[JonW]

I've been quietly tinkering with the CANBUS in my car for a while now. Just getting onto the CAN network to listen to data was a challenge in itself. My goal in tapping into this is to have the option of replacing the Sirius unit with an XM unit and to add the capability of an IPOD or similar device with both the ability to control the unit via the steering wheel and the ability to display track/title/artist info.

I have succeeded in performing the above actions via my prototype device attached to my laptop. The next step is to (re)write the PC based code I've created for transmitting and receiving data on the CANBUS into a microcontroller (embedded chip). I'm not sure what the timeframe will be for doing this, but if I can make something at a reasonable cost, I may be looking to offer this to others that want the same capabilities.

Currently, I can completely emulate the Sirius unit. This means that you would NOT need to have the actual Sirius unit present for attaching any other add-on devices. It does however mean that any add-on devices have to map into the Channel 1-200 paradigm. That fits fine for XM and it also means you could have 200 play lists on an IPOD (much nicer than BMW's 5 playlists:wink1: ). I'm really striving for a seamless factory style integration.

This post if for informational purposes only and does not mean that there will be a product available to do this. It is quite possible that Pac-Audio, Blitzsafe & the I-Cruise folks are also doing the same thing. I can tell you though that this has been a tough nut to crack and these companies may not want to spend the time necessary in reverse engineering the protocols.

Below is a sample pic of the NAV unit display with some custom text on it.

 

[kidcoastal]

I've been quietly tinkering with the CANBUS in my car for a while now. Just getting onto the CAN network to listen to data was a challenge in itself. My goal in tapping into this is to have the option of replacing the Sirius unit with an XM unit and to add the capability of an IPOD or similar device with both the ability to control the unit via the steering wheel and the ability to display track/title/artist info.

I have succeeded in performing the above actions via my prototype device attached to my laptop. The next step is to (re)write the PC based code I've created for transmitting and receiving data on the CANBUS into a microcontroller (embedded chip). I'm not sure what the timeframe will be for doing this, but if I can make something at a reasonable cost, I may be looking to offer this to others that want the same capabilities.

Currently, I can completely emulate the Sirius unit. This means that you would NOT need to have the actual Sirius unit present for attaching any other add-on devices. It does however mean that any add-on devices have to map into the Channel 1-200 paradigm. That fits fine for XM and it also means you could have 200 play lists on an IPOD (much nicer than BMW's 5 playlists:wink1: ). I'm really striving for a seamless factory style integration.

This post if for informational purposes only and does not mean that there will be a product available to do this. It is quite possible that Pac-Audio, Blitzsafe & the I-Cruise folks are also doing the same thing. I can tell you though that this has been a tough nut to crack and these companies may not want to spend the time necessary in reverse engineering the protocols.

Below is a sample pic of the NAV unit display with some custom text on it.

I dont understand a word you just said but I LIKE IT! True pioneer. Keep me informed. I want my iPod in my car sooo bad and only will do it if I can use it straight through my current Nav OEM setup. Would this also mean then that the steering wheel controls would be able to control the iPod or am I reaching?
Good to hear from ya again Jon, see you in a few weeks

 

[JonW]

I dont understand a word you just said but I LIKE IT! True pioneer. Keep me informed. I want my iPod in my car sooo bad and only will do it if I can use it straight through my current Nav OEM setup. Would this also mean then that the steering wheel controls would be able to control the iPod or am I reaching?
Good to hear from ya again Jon, see you in a few weeks

The steering wheel controls was the much easier part. The display is the most difficult. Depending what kind of work I can get done on it before our meet, I may show a prototype there.

 

[rogue]

How did I miss this thread. Jon you're a ROCKSTAR.

See you saturday.

 

[JonW]

I'm actually surprised by the lack of response to this. I'll bring my laptop and my "proof of concept" application to the meet for anyone to see. I'm waiting on some CAN hardware coming from Sweden (hopefully this week) to finish a bit of testing. I'm still having a bit of a problem fully emulating the Sirius unit, but I hope to have that rectified after I get my new hardware. I'm actually leaning towards doing the XM interface before the IPOD one though.

 

[glhs837]

I thnk that's due to your titling, John, it might not tell folks exactly what youve done here. CANBUS is not a commonly known thing, outside gearhead (and up to date gearheads, at that) circles.

 

[kidcoastal]

I thnk that's due to your titling, John, it might not tell folks exactly what youve done here. CANBUS is not a commonly known thing, outside gearhead (and up to date gearheads, at that) circles.

Seriously.. start a thread that says iPod s/ steering wheelcontrols I GOT IT!
you will get a thousand hits in a week! I'm rooting for you Jon!
See you Saturday!

 

[Mike5959]

I thnk that's due to your titling, John, it might not tell folks exactly what youve done here. CANBUS is not a commonly known thing, outside gearhead (and up to date gearheads, at that) circles.

I thought he had made some new CANiBUS.. .haha J/K I am eager to hear what you come up with.

 

[HaTaX]

Jon,

I was going to write back with a post, which at the time seemed insignificant but is probably what a lot of the other members were thinking as well..


WOW....

That is truely awesome, it takes alot of time to figure out something like this with little to no info to go on... Lots of time and patience went into this and I think you could have your hands on something huge here... Other possiblities such as an interface box for alarm systems so that they don't have to hack into 50 wires to make their systems work, and there's others

Anyways, great work. I'm excited to see what comes of this...

 

[harrysam]

Very Cool!

Great stuff JonW. Avidly following your progress!

 

[JonW]

...Other possiblities such as an interface box for alarm systems so that they don't have to hack into 50 wires to make their systems work...

Already done!

 

[300Con23s]

Already done!

Did it work out good? I reallllllllyyyyyyyy need a aux input but your going sell your mod, darn. :wink1:

 

[DucatiBoy]

That sounds cool. I can't wait to see what you come up with. I don't need the XM radio thing, but an ipod connector would be AWESOME! I'm looking forward to seeing what you make.

 

[glhs837]

Hmmm, wonder if my PSP can find a use here?

 

[tekhen]

Talk about missing the boat....
I missed this thread altogether.

I'm glad we have people who know code.
Keep us informed and thanks

 

[300TouringNproud]

Jon, you rock. Keep it up! But.... my question is can this be used to get an ipod connection AND the sirius module? My guess is not. So I'm still left hacking w/ kmoney's module. darn. The next question is: does CANBUS control the heating/cooling aspects of the car (I know nothing...)? I've always thought it would be cool to see a car PC with touchscreen Heat/Cool sliders. Anyway, back to the praise: you rock!

 

[3SRT4ME]

You Go JonW

JonW for President!!!! :fing02: Keep up the excellent work. :banana:

 

[PixelPusher]

programmers are the new rock stars

 

[arnoldw]

Great info JonW, just wish I understood it a bit better :scratchch
Here's a link I remember from last summer
http://www.300cforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=534&page=1&pp=10&highlight=sniffing :wink1:

 

[cbb77]

Wow, new to this forum but count me in for beta testing any version. I just installed an FM modulator this weekend cause I couldn't live without my Ipod any longer. Will rip it out in a heartbeat for a true CANBUS interface. By all means, please keep us all posted on the progress.