Building an assistant / companion computer for the R230..

[Conor]

So, i've been thinking.. about a neat little DIY project to tinker with.

In my R230 when I open the passenger door, I get an alert that tells me to close the centre compartment.. because it can't be locked posing a security issue.

It doesn't tell me when one of the rear windows are open (rain risk), or if the steering is not lined up straight (potential wing damage on ABC strut failure).

How cool would it be to have a little device that fills in the functionality.. so when I turn off the ignition, I get warning of the above.

Because these things could keep me up at night.. and it would be a cool little gadget.

It would be trivial enough to build..

* Raspberry Pi
* OBDII Bridge
* Some sort of power arrangement
* Software
** Sample the required values
** When ignition is killed, check the last value of steering wheel and window values and alert if not appropriate.

(Assuming you can get these values from the computer).

 

[ajlsl600]

fair play to you.. frankly the r230 has enough electrical/electronic capability to keep one awake at night, would not want to be adding more myself

 

[Conor]

fair play to you.. frankly the r230 has enough electrical/electronic capability to keep one awake at night, would not want to be adding more myself

This would be a secondary unit that wouldn't really cause much issue. It could actually ease some anxiety..

 

[LostKiwi]

Hypothetically you could build a device to connect to the AV in that effectively takes over all the ICE functions simply using the head unit as a screen and speakers. The only issue then is controlling it easily and safely.

 

[Conor]

Hypothetically you could build a device to connect to the AV in that effectively takes over all the ICE functions simply using the head unit as a screen and speakers. The only issue then is controlling it easily and safely.

Yea I had thought of that but my multimedia requirements are fairly basic.. I am happy to use my phone as a frontend for controls.

 

[John Laidlaw]

All just a noise, sorry....

 

[PovertySpec]

Very doable

https://www.carberry.it/

How far you want to get into it is entirely up to how dedicated you are.

Check out the Carberry forums for Merc specific advice.

There are many other Pi integration projects for cars on't web.

Good luck!

 

[davidsl500]

I've retired so Pi is for eating now, whatever flavour it is....

 

[Conor]

Very doable

https://www.carberry.it/

How far you want to get into it is entirely up to how dedicated you are.

Check out the Carberry forums for Merc specific advice.

There are many other Pi integration projects for cars on't web.

Good luck!

Very interesting, hi hadn't see this one. Thank you.

 

[00slk]

All just a noise, sorry....

Yep, like a jet fighter flying at low altertude above my head

 

[AnthonyUK]

Very doable

https://www.carberry.it/

How far you want to get into it is entirely up to how dedicated you are.

Check out the Carberry forums for Merc specific advice.

There are many other Pi integration projects for cars on't web.

Good luck!

I'm not saying it cannot be done but the CANBUS access is limited to very basic functions it appears.

Positive Ignition
Illumination Signal
Speedpulse Signal
Reverse Gear
Negative Handbrake
Phone Button

These are the basics that any current Android system can use so I would guess the libraries for deeper access are not available or are so specific that it hasn't been worthwhile coding them.

It is the difference between a basic OBDII reader and a dedicated one that can access all the other CPUs.

Anything is doable but it might mean delving into CANBUS protocol analysers or reverting to measuring analogue inputs e.g. glove box light or window microswitch values which whilst easier software-wise would require significant more wiring.

 

[SL63 Mark]

Or, you could just check the window is closed before leaving the car ? Chances of a strut failure resulting in body damage are minimal to zero I would say. In 7 years my struts haven't leaked a drop. Interesting thread though, I feel I am learning stuff.

 

[Conor]

Or, you could just check the window is closed before leaving the car ? Chances of a strut failure resulting in body damage are minimal to zero I would say. In 7 years my struts haven't leaked a drop. Interesting thread though, I feel I am learning stuff.

This...

 

[00slk]

This...

Conor, my friend, forum colleague buyer of class cars............Stick to the forum for repair knowledge, far easier for people like JL and me to comprehend.......

 

[Conor]

Conor, my friend, forum colleague buyer of class cars............Stick to the forum for repair knowledge, far easier for people like JL and me to comprehend.......

Haha fair enough.. that said, somebody mentioned Arduino a while back and I was amazed and the responses that came in and what people get into

 

[00slk]

Haha fair enough.. that said, somebody mentioned Arduino a while back and I was amazed and the responses that came in and what people get into

Arduino .................Blimey Conor, I even had to google that

 

[LostKiwi]

Arduino .................Blimey Conor, I even had to google that

Luddite.....

 

[00slk]

Luddite.....

There's Nothing Wrong with Being a Luddite.......... See I googled that too

 

[Conor]

Arduino .................Blimey Conor, I even had to google that

Lol, sorry, I had intended on adding a link for reference, but forgot by the time I had typed the first sentence...

 

[Srdl]

Conor, my friend, forum colleague buyer of class cars............Stick to the forum for repair knowledge, far easier for people like JL and me to comprehend.......

Personally, I think it’s good for young Conor to have something to distract him as, without that, he might have bought three or four SLs by now