OpenOBD (yup another subproject)

justchat_1 · 10-01-2009, 04:37 PM

Well since open mobile was due for its first obdii plugin - i started looking around for ideas. Even the professional software I saw was unimpressive...and after thinking about it I realized a carputing environment offers some unique possibilities that really cant be taken advantage of by standalone software.

I came up with two big features that I thought were necessary (although a third one would certainly complete the list) .
1. Keeping with OpenMobiles philosophy - the software should require no configuration for accurate results independent of the make, model or interface hardware.
2. The system should use the unique abilities of a full fledged computer to provide more then "a trouble code and description" or some fancy graphs. Independent continuous monitoring should allow the software to detect trends which could indicate a problem (ex: declining MAF rate, dirty air filter) even before they trigger a check engine light. It should also be able to use PID combinations to provide likely causes.

For part one I have begun a VIN database which will be used to identify each make and model based on the VIN number queried from the obd. This could allow the computer to identify the car its in for mobile systems that switch between multiple cars. It could also provide manufacturer specific codes some of which are dependent on year or model type.

Attached is the beginnings of phase 1. So far the database contains:

Code:

GM - NOT DONE
Toyota - (Need to add more models, Lexus,Scion and engines)
Volkswagen (need to add models)
Ferrari - (Need to do engines)
Honda (need to do engines), Acura - Done
Mercedes Benz - NOT DONE
Mitsubishi - NOT DONE
Volvo - NOT DONE
Maserati - NOT DONE
BMW - Need to add engines

Done:
Ford/Lincoln/Mercury - (Need to finish engines)
Kia - Done (but may have missed a few new ones)
Suburu - Done
Lambo - Done
Nissan/Infiniti - Done

To use: Enter your cars vin number and press lookup - if your lucky the correct info should come up. Anyone interested in helping with the project is welcome. As with the rest of open mobile, code for this will be open souce, c# and hosted on the svn server.

kev000 · 10-01-2009, 05:30 PM

This database could be really useful. Are you storing it in sqlite? Glad you are keeping it open source.

Heather · 10-01-2009, 05:38 PM

Let me know if mp3Car can help in any way. We want to show support for projects that are open.

UnusuallyGenius · 10-01-2009, 05:40 PM

It's almost like a OpenSoftware family is birthing.
I am just ecstatic about the developers on this forum who are giving of their time and knowledge to create better software for those of us who dont know how to do it.
Thank you Justchat_1

Now I just need to buy a newer vehicle that has OBD. My 94 Explorer doesnt.

justchat_1 · 10-01-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by kev000

This database could be really useful. Are you storing it in sqlite? Glad you are keeping it open source.

Yup sqlite-so far just the vin subtype relation tables but theres empty tables in place for the manufacturer specific codes-figured I would keep db size down for now since those are the easy part.

Heather:
Thanks will do

UnusuallyGenius;
Doesn't the 94 explorer have obd-i? Possibly under the hood near the firewall?

Glad to finally be able to dig out all the assorted projects i've worked on and put them together into something usable. Actually looking forward to pulling out the Bluetooth and speech recognition stuff.

UnusuallyGenius · 10-01-2009, 11:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by justchat_1

UnusuallyGenius;
Doesn't the 94 explorer have obd-i? Possibly under the hood near the firewall?

I guess i have OBD-1, but i wouldnt have the slightest clue how to interface this to the computer...or if it is even worth it.

P3D4T0R · 10-02-2009, 12:49 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by UnusuallyGenius

I guess i have OBD-1, but i wouldnt have the slightest clue how to interface this to the computer...or if it is even worth it.

hope this helps you out: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/engi...-computer.html

ws6vert · 10-02-2009, 04:27 AM

This project just keeps getting better and better. This has definitely convinced me to give full support. Not only does this feature set apart OM, but being openSource, it allows all open developers to use as they see fit. Excellent work justChat. If you want to split compiling the database between forum members, then sign me up. I'll take GM if possible, just show me how to add it.

chunkyks · 10-02-2009, 12:17 PM

Also of direct interest, possibly: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/soft...ll-makers.html

Quote:

I guess i have OBD-1, but i wouldnt have the slightest clue how to interface this to the computer...or if it is even worth it.

If you have Linux or OSX and a fusion brain, OBDSim has a module to deal with this. It was discussed a bit on these forums here and here

Gary (-;

UnusuallyGenius · 10-02-2009, 12:52 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by chunkyks

Also of direct interest, possibly: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/soft...ll-makers.html

If you have Linux or OSX and a fusion brain, OBDSim has a module to deal with this. It was discussed a bit on these forums here and here

Gary (-;

i am running ubuntu 9.04, but looking at all the threads in regards to obd1, i am finding that this is all over my head. Perhaps I will just wait until i have a post '96 vehicle. Although I really want a Fusion Brain...stupid money, or lack there of

justchat_1 · 10-02-2009, 12:52 PM

So long story short it looks like one of these will work with your car:
http://www.aldlcable.com/

ws6vert:
Thats a very generous offer-thanks for the help. I'm going to do a writeup on the wiki for some more general info and a how to contribute section/to do list. I'll post a link back when i'm done.

chunkyks:
I saw that thread awhile ago and forgot about it...i'll see if he minds if we use that data. Good call

UnusuallyGenius · 10-02-2009, 12:59 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by justchat_1

So long story short it looks like one of these will work with your car:
http://www.aldlcable.com/

Yes, i assume that cable would work.When I get the spare $60 to get it I probably will. But that could be years from now. So who knows.

mezz64 · 10-02-2009, 01:12 PM

When you get further along on this feel free to take any code from OBDMPG if you wish. It's all in VB6 but should be easy to move into C#. I'd pitch in myself, but I'm not all that familiar with C# and have about zero extra time these days. Just letting you know the source is there for the taking.

chunkyks · 10-02-2009, 02:11 PM

Quote:

i am running ubuntu 9.04, but looking at all the threads in regards to obd1, i am finding that this is all over my head. Perhaps I will just wait until i have a post '96 vehicle. Although I really want a Fusion Brain...stupid money, or lack there of

The general idea is you use a fusion brain with sensors you shove in your engine, then run tripzero's fbd and my obdsim dbus generato.

By the end of the pipeline you have an entry in /dev that presents itself as if it were a regular serial ELM327 device.

Gary (-;