The ZombieVerter VCU Project

[Jack Bauer]

And I very much appreciate the help given but I can only work so fast:) This project is very much a priority but due to upcoming changes in my personal circumstances I have to get it right first time (at least from a hardware angle) so I have not just gone at it all guns blazing. I expect to have a first batch of board for beta release in the next 2 to 4 weeks. That's the best estimate I can give.

In the meantime why not start on a wiki article? This will be needed for end users and also can work as a design reference for me. Lets try and pull that together.

I have recognised for some time the need for the ev version of a standalone ice ecu in the vein of the EVTV gevcu. Hence this project.

[Jack Bauer]

Looks like we have Leroy Jenkins on the forum :
viewtopic.php?f=3&p=25280#p25280

[paaa]

]Great work Damien , On the can switches nodes point I came across these units.They are can controlled nodes that allow for PWM output and a series of analog inputs.I am hoping to use one in my build for can nodes at each end to allow me to run a modular wiring loom from. to back(power and twisted pair for can). I will have to figure out the addressing that they currently use first though. https://www.standbyrsg.co.uk/collection ... er-mcs-lbc

[Alibro]

Looks like we have Leroy Jenkins on the forum :
viewtopic.php?f=3&p=25280#p25280

LOL, I had to Google the reference.

[EV_Builder]

]Great work Damien , On the can switches nodes point I came across these units.They are can controlled nodes that allow for PWM output and a series of analog inputs.I am hoping to use one in my build for can nodes at each end to allow me to run a modular wiring loom from. to back(power and twisted pair for can). I will have to figure out the addressing that they currently use first though. https://www.standbyrsg.co.uk/collection ... er-mcs-lbc

That's exactly what i wanted to build, by using the MIM print as a starting point...
Sadly i'm not that good with Design Spark.

[paaa]

I opened up one of these and it uses a stm32 , Potentially could just write some new software to change can addressing and functionality.

[Jack Bauer]

Found a bug today when driving the E46.

If the leaf motor runs backwards say at a stop sign it maxes out the rpm and the rev limiter kicks in and prevents torque generation. Sounds like Damien put a signed value in an unsigned int .....

This is why I want to not release until some basic checks are done.

In terms of other ideas for helping with the project how about having a look at some ecu enclosures? I'm planning on the 60 pin modice but perhaps there is something better out there?

[arturk]

I gathered some info on Cinch ModICE LE which can accommodate 60 pins header.
This is the one Damien is referring to.
It will definitely work but their proprietary connectors in my opinion are not nearly as nice as MX150 series.
Unfortunately I did not find anything better.

Prices:
Enclosure ~$25
Header ~$30
Connector ~$10

Availability:
Very limited at this time (most likely COVID related as with other components).

[Jack Bauer]

Yep that's the one. I agree re the connector but unless anyone has any other ideas its the only show in town that's available to mere mortals with greater than 40 pins ....

[Dilbert]

Yep that's the one. I agree re the connector but unless anyone has any other ideas its the only show in town that's available to mere mortals with greater than 40 pins ....

My only idea is to add some RJ45's, which would have things like CAN and the toyota protocol, this would free up pins, but would require the enclosure to be cut for the cable/conenctor. But would allow us to use CAT5 cables, which is really handy for bench setup etc...

[Dilbert]

I connected up the Yaris Inverter to the Gen2 motor this morning, and kinda as expected no inverter whine. I did try and see if it would accept a longer THM frame, so went from 100-120 bytes but nothing. So to get the Yaris inverter working we'll need to get some data logged from hybrid yaris. I've a feeling it just needs the init frames like the Auris/Prius one.

[Dilbert]

In a bit to figure out the Yaris, i had a look at the wiring on the toyota portal, which you can just pay for access by the hour. It looks like depending on when the yaris was made it will be one of 2 ECUs which could be providing the hybrid data! I'm tempted to try source either of these ECUs and see what they send out to configure the hybrid unit on startup....

[Jack Bauer]

Dilbert, why don't I throw a few of my spare oem boards in the post to you? at least that way you can get something moving. I like the rj45 idea.... makes me think I'm looking in the wrong place for an enclosure...

[Jack Bauer]

As an alternative, anyone want to cad up a 3d printable custom enclosure?

[Dilbert]

Dilbert, why don't I throw a few of my spare oem boards in the post to you? at least that way you can get something moving. I like the rj45 idea.... makes me think I'm looking in the wrong place for an enclosure...

Yea do you have a Yaris OEM board? Will the auris board fit it?

This looks like one of the Yaris modules:- 89981-0D161

Top entry RJ45, people could just drill/cut a hole in the top of the enclosure, then use an RJ45 connector with a boot. Most of the people in DEV mode will have the ECU open anyway etc... I'm finding the RJ45's really handy and the cables are available screened etc...

[Jack Bauer]

Yep I have both types will pack em up now. All were tested working with the current vcu firmware.

[Dilbert]

Perfect thanks, that's interesting i wonder have toyota different firmware versions on the yaris on either side of that 2015 production change over. I wonder might we see the same thing with newer Auris / Prius boards too. I just checked my Ebay account and apparently, my unit comes from a 2017 car.

This probably brings up another issue, one which i definitely don't know the answer to, how do toyota flash new firmware to the inverter. From memory one of the times the Auris was in for a service it got the firmware on the Inverter updated (possible some sort of temperature fix). I assume they are using the Async serial protocol as i don't think the Japanese like K-line.

On my setup today I had a minimal set of connections to the inverter:-

• 12V & Ground on the high current pins of the main connector
  Data signals (MTH/HTM/REQ/CLK)
  Resolvers

I shouldn't need any other connections to that side connector, should i?

[P.S.Mangelsdorf]

As an alternative, anyone want to cad up a 3d printable custom enclosure?

I might be able to help with this, time permitting. I'll take a look tonight.

Note: the "might" is due to current time restraints and because my printer is down (and probably dead for good).

[Dilbert]

3D printing is an interesting idea, but the existing enclosure is very strong glass filled plastic.

If going with RJ45's, we could use a grommet which would allow the RJ45 to go into the existing enclosure case, possibly on the other end.

It looks like the security industry might actually use something like this already.

https://www.distrelec.biz/en/self-seali ... p/15519050

https://www.newegg.com/p/1Z5-0023-00026

[Jack Bauer]

Ok this is very interesting. Might just allow us to stay with the 40 pin molex based enclosure. JLC even have a wide array of rj45 sockets : https://jlcpcb.com/parts/componentSearch?searchTxt=rj45

[Jack Bauer]

Possible option :
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3285777 ... web201603_

[mdrobnak]

LOL I'm pretty certain that's a Bosch ECU knockoff.
Which..is a great price.

[Jack Bauer]

Yeah am looking at some of their stuff. Looks like they go up to 121 pins. 56 should be more than enough and if I can source the header,enclosure, pins and connector from one source it makes the kit a lot easier...

[Dilbert]

Dilbert, why don't I throw a few of my spare oem boards in the post to you? at least that way you can get something moving. I like the rj45 idea.... makes me think I'm looking in the wrong place for an enclosure...

Boards arrived thanks, the yaris and auris boards must be based on almost the same schematic, but with a few mechanical tweeks, possibly due to different suppliers.

[Jack Bauer]

Excellent! hope they work:)