DIY Info Gauges/ECU Tuning [Archive]

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Zirrus

01-02-2007, 07:11 PM

Hey guys, this is going to be pretty indepth and technical for my first post but here it goes...

A few things...

1) I have started researching the OBD-II protocol our ECU's use (SAE J1850 PWM). I'm pretty handy with electronics and microcontrollers and I am planning on building a microcontroller-based gauge (either analog dial or LCD). I've already seen some code that will work for this but anyone that could help with info would be great.

2) If I could, I would like to be able to program the ECU with a microcontroller as well. Something that would be the equivelant of the XCal 2, possibly with more features and possibly with different presets for different driving, like the new LiveWire. Probably would log data and such like the LiveWire as well.

3) I have also looked into creating a completely custom ECU from the ground up. I have seen it done, but, out of all of these things, would deffinently be the most intensive, but most likely, the most worth the effort.

I realize all these are very technical and indepth projects. I have years of digital electronic and programming experience so I'm confident I can atleast do the infomation gauge but I'd like to get some opinions and hopefully get some helpful info or some collaberative help. I live in NY and don't plan on doing much work on my car during the winter months, so I have plenty of extra time to develope some kind of prototype.

And if I can create a working, stable prototype, I wouldn't mind mass producing them for the people of the forum for a small fee :biggrin:

I know a few of you will think im crazy (and if you knew me, you'd be right) but, lemme know what ya think

Zirrus

01-02-2007, 08:18 PM

Ok, to add some more information. I found that *PCM* programming (as it called with Fords) is also done thru a J2534 pass-thru device from you computer, correct? I'm looking to find a schematic for that also.

Still looking for your input guys. Go ahead and tell me to im nuts! :tongue:

warmonger

01-02-2007, 10:05 PM

I say go for it. When you get a working product let us know. I'm sure that people will want to test it.

Comando489

01-02-2007, 10:13 PM

your nuts! haha jk

ProstreetCoug

01-02-2007, 10:20 PM

your nuts! haha jk
he said nuts! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

BigBalledOX

01-02-2007, 10:31 PM

I say go for it. When you get a working product let us know. I'm sure that people will want to test it.

+1

If you can produce something that approximates an XCAL 2 and is at a much lower cost, I'm sure you'll have quite a little cottage industry between here and CEG.

Zirrus

01-03-2007, 02:57 PM

OK, the news so far...

I have a schematic and code to make the information gauge, it will read trouble codes and can display real-time info that we don't already get from our display like instant fuel economy, battery voltage, intake temp, coolant temp, etc etc. I can also incorporate a a trouble code clear, that will reset trouble codes.

The next step if researching the programming codes to provide flashing abilities.

Ill keep ya updated. Again, any helpful info is appreciated.

scrupul0us

01-03-2007, 03:56 PM

i love your enthusiasm... if i only knew about electronics id be all over lil things like this.. however i am more of a coder than a sparky

keep us informed

Zirrus

01-03-2007, 05:35 PM

cpapashley

01-04-2007, 05:03 AM

I'm more of a jack of all trades, really :biggrin:

I got my new cold heat soldering iron today. All I need now is some breadboard to stat a proto of the info gauge.

I found these displays on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/16x2-Backlit-LCD-for-PIC-Atmel-AVR-Lot-of-5_W0QQitemZ270075400632QQihZ017QQcategoryZ26206QQt cZphotoQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I need to pickup some extra microcontrollers and things will get rollin.

BTW, scrupul0us, I noticed ur facebook and sent you an add

I can only commend you on your quest Zirrus. I am over in Australia, and as long as I have bucket loads of money I can get aftermarket units fitted to my
"cougar in family friendly clothing". But alas it seems that over here the standards were very unclear in the area of automotive protocols and so
I am still at the stage of trying to get a connector that will read and datalog
from my eec-v pcm. Oh for simple standards.

I have done lots of investigation (mainly on the inet) to find out what protocol
the MPV runs and other bits and pieces, but in the process have found lots of stuff for the pwm protocol. Also some interesting articles. So I might be able to save you a little time if you have specific questions. I am no expert, just have read a lot to try and crack into this pcm. (not much luck at the moment)

Anyway best of luck on this quest.

warmonger

01-06-2007, 10:55 AM

Pashley,

Any updates on what kind of datalink you have in your MPV?

cpapashley

01-07-2007, 05:06 AM

Pashley,

Any updates on what kind of datalink you have in your MPV?

All kinda slow downunder over Christmas, most places close/many away on holidays bit like June July in NA, and children on holidays (six weeks holidays at this time of year) makes for busy time at home so haven't got any further along the path.

Have found a company downunder that provides PC based systems (among many other hi tech tools) to the auto workshops, so once they reply to my requests (when they get off holidays) I should be able to finally find out whether the MPV runs iso 9141 (mazda style) and whether I can datalog directly with the PC through the diagnostic port or not. Updating it seems like via the j3 port only :disgust:

Thanks for asking, I am still watching for a greddy as some time through this year I am hoping to buy myself (and my eldest son) a manual car to drive (learn to drive), so even if I find out other ways of getting into the pcm on the MPV, there will be another "older" efi vehicle in the family within the year and the opportunity for "tuning" will be endless :biggrin:

BTW I notice on your signature on ceg you have a Mazda 5, the forum (MPVCLUB.com) is very active for those with the Mazda 5, they would just love to have your input. ;)

warmonger

01-07-2007, 11:23 AM

Really? Is that the same as the recently released Mazda5 here in the states?

I'll have to check it out.

cpapashley

01-08-2007, 04:28 AM

Really? Is that the same as the recently released Mazda5 here in the states?

I'll have to check it out.

The iso 9141 covered most asian vehicles, but from 2004 on CAN was the main protocol used by ford and others.

Seems like the uber thread is keeping you pretty busy at the moment ;)