has any one doe this or even know how it's done ? think it's amazing I am looking for a custom bits for my l322

+4.0 deg C? Go somewhere bloody cold. +34 deg C here yesterday. Ron B. VK2OTC
2003 L322 V8 Auto
2007 Yamaha XJR1300
Previous: 1983, 1986 RRC; 1995, 1996 P38A; 1995 Disco1; 1984 V8 County 110; Series IIA

Lukie wrote:

has any one doe this or even know how it's done ? think it's amazing I am looking for a custom bits for my l322

Yes, it's fairly straightforward. I originally wrote a python script to do this, and to automatically set and update the clock in the absence of the head unit, and also to control the legacy DSP in the boot.

The python ran on an old touch screen, but was a bit unwieldy, so I set about miniaturising it, and have now successfully re-written it in PIC assembler and this afternoon got it running on a PIC microcontroller.

The process is the same in either case, in that the source computer transmits suitably formatted messages across the I-Bus to the instrument panel. The limitation of the free text message is simply the number of characters across the line. I haven't yet tried to make it scroll.

I thought about building a few more to sell, but am unsure whether there's a market out there...?

I've just modified the code in the microcontroller to show you:

I would be interested
I would like to get rid of the screen out of the glove box and keep the DSP after a head unit change

Is it plug and play
Nige

Depending on the required functionality, yes it could be plug and play but the microcontroller has to be programmed 'at build' with the required personalised message e.g. the VIN, the owner's name or whatever else.

The microcontroller would then be embedded in a small plastic box approximately the size of a packet of cigarettes.

Then by connecting the box to the car with four wires (but please not with scotchblocks - the spawn of Satan), and leaving the box somewhere out of the way, every time the ignition was switched on the screen would automatically display the message.

The button on the end of the indicator stalk would still serve to toggle through the various display features (range, consumption etc), but the 'owner message' (for want of a better term) cannot be stored and hence would not reappear until the next ignition re-cycle.

that's clever  ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

Last edited by stan on 11th Oct 2016 9:10am. Edited 1 time in total

Could this electrickery be used to reset the mpg readout after removing the head unit?

stagger wrote:

Could this electrickery be used to reset the mpg readout after removing the head unit?

i would not be to bothered about the start up message its just the clock set and keeping the DSP awake im after,rest would just be a bonus

Me likey..can it be done on an 08?? Craig???????? Tony
You're always in the ........it's just the depth that varies
2014 L494 5.0 S/C AB Silver
2014 L494 3.0 HSE in Chilli
2014 SL63 AMG White


Gone:
2011 5.0 L322 White (Stolen)
07 4.2 SC in silver.
06 4.2 SC in black RSE
RRS 4.2 SC in Black RSE
52 4.4 Vogue in silver
04 Mercedes CLK 320 Conv
03 4.0 V8 ES Disco in Silver
00 TD5 90 County
98 4.6 HSE in Epsom x3
97 3.9ES Disco
93 L 4.2 LSE in black
too many classics to mention !

Unnecessary quote removed

AMAZING ! and I think you have your answer re market for sale, it's not going to make you millions but I'm sure you could make some beer money from it from the fourm alone

would be even better (just as an idea for project builds) if it could be user customized in a way similar to navcode

if you do decide to try a new build and want someone to try one I would be happy to pay for a unit for trial purpose's

equally for the FF users that arn't that handy connecting wires within the car could this maybe made as a OBD plug in ?

these are just suggestion's to get a bigger market, if it was sucessful via OBD and programed by user via usb I'm sure you would have many more orders via evil bay or similar

I would definitely buy one if you ever offer these for sale. I'm definitely removing the existing headunit and replacing it with an android system, but this is exactly what I'm looking for to avoid putting the old headunit in the glovebox.

Sign me up

Zulu 10 wrote:

stagger wrote:

Could this electrickery be used to reset the mpg readout after removing the head unit?

Yes, that's another function that I can add to the requirement set. Though I'll have to reassemble my head unit in order to capture the message format, but it's not rocket science.

Maybe this module is helpful. Suitable for older models with BMW technology. This allows your own texts to be displayed. However, it has been specially developed for light effects.


http://www.car-solution.de/de/shop/bmw-x5-e53

Thats a nice find, but a bit too expensive for my liking. I would much prefer to spend some money on a forum members design, which could have customised messages and readouts!