help you with that project.
I am sure there is a way to take a Pi and pickup the neccesary pids for the gauges from the OBDII it's just not in this video.
Netscape? Hot damn, using that in its self is an impressive flex.
I can't let go of the 90's.
I had to google that on Alta Vista
This was LEGIT!
I LOVE it when people have thought out and kind of practiced what they are going to say.
I can NOT stand videos full of blah blah blah.
Saved and Bookmarked for sure.
Thanks mate, appreciate that a lot.
love the idea, simple enough, and looks useful for those of us needing a new dashboard where either a new one is too expensive or in my case nonexistent for my project. Thanks for the set-up idea!!
Glad you like it Rich!
I've wanted to do this for years but was unclear on a few things. You cleared up so much, thank you for a great video!
Glad it was helpful!
Wild idea brought to light.
Theres just not enough new automotive video tutorials on the web anymore.
Sort of tempted to do this on my Audi mk1 TT centre console.
Thank you Steve. I think I tend to agree. My view is there are a lot of automotive vids on youtube, but they are more about doing crazy builds or making click bait, as opposed to more traditional info/how-to type videos.
THIS BRO! I was literally thinking of a way to make something like this yesterday lol. Hell yeah man thats sick, im 100% doing this!
Thanks mate, hope it goes well :-)
A nice bundled answer - I’ve had similar luck using ASL’s solutions with my AIM and standalone data loggers in RR cars. You’ve got a great build, thumbs up x100.
Thanks very much Eric.
Stumbled on this video a few weeks ago, and today ordered the parts to build my own. Aftermarket digital dashes are all really small and would look weird in my stock gauge cluster (excluding the fact they're $1000+). I bought two screens to run independently and line up with my 1978 Hilux stock dash bezel. Never messed with a Raspberry Pi so I'm looking forward to this! I'll have an EMU Black talking to it, hopefully I can get the Tuner Studio to play nice but if not I'll just run the EMU Black tuning software and configure a dash inside of that to display. Thanks for all the info, I'll be watching this video a few more times!
Great, thanks for your interest, hope your build goes well.
This is a great guide, I will be using this info to remake the dashboard on my megasquirted 280Z
Good luck!
This is great! Can you show us how you assembled the raspberry pi electrical in the last bit of the video and put links where to buy the parts or what they look like? Truly love this build!
The circuit is rather basic, as follows: crcit.net/c/76405c09cb11400ab9f697d3f3d343a0
Parts required:
- Raspberry Pi 3+ / 4 / 5
- Toggle switch
- 12v to 5v DC converter
- Optional: 5v or 12v fan to suit Pi, to your preference
- Various cables/wires/solder etc.
@@BbeavisThank you for the diagram! I have one more question (I apologize as I’ve never worked with Raspberry Pis before). I am looking for the 12vto5v step down, but I’m unsure how to find one that will connect to the GPIO pins. Is that something I can buy premade or do I have to create those connections myself? If I do have to make them, is there a name for those types of connections?
@@exsimedia73 You will find some good examples of the 12v to 5v DC converter via this link: www.amazon.com/s?k=12V+to+5V+3A+Step-Down+Waterproof+Miniature+DC-DC+Converter+Power+Supply+Module&ref=nb_sb_noss
Then, you will need to solder the wires, or use "dupont connector leads".
This is impressive. I've been thinking of doing something like this to supplement my vehicle's existing dash. Add gauges for things that currently only have dummy lights, or nothing (like the turbo).
Thank you Black Dragon.
😊😊😊😊
I looked at Dash options and saw several solutions but, needed something I could make a custom dash with. In particular I wanted something like retro Smiths instruments and options were limited. I looked at Pi Dash but was uncertain on what it could and couldn’t do. Noting how powerful a little Pi is, I considered starting from scratch but, that’s a little beyond me. Your solution looks good but I’d want to use it with a non-MS ECU via CAN. I’ll look into you solution a little deeper. Nice clear presentation by the way!
Thanks woznaldo, there is some CAN based dash software out there for the Pi, that may work for your needs.... You'll need to get a little inventive.
Awesome work! I created a very similar dash, the only difference is that I designed a safe-shut down circuit that utilizes the ignition signal and a little bit of hardware logic to automatically boot and shut down with the car keys. The initial prototype was just kluged together on a breadboard but I turned it into a PCB but have yet to get it made. Hopefully one day...
Nice work Cyrus, thanks for sharing your setup. For me, I have a hard battery kill switch, theres no ignition key in my track car, so that wasn't really going to work for my setup.
@@Bbeavis ah yes of course, because racecar. I love it! I’m definitely going to check out dietpi now though. Thanks again for the amazing content.
Could you elaborate a little more on this? I'd like to be able to use this setup on mine as well.
@@blaneandgame9 automotive electronics (battery/alternator) are inherently noisy and contain a lot of transient voltage spikes. That said, sensitive electronics like RPi’s need protection from these voltage transients to avoid eventual death from the shock treatment they will certainly receive. Additionally, memory for computer systems like RPi’s can be corrupted when not safely shutdown (eg: yanking the power plug without pressing “shutdown” in the system menu).
My circuitry provides three main features: 1. Protection against high voltage spikes, 2. Turn on with ignition on, 3. Safe shut down of the RPi when the ignition is turned off. Meaning the control circuitry has hardware logic working in conjunction with a Python script in the RPi to shutdown the RPi safely despite ignition telling the circuit to turn off…
I hope that helps highlight for you the problems I encountered and the methods I took to address those problems.
@@cyrusleggI've used OSH Park to have small batch PCBs made for my own car projects. Very affordable and fairly fast turnaround.
You are a legend man great tutorial and I hope to see many more like this in the future its time for tech guys into cars to start more DIY videos!
I appreciate that!
Underrated PC nostalgia FTW.
That 90's school library PC experience.
I love how the clock on the dash is outputting something (gforces?) as well. Nice project mate.
Thanks :-) Assuming you mean the blue digital gauge, which is AFR.
Not sure if you're still responding to comments on this video but I am super interested in making some type of retrowave/vfd type of display for my bike. I assume when you know how to it isn't that hard but would be interesting to see with the old 80's font types and VFD blue/green/orange/red colours.
This particular software probably wont be suitable for a bike. But the visuals I use in the dashboard are all just designed in photoshop, so anyone could do it - if you want a particular aesthetic, it should be possible.
I love VFDs! Some day, when I finally have some disposable $$$, I will be adding a VFD or at least an OLED made to look like a VFD to a car.
As well as a HUD.
This is really cool. I want to build this for my Overlander. I'm going to watch more of your videos because I want to find out how you connecting the pi to the can lines. Thanks so much!
Have fun!
Amazing Raspberry Pi project. It's awesome, the amount of things you can do with that tiny board.👍
Thank you! Cheers!
This is one of the coolest things I've seen all year
Thanks mate you are too kind.
I’m researching making a pie based dash for my ski boat and this is great help to show how the basics work
Thanks, good luck with your build Jack!
This is awesome. I'm goofing off with getting a speeduino ready for a car and saw this and was like this is definitely an alternative from using Dash MS on a tablet.
Awesome, good luck! I found the android ShadowDash app to be a little less usable than the Pi based solution.
I would definitely run this in my car. So glad you did. Now if we could just get that sequential.. 😂
Still on the wishlist :-)
Big thanks! Just did this successfully. One quick tip is right click the etcher app on the desktop and run etcher as administrator first. I had to do it that way or it etcher would give an error trying to upload the OS from file. I’m on windows 10 btw
Glad it was useful! And good tip. :-)
This is awesome and has definitely encouraged me to try to build a pi dash. Although Ill be using an ecu masters standalone instead of the ms3 but I believe it should still work via their extension port
Great David, good luck I hope your build goes well.
did you get it to work with your ecu master?
This' very good. I had no idea there were guys out there taking raspberry pi / car combo setups seriously .. I've been using an Android headhunt to get all my data and it's been "not so good". RPM lags behind actual RPM, temps are okay, but vacuum pressures are sketchy, and voltages are a little hit or miss.. Bookmarked all the way :). Thanks much, I've got my winter project defined now :).
Thank you. I initially ran an Android tablet and found the feature-set and responsiveness to be inferior to this solution.... but maybe with a more modern tablet, and the newer Apps on the market it would be worth a revisit now.
Very nicely done video! I've been making my own diy VW Digifiz inspired software for a dashboard in my classic pre-obd car. Good fun! Thanks for your perspective.
Sounds great! Thanks Gavin.
Hello Gavin, did you find any doc or info how to wire RPI to stock ECU?
I'm currently thinking about how to make it in my 93 honda delsol. I can't find any sources how to do this without standalone ecu
how you do it
18 sec Desktop
34 sec Dashboard
It is really nice!
And I appreciate your presentation. Now I know - it is possible. Looks good and gives possibility for creative design.
Glad you like it!
@@Bbeavis why not use a cheap SSD? It should be much faster
@@xxxxshxxxx SD card is way cheaper for me, and an SSD is much more bulky physically.
@@Bbeavis Cheaper overall maybe, but price to performance and reliability never. My normal Pi starts faster than his Dietpie and for the price, somehere in the comments he assumed 20$ for the SD-Card, I just ordered an 256GB SSD for 17€. Then add a cheap USB3 to SATA cable/case for 5€(AliEspress or from 8€ on Amazon) or less. Hmm after checking AliEpress now, such USB-SATA cables start at less than 50 Cent. So for a similar price you can get ~10x the read speeds. An if size matters for you you can still remove the case of the SATA SSD and reduce the size even further, they are usually less than half of the 2,5" cases size.
@@StefanHajdu Indeed I agree there are many options. For my needs, the 30sec boot up time is absolutely no issue for me. Some others who want a more instant-on setup may want to follow your method for even quicker performance.
Clearly no one reads comments before posting a comment…ugghh. Sorry you have to keep answering the same question over and over again. “NO IT DOESNT WORK ON YOUR MAMAS STOCK PCM COOTER MOBILE!!”😂
Thanks mate!
I am just glad lots of people are discovering these solutions are out there, yes a lot of people ask the same thing, but its an opportunity to give them more info in a new video for the different people and their different needs.
@@Bbeavis is it possible to us the gpio pins to run a VSS to tuner studio? I don't have a spare io on my microsquirt and want to get my car road legal with this set up. TIA
Man that's something I've always wanted to do. Now it is within reach. Thank you for sharing
Glad to hear the video could help you.
This was extremely useful! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video and the dashboard models!
You're very welcome!
Awesome guide. Thanks for this. Have been back and forth on doing one of these for years. I am assuming you're using a megasquirt for the data connection to tuner studio? I'm going to have to look into if there is connection with other ECUs possible .
The screen looks pretty nice and bright. I'd definitely have to get boot times down a bit and have it automatically turn on and off with ignition. But this has definitely renewed my interest. Great stuff
Thank you, yes indeed this is using the TunerStudio software, specific to the Megsquirt ECUs. This car runs an MS3 which connects to the Pi via USB cable. I agree on loading times, I'm constantly trying to improve them.
Thanks for the detailed video , i was actually thinking of building one for my daily driver but it has a stock ecu so i don't know from where to pull the parameters from.
Hey Suyash,
So sorry, that is something I glossed over, if you wanted to use OBD2, perhaps the OpenAuto software would work for you... or consider trying this software instead: OneGauge, theonegauge.com.
Hope that helps, thanks very much for watching.
@@Bbeavis Thanks for the info this will surely help.
This goes hard as nails bro can't wait to put this in my car whenever i buy a car
Thanks very much.
I thought of doing something similar but with a different approach: automating the windows, air conditioning, and many other features of an 80s model car using a Raspberry Pi. However, from what I've seen, the operating system takes around 10 seconds to boot up on the screen. So, I thought of implementing this system with a PLC, using Arduino or Raspberry Pi to collect some data and sending ON and OFF signals to the PLC's HDMI unit. Maybe an external set of buttons could also be added, as it makes more sense to use the screen solely as a display behind the steering wheel.
Nice ideas. In general all of these things are pretty much 100% possible its just being wise around the electronics/technology and spending the time to learn how to do whatever it is you want to do.
@@Bbeavis you are right
i was looking for something similar to this for CAN-Bus to read A/F, Turbo Boost Pressure and Oil Pressure. My other ideal is to get into the ECM and see if I can code it.
Thanks for watching.
This is sooo cool.. thanks for sharing. If you can help me a bit will be more than appreciated.
I’m planning to do a project that is going to collect a lot of data and store it. The data will be coming constantly from some devices connected by Wi-Fi. Data can be few Mb. Additionally, I’ll need some computer power to do some simple calculations and transmit some results over Bluetooth. All this needs to be powered using a regular cigarette socket found in a car.
To be fair, I’m kind of stuck because not sure if a pi can be powered using the cigarette socket (12v
This video isn't the best place to ask a question about cigarette sockets, there are better resources online for that sort of information.
If your RPi doesn't write any state to flash memory during runtime, you could set it to mount the disk in read-only mode. This should allow you to skip the power down button, as I believe data corruption is the only concern not to unplug it directly. To apply patches, you would need to remove the read-only filesystem flag when needed.
This is a good point, thanks for sharing.
this is pretty badass and might end up making one, would wire mine to ignition for power on and off. thanks for the starting point
Thanks. There's some clever add-on circuits people have made to auto power on/off their pi with car power if you want a more automated power solution.
Thank you for such a in depth vid! figuring out how to connect via OBD 2 atm
Glad it was helpful! That's my next project to share here, how to connect via OBD2
I’m super excited to try this! I’m experimenting with screens and found a thinner 12 inch screen I will try to use and emulate an oem type design with customizable flare. How do I make my own gauges and such? Is it literally as simple as just using the correct file type? I’ve never tried, but I’m not technologically stupid either, as I’ve done tons of pi research for arcade cabinets too and other audio, computer, and camera maintenance. Any tips would be helpful, I’m usually just a plug and play type guy, but I’m eager to learn
All my images/gauges are created using a standard photo editing application - if you don't have photoshop, photopea or Gimp are great free alternatives.
Then, they may be imported into TunerStudio as gauge backgrounds.
If you are normally a plug-n-play type person, this is perhaps the complete opposite of that - so you will need to be ready to tinker, and get your feet wet with this project.
Thanks. Very interesting. I assume the connection the cars computer is relatively straightforward.
In some regards, that is the most challenging or convoluted part of the process, because there are so many different car interfaces. In the case of this video it is via USB connection from the Megasquirt MS3 ECU direct to the RasPi.
I'm planning to microsquirt my ultralight and this would be sick if I can figure out how to convert the speed signal to airspeed.
Cool video, thanks!
Cool idea :-D
This is phenomenal, thank you. How are you getting the data? Are you connected to CANBUS?
Hey,
So sorry, that is something I glossed over forgetting that not everyone viewing would have the context that this is for a Megasquirt ECU.
I'm running this dash in a track car that uses a Megasquirt MS3 ECU. So all my sensors, speed, temps etc go direct to the ECU. Then the ECU has a USB connection direct to the Pi to feed the data for the dash software. Note that the TunerStudio software is specific to the Megsquirt ECUs which is what my car runs. If you wanted to use OBD2, perhaps the OpenAuto software would work for you... or if you have a different aftermarket ECU, or even a carby car, consider trying this software instead: OneGauge, theonegauge.com.
Hope that helps, thanks very much for watching.
Great video! I originally fitted my PiDash using a Mausberry Circuits 5v converter/switch. The Mausberry converter eventually failed and I decided to wire mine up like yours, constant 12v to switch, to converter. It's nice to be able to leave it on and make changes or not shut down the Pi if you only need to turn the engine off for a few minutes. However....have you experienced any involuntary shut downs of the Pi on engine restarts? If my engine doesn't start immediately I think the voltage drops just enough to kill the Pi. Which requires a full reboot cycling the switch. It'd be nice to add a small battery pack just to keep the voltage high enough.
Thanks very much for sharing. Yes your issue is something I have also noted. Voltage drop due to cranking pulls juice away from the Pi.
My solution was to add some capacitors to keep the Pi powered just long enough to mitigate a drop due to cranking, so far it seems ok, but I am still testing it.
@@Bbeavis Good idea! What kind of capacitor setup are you using? Something on the 5v side?
@@HeliWrk 3x 2.7volt 10uF Super Capacitors, on the 5v side with a diode so they aren't feeding back to the car.
@@Bbeavis Cool! I'll look into that as well! Thanks! While researching I saw a post about an idea of using a lithium battery that'd take over at less than 10volts similar to the capacitors and you'd get probably a year or two of starts before needing to be replaced.
Great stuff mate! Inspired me to build a digital dashboard for my motorhome, currently converting from a coach bus.
Go for it!
That's one sweet dashboard - I tried building a similar dashboard for my Volvo XC90 but the bloody cars electronics were too sensitive... the slightest unexpected power draw from a line pulled up error message after error message.
Wow, interesting to hear, good on you for trying at the very least! More modern cars are definitely getting complex.
Im glad you've done this, I was going to ask after watching your recent video, the dash looks amazing.
Will watch it later after work.
No worries!
Great video !! But did I miss the part where you link to any OBD reader or GPS/gyro signal ?
Hey Erik,
So sorry, that is something I glossed over forgetting that not everyone viewing would have the context that this is for a Megasquirt ECU.
So all my sensors, speed, temps etc go direct to the ECU.
Then the ECU has a USB connection direct to the Pi to feed the data for the dash software.
Note that the TunerStudio software is specific to the Megsquirt ECUs which is what my car runs.
If you wanted to use OBD2 or if you have a different aftermarket ECU, I have another video coming soon on how to build a similar dash solution in that use case.
Hope that helps, thanks very much for watching.
Nice setup. Going to have to update my OS. Only thing I did different was instead of the shut down button I used an on-screen shutdown button through TS
Good idea, well done.
That's absolutely brilliant. Would it be possible to add external sensors to it like an oil temp sensor? My car doesn't have an oil temp sensor as standard. Would I be able to program that sensor into the program I stead of it reading it from the ECU?
Also an amazing video. Very detailed and easy to follow.
Thanks Craig.
For me I wired additional sensors, such as the oil temp/pressure into my ECU. This was the best way for me to easily get the data displayed on the dashboard.
Amazing tutorial, I wonder if it is possible to design the aesthetics of it? Like your own custom layouts/animations.
Thanks. I generally use photoshop or similar type image editing tools for creating my dash layouts.
Ok it’s good to know I can design it with photoshop!
Just like you mention, this is too night for me - but I might try to build a mock-up just to learn the dash software. How does the pi get car data? Odb2 or something else? Thanks for creating this content - I'd love to see more video of the dash software DISPLAYING car data. Thanks.
Thanks Paul.
I'm running this dash in a track car that uses a Megasquirt MS3 ECU and the interface between the Pi and the cars ECU is via USB, to the ECU's serial interface. The software uses a propriety comms protocol.
I do have lots of videos of this in-use when driving the car if thats any help to see it in action.
Great job mate. Looking to get a digital dash for a coach bus motorhome. Would be keen to get your thoughts/help
I run a Haltech on my MX5 and want to try this hopefully i can figure out a way to run the Haltech application instead! Ty for the tips!!
Good luck! Since you have a different aftermarket ECU, perhaps either the OpenAuto software, or OneGauge theonegauge.com, may work for you.
Hope that helps, thanks very much for watching.
Love it! One question you didn’t go over how to wire up the dash and connect it to censors/ecu
I'm running this dash in a track car that uses a Megasquirt MS3 ECU.
So all my sensors, speed, temps etc go direct to the ECU.
Then the ECU has a USB connection direct to the Pi to feed the data for the dash software.
Dude, ur a legend! Been wanting to do this since discovering your original dash vid from a few years ago! Just need to buy that screen. Thank you!
Glad I could help!
Thank you for this video! I have been planning on doing something like this for my motorcycle, but wasn't aware of these dash projects.
Sure thing!
Bad ass I had a similar idea years ago but never got ahold of a mega squirt back when gen 2 came out and they were a really small company selling there own stuff to people. Killer video. When things start going better I'm going to try to do a build with this in mind makes all the gues work taken out lol thank you so much for the video!!!!!!!!
Very nice instruction video! But one thing what i missed was the communication from the vehicle, is there some specific can database or how and where the rasp is taking the data out?
Hi pesosenjarmo, The interface between the Pi and the cars ECU is via USB, to the ECU's serial interface. The car runs a Megasquirt MS3 ECU, this uses it's own serial protocol over USB to communicated with the TunerStudio software on the Pi. Unfortunately in this case, TunerStudio will only work with a Megasquirt family of ECU. Hope that helps.
Thanks for sharing the process. Two questions arose: #1. How did you access the car data? ODB2? #2. Is there any software to draw the displayed interface? Is it possible to create animated interfaces?
Hi Elson,
1. The interface between the Pi and the cars ECU is via USB, to the ECU's serial interface. The car runs a Megasquirt MS3 ECU, this uses it's own serial protocol over USB to communicated with the TunerStudio software on the Pi.
2. I create the dashboards myself in standard image editing software (Photoshop, GNUImp, etc) and then embed these in the TunerStudio software's dashboard designer tool. It's not perfect but does offer some level of customisation and animation, within the limits of the software.
Hope that helps.
Thank you for the step by step guide, I need to figure out a way to use it with my factory ecu but I guess I gotta keep searching youtube for that one
Good luck!
I wonder if you can also run say your own headunit thru this system as well for more of a daily race car.
You certainly could, there are raspi based headunit type solutions out there, you'd need to find a way to control or switch between headunit and car dash, so perhaps a touchscreen would be a good choice.
Thanks bro, this is the video I've been looking for! Testing in a lancer DD then either replacing or monitoring a built honda
No problem 👍
Pretty darn cool. Didn't know about the dash board project but had thought that a pi or the like would be a great way to present info. Fantastic basic tutorial there! Thanks!
Happy to share with everyone, thanks for watching!
Very Nice Video, I like to put this in a Daily Driver car. the only thing im Missing in this video is how the Pi gets all of the informations? How is it connected to the Engine Values?
Hey,
So sorry, that is something I glossed over forgetting that not everyone viewing would have the context that this is for a Megasquirt ECU.
I'm running this dash in a track car that uses a Megasquirt MS3 ECU. So all my sensors, speed, temps etc go direct to the ECU. Then the ECU has a USB connection direct to the Pi to feed the data for the dash software. Note that the TunerStudio software is specific to the Megsquirt ECUs which is what my car runs. If you wanted to use OBD2, perhaps the OpenAuto software would work for you... or if you have a different aftermarket ECU, or even a carby car, consider trying this software instead: OneGauge, theonegauge.com.
Hope that helps, thanks very much for watching.
Awesome video! I want to know more about the communication via USB between PI and the ECU, it wasn't clear to me! thanks!!
Thank you, sorry I should have covered more detail on that.
They communicate via USB cable connection direct from the Megasquirt MS3 ECU to the RasPi.
Great video... actually covering the software installation not just the physical installation.... for your power requirements there is a couple power supplies that would remove the two switches (main power and momentary switch). One is called the M2-ATX and the other is the M4-ATX both of which are ignition controlled power supplies that are designed to turn on/off PC motherboards much like a standard car amplifier. They can be set to turn off the system while leaving enough time for the operating system to save details and boot up the operating system like OEM systems with the key.
Thanks good details to give options for people out there who want an auto-shutdown solution.
Cool video, thank you, is there any sort of tutorial on how to actually integrate in the vehicle? Lets say for instance if you wanted to swap in to your daily driver? or for setting up in a race car?
Hi FOTW, thanks for your comment. I guess I didn't touch on that element of this dash setup as much as I should've. This is using the TunerStudio software, specific to the Megsquirt ECUs. This car runs an MS3 which connects to the Pi via USB cable.
If you run a Megasquirt family of ECU in your car, then you can apply the same software process as I have detailed in the video. If you run another ECU, or the factory computer, then you'll need to find some appropriate data/dash type software for your car/ECU.
Look brilliant, how do u connect to ecu. I’m guessing needs to be a 3rd part ecu
The interface between the Pi and the cars ECU is via USB, to the ECU's serial interface. The car runs a Megasquirt MS3 ECU, this uses it's own serial protocol over USB to communicated with the TunerStudio software on the Pi. TunerStudio will only work with a Megasquirt family of ECU. If you want to run an OEM ECU, perhaps using OBD2 for comms, then maybe the OpenAuto software would work.
Ngl i would 100% buy this setup from ya. Im terrible with tiny wires. So i can see me messing this up so quickly if i were to do this on my own
It's all achievable for pretty much anyone, the video takes you through it all... you can do it!
@Bbeavis def gonna be trying my hand at it soon 😁
Did you try ESP32 + Nextion 7" ?
It will take some 3 sec for loading + touchscreen. But not that fashionable graphics. And no need for safe shutdown as no Oper. Sys. used.
You'd need to make my own software, not something I'm willing to commit to at the moment.
@@Bbeavis Ok. If I make and finish the project, I will show it to you. Then you decide if it is interesting for you. The only question is how Raspnerry get those PID-codes to gather info from OBD2 / CAN bus.
Awesome video, you helped me confirm what made me doubt a little on my project which was if using volt converters on the dash was a good idea
Glad I could help, thanks!
Thank you for sharing! How it would be connected to ODB2 or CAN bus to interchange data?
I'm running this dash in a track car that uses a Megasquirt MS3 ECU.
So all my sensors, speed, temps etc go direct to the ECU.
Then the ECU has a USB connection direct to the Pi to feed the data for the dash software.
Would be good if you could Make a video on how you actually get the data in from your ecu. I have a link ecu, would it be able to display data from that?
Great project!
Thank you, i will endeavour to put together a video detailing how to get the ECU connection setup. In this case, the TunerStudio software wont work for a Link ECU. Instead, perhaps either the OpenAuto software would work for you over OBD2 or CAN?
looking awsome. just getting into cars myself.
Just one comment: maybe keep the power input for the fan away from the pi. just using it for signals makes them live longer ;)
Cool idea, thanks for the advice, I'll re-wire it direct from the cars power source.
Ive been wanting and trying to build a rpi dash for my golf for years now - Its a lot of work to make it look nice - I need materials and a 3D printer and etc. and etc.
If you are a tinkerer, and hobbyist who likes to DIY, then owning a 3D printer can be really valuable, and they are surprisingly cheap these days - especially if you find a used one.
Thats pretty. Awesome job, now i just have to figure out how to port and mount this concept to my Harley.
Hah Harley isn't a use case I had envisioned but no reason why you cant give it a go!
Great video! I'm trying to use this type of system in my v6 Camaro but I'm also adding some "exhaust acoustics" with the rpm readings. I'm curious if you have ever heard these active exhausts for the Mach E mustang or Tesla's with acoustic exhaust, systems similar to the BMW's design with these small speakers in a metal bubble, and on open pipe the size of a muffler tip, literally playing exhaust sounds of v8. Any thought please comment
I have that in my daily driver. I usually turn it off, I like a quiet car :-P
I was looking for digital gauges to put on a bike, but this is a nice project. Is there a 'cutdown' version of the software (just rpm,fuel,oil,km), maybe a smaller screen that you know of?
Hey Cade. The dash image/data is very customizable within the TunerStudio software, so almost any design is possible.
You could run a different size screen, more or less any display that uses an HDMI port should work, I've had smaller 7" screens before, and I'm sure there are even smaller options if that's better for you. You'll need to experiment or check out websites like aliexpress for low cost displays.
woooooow amazing configuration but for example if i want mount in a normal car works connected with ODB2 adapter?
Thanks very much Francisco.
In this case I am using the TunerStudio software which is specific to the Megsquirt ECUs. My car runs an 'MS3' which connects to the Pi via USB cable. I'm sure there is some OBD based dash software out there for the Pi, that may work for your needs.... You'll need to get a little inventive and look into what options are out there.
good job , but its for what kind of interface/protocol , ELM327 work with or need a standalone ecu ?
Thanks
It is only for standalone ECUs that use TunerStudio software
Great tutorial, got It running on my pi but for some reason I have no input from mouse or keyboard.
Thanks. Sorry to hear about the issue, did you find a solution? Perhaps try ssh onto the Pi and run an update?
Damm, i would have never thought of this. this is also usable for all the speeduino guys out there. Ad you can have a keyboard/mouse combo with you and change things when needed
Exactly! Lots of possibilities. Thanks Gasper.
if you want to get a bit more technical there should be a way to completely disable the desktop manager/environment and have just the dash software load up in full screen, probably eliminating about 10 seconds from the boot time. i'm not familiar enough with linux to get into the specifics but from what i know it should be possible (see retropie)
You are on the right track - I do something like this for my HomeAssistant dashboard... when I find some more spare time I am going to build a new image that does this for my car dash display.
I’m wondering if there’s a way to further improve boot time, such as recompiling the kernel (not sure you’ve tried trimming that) and using a readonly card so you can just turn off the system with the ignition, w/o having to kick off the shutdown process
I've no doubt there's going to be tweaks here and there at the OS level that could save time.
TS Dash saves a further 10secs or so.
Could try a faster boot media, perhaps USB m.2 sata disk.
The ~30secs to boot up doesn't bother me, I'm sure it would be a deal breaker for some, but I just don't see a scenario where I NEED to have the dash live instantly.
How do you set it up with a "read only" card and how does that help, does the OS know it's read only and not do all of the back ground crap computers do these days...?
Try to use some kind of SSD as storage. I think it will shorten boot time pretty much because even very fast SD cards are nothing comparing to SSDs.
@@kzyho I considered doing this, but an SSD is quite a lot more costly, and physically bulky.
Is it possible to wire the pi/screen assembly to a relay to turn on with ignition? Also can it be programmed to do a safe shut down after the ignition is shut off? Wouldn't require a separate battery?
Hey J, yes definitely. You could wire the pi to auto power up with the ignition, and then trigger it to safely power off when the keys are switch off. You'd need a short term power source to keep the pi alive just long enough to shut it down, perhaps with some capacitors rather than a battery.
Do you have a video on how u connected everything from the power supply ,fan ,power down the inverter etc?
Hi DG, what in particular did you want clarification on that wasn't already covered in the final part of this video?
I don't have another video as yet, was there something about the hardware side of things that you specifically wanted more detail or description about? I can definitely get more detail for you.
@@Bbeavis good morning this for the reply free looking at the video again I believe I understand the power supplier u have setup ,I do however would like to know how would I run my ecu system as I’ll be running kpro for my Integra with boost gear
@@DirtyGarageTx The solution I have shared does depend on using the Megasquirt family of ECU, so you'd need to see if there is a software/hardware solution that can communicate with Honda computer. This is not something I have experience with sorry.
Loved the detailed, step by step instructions.
Hopefully I will soon have a project to build in with, since I already have the Pi lol.
Thanks, good luck with your projects :-)
I'm planning on doing one with an Arduino connected to the can bus, but this looks easier. I'm just curious how you connected the car to the raspberry pi to get the cars info, like rpm, etc...
The interface between the Pi and the cars ECU is via USB, to the ECU's serial interface. The software uses a propriety comms protocol. if you are looking at an Arduino and perhaps CAN comms, then you are probably going to need to look for a different software option.... I am sure the Pi has offerings that would work with CANBUS.
@@Bbeavis ah i see! Yeah i was going to write my own software, thanks for the info.