Custom virtual cockpit project

[sandspeed]

I've posted in the telematics forum to discuss this as well, but it's for my B6 S4 avant, so here we go.

I'm jealous of the new tech in the current Audi lineup, so I want to rejuvenate my project car, a 2005 S4 avant. I was originally thinking about how I could somehow utilize a newer gauge with the Virtual Cockpit and somehow get it to work in an older car, but just the differences in the communication network of the car would be very hard to overcome. I found a guy who makes custom digital clusters, and he has effectively copied the VC look. However, I think I may be able to do this myself, using raspberry pi or something similar. The LCD screens are available:




Seems close to what Audi uses:



This may take a while, but I'll try and keep this thread updated. I'll also be running a tablet in the center console replacing the stereo, and I'd like the two to be linked together. Anybody got any advice?

[PNW Avant]

Pretty cool idea. I doubt getting the new Audi stuff to work is viable. Your hunch seems right that differences in communication through the eras would be a problem.

It seems like it would entail having someone build a custom computer that turns CAN signals and other car communication into graphics. Many people have “hacked” the cluster to display different things, by sticking extra modules between the cluster and the rest of the car computers, for example to display the output of a radar detector, boost, coolant temp, etc. And the wiper stalk is used to scroll through this information. So it’s clear that you can effectively read the CAN information you need from the car, and control things using inputs from the car’s buttons. Seems like the big step would be the computer/graphic design to turn those into something meaningful on your dash.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[sandspeed]

The nice thing about this is that enough people have done similar things on other platforms to drive creation of canbus adapters that work with a raspberrypi. The hardware seems available off the shelf. I like that I can have a graphic added so the intro splash is an animated Abt Sportsline symbol as well. Anyway, I have a lot more research to do, but this is looking very possible. If I end up having trim bezels manufactured, I may offer them for sale or post the 3D models up to make this available to everyone.

[icanfly]

I cant see your pictures, but am doing something similar for my racecar build - I am using an OBDII solution to connect to a tablet with the app RealDash which allows you to make full custom digital dashboards. They've got some good tech - and there are several varitions on how to get data off your rig and into the realdash app.

[Padouch]

Did something similar. The main thing for me was to controll the Android Auto app with RNS-E buttons. The only problem is, that on the CAN-Bus behind radio, there are only limited number of data - Coolant temp, RPM, time, speed. Im planing to make K-line reader to get more data. I've got the hardware, but not the time :)




And the usecase you might be interested in

[sandspeed]

After spending the last few days reading everything I could find, I think I need to go with something OEM-ish. A Renesas R-car D3 seems to be a good choice if I can find one, or a similar purpose-built computer. I can run the gauges and integrated MMI on the cluster screen, and also drive a large TFT screen in the center console, eliminating the head unit. Hell, there might even be a way to ditch the HVAC control panel and integrate that.

[q_dubz]

Did something similar. The main thing for me was to controll the Android Auto app with RNS-E buttons. The only problem is, that on the CAN-Bus behind radio, there are only limited number of data - Coolant temp, RPM, time, speed. Im planing to make K-line reader to get more data. I've got the hardware, but not the time :)

Educate me!!! I know some python, so what else do i need!

[sandspeed]

I cant see your pictures, but am doing something similar for my racecar build - I am using an OBDII solution to connect to a tablet with the app RealDash which allows you to make full custom digital dashboards. They've got some good tech - and there are several varitions on how to get data off your rig and into the realdash app.

I'm looking to duplicate the virtual cockpit in the newest Audis, and the realdash app takes too long to boot for my liking. The goal is OEM-level fit, finish, and appearance, but with customization available for apps and gauge finishes, or the startup splash.

[Padouch]

If you want only coolant temp, Rpm, speed then only think you need is a Arduino or raspberry and a canbus transceiver like mcp2515. If you want more information, you have to make some kind of k-line reader. At least that's what I found out. I can send you the code and some more information if you are interested.

[sonosam]

If you want only coolant temp, Rpm, speed then only think you need is a Arduino or raspberry and a canbus transceiver like mcp2515. If you want more information, you have to make some kind of k-line reader. At least that's what I found out. I can send you the code and some more information if you are interested.

I am interested, but I also want the android auto in my RNS-E... That surely took more than just an RPi and canbus transceiver with a "little" coding.

[q_dubz]

I am interested, but I also want the android auto in my RNS-E... That surely took more than just an RPi and canbus transceiver with a "little" coding.

same here

[Padouch]

I'll try to write something up as soon as possible. But for RNS-E you will need multimedia adapter, VIN hack and a RPi with canbus transciever. Look up Crankshaft app for raspberry. It handles the Andoid Auto part. Then it is just a simple python script, that reads the canbus behind radio and simulates keyboard presses. I can upload my sd card image if you want. I'll try to comment my code better.

[q_dubz]

I'll try to write something up as soon as possible. But for RNS-E you will need multimedia adapter, VIN hack and a RPi with canbus transciever. Look up Crankshaft app for raspberry. It handles the Andoid Auto part. Then it is just a simple python script, that reads the canbus behind radio and simulates keyboard presses. I can upload my sd card image if you want. I'll try to comment my code better.

yea I was reading about that last night! Why the VIN hack tho?

[Padouch]

I meant VIM hack :) Autocorrected

[sandspeed]

Do you guys mind starting a separate post about the RNS-e stuff?

[sandspeed]

And now I have a 2016 TT cluster to play with.

[Nollywood]

Following this. 👍

[sandspeed]

Following this. 👍

Hey man, can you do me a favor and measure the dimensions of the area in the center of your Exeo's dash? I'm looking for the measurements from the top of that storage area or whatever is above the hazard light button all the way to the bottom of the HVAC controls.

[sandspeed]

Does anyone have opinions on incorporating the HVAC controls into a touchscreen display? It would replace both that and the stereo, possibly along with taking up the area where the crappy cupholder, hazard light switch, and ESP button are located.

[PNW Avant]

I like tactile buttons for HVAC, because i can change it without looking...

[jgza4b6]

I'll try to write something up as soon as possible. But for RNS-E you will need multimedia adapter, VIN hack and a RPi with canbus transciever. Look up Crankshaft app for raspberry. It handles the Andoid Auto part. Then it is just a simple python script, that reads the canbus behind radio and simulates keyboard presses. I can upload my sd card image if you want. I'll try to comment my code better.

If you want only coolant temp, Rpm, speed then only think you need is a Arduino or raspberry and a canbus transceiver like mcp2515. If you want more information, you have to make some kind of k-line reader. At least that's what I found out. I can send you the code and some more information if you are interested.

Please its posible send me your sd imagen for put android auto in my raspberry for rnse, i have other os and dont found well

[Shift_bag_Sean]

Does anyone have opinions on incorporating the HVAC controls into a touchscreen display? It would replace both that and the stereo, possibly along with taking up the area where the crappy cupholder, hazard light switch, and ESP button are located.

A few years later, it seems such a technology has finally become available...

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