Apologies to those who were expecting a result earlier, commitments\life meant it took a bit longer than expected.

Beta release is now available https://github.com/TonyChatfield
Hopefully a few brave souls will take the plunge and help out with a bit of testing.

First thing we need to do is confirm that an Arduino controlled display shows the same icons\settings as a display driven by the head.
This means tapping the acAmp TX line (there are some details in the wiki) and running another display via the Arduino - effectively in parallel with the head.
I haven’t been able to find any issues myself, but do need a set (or more) of fresh eyes to confirm the Arduino interprets the acAmp data exactly the same as the head and that the display and switch panel indicators are aligned;
I am also not sure about behavior for different regions and all my testing has been with EU origin product.


Outstanding functions - there is a list in the wiki and happy to expand it.

configMenu
Only the basics are currently covered and while I have added some functionality to the push buttons\rotary encoders to allow for better menu control, I wanted to deliver something\confirm overall functionality first.

Multiple concurrent button presses - EG the ‘A\C reset’ action that sets recirc Mode at low temp (on early acAmps).
I haven’t allows for multiple concurrent button pushes, as there is more control and flexibility without them.
Is anyone aware of any other functions that rely on multiple button presses for the AC system?
These can be built into the conFig menu, we just need to identify them and capture the message that the head sends to the acAmp.

Degrees F
My RX-8 (EU market) does not give me the option to switch to Fahrenheit, so I have been unable to ascertain if there is any acAmp conversion of the temp reading – I suspect it’s all in the head. If anyone is able to provide any details it would be appreciated.
If the Fahrenheit conversion is within the acAmp then ideally we will need someone to capture the message that triggers the change; otherwise we can make a conversion ourselves in the Arduino, although it will be a bit messy.
I have also been assuming that switching to Fahrenheit doesn’t change the normal temp 'control' values?

Dimming function
The main Stereo\Head connector wiring diagrams show 2’dimmer’ connections, Pin E Pulsed Dimmer (TNS+), Pin G Inverted Dimming.
I can see inverted PWM on pn G, but didn’t see much happening on Pin E and I’m not really sure how these dimming circuits work.
Also found that the center panel connector G1-10 pin F, is some sort of control function. It high (5V) when the cabin lights are on and the dimmer is ‘switched’ to full.
I have connected the switch panel backing lights to the existing cabin dimming circuit via the ash tray illumination. With a series resistor of about 150-250 ohm the brightness is a reasonable approximation to the head brightness, but the backing lights don’t follow the exact same profile as the head and are brighter at the lowest setting. As the head is going and the lowest level dimmer setting is probably never used,tapping off the existing
circuit might just be a viable solution for the switch panel.
However we do need a solution for the Display back-light, so if anyone is able to assist with dimming circuit support and\or a dimmer design that can include\exclude the Arduino. I am also not sure if the display dimmer can be PWM or if it needs to be an actual adjustable voltage.
Ideally the display back light would use the same +8 (or 8.5) volt supply as the display, with the dim controlled by referencing the existing cabin dimming circuit - with G1-10 pin F providing a reference for 'full on'.

Circuit board.
Once there ia a dimmer function we can look at a pcb or Arduino proto type board layout for Arduino prototype shield for dimmer, voltage regulator, inverter\buffer etc, with some assembly instructions\guide.

LCD
The LCD functions are basic and I will look at improving them at some point.

Wiring
The Display and switch panel wiring are already covered in the wiki.
I am planning a real world install in the next few weeks and hope to be able to update G1-10 and anything I've missed then.


Tony

Posted to both rx8ownersclub.co.uk and rx8club.com

 

Awesome! I just got a S2 and I'm about to put on my Metra Kit, I was thinking of doing something like this already, I have some Arduinos already..

Do you forsee any issues with this working on the S2? I know the LCD has some slightly different icons, but it's not that different

 

Hi,

I think the S2 display is driven via canbus.
You should check out this thread by paimon.soror,
https://www.rx8club.com/series-ii-in...t-chat-218257/