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Running Tesla Model 3's computer on my desk using parts from crashed cars

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Re: Running Tesla Model 3's computer on my desk using parts from crashed cars

#311

Post by 4ndrewl »

mNovak wrote: post #271
voidUpdate wrote: post #183

> " I needed this because both the computer and a screen were being sold with the cables cut a few centimeters after the connector (interestingly most sellers did that, instead of just unplugging the cables)." Can't you just solder some extra wires onto the cut off bits, rather than having to try and find a compatible cable? They've left the connectors in, and that's the hard bit, the rest is just wires

He does that in the write-up, though it's unclear from the photos if he actually soldered it or just twisted up pairs. The discussion of part of the wire melting also raises an eyebrow.. no idea about the authors hardware experience, but I've seen software guys use piddly 24 AWG on a multi-amp circuit

I'd say low, given his surprise about "wiring looms" which have been the norm for 50 years? Nice write up though!

Re: Running Tesla Model 3's computer on my desk using parts from crashed cars

#312

Post by jcgrillo »

bluGill wrote: post #226
jcgrillo wrote: post #140

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's super cool, I'm currently struggling with scan tools for a 1999 Mercedes E300 Turbodiesel. I had one that worked OK for about a decade (Autel something or other) with a 38pin connector, but it recently bricked itself with a message like "connect via USB to Updata" which I assume means its firmware somehow erased itself. Cannot figure out how to "updata" it, doesn't seem to connect via USB, the Autel software r…

I remember getting that era working. I concluded Mercedes was trying to be clever in making a protocol so complex nobody else could understand it (thus ensuring you had to use a dealer) - and then discovered they couldn't debug it. each body model (nothing to do with year or style) was different so clearing dtc but nothing else is not a surprise. i did get that working, but I last touched it in 2007 so I don't rememb…

> I concluded Mercedes was trying to be clever in making a protocol so complex nobody else could understand it (thus ensuring you had to use a dealer) - and then discovered they couldn't debug it.

lol that sounds just about right

Re: Running Tesla Model 3's computer on my desk using parts from crashed cars

#313

Post by dotancohen »

bdavbdav wrote: post #195
otabdeveloper4 wrote: post #173

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The interesting part is this implies that Tesla cars have static certifcates that don't rotate. (Whoops.)

Not necessarily. All they have to do is roll a pub key into the update package. Same as any OTA update.

Do Tesla vehicles get VIN-specific updates?

Re: Running Tesla Model 3's computer on my desk using parts from crashed cars

#314

Post by JSR_FDED »

sho_hn wrote: post #59
guyzero wrote: post #50

Congrats, OP has recreated a test/development bench, the bane of developers working on automotive software development all around the world. They're so close to being a real vehicle that you think you'll be able to get a lot of work done, but they're not, so you don't.

Honestly I love it. Few things develop a more fun camaraderie than a bringup bootcamp with two precious/priceless new samples on a large conference table, and everyone being very careful to keep cups/mugs very far away. And a soldering robot with a specialist a few rooms away to beam down the latest errata into physical form, at times. Tracy Kidder just died, and Soul of a New Machine was a favorite of my formative y…

Soul of a New Machine, absolutely awesome book!

Re: Running Tesla Model 3's computer on my desk using parts from crashed cars

#315

Post by bluGill »

jcgrillo wrote: post #140
bluGill wrote: post #27

I used to work for a company that made third party scan tools. We had racks of ecus disconnected from the car with just a diagnostic connector and power. nothing got to a real car without first trying it on the rack. I remember on time we figured out a bmw (pre obdii) had the bytes offset from the standard documentation (it was a semi-standard protocol that some other cars used at the time), we went from we communica…

That's super cool, I'm currently struggling with scan tools for a 1999 Mercedes E300 Turbodiesel. I had one that worked OK for about a decade (Autel something or other) with a 38pin connector, but it recently bricked itself with a message like "connect via USB to Updata" which I assume means its firmware somehow erased itself. Cannot figure out how to "updata" it, doesn't seem to connect via USB, the Autel software r…

I just remembered one interesting thing that may help you if you make progress. The computer can only send a couple data items at and keep the engine running. So be careful how much/fast you ask.

Re: Running Tesla Model 3's computer on my desk using parts from crashed cars

#316

Post by jcgrillo »

bluGill wrote: post #315
jcgrillo wrote: post #140

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's super cool, I'm currently struggling with scan tools for a 1999 Mercedes E300 Turbodiesel. I had one that worked OK for about a decade (Autel something or other) with a 38pin connector, but it recently bricked itself with a message like "connect via USB to Updata" which I assume means its firmware somehow erased itself. Cannot figure out how to "updata" it, doesn't seem to connect via USB, the Autel software r…

I just remembered one interesting thing that may help you if you make progress. The computer can only send a couple data items at and keep the engine running. So be careful how much/fast you ask.

Good to know, thanks for that

Re: Running Tesla Model 3's computer on my desk using parts from crashed cars

#317

Post by denysvitali »

Trung0246 wrote: post #297
denysvitali wrote: post #31

You can run QtCar (the Qt-based app that Tesla uses for their UIs) on QEMU - if you have the firmware. https://x.com/i/status/1722717318009041104 DM me if interested

Hi, can you DM the firmware?

I'm not sharing the firmware for legal reasons, but IIRC https://lunars.dev/ does provide them

Re: Running Tesla Model 3's computer on my desk using parts from crashed cars

#319

Post by [deleted] »

pastage wrote: post #196
trvz wrote: post #179

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Normies get scammed on Discord into pasting commands into their browser console. As a pedestrian I prefer for most people to not have root access to their multi-ton fast-moving killing machine.

Agrred, but it is remote root access is the danger, they already have root access to the physical dangerous things.

[deleted]

Re: Running Tesla Model 3's computer on my desk using parts from crashed cars

#320

Post by heavyset_go »

CraigJPerry wrote: post #189
AbanoubRodolf wrote: post #167

Earlier quoted context omitted.

[flagged]

>> Tesla is the same pattern applied to consumer vehicles No i'd push back on this because the entire workshop manual is available for free without even registration required. You can literally google and land in the relevant sections and it is of a far higher quality than ford, VAG or bmw as three examples i'm pretty familiar with. I haven't seen the John Deere stuff. Tesla does have "special tools" for some repair…

> No i'd push back on this because the entire workshop manual is available for free without even registration required

That's because they were forced by Massachusetts expansion of Right to Repair laws. Before that in 2021, service manuals were withheld and required $3,187 a year or $371.88 a month to see them. Before that in 2018, it was $100/day to view them. Before that, you had to pay and book an appointment and go in person to view them.

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