1A Dan

I'm hoping this is the right section to post this, forgive me if not!


I've seen a few postings around here for Pi Dash setups, but I thought I'd share something a little different I'm working on.

I'm slowly learning to tune the MS3x I've got installed on my mostly stock 95 while I'm gathering everything to go turbo. I also wanted a little upgrade to the stereo. And I had a Raspberry Pi hanging around.

Here's to combining all 3

Software - Open Auto Pro
Main hardware:
RPi 3b+ - the brains
PiDAC+ - to handle the audio
Mausberry 3a Car Supply - for proper powering and on/off triggering
7" waveshare touchscreen LCD - for display and input
no-name USB mic - for voice control, phone calls, etc

Currently the software is up and running after a few glitches and in the process of attaching the guts to the car. I've got the 96.5-97 tombstone, so I've got a little more room to play and the opening (at the radio side) is even, so less trim touch-up for me to do later.

Most of the hardware is temporary as I see how things fit (or don't) and will probably change as I get closer to the end.

Here's a shot of the mounting brackets in progress (rough cuts, be nice):


The DAC mounted to the RPi mounted to its base mounted to the LCD (cutting boards are cheap, sturdy, don't conduct, and do get moldy):


The sandwich of parts:


Android Auto functioning (don't mind the scratches, the screen protector's still in place because I'm clumsy):


And the first booting of TS:


The to-do list:
Need to finish the brackets, cut out the ABS surround, wire up the power, run the wiring for the rest of the audio system and find all the bugs.

More to come!

SpartanSV

Crazy timing. I'm mid project doing exactly the same thing.

I'm adding an RX8 wheel for steering wheel controls as well.

What are you using for an amplifier? Any chance I could get a link to the USB mic?

1A Dan

Ooh, good idea on the wheel! May be something to think about down the road too.

Since the DAC is just 2-channel, I found an inexpensive 3-way active crossover to split things front/rear/sub (if I ever get around to all of them). I have a few amplifiers collecting dust from when I used to play around more with that kinda thing in the early 2000s. I've seen powered PiHats if you don't want to go that route, but I'm being cheap right now; using as much leftover stuff I can while getting the software end of things in order.

I'm planning on using a basic radio wiring kit to run all the wiring to the setup and take advantage of some of the GPIO features

Fireindc

iTrader: (13)

I built one too.



I still haven't gotten it installed yet though.. should fit perfectly in the dash. And mine will only be used for tunerstudio.

1A Dan

I was planning on a dash setup with a spare pi zero, but it became clear very quickly those don't have the power to do such things, haha

HarryB

Great timing indeed; subbed! Guess you could use the PiDAC+ for mic input, I was under the impression it had a 3.5mm jack for that.

Also curious on how you find the screen on bright sunlight; my cheap Chinese android head unit is not really up to the job.

1A Dan

I've been using the 3.5 for audio out during early testing, haven't tried it as an input yet.

Crossing my fingers about the LCD, but we'll see as things progress. I have another on the way too; current unit is 800x480, awaiting the delivery of its 1024x600 replacement

Stealth97

iTrader: (5)

I just picked up a Pi too. My android tablet dash is nice but being able to run real tunerstudio and Linux will be infinitely better.

1A Dan

Right? I'm thinking just the ability to run autotune any time you want without having to remember your laptop is a plus; its the main reason I decided to pay for the pro version over the free one or Crankshaft - being able to jump into Linux whenever you want to run other programs besides just Android Auto. Regular tuning is not going to be something i'd like to try by touchscreen alone, but when dealing with an issue, its a handy option.

1A Dan

Small-ish update. Tweaked a bit of the mounting of everything, better dry test fit of the assembly.


Fits well except for the fact the HDMI port is on the side! My current angled adapter sticks out too far to even be remotely useable.

I needed a short cable anyway, so I've got something cheap on the way that should hopefully work. Otherwise, I've found (afterwards) a more expensive ribbon setup that apparently get used for drones?

Also parts on the to-do list:
GPIO expansion board: Since the DAC covers all the pins (even ones its not using), this should give more useabilty for things like external controls, the automated shut-down feature from the PS I'm using, and other add-ons
: the Pi doesn't keep track of its own time and usually uses whatever network its attached to. This will give it the ability to do it on its own.

gooflophaze

And.. obsolete.

https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/ras...e-now-from-35/

HarryB

Would not think so, as everything should be compatible.

SpartanSV

Thanks for the heads up. I hadn't ordered the one I'll be using in my car yet. Very happy I waited.

1A Dan

Careful - it may be some time before the new version is useable with all of the current software projects out there. Just about all the hardware on this thing is different, so its going to take a bit before drivers are ironed out and apparently even the OS is being tricky at the moment.

That being said, I'm definitely interested in it for some other projects, but depending on your needs, you may be able to pass on it for this one.

SpartanSV

Doesn't have to work with OpenAuto. I have other RPis I can rotate out. I'll test it when it arrives for those who may be interested.

1RMDave

I'm not very skilled with this stuff. Would any of you be willing to make one for me if I paid you??

Stealth97

iTrader: (5)

checkout https://pidashs.compidash.com

1A Dan

I'm nowhere near ready for something like that yet. Once I get everything actually installed and working, I don't mind sharing what I've found.
You can also check out some of the other things people have done here - https://bluewavestudio.io/community/...lay.php?fid=62

1A Dan

Slight update - had a few setbacks on the project that should be getting settled up.

-GPIO expansion board & replacement LCD were taking forever to arrive, only to result in ebay issues. It happens, been refunded, replacements on the way
-HDMI angled cable was no good, so opted for the ribbon-style one that was 3x the price (at $15). It works, I'll suck it up. If you're using the official RPi LCD, this won't be an issue, but the install will be deeper; if you're using a Waveshare or similar board, something to think about if you don't want to cut up the dash. Same will go for USB cables on this style LCD, so got one of those on the way too.

At least I've got something else on this car to keep me busy in the meantime...Turbo install!

1A Dan

Good news and more struggles

Ribbon cables are in and a good fit. Atleast on my temp jig for testing


(replacement) GPIO board arrived too


However, the spring connectors are too tall to allow the DAC to install


Pin spacer should be on its way here for the weekend.

Once that's here, I can begin testing to see if everything wants to place nicely together