Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread

[Jack Bauer]

Setting up a support thread for the open source Lexus GS450H inverter / gearbox controller. Please use this thread for all support related questions NOT pm or email.

Resources on Github :
https://github.com/damienmaguire/Lexus- ... Controller

WIKI : https://openinverter.org/wiki/Lexus_GS450h_Inverter

Connector pinout including plug and pin part numbers :
https://github.com/damienmaguire/Lexus- ... Pinout.pdf

Beta software:
https://github.com/damienmaguire/Lexus- ... r/Software

You will need the Arduino environment for compiling/loading/modifying the software:
https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software


Bill of material (BOM):
https://github.com/damienmaguire/Lexus- ... V1_BOM.ods

Kit :
https://www.evbmw.com/index.php/evbmw-w ... and-tested

ISA Shunt :
https://www.evcreate.nl/shop/charging/i ... ge-sensor/

Here is a video detailing exactly how support works for logic boards from the evbmw webshop. I would encourage anyone considering a purchase to please view this video and ensure you are comfortable and familiar with the support structure around these products.


Update 21/01/20 : Due to popular demand V2 design files , totally untested, now released on Github :
https://github.com/damienmaguire/Lexus- ... Controller
Partially built boards released on the webshop. Untested of course but progress cannot wait:
https://www.evbmw.com/index.php/evbmw-w ... oards-copy

The default wifi password for the GS450H VCU WiFi module is : inverter123

Deep dive into the system and necessary parts to use the GS450h drivetrain in an evconversion :


In order to aid those not familiar with programming, a new firmware with a basic serial interface is now available. This will be the default loaded onto all VCU boards sold on the EVBMW webshop as of 18/01/21.

https://github.com/damienmaguire/Lexus- ... 3_user.ino

This firmware is intended as a stop gap measure before a new Openinverter based version with a web based interface becomes available. (expect mid 2021).

A full guide has been written and is available on the Wiki here :
https://openinverter.org/wiki/Lexus_GS450h_Inverter

A video tutorial to accompany the guide is available on Vimeo here :


Guide to WiFi module programming :
https://openinverter.org/wiki/Olimex_MOD-WIFI-ESP8266

[jnsaff]

Very exciting!

Do you know whether this board would also work with either the LS600h or RX400h/450h inverters? I see many of those around for very reasonable prices.

Am I right in assuming the GS450h and LS600h transmissions are identical and the 600 has an additional motor to make it AWD?

The Lexus transmission really looks like a too good to be true option for conversions.

I’m even wondering whether it would be a good idea to get a whole GS450h just to replace the ice with batteries and have a minimum hassle conversion?

[sfk]

Am I right in assuming the GS450h and LS600h transmissions are identical and the 600 has an additional motor to make it AWD?

No. The transmission is the same except at the rear there is a transfer case to connect a drive shaft to the front diff.

I’m even wondering whether it would be a good idea to get a whole GS450h just to replace the ice with batteries and have a minimum hassle conversion?

Hey that's an interesting idea.

[arturk]

Just wanted to confirm this VCU works with 2007 - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid inverters.
Below is a link to my earlier post.
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=205&p=4199#p4199

Note that Camry inverter has different external connectors (2) vs Lexus (1). This seems to be the only difference and should not matter for most since it is better to replace it anyways. In case someone is going to use its original external connector I found out that pin-out for resolver is incorrect in original service manual. I uploaded picture with correction/clarification of resolvers pin-out.

Internal control board (brain) on Camry inverter is identical to Lexis one (same part number F1759-30010-01, therefore pin-out is the same).
It is possible for the firmware to be slightly different but it does not seem to affect general functionality.

[Kevin Sharpe]

I’m even wondering whether it would be a good idea to get a whole GS450h just to replace the ice with batteries and have a minimum hassle conversion?

One of our course participants from the UK is selling a GS450H for £500;

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=399&p=4215#p4215

[arturk]

When testing VCU I have noticed that state of the "Digital Drivers" (D33, D34, D44, D47, D50) is little unstable when powering on controller.

This was an issue specially in case of Pre-Charge relays I control by general "OUT1" output.
Essentially once power was applied to the controller relays would immediately get engaged which can have catastrophic effect.
Through quick research I have discovered that digital pins on Due "float" until set to "OUTPUT" mode by the code.
The easy fix for this is to use "pull-down" resistors.

I have soldered small "through-hole" 10k ohm resistors to solve the problem (pictured).
This will make controller more stable and reliable.

[Jack Bauer]

Excellent feedback. Thank you:)

[HawkHP+]

Anyone know the Toyota part number for the inverter connectors? the A62 and C58 connectors

[arturk]

C58 is Sumitomo 6189-1092.
It is available from Aliexpress

As far as A62, I would love to know as well...

Did you know about this thread?
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=271&sid=0ab5df525e ... f8faf52e2a
We are posting information about connectors there.

[HawkHP+]

Thank you Arturk. Once I have time next 2 week, I will scan in the connector and share on here.

[jnsaff]

Just wondering whether there would be any issues using the Lexus GS450H inverter/converter with the open source VCU combined with one of the Prius gearboxes either P410 or P610?

[xp677]

No idea. It should work in theory, providing the Prius box also uses resolvers, but in practice, who knows.

[Jack Bauer]

GS450H vcu V2 now in production at JLC.

[MattsAwesomeStuff]

*applause*

Just slamming through all the boards at JLC, one after the next. Well done.

[arturk]

Great job Damien!
Are you going to share design files on GitHub?
Looks like you may have forgotten pull-down resistors on digital drivers.

[Jack Bauer]

Yes all will be shared once the boards are received and tested.

[PacEmaker]

My V1 board just arrived yesterday here in Australia safe and sound thanks Damien, you're a blooming' marvel!

Now you have me curious about what is different with the V2 board ...

[mfox]

That is great

Today arrived one peace of puzzle to play with, now Im waiting for gearbox

[Jack Bauer]

I'll give a full update once I get boards in from JLC. Not many changes in the V2 but there will be big price drop on all built and tested boards:)

[mfox]

I'll give a full update once I get boards in from JLC. Not many changes in the V2 but there will be big price drop on all built and tested boards:)

That's great ,
Today I got mine . It is pretty big in real .

[Dre.esky]

I'll give a full update once I get boards in from JLC. Not many changes in the V2 but there will be big price drop on all built and tested boards:)

That’s awesome news Can’t wait

[Jack Bauer]

Here is a video detailing exactly how support works for logic boards from the evbmw webshop. I would encourage anyone considering a purchase to please view this video and ensure you are comfortable and familiar with the support structure around these products.

[Jack Bauer]

The new V2 boards have arrived from JLC:)

[mfox]

that is great
Does this support gearshifting ?

[Jack Bauer]

The hardware is on the board for shifting the high/ low solenoids but not as yet supported in firmware.