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r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
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 Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 11:22 am Post subject: Anybody using or hoping to use a Raspberry Pi in their van? |
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Although my ITX based Vanputer is cool it is power hungry.
For a couple of applications I am evaluating the Raspberry Pi. For those curious or clueless, a Raspberry PI is a credit card sized little computer which is supported under linux. See:
http://www.raspberrypi.org/
I am considering getting freeSSM up to monitor my Subaru engine:
http://developer.berlios.de/projects/freessm/
Also I am working on replacing the MT-5 remote panel from my EPSolar charger with an applicaion on the Pi. (I sure wish EPSolar would support Modbus like the Morningstar, sigh....)
So wadda ya all think?????
Anybody else doing this sort of stuff for the van, say a battery monitor / water tank monitor to replace the little LEDs in a Westy or something equally as useful???? GPS?
This stuff is not just Pi in the sky anymore.....
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jmranger
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Joined: January 14, 2010
Posts: 701
Location: Quebec
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| Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 12:18 pm Post subject: |
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I see where you're coming from. I've been looking at the Pi since they bumped it up to 512MB, but other projects keep coming in front of it.
But my van is my last computer-free sanctuary, and I'm fighting hard to keep it this way - even if I know I'll fail in the end.
Still, I'll want to see what you come up with. It is the perfect platform for the van.  |
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MidwestDrifter
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Joined: June 13, 2012
Posts: 769
Location: Kicking Around Australia
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| Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 12:40 pm Post subject: |
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Interesting, I guess the RPi has matured since I last looked at it.
Since my wife and I travel a lot, we often need internet access. I have been looking for a low power appliance that I can link with a decent wifi antenna, and use as a repeater/AP-client bridge. Thus allowing in van devices to connect to distant/weak wifi networks.
With some scripting it could be made to manage/monitor everything from OBDII data to solar charge levels. It would be great to wire up a shunt and monitor battery charge stats. 
Wifi access point out of a RPi
http://www.pi-point.co.uk/
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MayorMcCheese
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Joined: October 07, 2009
Posts: 659
Location: Lancaster PA
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| Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 2:52 pm Post subject: |
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I've got a Raspberry Pi running a fileserver for my house
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luVWagn
Samba Member
Joined: February 21, 2008
Posts: 1340
Location: Snoqualmie (WA)
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| Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 10:23 pm Post subject: |
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| MidwestDrifter wrote: |
Interesting, I guess the RPi has matured since I last looked at it.
Since my wife and I travel a lot, we often need internet access. I have been looking for a low power appliance that I can link with a decent wifi antenna, and use as a repeater/AP-client bridge. Thus allowing in van devices to connect to distant/weak wifi networks.
With some scripting it could be made to manage/monitor everything from OBDII data to solar charge levels. It would be great to wire up a shunt and monitor battery charge stats.
Wifi access point out of a RPi
http://www.pi-point.co.uk/ |
There's a thread on wifi repeater/bridge type of thing over here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=459822&highlight=wifi
I agree that it would be cool to build up an RPi solution that is sorta modular/extensible, so that it can suit various purposes for different folks - temp sensors, relay controls, OBDII connectivity, WiFi stuff, etc.
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syncromike
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Joined: November 14, 2011
Posts: 660
Location: Boise, ID
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| Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 10:55 pm Post subject: Re: Anybody using or hoping to use a Raspberry Pi in their v |
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| r39o wrote: |
Anybody else doing this sort of stuff for the van, say a battery monitor / water tank monitor to replace the little LEDs in a Westy or something equally as useful???? GPS? |
I have a Seagate Dockstar which is basically a PogoPlug. I've been happy with it. I only use it as a Media server though, access it over Wifi, so there's no display.
I'm interested in knowing more about Linux apps for GPS and/or power monitors for these... Any specific projects/apps worth checking out? The stuff on the RPI all seems a little too "work in progress" and I'm not inclined to tinker with a computer while I'm up in the mountains. I go to the mountains to get away from sitting in front of a computer all day so any technology I bring along needs to just work...
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kgold708
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Joined: April 16, 2011
Posts: 186
Location: Genoa IL
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| Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 11:21 pm Post subject: |
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I know nothing about programming, other than flashing/rooting a handful of android devices. One thing that would be really cool would be a programable MFD to replace the stuff in the center of the vanagon's cluster. Maybe useing a replacement cell phone screen. The Rpi seems to have plenty of I/O's to perform some guage functions and maybe rev. Camera feed? Doable?
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syncromike
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Joined: November 14, 2011
Posts: 660
Location: Boise, ID
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| Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 12:01 am Post subject: |
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| kgold708 wrote: |
| I know nothing about programming, other than flashing/rooting a handful of android devices. One thing that would be really cool would be a programable MFD to replace the stuff in the center of the vanagon's cluster. Maybe useing a replacement cell phone screen. The Rpi seems to have plenty of I/O's to perform some guage functions and maybe rev. Camera feed? Doable? |
Doable, yes.... but dash console is pretty critical and you wouldn't want to wait a couple of minutes for the thing to boot every time. For a "digital cockpit" solution I think you'd want an embedded system that fires right up in a few seconds with no frills or other apps running to compromise the critical gauges.
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syncromike
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kgold708
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Joined: April 16, 2011
Posts: 186
Location: Genoa IL
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| Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 3:28 am Post subject: |
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Yeah that's super sick, but garmin is going to push that tech to OEM's. Its high end aircraft glass cockpits are a sign of what's to come on that front. I'll bet they withhold the tech from us aftermarket types, or at best release a double DIN head unit that will be no better than the android based options on the table at twice the price IMHO.
I was thinking of something much simpler, just some aux. Gauge readouts, turn indicators, etc. Given the low voltage and power consumption it could stay on in a standby mode and use one of its outputs to trigger a latching relay for its own power supply/low voltage alarm module. I suggested the backup camera because it has the ability I think to process/resize video feed given its specs? I think it could do the wifi repeater function in the backround also and thusly allow these systems to work w/the key off. To be clear I would only want to replace or cover the center portion of the cluster and its functions. The speedo/tach etc. Are just fine the way they are.
I think that if you wanted more of a digital dash type experience it would be wise to use a second unit for internet/media/navigation but allow data/resource sharing between the two via the eternet ports. IDK just thinking outloud I guess, acid reflux has me up. 
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r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2013 9:26 am Post subject: |
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I believe my foot in the door project will be an OpenSprinker project, http://www.opensprinkler.com
I can get my feet wet (sic) with that one......
My idea is to take a Pi and integrate a relay board from ETTeam.com
It will keep cost down, I think....now I wait wait wait for a board....
(FYI: I read there are some million Pis out there now. My son's FRC robot runs with one, I found out too.....(maybe now that the competition is over....he, he, he) )
Stay tuned....
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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ChilliConCarnage
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Joined: September 12, 2011
Posts: 156
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 7:20 am Post subject: Re: Anybody using or hoping to use a Raspberry Pi in their v |
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| r39o wrote: |
Although my ITX based Vanputer is cool it is power hungry.
Also I am working on replacing the MT-5 remote panel from my EPSolar charger with an applicaion on the Pi. (I sure wish EPSolar would support Modbus like the Morningstar, sigh....)
..... |
What ITX platform are you using?
I was all set to get an RPi for the van when I happened to notice a couple of AMD Fusion E-350 MB/CPUs on clearance at my local PC parts store (only $39 each!). One went into a mini-ITX case and became my bedroom HTPC. The other got built in under my fridge in the van.
The PC itself just sips power. It may be that I used the M2-ATX regulated 12V power supply from Mini-Box (http://www.mini-box.com/M2-ATX-160w-Intelligent-Automotive-DC-DC-Power-Supply?sc=8&category=981). I figured it would be way more efficient to go direct 12V, instead of 12V -->110V inverter --> back to 12V for PC. I also have an SSD in there for it's power efficiency compared to a regular HD. Finally, I only plug in the USB wireless adapter when I need a connection.
The far bigger draw is the monitor/TV. It's a 19" LED LCD, but I'm running it through an inverter. I'm looking for a more power efficient unit now that will hopefully connect directly to 12V with no inverter needed.
Like you, I have solar with the same MPPT solar charge controller and MT-5 panel, so if you come up with a way to interface to that, I'd be all over it!
PC is under fridge
Hidden out of the way
Running Windows 8 Enterprise x64
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luVWagn
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Joined: February 21, 2008
Posts: 1340
Location: Snoqualmie (WA)
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| Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 7:35 am Post subject: |
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In that scenario (PC+LCD), it would be better to just grab an older 17" laptop? Most of those can do direct 12v with "travel" bricks, so no inverters. Sorry, off topic.
What's this ModBus thing?
Anybody have good OBDII stuff for RPi?
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kgold708
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Posts: 186
Location: Genoa IL
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| Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 8:07 am Post subject: |
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Doesn't that lcd display you're using have a transformer on the power cable? If not its inside the back cover of the display. That thing is also DC I'm betting.
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ChilliConCarnage
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Location: PNW
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| Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 10:24 am Post subject: |
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| luVWagn wrote: |
| In that scenario (PC+LCD), it would be better to just grab an older 17" laptop? Most of those can do direct 12v with "travel" bricks, so no inverters. Sorry, off topic. |
An older 17" laptop is not necessarily more power efficient compared to a modern LED backlit LCD.
I'd been using a laptop and tablet prior to installing the PC, and I just didn't want something sitting in the van that is just so easy to get up and walk away. When not boondocking, a crowded campground is a dangerous place to have valuables just sitting around.
With the PC installed where it is, you would essentially have to remove the fridge to get it out. And the LCD is attached to an articulating arm that lets me swing it behind the driver seat and lock it in place where it's not very visible. Put a coat over it (as I usually do), and there's nothing visible to the casual observer looking in through the windows. At least nothing you can easily grab and walk away with.
| kgold708 wrote: |
| Doesn't that lcd display you're using have a transformer on the power cable? If not its inside the back cover of the display. That thing is also DC I'm betting. |
No external transformer, so it's an internal unit.
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luVWagn
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Joined: February 21, 2008
Posts: 1340
Location: Snoqualmie (WA)
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| Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 5:46 pm Post subject: |
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| ChilliConCarnage wrote: |
| An older 17" laptop is not necessarily more power efficient compared to a modern LED backlit LCD. |
I agree, "not necessarily" - but I would say typically it will be, with added bonus that it'll run on battery too, and you can drag it into a coffee shop, etc.
| ChilliConCarnage wrote: |
| I'd been using a laptop and tablet prior to installing the PC, and I just didn't want something sitting in the van that is just so easy to get up and walk away. When not boondocking, a crowded campground is a dangerous place to have valuables just sitting around. |
Agree again - bolted down stuff is goodness, although a laptop is pretty easy to hide in many many locations in the van.
| ChilliConCarnage wrote: |
| With the PC installed where it is, you would essentially have to remove the fridge to get it out. And the LCD is attached to an articulating arm that lets me swing it behind the driver seat and lock it in place where it's not very visible. Put a coat over it (as I usually do), and there's nothing visible to the casual observer looking in through the windows. At least nothing you can easily grab and walk away with. |
Ummm, so the laptop is too easy to steal because it isn't attached, but you go through all the motions of hiding the LCD away behind the seat, cover it with a coat, etc. Surely a laptop could be even more discrete.  
I do like your set-up, and the bigger LCD is goodness. I'd go with one that could be run on 12V DC directly via some hacking...
These mini-ITX motherboards are great, especially when you score a deal like you did. RPi is awesome, but a bit more restricted in its capabilities as compared to a PC mobo, although it carries benefits of much lower power-draw, can be connected up to a 12V/2A USB charger via "cigarette lighter" locations, etc.
Biggest thing I kept running into with the RPi is that to get an colour LCD with some buttons, or a touchscreen, drove the price up radically. Instead, I got a Nexus 7, to which you can attach a USB hub and connect all kinds of things. Plus it has WiFi, touch, GPS, and BT all built-in.
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ripvanagonwinkle
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r39o
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Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:31 pm Post subject: |
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Back On Topic....
Got my Raspberry Pi and have started to get to know it.
There is a LOT to learn.
What is nice, is that it supports X which should make life easier for the van application.
With more than a million out there now, there are lots of examples to look at.
It turns out others are working on the EPSolar stuff. Not many but a couple.
I wonder how many people would want the SSM for Subarus to work as I think I can get the right data rate set with the console terminal serial port.
So that is it for now.
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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timichango
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Joined: April 07, 2012
Posts: 858
Location: Squamish, BC, Canada
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| Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 4:19 pm Post subject: |
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Probably not going to use the PI for anything in the van, but I've been contemplating building a house lighting controller for all of the interior lights, with a custom IR or xbee remote, using arduino.
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zippyslug31
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Joined: July 20, 2007
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Location: Central Oregon
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| Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 3:10 pm Post subject: |
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| r39o wrote: |
Got my Raspberry Pi and have started to get to know it.
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-Bump-
When you first posted this idea my mind really wandered on the possibilities. How goes your project; any news?
When I go on trips I usually grab an old laptop for movies. For the price of the PI ($35) I was really intrigued with setting up a permanent fixture in my van that I wouldn't forget or worry about at a trailhead. I'm thinking about running XBMC (fantastic media server that was recently ported to the PI - http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/3571), connecting a small external HD loaded with movies and music, and use a small wifi keyboard (something like this - http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Multimedia-Remote-Keyboard-N5901/dp/B0036VO67I)... to me this setup would kick some major geek ass. The display would be the most costly part and am not sure yet how I'd want to power & mount it.
The icing on the cake would be to also use it for the connection to my subi ODBII when the van is in motion.
Any holes in my media server idea?
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