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Real Time Display / Bench Testing

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 10:40 am
by Tim
I am trying to develop my own CAN dash display, and would like to be able to do the bulk of development sat at my desk rather than in the bucket seat of a car.

I notice that inside the "Real Time Display" form I am able to set values against a gauge. For example, I can grab the RPM needle and drag it to a set point.

If connected to the ECU via CAN, would the values being sent adjust as I set values inside Real Time Display.

Or, have the controls on that form simply not been set to read-only?

Re: Real Time Display / Bench Testing

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 11:18 am
by stevieturbo
Unless you can make the ecu think the engine is running, then no what you're proposing will not work.

Likewise for any sensor readings.

You can buy various signal generators that might let you bench test such a thing though, whether they represent value for money though is another matter. But I think basic ones start around £150 and could produce various crank signals, as well as a range of resistance and 0-5v outputs etc

Re: Real Time Display / Bench Testing

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 2:08 pm
by Alex DTA
Tim wrote:have the controls on that form simply not been set to read-only?
Is the answer

Re: Real Time Display / Bench Testing

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 2:29 pm
by Tim
I thought my eureka moment might have been too good to be true. bum.

Any alternatives?

Re: Real Time Display / Bench Testing

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 3:29 pm
by Alex DTA
The CAN bus will transmit even if the engine isn't running, so you can test that you're receiving values anyway.
You can also change the default values in General Engine Settings to test those 4 values.
Connect a potentiometer to any analogue input.
RPM is difficult.

Re: Real Time Display / Bench Testing

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2017 6:18 am
by Tim
Thanks Alex.

Understood about RPM, that's not the end of the world, but seeing some values change is going to be handy, and that sounds easily doable.

I'll grab a few pots and make a little test box, thanks.

I'm going to power the ECU from an adjustable bench power supply, anything to watch out for here?

Re: Real Time Display / Bench Testing

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2017 7:48 am
by Alex DTA
If you haven't bought one yet, a current limiting version is a VERY good idea.
Ask me how I know....

Re: Real Time Display / Bench Testing

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2017 11:40 am
by Tim
Ha, oh dear.

I was going to grab an entry level 30v/5 amp variable one, I assume that'll be enough?

Re: Real Time Display / Bench Testing

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2017 4:09 pm
by Alex DTA
Plenty

Re: Real Time Display / Bench Testing

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2017 6:55 pm
by stevieturbo