DIY Info Gauges/ECU Tuning

[Zirrus]

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

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]

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!

[warmonger]

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]

your nuts! haha jk

[ProstreetCoug]

Originally Posted by Comando489

your nuts! haha jk

he said nuts!

[BigBalledOX]

Originally Posted by warmonger

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]

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]

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]

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

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...QQcmdZViewItem

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

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

[cpapashley]

Originally Posted by Zirrus

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

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...QQcmdZViewItem

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.