Fantasy center dash mod
 

I keep fantasizing about updating my dashboard, putting a large LCD screen high up so it's easier to use while driving, then replace the ash tray and lighter with the two air vents that where at the top. From the LCD touch screen, I would operate the climate control and entertainment system (and possibly some custom engine diagnostics/monitoring).

Last time I had my dash out I tried this for size:

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/atta...1&d=1544070374

I might try to fab it up some day. But first wheel bearings and smog...

.

Re: Fantasy center dash mod
 

Hmm. A little rough around the edges? :lol::lol::lol:

Re: Fantasy center dash mod
 

I like the ideal, looking forward to what you make of it....

Re: Fantasy center dash mod
 

Small update, I started playing around with an open source software project called "Automotive Grade Linux", which is being adopted by many car manufacturers (including Subaru starting in 2021 models). I've compiled a custom SVX themed version of the demo to just play around with customizing it, and thought I'd share some screen shots. This is currently running on a Raspberry Pi with a 7" touch screen display and not installed in my car, just a teaser of what might come if I get enough time/energy.

This would be the main screen:
https://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/pic...&pictureid=309

This would be the dashboard:
https://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/pic...&pictureid=310

This is just the demo UI with some SVX pictures, the real SVX version would not have tire pressure and many other things would be different. I want to integrate with the car's internal systems so it can read data from the ECU and possibly other onboard computers. Hope to figure out how to control the HVAC, since eliminating the HVAC controls (they can be handled by the touch screen display) will allow me to have a bigger screen in the dash.

I want to do something custom in the dash, and not just replace the stereo. I think the stereo is placed too low down, and fiddling around down there means taking your eyes off the road. So hoping to relocate the air vents lower and put a large screen high on the dash.

Cheers!
Ian.

Re: Fantasy center dash mod
 

Ambitious! Please keep us updated.

Re: Fantasy center dash mod
 

A lot of the work has already been done, like how to pull data from the ECU:
http://www.alcyone.org.uk/ssm/ecureverse.html
Very grateful to the folks who help reverse engineer the ECU protocol.

There is even some on talking with the HVAC computer, although not as much:
http://www.alcyone.org.uk/ssm/aircon.html

Still the biggest factor will be time to work on, it's not a high priority project and there are many other projects trying to suck up my time. :)

Cheers!
Ian.

Re: Fantasy center dash mod
 

Wow. I know how much work this entails and I can honestly say I wish you the best. This would be an amazing accomplishment and would look great at the same time. It reminds me of Model S the way it is mocked up. Very nice.

Re: Fantasy center dash mod
 

This will be epic if you can pull it off. I used to dabble in car PCs a long time ago and, while it was fun, I never made a polished interface. What are your thoughts on actuation (e.g. HVAC) and interfacing with various sensors? What about support for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay?

Re: Fantasy center dash mod
 

Yeah, HVAC integration will be harder, there isn't much know about the HVAC control unit computer. I have purchased a SVX HVAC control to play around with, but since ECU integration is much easier I'll be starting with that (when I get time).

The famework I'm using has Android Auto on it's road map, so definitely want that. There is also OpenAuto which I think can be used to do Android Auto.

Cheers,
Ian.

Re: Fantasy center dash mod
 

I have this - found it in Japan (it is in English).

Re: Fantasy center dash mod
 

Thanks for the spreadsheet, great stuff!

I'm hoping the "From/To Select monitor" pins will give me the ability to read/write values (get data, and send commands). This will probably be the quickest/simplest way, although it has the over head of figuring out the 'select monitor' commands without having an original 'subaru select monitor' to eaves drop on.

Another option could be building a custom HVAC controller board which connects directly to the motors, sensor, etc, and skips using the original SVX HVAC computer board. But that maybe more work. There are some existing projects for car HVAC controllers:
https://hackaday.io/project/159707-hvac-car-control
https://github.com/jgmuchiri/arduino...limate-control

Those could help speed things up a little.

Thanks!
Ian.