Database Info

Car tuning application?

So I am a gearhead/computer nerd... I have a 1999 Trans Am and I do all my tuning on a laptop using EfiLive... Could anyone that is handy with creating applications look at the software and tell me what it would take to port it over to an Android app?
I am pretty sure my Evo has enough CPU/RAM to run the software easily and I think it would be pretty pimp to data log/change tunes from my cell phone instead of having to break out a huge ass laptop..

efilive isn't open source as far as I know, which means nobody but the original developers are going to be porting it....you're asking the wrong people

Koncrete said:
So I am a gearhead/computer nerd... I have a 1999 Trans Am and I do all my tuning on a laptop using EfiLive... Could anyone that is handy with creating applications look at the software and tell me what it would take to port it over to an Android app?
I am pretty sure my Evo has enough CPU/RAM to run the software easily and I think it would be pretty pimp to data log/change tunes from my cell phone instead of having to break out a huge ass laptop..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an 89 Trans Am GTA, however I was wondering if there was any software for live data streaming for OBD I?

There is torque in the market but it is basically like a scan gauge, not a tuner.

Dynomaster acts like a g-tech. There is an OBD-II scanner but it requires that you get an OBD-II to micro usb adapter, which I'm sure they'll sell you for a pretty penny. As far as programming, the sport compact guys use their laptops, whoever makes those programs for them might help. I've looked but have found anything, I'll just stick to my predator for now.

Android In-Vehicle Infotainment

So I've had a project for the last few months getting Android running as an infotainment system. Here is a demo i thought i'd share with you guys..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNcDq9S8n3I
Basic features:
Android 2.1 (looking to update to GB)
7inch touch-screen (800x480)
3G modem
GPS
Reverse camera (backup camera to see what's behind you)
USB port
would love to hear some criticism or anything regarding the device.. its not perfect, its got a few bugs and glitches.. but is sort of ready for everyday use but is missing a few components to make it 'official' android device (wifi, bluetooth etc).. but i'm just wondering if anyone is interested in something like this? Is this worth developing further on?
This thing runs on Cortex a8 omap3530 board and is based off 0xdroid build.
apologies if im in the wrong forum

Wow dude, thats really cool! I'd love one of these for my car. If you could get Honeycomb on that bad boy it'd be sweet! Just wondering, how do you plan on setting up a rear view camera? Just connect a camera at the back of the car to the tablet itself, then run the Camera app? Seems like the simplest way to me..

Haha cheers love to see the honeycomb source once its out then we'll talk although I'd imagine i'd need better hardware...
currently camera is interfaced by usb (has a usb hub) so i got a cable running under the carpet through the boot then camera is mounted on the bumper. yup camera is called by any camera calling intent.. so any app can use it.
I want to get some proximity sensors (like parking sensors) and write a proper reverse cam app to complement it. But we'll see...

Very cool!
I've been wanting to do this for a while, but I was going to use MeeGo or maybe Moblin since I don't have the programming skills (or Android knowledge for that matter) to build my own computer around Android. I dig what you got so far though.
My suggestion for the reverse camera is one of two things, because it would bug me to have to find and open the camera app every time I needed to back up.
Keep your touchscreen (what model are you using BTW?) and use a bluetooth or wi-fi relay (I know they make 'em, but they are $$$) to provide an input from +12V signal from your reverse light wire to automatically open the camera app, then close the app. Of course, you'd have to program for that.
Or
Have you considered this touch screen? Lilliput 7" touch screen with auto-reverse input. (Needs a RCA camera though)
http://store.mp3car.com/Lilliput_629GL_70NP_C_T_7_VGA_Touchscreen_w_Aut_p/MON-016-0002.htm
This is the one I plan on using since it switches automatically to the camera input whenever you are in reverse. Once you go back to any other gear, the OS input shows up again.
Just a thought to make life a little more convenient (although you already bought your parts so you may be stuck.)

chjade84 said:
Very cool!
I've been wanting to do this for a while, but I was going to use MeeGo or maybe Moblin since I don't have the programming skills (or Android knowledge for that matter) to build my own computer around Android. I dig what you got so far though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot! It needs a lot of time and dedication but it's a real good learning curve. I had to learn a lot of things on the way.. especially c/c++ I wasn't great at but had decent skills with higher level programming.
If you are planning to work with MeeGo its a little fussy with the hardware requirements.. Correct me if i'm wrong, but I think you need an Intel Atom processor. These are a little pricey if you're after an evaluation/hackable kit! But I'd imagine it'll be easier to program as it's a lot more closey coupled with linux.
chjade84 said:
My suggestion for the reverse camera is one of two things, because it would bug me to have to find and open the camera app every time I needed to back up.
Keep your touchscreen (what model are you using BTW?) and use a bluetooth or wi-fi relay (I know they make 'em, but they are $$$) to provide an input from +12V signal from your reverse light wire to automatically open the camera app, then close the app. Of course, you'd have to program for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just had a look at those relays, sounds like its something I really need! Is this how the standard backup cameras work? That was something I was confused about.. I wasn't sure how to detect if i'm on reverse.. especially with the parts I already had. I'd imagine once you implement it you just need a service running in the background to listen for the relay.
The touchscreen is a TFT resistive 4wire touch-screen. It's not something I want to keep as I really want capacitive multi-touch.. But this fits perfectly with the board and was easier to deal with
chjade84 said:
Or
Have you considered this touch screen? Lilliput 7" touch screen with auto-reverse input. (Needs a RCA camera though)
http://store.mp3car.com/Lilliput_629GL_70NP_C_T_7_VGA_Touchscreen_w_Aut_p/MON-016-0002.htm
This is the one I plan on using since it switches automatically to the camera input whenever you are in reverse. Once you go back to any other gear, the OS input shows up again.
Just a thought to make life a little more convenient (although you already bought your parts so you may be stuck.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice find! I wish I saw that earlier .. Quite pricey but would make life so much easierrrrr!
Cheers for the feedback! Best of luck for your project!

tknz said:
I just had a look at those relays, sounds like its something I really need! Is this how the standard backup cameras work? That was something I was confused about.. I wasn't sure how to detect if i'm on reverse.. especially with the parts I already had. I'd imagine once you implement it you just need a service running in the background to listen for the relay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think most factory backup cameras use two inputs and switch between them. I don't have a lot of experience with them though.

chjade84 said:
I think most factory backup cameras use two inputs and switch between them. I don't have a lot of experience with them though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what you mean exactly. I'll try the relays because it at-least gives me a standard interface to work with (bluetooth or wifi) so there isn't any work you have to deal with on the hardware abstraction.. Although it would probably be better designed if I had some sort of voltage input coming when the vehicle on reverse (the reverse light as mentioned). But I don't really have the electrical expertise to make it happen lol.

tknz said:
Not sure what you mean exactly. I'll try the relays because it at-least gives me a standard interface to work with (bluetooth or wifi) so there isn't any work you have to deal with on the hardware abstraction.. Although it would probably be better designed if I had some sort of voltage input coming when the vehicle on reverse (the reverse light as mentioned). But I don't really have the electrical expertise to make it happen lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well essentially what I was thinking was you'd have the bluetooth relay hooked up to your reverse light wire. This should allow your computer to monitor whether or not your car was in reverse. Relays are pretty simple - one input switches on/off another, usually one of a much higher or lower voltage. So in essence, it's a switch activated by voltage. (There used to be an electromagnet inside that physically moves a piece of metal to make a connection when a voltage is applied - now it's all transistors and whatnot.)
So, if you are in reverse and your reverse lights are getting power, the bluetooth relay should sense that and signal the computer (through a serial command it seems) which in turn could tell a background service to open the camera app. Once the voltage from the reverse light wire is lost, the relay should again tell the computer that you aren't in reverse anymore and the background service would close the camera app and re-open whatever app you were in.
*I should note this is all "in theory"... I don't know exactly how those wireless relays work/communicate and I don't know Android programming at all.

Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking what about using the GPIOs on the board and attach that to the reverse light? would that be possible? and using some resistors on the way to limit the voltages so i don't fry the board.. but we just need to detect some voltage input...
Not sure, will look into it. Right now, taking a pause on the development.. Got a lot of work to take care of but I can't wait to get back into it. I really want to port this to gingerbread.

tknz said:
Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking what about using the GPIOs on the board and attach that to the reverse light? would that be possible? and using some resistors on the way to limit the voltages so i don't fry the board.. but we just need to detect some voltage input...
Not sure, will look into it. Right now, taking a pause on the development.. Got a lot of work to take care of but I can't wait to get back into it. I really want to port this to gingerbread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could possibly do that, a real cheap voltage regulator would probably be better though. You could also use a cheap relay if the correct voltage is already somewhere on the car. Again, I'm not too sure how those bluetooth relays work, but it sounds like you are on the right track.

Great Job!
I was thinking of doing something similar myself.
I am looking at going with one of the tablets as it is just seems easier? I only really need internet, google maps(GPS) and wifi tethering. I would imagine you are running stereo sound from a 3.5mm? I would still have a seperate head unit to control volume and handle all the regular functions as well as inputs from a 3.5 to RCA cable.
How are you running sound off that setup? Are you running a head unit still?

The sound is running off a small amplifier. then RCA to 3.5mm.
Haven't had the chance to play around with the wifi tether as right now i don't have a wifi card.. It would make sense to have wifi tethering or just wifi reciever and use a phone to tether 3g to the system. Avoids having separate data plans.

Can we get a copy of your "AIVI Car Home" for our own DIY projects?

I don't mind releasing the source for it. Its just right now its a bit messy and quite a few things are hardcoded.

tknz said:
So I've had a project for the last few months getting Android running as an infotainment system. Here is a demo i thought i'd share with you guys..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice project. I gutted a Clarion Mind last year to do pretty much the same thing but am looking to upgrade. You said the software needs work but it's a real good start. Would you mind sharing your hardware list with us?

Nice work!

Something I was also interested in seeing is having vehicle manufacturer recommended service intervals and such available as reminders from your in car system or phone or both.

Stu_Gotti said:
Something I was also interested in seeing is having vehicle manufacturer recommended service intervals and such available as reminders from your in car system or phone or both.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could use 'aCar' which, if you are unfamiliar, you enter the make, model, mileage and all the pertinent service requirements. Battery every 3 years or 50,000 miles, coolant every year or 15,000 miles, oil every 6 months or 3,000 miles, etc. Then, every time you get gas you enter the current mileage as well as gallons/liters of fuel and the price. From that information you not only get your MPG but it will also trigger reminders to do the necessary maintenance at the correct intervals when they come up. You can do this for multiple cars as well. It's a very good program.
On a related note to this thread, I started my own 'carputer' project using an Archos 70 Internet Tablet and an unused articulating wall mount for TVs. It's still a work in progress as well since I don't have all the parts yet but will do everything I wanted (eventually... lol) except the rear facing camera. The video is obviously just of the media player.
I shot this late last night to show a friend. He wanted to know why someone would want a tablet/computer in their car, lol. Sorry about it being so dark.

Dude
I am keen as mustard on one of these beauties, I was considering running xp MCE but the android option would be much nicer..
Love ya work.

tknz said:
I don't mind releasing the source for it. Its just right now its a bit messy and quite a few things are hardcoded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do. Would love to play with it. No matter how clean the code is it's just gonna get better...
thanks for showing it..

[Q] android ecm/ecu

Anyone think that they could replace a obd2 ecm/ecu with an android phone?

therealmaximus said:
Anyone think that they could replace a obd2 ecm/ecu with an android phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may be wrong, but:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque

ive seen these, they just read parameters from the computer via the obd diagnostic port, what i meant was actually removing the the obd computer and using an android device to receive the incoming sensor data and use the data such as rpm, throttle position, and so forth to advance or retard timing tables and fuel tables to actually run the engine i have tuning software for my honda that i can run and retune my engine with but only from my laptop id like to be able to do this with an android device.

[A] 😉 let me know
That's an interesting question and not what I thought it was when I first read your initil post. Reading it literally you're asking about replacing the actual 'brain' that conductor that co-ordinates the entire ignition,fueling,emmisions and other secondary parameters that make the engine run in a harmonious symphony(oh, whatever happened to self metering by atmospheric pressure drop and contact breakers lol). I read it as taking out the OE ecu/ecm/powertrain module or whatever other term you use for it and replacing it with an android device. An interesting exercise but hardly worth the mountain range of problems involved considering you can go out and buy a custom fully programmable ECU anyway.
That is how it sounds though when you say replacing the ecu with an android device. i.e removing the ecu and putting in one running android or a piggyback ecu running amdroid....... i know, i'm being maybe a little too pedantic but it drew me in and made me read the thread and am definitely interested in finding out if there are any android apps that can reprogram or flash an ecu similar to the ones that run on windows.
I've mentioned in another thread I have a deep knowledge and experience in the car side of the equation but my knowledge of computers themselves ranks about 'interested in knowinf more but basically capable of using one n that's it' level. Or tge same as 99.99% of car drivers. They can drive but beyond that all they really know is where to out the petrol in although 100,000s of them will say they know all about cars lol.
In other words, I see know reason why technically there are no equivalent android apps/devices that can do what software packages running windows you use on a laptop. I'm in a similar but different position than you. I really want that ability to remap/flash new firmware onto ecu's except right now I don't have a laptop or desktop of any kind right now. All my online and computer needs are admirably dealt with on my Note 3 so i haven't bothered replacing either my pc or laptop when they passed on.
Was on ebay recently and seen very interesting and potentially useful software claiming to be able communicate fully with any obd1 and 2 ecus allowing you to reset, remap and 'chip' any ecus and also fully set up a new replacement custom reprogrammable ecu too although i am skeptical you could buy one that fully capable for £20 off ebay but they promise full customer support and the ability to download an entire remap for almost any make amd model so perhaps their claims are based on the abilitynof their product rather than merely sales rhetoric.
Anyway, what I mean is I see no reason why if windows can fully communicate with obd2 and android can also read current and pending dtcs, display freeze frame, live data and allow you, if you know the particular formula, to view data with custom PIDs then it seems possible that a software package written for android couldn't be capable of doing wnat these windows/mac programmes can do. I'm sure I've seen linux compatible software for desktops out there so surely an android version is poasible. BUT as i explained my knowledge of computer systems/languages is risible so there may well be a glaringly obvious reason that android is unsuitable (there's probably 1000s of 10 year olds laughing lije mad thinking is this guy stupid or what lol).
BUT if you ever come accross such an software package that runs on android let me know because if not it looks like I'm going to have to go buy this 20 odd quid ebay software AND a bloody laptop on top to bw able to use it

HooToo® TripMate

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0WP0V53044
got this product free for a honest review and i put it to the test,its quiet a amazing product that has these features Portable Travel Router - 5200mAh External Battery Pack, USB Storage Media Sharing, Access Point, Wi-Fi Router & Bridge which i find very cool for trips or just charging a phone ect. very simple to use as Access Point, Wi-Fi Router by simply plugging your internet into the unit and now you have a Access Point for sharing your wifi without handing out you password which i used not only in a hotel room but a party i had at my house. the unit only require a simple playstore app to be put on android device called HooToo TripMate https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hootoo.wd.activities&hl=en and its very simple to set up and soon your off and running.and if your a iphone user you only need this app from itunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hootoo-tripmate/id658692923?mt=8 and your good to go also. i linked apple side cause some of us android users have apple products such as ipad which is supported. using my GS4 i got around Approx. 15-20hrs of runtime as a router and was able to charge my GS4 from 3% to full and charge a wp phone from 57% to full. Approx. 7-10hrs of charging time to fully charge TripMate which was a little long but well worth it. unit has 4 blue led lights that show charging time left on unit and a green wifi light when unit is a active wifi hotspot then you just open wifi networks and tripmate is there and a simple 8 # 1's is your password. Built-in 5200 mAh external charger is very handy and fits nice in your pocket or glovebox when on the go.i give it 5 stars for all its capabilities and a really nice price of $49.99 for all it does its very worth the price.amazon link also if you like them better than newegg.http://www.amazon.com/Release-TripM...id=1378172334&sr=8-1&keywords=hootoo+tripmate

That is some seriously blurry photos.

lambstone said:
That is some seriously blurry photos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not really, its simple to see shape and what led lights look like lit, maybe this will help you.

darren.wlsn1 said:
not really, its simple to see shape and what led lights look like lit, maybe this will help you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can it be used with Chromecast in hotels?

scott14719 said:
Can it be used with Chromecast in hotels?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no chromecast to try it with but i dont see how it would, it works off hotels internet to run multiple devices so its basically a hotspot using your or anyone's internet. hoo too answers emails rather quickly on support page so maybe ask there i could be wrong.

scott14719 said:
Can it be used with Chromecast in hotels?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I think it is. I can use my RAVPower wireless filehub with Chromecase. My filehub is quite similar to this product.

Question Samsung Z Flip 3 as Dedicated Hotspot

With the prices on Z Flip 3 lately, I was considering snagging one to use as a dedicated hotspot. I’d love some advice.
iPhone user who can’t stand the built-in hotspot that doesn’t broadcast all the time. It works great for Apple devices that have same AppleID…not so much for others. I just want something that I can keep in my backpack and it’s just ready. Considering the Nighthawk 5G is $400…might as well get this.
Would prefer to use a widget to control the hotspot from the outside display and not have to flip open to use. I see there are some options there. Any tips or cool widgets to be aware of?
My wireless plans have 40-50GB of hotspot included, but I’d rather mask the hotspot so that it doesn’t come from that bank. Do I need to root? Or are there some apps that I can still download that do that?
Ethernet tethering…does that mean with an adapter I can hook up to my home Wi-Fi router as the source when our home internet goes out?
Anything else I’m not considering?
Thanks in advance for the advice!

A 3300 mAh battery isn't all that much power...

blackhawk said:
A 3300 mAh battery isn't all that much power...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point. The dedicated hotspots generally have 4500-5500. Though I’ve seen that wireless charging with MagSafe works with a ring, and I have plenty of chargers that would be pretty convenient.

farnlc said:
Good point. The dedicated hotspots generally have 4500-5500. Though I’ve seen that wireless charging with MagSafe works with a ring, and I have plenty of chargers that would be pretty convenient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on the current usage with screen off running as a hot spot constantly being on a charger may not work well. Phones aren't designed to be charged with the screen on ie in a high current drain state.
If it does maintain a 100% charge state... high temperatures and high cell voltage degrade an Li the quickest.
In the end midrange power cycling (40-80%) may yield a better Li lifespan.

farnlc said:
With the prices on Z Flip 3 lately, I was considering snagging one to use as a dedicated hotspot. I’d love some advice.
iPhone user who can’t stand the built-in hotspot that doesn’t broadcast all the time. It works great for Apple devices that have same AppleID…not so much for others. I just want something that I can keep in my backpack and it’s just ready. Considering the Nighthawk 5G is $400…might as well get this.
Would prefer to use a widget to control the hotspot from the outside display and not have to flip open to use. I see there are some options there. Any tips or cool widgets to be aware of?
My wireless plans have 40-50GB of hotspot included, but I’d rather mask the hotspot so that it doesn’t come from that bank. Do I need to root? Or are there some apps that I can still download that do that?
Ethernet tethering…does that mean with an adapter I can hook up to my home Wi-Fi router as the source when our home internet goes out?
Anything else I’m not considering?
Thanks in advance for the advice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. There are a lot of options out there before buying a phone to do it. Make sure you've considered all of them, such as https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09742XJB1 (~$190)
2. By default, it's not an option. There are a couple options out there to run apps and widgets on the cover. You'll find them here.
3. Apps still exist that can run a hotspot separate from whatever your carrier claims is the limit. It's my understanding that the limit is bandwidth added, whereas using a third-party hotspot borrows the bandwidth from your phone. In your case, it won't make much difference not using the phone.
4. Using adapters, it is possible. That isn't to say it will be effective, since you would be using a single 5G connection broken down into a portion for each device connected to it. It's a bit like ordering one pizza. Either the slices need to be smaller or less people need to eat.
5. Phone hotspots are meant for when you run into trouble and someone needs to borrow internet or you have a tablet that would be better for completing a task. It's not a long-term solution by any means.
If you really want to buy a phone to run a hotspot, there are far better options. You can limit some battery use with the cover screen by running a full launcher on it, but that only compensates for the smaller device battery. At the end of the day, you trade that extra time you would have every time you are running the hotspot with the screen off for the few times you have to change settings not using as much power on that run. It would only really make sense if you already had the phone and were repurposing it.
https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-battery-Unlocked-Camera-Silver/dp/B08NWD7K8H
$229 for 5G and a 5000 mAh battery makes a lot more sense.

twistedumbrella said:
1. There are a lot of options out there before buying a phone to do it. Make sure you've considered all of them, such as https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09742XJB1 (~$190)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A dedicated hotspot would be fine, but I plan on using SIM cards on phone plans or iPad plans. I wouldn't want to use anything that would trigger a flag.
twistedumbrella said:
4. Using adapters, it is possible. That isn't to say it will be effective, since you would be using a single 5G connection broken down into a portion for each device connected to it. It's a bit like ordering one pizza. Either the slices need to be smaller or less people need to eat.
5. Phone hotspots are meant for when you run into trouble and someone needs to borrow internet or you have a tablet that would be better for completing a task. It's not a long-term solution by any means.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No arguments here. Every once in a blue moon we have a disconnect at home and we need to fire up hotspots. If I had an option to integrate into our router so that I didn't have to update all the connection settings that would be cool.
twistedumbrella said:
If you really want to buy a phone to run a hotspot, there are far better options. You can limit some battery use with the cover screen by running a full launcher on it, but that only compensates for the smaller device battery. At the end of the day, you trade that extra time you would have every time you are running the hotspot with the screen off for the few times you have to change settings not using as much power on that run. It would only really make sense if you already had the phone and were repurposing it.
https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-battery-Unlocked-Camera-Silver/dp/B08NWD7K8H
$229 for 5G and a 5000 mAh battery makes a lot more sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the recommendation. The main appeal to this device is the form factor. If I'm going to run phone as hotspot I want it to be as small/compact as possible - understanding the trade-off in battery life. What I really want is a Palm Companion sized phone that I can program a launcher to only control the hotspot and lock the screen so it doesn't go into any other interface. Basically - act like a hotspot device - but have a phone IMEI that's less traceable.

farnlc said:
A dedicated hotspot would be fine, but I plan on using SIM cards on phone plans or iPad plans. I wouldn't want to use anything that would trigger a flag.
No arguments here. Every once in a blue moon we have a disconnect at home and we need to fire up hotspots. If I had an option to integrate into our router so that I didn't have to update all the connection settings that would be cool.
I appreciate the recommendation. The main appeal to this device is the form factor. If I'm going to run phone as hotspot I want it to be as small/compact as possible - understanding the trade-off in battery life. What I really want is a Palm Companion sized phone that I can program a launcher to only control the hotspot and lock the screen so it doesn't go into any other interface. Basically - act like a hotspot device - but have a phone IMEI that's less traceable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the Ticwris MAX devices were 5G, I'd recommend that. They're 2600 mAh, but about the size of a Zippo. One thing I've learned, though, is if you approach a list of cons trying to justify how to accept or overcome them, you've already decided. Best thing to do is make sure you can return it if it's not what you hoped.