Automotive sensor display system

[boroko]

Hi all,
I have been looking for something to monitor automotive sensors that are NOT part of the OBD data.
Things like a transmission temp sensor, fuel pressure, EGT, Oil temp, and such.

For the OBDII data, there are things like the Torque App for android. Cool, but not enough for me.

There is a project that is just what I want, but it is on an Arduino. https://code.google.com/p/multidisplay/ It is a small community and it originates from Germany, so it would be quite a challenge for my skill set to completely convert.

They are even getting it to bluetooth to an android for the display. Perfect for my needs. If the thing were more accessible, I would buy it in a minute, even if it were a commercial product, if it were a reasonable price. My biggest problem is that there are too many projects on the table right now to take this on from scratch.

So, here is the question, Has anyone in the PIC community seen anything remotely comparable without buying a multi-thousand dollar setup from Stack? I will continue to pursue learning how they are doing it, and as I understand it, I will post it here if anyone else is interested.

Would love to hear what is out there.
Thanks
Bo

[Amoque]

It would be interesting to know what they are monitoring and how they are collecting the data. I suspect both of these are clues to a successful search for "similar" projects.

A scan of their webpage... granted, I hardly read any of it... looks like they're developing a display rather than new data. The reason I ask is that the sensors you mention ARE part of the OBD data - if your particular interface (scan tool?) decodes or displays them is a different story. Some "manufacturer's specific codes" do not decode for generic scan devices, but the information (everything from tire air pressure, to air bag status, to time and pressure applied to the brake pedal, to time and date of last service are part of the system, but unavailable without a specialized tool made available only to manufacturer's.

I work for the state inspection/ maintenance program and the amount of information your vehicle records makes the NSA drool.

[Demon]

I've always wanted to display my OBDII data.

Robert

[Amoque]

Robert, Google "ELM OBDII". For about 15 bucks you get a preprogrammed chip to read OBDII to serial...There are other systems that output Bluetooth to phone, laptop... It's all out there.

[boroko]

Hi all,
As far as the OBDII, the system is primarily for emissions and doesn't often monitor basic engine functions. To see what is covered with OBDII is already covered pretty well. For me, the Torque App on my my Android phone with the above mentioned Elm bluetooth adapter. What I'm trying to accomplish is read and display added sensors that are not part of the OBD system. In my case, I'm restoring a VW Vanagon Syncro that is getting a Subaru engine. These particular 4wd trannys are getting rare and expensive to rebuild and are originally designed for 90hp. Putting 175hp in them causes some extra heat that I'd like to monitor. The Subi motor needs some monitoring too. You could put half a dozen gauge pods everywhere, but I'd rather have a more elegant system.

Now, with all of that said, I can build the data collection side of it with some effort. In fact, I have already started. Truth is that if someone has already went down this path, I have restoring to do and could use the couple of month development time better.

What particularly intrigues me is the bluetooth integration and using a phone or tablet for the display. Having no experience in that area (the Android side) limits me there. Getting a clear picture of how their doing it from their site has been a challenge.

Just fishing. I will likely have to proceed on my own, but I was just hoping.

Mark

[Archangel]

Been a few examples here over the years, Acetronics did as I remember a tractor dash, SlotH did a superb GLCD snowmobile dash, but his links are all dead now, but skimask posted some code he whipped up and that code is in a thread linked to SlotH s dash link, some members here might still have that code "in Swedish" as it was written. looks like you just need to read a bunch of thermistors and thermocouples. You would have liked SlotH s GLCD
it was very cool.

[Amoque]

...As far as the OBDII, the system is primarily for emissions and doesn't often monitor basic engine functions...

I don't want to start an argument, but I am passionate about this. If you are looking for data... any data... from your gasoline powered vehicle, OBD is where to look. Start with OBDII.com and find your make and model; if it isn't there, check with the manufacturer. "P" (Powertrain) codes are emission related and, yes, include the transmission - shift points, engine RPM, and a host of transmission related parameters affect emissions. Why do newer cars have tire pressure low indicators? Because rolling friction affects mileage and lower mileage means higher emissions. Engine temperature affects fuel burn efficiency, so coolant temperature is measured; oxygen content of air is related to altitude, so barometric pressure is monitored... the list goes on. Other prefixes "B", "C", "U" and others designate other systems. Newer vehicles support "CAN" (Controller Area Network) where literally every system (airbags, electrical, transmission, fuel, exhaust, etc.) has it's own (at least one) controller running on the bus. Want to test this? Take off your gas cap and see how long it takes for the "MIL" (Malfunction Indicator Light) to come on. Why? Because gasoline fumes are high in hydrocarbons. And, where emission efficiency drops, cost takes over - imagine the cost of running individual wires for each light at the back of your vehicle - tail, brake, blinker... Now imagine running one signal wire to a microprocessor that activates those lights when signaled to do so - cheaper!

Do as you choose and believe what you like, but the OBD system, testing emissions, and working with mechanics to repair this equipment has been my job for the last 15 years. For the sake of those who come later looking for correct information I feel obligated to insist that OBDII is a very robust system - and expanding quickly - to include actively controlling the vehicle's braking, shifting, and steering among other things.

Sorry for the rant...