Open Hardware Electronics for the Volvo P2 platform

[aeonlabs]

Hi everyone 4 months ago I started a project on Gihub named "Open Hardware Electronics for the Volvo P2 platform".The main objective is to design and prototype OEM hardware electronics capable of the same operation and functionality for all Volvo's with the common chassis P2, period 1998 to 2009 (S80, S60, V70 XC70, XC90), using the existing wiring on those cars (backward compatible). Instead of using closed and protected logic, it uses open hardware and open firmware hardware electronics as a direct replacement for existing* wiring in a vehicle, in particular older cars. This will facilitate repeatability and maintenance on any "repair shop" outside authorized dealers and requires no reverse engineering and no modification to make it work in a vehicle.

To achieve this task I will be using the electronics and electrical wiring of a donor car I already have. This will serve as a ground base to commercialize automotive solutions using an open business logic (open hardware and open software) for other car brands and models. Including LPG systems.

"Still.... even if it is not easily possible ...it will definitely going to be AWESOME running a car
that will meet the latest EURO emissions except on the pink slip"

Since this is an open hardware project, the main selection of choice for the operating system will be Android Auto for the main LCD screen, in the center console. Nowadays there is a plenitude of "open auto" solutions using a Raspberry Pi. I'll be designing the hardware electronics made to fit an SoC module, and I'll be starting with NVidia's Jetson Nano.


In the figure above is a PCB for upgrading the instrument cluster to LED retro illumination with a color of one's choice.

Anyone can follow my project on GitHub. Link below:
https://github.com/aeonSolutions/AeonLa ... dware/wiki

[dikidera]

Nice. I do feel like our p2 cluster can get a nice upgrade. A 3d printed front shield and a automotive display like the one used on Audis. This way the cluster is all digital. There are automotive UIs available on github I think.

Of course hardware for automotive must use approved automotive chips that can withstand the numerous stress cycles associated with having a car.,

In my opinion the first step is cluster upgrade to all digital interface.

Next step would be a distronic. There is an open source distronic library available but it uses expensive proprietary hardware.

https://www.comma.ai/openpilot
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006 ... Redirect=y

[vtl]

In my opinion it goes against KISS principle, which is the only thing that remains in P2 nowadays. Opensource hw/sw solutions for proprietary things with high failure rate like DEM (Haldex controller) would be definitely awesome. Freely tunable TCM to adjust shifting points and adaptation range - yes, please. Bulletproof alarm siren that does not leak and destroys itself - perhaps.

But LCD gauges, really?

[yanga001]

I am interested in this project but am curious about the scope.

The P2 platform uses a lot more "coded modules" than most conventional cars, and has weird routings for some of that logic (eg the radio is intricately linked with some of the security systems). I do not know how much success you will have with modules such as the radio, headlight controls, dash, etc given the complexity.

I think the area that could benefit most from this are the uncoded modules such as the PEM, siren (as VTL pointed out), and maybe certain relays.

The radio in this car will be a b@stard to reverse engineer. Not impossible, but nothing like it was in a P80 vehicle. If time permits, i am interested in seeing how this project pans out.

[vtl]

HU does nothing for security. Half of remaining P2s ride with aftermarket radio installed. No problems at all, only "can't communicate with AUM" code is registered.

PEM to my understanding is just a basic PWM signal amplifier. I have no clue why it costs $400+. Perhaps, most of the price is a markup. Chinese units cost about $40, which confirms the theory.