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Concept: In-dash Techstream

Discussion in 'Prius c Accessories and Modifications' started by HooptimusPrime, Sep 16, 2021.

  1. HooptimusPrime

    HooptimusPrime Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2021
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    Location:
    Fort worth tx
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    So i currently have a T-Mobile SyncUp Drive device hooked up to my 2016 Prius C-2; it connects to the odb2 port and tracks my car, provides a wifi hotspot, and reports DTC codes as they are reported. I chose this over other apps like Dr. Prius and somewhat regret it, and I initially started looking into changing my setup with a cable that would allow my SyncUp to use a usb connection instead of odb2 (available on amazon) and using dr. Prius and one of the odb2 dongles they recommend. This way I would get more advanced info than the syncup provides, and still keep its hotspot/tracking features. However I got to thinking, and It seems to me that with a (most likely custom) head unit that is SBC or NUC based, and the proper connectors, it is not all that difficult to build an in dash computer system that would not only be huge upgrade from the POS stock radio, having for instance: apple music/spotify/pandora/etc built in, broader media file support, extremely upgradeable and customizable - it would literally be a desktop PC in the dash; a dashtop if you will. A dashtop could very easily run techstream and thus be a complete on board diagnostic system; the system requirements for the software are very basic and it is is not hard to obtain SBCs/NUCs that fulfill them. Once I finish the whole thing I will do a writeup on how to build one, but i have several questions: can techstream be connected and used “live” during normal day to day operation of the vehicle? For instance does it give readings in real time like the dr. Prius app provides? Or does techstream require maintenance mode to be active? If so then it is still possible, it is as simple as modding an odb splitter - yes i know they are BS and only one connection is allowed at a time, but by adding a switch that changes the active connection from the dr prius dongle to the techstream dongle upon activating maintenance mode solves this issue, and this sesign may actually be the better option, regardless of techstreams abilities. I have the basic design outlined, and know that it could work, based on my experience building computers and crafting diy electronics mods, for me the only wild card is techstream as I have yet to use it myself. If anyone has any suggestions on how to pull this off I welcome your input, and to those that say it cant be done or it will never work, just sit down and shut up, the fact that head units built from a Raspberry Pi exist is proof that one could be built using a windows compatible board. The only precaution to take into account is the total voltage, but as long as powering such a system is less than or equal to the power draw of the factory headunit (+ the usb cord/aux connection above the glovebox - they wont be needed with a dashtop and so the voltage powering them can be rerouted to power the dashtop if need be)
     
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    23,314
    15,100
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    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Yup. It can connect to any of the dozen or two ECUs in the car and show you all the stuff in each one's data list, in real time-ish. You don't get to pick and choose, they fill up a big screen and have to be scrolled. It's not a great kind of interaction for use while driving, but they're there.

    You also don't get to pick and choose "I'd like to view these items from this ECU and those items from that ECU", though it does have a Dual Data List mode where you can pick any two ECUs and now have your screen split into two scrolling panes.

    You can also pick values to log or graph.

    I don't even think that's really an inherent limit; it probably has more to do with whether your two gadgets are trying to identify themselves by the same address. I think there was an address kind of standardized for a diagnostic tool, maybe $F6 but don't quote me on it (it was a long time ago I looked at that stuff and mostly pre-CAN), and if you have two things both choosing that by default, fun times ensue. If either one gives you the opportunity somewhere to configure its address, you should be able to avoid that.

    Try not to give it the address of any of the car's ECUs....
     
  3. burrito

    burrito Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2021
    274
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    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    You could get an old netbook and get it working exactly how you like it, then break it apart and install the pieces into your dash. If you're able to incorporate the (working) battery, then power draw would be less of an issue as the car would essentially be charging the netbook battery which is powering the dashtop.