Open Source Monitoring software - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

dcb · 01-27-2010, 10:31 PM

I took a little time to sort out the main details for an open source monitor for the openrevolt/cougar controllers and others. This one is cougar specific but there are other uses certainly.

The main strengths here are:
Open source, that what projects like opengauge.org and openrevolt are all about.

Java based so it is cross platform to its core, and not as an afterthought.

Cross platform without barriers means more people can use it.

Low CPU usage.

Should work on most any grade of computer, from 33mhz on up.

Fairly simple program that tinkerers should be able to grasp and modify for their own purposes.

USB or Serial interface is well tested. Currently I am using it with a USB interface via a serial emulator, from ftdi, but straight serial is trivial too.

Right now it just initializes the conversation with the cougar (sends it a "rtd-period 1000") and logs the data to comma separated values (so you can analyze them in your spreadsheet of choice) and graphs them on the screen.

The code (and arduino based "dummy" controller) are on the wiki:
Javamon - EcoModder

I have also written a java based programmer for loading hex files which should not be hard to integrate: Arduino Forum - under 1k bootloader, any interest?

Heres a pic, just a proof of concept here really:

Also, I usually cheat and borrow rxtx from an arduino installation:
Arduino playground - Java
but the packaging could use some work too.

adamj12b · 01-28-2010, 12:02 AM

Im willing to give it a try. I run a MAC and program on a virtual machine.

I dont know the first thing about java though. How do I compile the code? Or better yet, maybe you could offer a compiled version??

-Adam

dcb · 01-28-2010, 12:38 PM

that would be sweet, I have run on windows and linux but don't have a mac handy so let me research it a bit and try to package the rxtx bits with some best guesses.

Which version are you on? tiger, leopard, tabby? 32 bit?

also re: compiling, can you run javac -version ? maybe we can sort out the mac java hello world thing.

And can you run java -version for good measure and let me know what it says?

Ideally I would sort out the mac packaging on a mac, in fact I would like to add a mac to my fleet, but if someone has the patience to help sort out the mac packaging on a best guess basis that would probably be quickest.

adamj12b · 01-28-2010, 12:57 PM

javac 1.6.0_15

Snow Leopard 64 Bit.

This is as far as I go though. I am the creator of RTD Explorer just checking your program out.

-Adam

dcb · 01-28-2010, 01:40 PM

This is still at the proof of concept phase, demonstrating com port communication with a controller from java and basic graphing, with a link to a java based stk500 compatible programmer, all within a single ~200 line program. I think we need to sort out some user friendly bits before packaging though, i.e. listing the available com ports, or even possibly those that respond like an stk500 for auto detection.

You do have a java compiler installed however, so that is encouraging.

But I should to wait till I get a better motivated mac user it sounds like, to get the mac packaging tested. If you have arduino installed and working then you already have all the pieces needed.

Grimm · 01-29-2010, 05:02 PM

I think this was mentioned by someone else before, but could this be ported to a ipod touch or iphone? If it was jailbroken I'm sure you could do wifi/bluetooth control over the controller, to switch from powersaver mode to street racing mode without needing a touchscreen computer stuffed in the dash (which I might do anyways)

dcb · 01-29-2010, 05:25 PM

We move away from "cheap diy" when we bring Iphone into the discussion (not even gonna touch the street racing bit)

But aside from jail, it also doesn't come w/java by default, and etc. etc.

FYI, I did make arrangements to get an old g4 with osx10.4 on it, so I have a pretty nice suite of machines handy to test with (ubuntu,osx,win95,winxp), though I have avoided any windows newer than xp thus far.

iwyze · 06-06-2010, 05:01 AM

Looking forward to seeing the OpenSource display become available and integrated into the open BMS, charger and controller. Great work to all those involved.

mpgx2 · 06-06-2010, 09:47 PM

Java is a painful language to work in.. python is easier..

Also, python is already built in to the mac..

Having said that, we are just in the process of setting
up some test engines.

We're installing open-source monitors on our engines
also. Also using arduino. great toy.

What is it that you guys want to monitor?

our plan is to piggyback the ECU, monitor EGTs and
pulse injector widths. Perphaps do an open-source
water injection system.

dcb · 06-06-2010, 10:14 PM

I've found python to be easier for text-stuff, but there are a number of cross platform and packaging issues with python last I looked. Java is much farther along as a cross platform environment, and most of the techie bits about how to talk to the controller over the serial port and make pretty pictures is sorted.

I like python plenty, but this might not be the best fit due to the cross platform need and the graphics and low-level serial IO "requirements". Jython might be a reasonable compromise, but still needs some java bits to take care of business.