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| Neil's Aventador build (Page 5/74) |
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Neils88
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APR 19, 01:12 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by ltlfrari:
What graphics packages are you using for the dials etc. I played around with some stuff many years ago but I am no graphics programmer and it was really hard work. I figured there must be a myriad packages to handle all that stuff now. |
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I'm not using any graphics packages or libraries. There are some packages out there that are specifically designed for car applications but all the ones I've found are all commercial packages, and quite expensive (they are really geared for car manufacturers). So as a result I write all my own routines from scratch. I am using GDI graphics (the most basic graphical interface). I've messed around with DirectX and OpenGL for some time now, but I'm not strong enough with either at the moment. They are definitely the best way to go for performance since they push all the processing over to the GPU, but they are also very complicated to master. I do all my programming in C++, using Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 (I have VS2010, but I don't like it as much). If anyone wants a copy of my code, just PM me and I will happily forward it (I'll have to ZIP the project files). The current version of my dash program doesn't interface with the sensor input yet. The sensor data will be fed into an Arduino (both digital and analog signals as required, some additional circuitry may be required to interpret / modify some signals for compatibility) which then continuously passes the data to the main computer through a USB (serial comm) port. I haven't started writing the comms interface yet, but it is relatively straight forward. This part (the fun part  ) will take a little bit of time, since I'll have to go through and locate each relevant signal and determine its transmission parameters so I can correctly interface with it.[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 04-19-2015).]
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R.A.D
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APR 30, 08:08 PM
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looking forward to your build
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Neils88
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MAY 04, 08:12 PM
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I've been working on interfacing with the electronic power steering (EPS) that I acquired out of the Chevy Cobalt. Unfortunately, I've hit a snag and will have to concede defeat.  Let me explain what is required...
With everything hooked up and connecting the EPS data link using an Arduino with a CAN bus shield, you need to pass the following information in order for the system to operate:
- transmit an initial high voltage wakeup pulse (0x100 at 12V, instead of the standard 5V normally used). This puts the EPS into Listen mode
- transmit a directed wakeup pulse (0x621 1 FF FF FF FF 00 00 00). In this case the BCM (ID 0x621) can send a signal to wake up all devices
- transmit a "heartbeat" pulse every 1-2 seconds to stop the required devices from going back to sleep (0x621 0 FF FF FF FF 00 00 00)
- transmit the production code...selects one of 8 vehicle configurations (BCM)
- transmit an engine-on signal (ECM)
- transmit vehicle speed (ECM)
- respond to specific queries from EPS....
(you get the idea...oh, and if you miss one step then it will send an error code and shut down...)
(note: the GMLAN is a high speed CAN bus that runs at 500KBPS)
The first three steps were easy, but I can't find the other codes needed. If I had a week with a Chevy Cobalt, then I would be able to scan and read the all the CAN bus traffic, and eventually narrow down the data that I need. There are quite a few people that have done similar projects, but to be successful, you absolutely need a running vehicle to get the necessary data. 
So. Where do I go from here?
This is where I can give some good news. 
I have removed the EPS control module, which has given me lots more leg room. I had a little bit of fun with the system and hooked up the power steering motor to a high power motor controller getting a PWM (pulse width modulated) feed from an Arduino microprocessor. This allowed me to operate the EPS directly from my laptop. That's a powerful motor! I was able to steer the car using nothing but the laptop.  (don't worry...just sitting in the garage, lol). The EPS can turn the wheels from lock to lock in less than 5 seconds! Maybe my next project will be a self-driving car?  ...maybe not, lol 
Now that I've removed the controller, this leaves direct access to the two torque sensors. I will be setting up a small circuit that will be able to read the differential voltage output from the two sensors. For the electronics guys out there, the two torque sensors are the inductive type. I'll feed an oscillating signal to both inductors, then amplify the differential signal. I can then use this torque signal in conjunction with the VSS signal to drive the EPS.
In further news, the body kit is finally ready to get shipped. Hopefully I'll be able to pick it up next week.
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Neils88
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MAY 23, 07:24 PM
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It's been a few weeks since I posted. I was away for my daughters university convocation.
I also finally was able to pick up most of the pieces of the body kit. I should be receiving all the smaller pieces soon (dash pod, mirrors, grill surrounds, etc). The pieces I received should keep my busy for the next 5-6 months...
The single hardest part of a body kit is finding the single point of reference with which to start from. It sounds trivial, but it is really hard when you are looking at a pile of parts that need to be pieced together..  I am using the front wheels as my reference in conjunction with the ground clearance of each vehicle. The Fiero has about 5.5" ground clearance, whereas the Aventador has about 4". (numbers rounded off a bit since it's not realistic to be that exact with measurements for a car sitting on jackstands)
Once I've established a point of reference, I will start to align each piece with respect to that reference and create the necessary framing structure for each piece. Each panel will be secured to it's respective frame structure, and the frame structures will be bolted to the spaceframe. This will allow a certain degree of adjustment to assist with the "gapping" of panels.
I have removed the roof structure of the Fiero. This allows the Aventador roof to sit flat and aide in the panel alignment process. I've also removed the upper portion of the rear trunk walls. Unfortunately, my new Ryobi sawzall decided to commit suicide. Hope I kept the receipt...
Here is a teaser of some of the panels (very) roughly in position...
One thing to note...this kit has been slightly adjusted and instead of spending $5k for an Aventador windshield, it will use a 2000 Infiniti I30 windshield, which I can pick up new for less than $250. 
...I really need a bigger garage!
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Neils88
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MAY 24, 07:47 PM
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Fastfrog007
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MAY 25, 03:48 AM
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Neils88
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MAY 25, 12:51 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Fastfrog007:
Sweet Sassy Molassy!
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Too bad I can't fit that expression onto a license plate
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Neils88
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MAY 25, 06:55 PM
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Another view. Shows just how wide Aventadors are... 
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Neils88
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MAY 28, 09:31 PM
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Panels are now off and I'm getting ready to put the engine back in. This is necessary at this time for three reasons...1) I'll get a much better idea for any interference issues 2) once the rear bumper molding is on, I won't be able to wrap a chain around the metal bumper to hoist the rear end of the car (my preferred choice when installing/removing the engine) 3) as I mentioned before, my garage is too small and I've simply run out of space
I took a moment to do a little trimming around the rear. The trunk had to go, since the Aventador needs the space for the center exhaust. I removed the lower portion of the trunk, and the upper rear section. The forward section of the trunk was lowered down to the strut tower cross brace. I left a little metal below that so that I have a location to secure the brake lines, fuel lines, vacuum lines and coolant lines.
Should be able to the engine back in tomorrow.
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Neils88
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MAY 29, 10:00 PM
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Got the engine / transmission / cradle (no suspension) installed today. There is so much room in the engine bay now... I'm really looking forward to getting to fill that space properly. I might even think about re-designing the suspension and have the coilovers (I'll be getting them soon) leaning inwards and meeting at the center above the longitudinal transaxle that I'll be using eventually...  However, have to keep my mind on the current project. 
Obviously there are a number of items that need to be lengthened and installed, but I'll worry about those a little later.
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