Infotainment System for Porsche Car [from CAD, prototyping to finish]

[steved0x]

I tell you what would be cool, if you can tap into the k-line and get info like RPM and Throttle position, is some code that would receive requests in CAN OBDII protocol, send the request to the K-line, and return it back in CAN OBDII format.

I have one a RaceCapture/Track data capture device, and one of its features is that it can take CAN OBDII requests and translate then into various pre-CAN OBDII protocols. This lets me get things like RPM and Throttle position. However, the refresh rate on this is pretty slow, I get around 2 RPM readings per second, and 2 Throttle position readings per second.

Edit: forgot to include the links

Here is the adapter that translates the CAN OBDII requests into older OBDII formats:
https://www.autosportlabs.com/product/obdii-legacy-adapter/

Here is the device I have that uses this adapter:
https://www.autosportlabs.com/product/racecapture/

Here is a short clip, the first column is time in seconds, 2nd column is RPM, and 3rd column is Throttle Position (range 1-100)

Time	RPM	TPS
359.409	4666	31
359.611	4709	31
359.809	4709	31
360.007	4709	35
360.21	4789	35
360.61	4789	53
360.789	4852	53
360.809	4852	53
360.989	4852	100
361.009	4852	100
361.19	4852	100
361.21	4852	100
361.61	4975	100
361.788	4975	100
361.808	4975	100
362.007	5060	100
362.208	5060	100
362.611	5175	100
362.811	5175	100
363.012	5175	100
363.611	5278	100
363.812	5391	100
363.988	5391	100
364.008	5391	100
364.21	5391	100
364.59	5500	100
364.61	5500	100
364.81	5592	100
365.011	5592	100
365.209	5592	100
365.41	5656	100
365.61	5656	100
365.81	5656	100
366.011	5774	100
366.211	5774	100
366.39	5774	100
366.41	5774	100
366.611	5886	100
366.811	5886	100
367.011	5886	100
367.211	5974	100
367.61	5974	100
367.811	6077	100
368.011	6077	100
368.191	6077	16
368.211	6077	16
368.59	5904	16
368.61	5904	16
368.81	5904	11
369.009	5423	11
369.19	5423	10
369.21	5423	10
369.592	4912	10
369.612	4912	10

Each RPM reading lasts for 5 or 6 updates and the TPS seems to be a little faster, maybe every 4 updates.

From capturing logs with my Durametric, I know I can get about 10 discrete pieces of data per second, like this (this is a pull in 2nd gear)

Time                    RPM  Speed in MPH
14:07:08.1607752	2805	25.5
14:07:08.3697872	2838	26.1
14:07:08.5797992	2959	28.0
14:07:08.8008118	3101	29.2
14:07:09.0218245	3264	30.5
14:07:09.2408370	3422	32.3
14:07:09.4498489	3571	33.6
14:07:09.6608610	3721	35.4
14:07:09.8708730	3880	36.7
14:07:10.0808850	4028	37.9
14:07:10.2998976	4183	39.8
14:07:10.5099096	4328	41.0
14:07:10.7199216	4490	42.3
14:07:10.9299336	4652	44.1
14:07:11.1399456	4821	46.0
14:07:11.3499576	4993	47.2
14:07:11.5529692	5137	48.5
14:07:11.7599811	5301	50.3
14:07:11.9709931	5470	51.6
14:07:12.1860054	5626	53.4
14:07:12.4050180	5811	55.3
14:07:12.6300308	5975	56.6
14:07:12.8470433	6147	58.4

I would *love* to be able to get that type of update rate from the car in a way that I could send it to me data logger.

From what I understand, CAN is more of watching a stream of data rather than query/response like older OBDII protocols?

Wish 1 - an OBDII dongle that could query the k-line and give the fast refresh rate that I know the car is capable of. You could probably sell a decent amount of these All 986, 996, and maybe even early 9x7, could use this.

Wish 2 - a port somewhere that would simulate tapping into the CAN line on the newer cars and stream selected performance data, even if it was *only* RPM and TPS, since the other stuff you can get from OBDII like intake air temp etc... doesn't require a fast rate.

Since you are in there anyway...

Since you have access to all that,

[Coaster]

I have a PCM 2.0 and would love to upgrade to something like this, especially if I can mimic a more current version of what I have. I'm a complete noOB on the electrical and audio front so not sure how this would integrate with the MOST and Bose I have. My wishlist would include using Waze as the mapping/direction app. I like that is uses other users to input speed traps, objects on the road, crashes, etc (sort of like crowd sourcing RDS I suppose). A FM tuner would be nice. I spend a lot of time cruising in my car and I listen to a lot of radio at constant RPM as I motor into work, even with the top down Capturing trip info would be nice too (mpg, range, miles), my system already displays these so it would just be capturing the data - unless it's somehow calculated in the PCM unit itself but I don't think that's the case because you can add the fourth stalk to do that without the PCM unit). Compass, time and temp - color changing display (i'm not giving up hope of one day have blue gauges and interior lighting). I would use the bluetooth integration for phone, voice commands, and camera for front and rear too.

Awesome idea Fred, just awesome.

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by clickman

Fred moves on from Boxsters

Not anytime soon!

Good to hear from you again Norman

edit: got to appreciate family who reads this internet :/ Post deleted. Thanks for expressing severe disapproval (censured loll)

[Nine8Six]

Steve - we have full access to the GPIO of the Intel CPU (!!!) so that can serial/interface with the OBD directly @ 500 KBPS baud rates. You are talking about 10ms data-binding with VS if you need (wired). Also, I'd need to check again, but managed to run 100ms refresh rates with a $20 Bluetooth dongle here last month (e.g RPM, speed, temp, etc).

The board also have incredible fast IO read & write access, shall you need to do data acquisition. Runs an on-board SSD hard drive. 10ms is fast enough to overheat the CPU and send it in its throttling mode in <2min LOL

Again bud, limitless really


@Coaster. What you are seeing here is a "generic" UI that will work for me, and others I'm hoping. We'll built around that generic UI and add features from time to time. Lets not forget that the system is based off Windows 10 with a pretty decent CPU + 4gig of ram. Therefore if you want to run Waze, Tourque, Sygik, and/or record your roads with Google or Bing maps, you have zero limitations!

Can also have Netflix, Youtube and CNN streaming LIVE all-at-the-same-time... if the FM radio freq is low in your area

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by Coaster

.....My wishlist would include using Waze as the mapping/direction app. I like that is uses other users to input speed traps, objects on the road, crashes, etc (sort of like crowd sourcing RDS I suppose).

Well I got that out of your Wish List and just plugged it in our super 986forum's branded Porsche Navigation System! Works, I get report of a dead moose on the side of the highway causing traffic in a Canadian city LOL

Here goes the stuff that should BUZZ in your speakers "before" they occur:
Warning Types: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh441731.aspx

Thanks for the heads up, Coaster

[Nine8Six]

Simplicity at its best! Type your destination address or location and press GO.

And that's it. It'll take you there in the very best of its capacity







^ Carries the main Volume trackbar. Full featured Turn by Turn Navigation System. Support off-course re-routing, waypoints, traffic optimizations, pay tolls avoidance, and come with a range of other features such as warning, compass degree, etc.

* Special Thanks to Microsoft Corp for making the Bing Maps REST Api available to the developers. The documentation and references was top class. Remarks: in terms of "routing calc mechanism", it beats OpenSourceMap, Yandex, and all the others by worlds apart - amazing work, Microsoft!

[Nine8Six]

Although fairly simple looking, still requires little over 920 lines of hard-coded lines of C#. Very few examples exist online, everyone is using the API for webpage and therefore JavaScript. Good for reference but pretty useless in terms of 're-use' in a X86 environment. All from scratch! and there you have it! 986Forum branded LOL






^ Can get funky! Excellent theme for when driving alone

[kjc2050]

Egads, Fred, how do you know all this stuff?!? Impressive!

[geraintthomas]

You're mental.

I love it.

[redciv1]

Great idea. One suggestion, having a convertible, it would be cool if you could have the screen recessed maybe an inch or so to cut down on some of the glare, especially for us with light colored interiors like the Savannah.

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by redciv1

Great idea. One suggestion, having a convertible, it would be cool if you could have the screen recessed maybe an inch or so to cut down on some of the glare, especially for us with light colored interiors like the Savannah.

Thanks for kind words and suggestions fellas, much appreciated

Recess; totally! Excellent observation in fact. I'm trying with a 4mm recess for the prototype but this is all based on luck. Absolutely no idea what I'm doing but none the less, the feature is already planed in the design (see orange highlight below). Needs real-life trial I guess... might be able to bring it back forward 2mm if the Retina/IPS display is working "as advertised" (160 degree view angle + amazing contrasts and brightness adj).

Far below visual is what it (may) look like with the 4mm recess. Plenty room to go down another 8mm if really it needs it.

Could make it all look advanced with organic curves and all but prefer to keep it 'easy to machine' for the prototype phase.

[redciv1]

I likes that bottom image. By chance would the screen also have a matte finish like the HVAC screen?

[Wallace River]

Originally Posted by kjc2050

Egads, Fred, how do you know all this stuff?!? Impressive!

TOTALLY agree, am fascinated by what Fred can churn out.

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by Wallace River

TOTALLY agree, am fascinated by what Fred can churn out.

Just wait for the nuclear powered oil filter diy

Originally Posted by redciv1

By chance would the screen also have a matte finish like the HVAC screen?

Lots of options but 3 that I hope to get on with:
1) Powder coated 85% gray/flat
2) Flat anodized 85% gray/flat
3) Polished dark metal gray, 95%/satin

No-way it will be a 100% shinny black plastic trim I'm with you bud

Love the Powder coated 'rugged' style. We'll see, lets make then bezels 1st lolll

[thatguychad]

Carrying over from the other thread, Fred. As you could surely guess, I'm very interested in this.

My wishlist:

• Good bluetooth call quality.
• Quick boot time.
• AM/FM radio would be a plus, if not, FM will have to suffice.
• Support for mp3, mp4, and lossless formats (which I don't use, currently)
• Easy to navigate UI. Simple controls that can be used without looking.
Hardware buttons are a plus, but otherwise, gesture controls could work (next track, etc.)
• Multiple USB ports for additional storage and accessories like a dash cam.
• Backup camera support
• OBDII support - don't care if it's wired (USB) or wireless via BT.


Things not needed:

• CD/DVD drive
• Built-in amplifier. As you know, this significantly increases the unit size and introduces thermal issues.

I've seen some impressive stuff here, so far, and you always churn out fantastic things of the highest quality. I really don't care what OS it runs since it should be hidden from the user, anyways.

[hemonu]

Hi Fred,

another great project from your end :-) I'm more than interested!

My wishlist:
FM Radio
USB
Bluetooth for playback and additional headset
no CD / DVD
OBD II / CAN
WLAN client, necessary for Windows updates
use of existing Bose Soundsystem / no MOST

I type this respond on a LENOVO YOGA BOOK, which is quite similar hardware and also runs on Windows 10. I think Windows 10 is on the edge for such hardware. Responsiveness to user input is a bit slow and it sometimes freezes for a couple of seconds. So you have to be patient.

What I personally see as an issue is touchscreen as sole input. Driving at 200+ km/h a touchscreen needs too much focus. For me the ultimate solution would be an optional input by something similar to the iDrive controller on the center console. That would be far more safe. But maybe that's the next project´;-)

Greetings from the Shandong province (temporarily)

Herbert

[eicheldp]

What happens when I stop paying attention for a little while? Fred gets into his toy box and cobbles together another great device for all the 986 owners,

You are absolutely effing amazing Fred!

Please remember to keep it simple for Sparky.

[MWS]

I've been quietly following this thread since inception, and as a recovering engineer (still stuck on step 8), I thought I might throw in my 2 cents...

First, every proprietary MMI manufactures put in cars are, well, just bad. Why? If this was only a few years ago, we would be amazed with tech in the auto infotainment options, but every new buyer within a few minutes quickly becomes frustrated with the system in the car they just purchased. Again, why? I think it all boils down to the fact that we all have a phone in our pocket that does EXACTLY what we would want our MMI to do, but ACTUALLY works. The map/nav is spot on, the music interface is simple, and don't even get me started on voice commands....

All of this makes me wonder WHY manufactures spend so much time and money trying to invent something that already exists. Sure, there is CarPlay, but it's not really what I want. The infotainment upgrade I would really pay a premium for is one with just one button..."clone phone".

To sum up, what I would write you a check for (with many zeros), is a beautifully integrated unit with just two buttons... "Clone Phone" and "Diagnostics" and maybe a real volume knob.

I sincerely respect your passion to "start from scratch" and the the time and effort to try and design the perfect system (again, as an engineer big KUDOS), but perhaps let the os on the phone do the big lifting and just focus on the asthetic design and the OBD integration, but then again, I am in recovery and still making amends to those I have offended.

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by MWS

I've been quietly following this thread since inception, and as a recovering engineer (still stuck on step 8), I thought I might throw in my 2 cents...

First, every proprietary MMI manufactures put in cars are, well, just bad. Why? If this was only a few years ago, we would be amazed with tech in the auto infotainment options, but every new buyer within a few minutes quickly becomes frustrated with the system in the car they just purchased. Again, why? I think it all boils down to the fact that we all have a phone in our pocket that does EXACTLY what we would want our MMI to do, but ACTUALLY works. The map/nav is spot on, the music interface is simple, and don't even get me started on voice commands....

All of this makes me wonder WHY manufactures spend so much time and money trying to invent something that already exists. Sure, there is CarPlay, but it's not really what I want. The infotainment upgrade I would really pay a premium for is one with just one button..."clone phone".

To sum up, what I would write you a check for (with many zeros), is a beautifully integrated unit with just two buttons... "Clone Phone" and "Diagnostics" and maybe a real volume knob.

I sincerely respect your passion to "start from scratch" and the the time and effort to try and design the perfect system (again, as an engineer big KUDOS), but perhaps let the os on the phone do the big lifting and just focus on the asthetic design and the OBD integration, but then again, I am in recovery and still making amends to those I have offended.

Mirroring...

[Nine8Six]

@thatguychad - thank you so much for sharing your ideas man. Love it when things are interactive like this, gives me a good road map RE what ppl would like and dislike. What you've described fits pretty much within what I had in mind already but you provided a few good points and those won't go unnoticed (e.g. Multiple USB ports, others also). Thanks for the help bud

Originally Posted by eicheldp

Please remember to keep it simple for Sparky.

haha I remember Sparky lolll (old friend Don!) Got to be simple or I don't play myself bud. So far the only thing coming out of the prototype is a 12VDC black(-) and red(+) wire. Might need 4x output for the speakers + antenna port and that's it (I hope). Might also have 4x USB ports in the back of it but this has nothing to do with installation; more or less meant for the users to expand the functionalities.

Originally Posted by MWS

and as a recovering engineer (still stuck on step 8), I thought I might throw in my 2 cents...

I dont see your comments worth less than a million $ bud (2cent?!). Thanks for supporting and providing your vision of a perfect system. Can't promise I will deliver exactly as you are picturing but will be close enough. Should be, well, that's the aim anyway.

All about modernizing the front dash of my 20 years old Boxster with something that doesn't have toddler style icons and colors ranging from violets to pink (as in the hardest part of the design btw). Challenge you to find a 2Din kit around without-the-silly... near impossible. In the aftermarket kits anyway.

lolll "real knob"... you'd love this capacitive/touch trackbar. One light tap and that's it - set.

Quick Update:

Well, there is no update. Although I've done a bit of work two weekends ago, I haven't had time recently to things together... after being flown out of the country twice for other business. Good news is I am planing to resume all of this as soon as the hardware I've ordered 2 days ago turns up (GPS, sound, stuff like that).

I'll update this coming weekend!