Been a busy and exciting couple of weeks, so I wanted to post an update so everyone here could follow along with the build progress!
1) We have received the HSD Z connectors from the OEM that Tesla uses. These have been shipped to the board production team to be assembled on the switcher boards:
View attachment 322924
2) After receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from everyone via email, we have placed an order for 50pcs of custom HSD cable from the Tesla OEM so you guys don't need to find places to stash way too much extra cable and don't need to go through the hassle of ordering these parts from Tesla. These will be available on a first come, first served basis (and since they have an MOQ and a long ~10week lead time, once they're gone they're gone!), so don't forget to email or PM
@artsci if you want a set. The "set" comprises of one long 3400mm "jack to jack" cable that plugs between your new camera and your camera switcher, and one short 1000mm "jack to jack" cable that plugs between your existing camera feed (in your footwell OR after your auto-pilot engine) and the camera switcher.
3) On the CAN bus kit side, pandas have arrived for everyone that has a deposit in so far:
View attachment 322931
These will all be flashed with the custom firmware I'm working on needed to drive the reverse signal on your camera switcher.
4) I have completed a preliminary LIN bus implementation in the Panda firmware, which will allow us to utilize the NXP UJA1023 to get 8 programmable IO ports for future projects and expandability. If you're curious (or want to help!), you can follow along on my progress here:
appleguru/panda
5) While we are still a few weeks away from the final PCBs for the CAN bus kits (
@Kalud is putting the finishing touches on the design now),
@BearBu has asked that I make him a prototype this weekend so he can get a jumpstart on testing for his camera projects. I am in the process of making this now, and I will be mapping the reverse signals that we need for the camera switcher, as well as some additional signals like left turn/right turn/hazards/etc):
View attachment 322935
View attachment 322936
6) Finally, we need your help!
@Kalud and I are working on selecting the final connectors that will make it onto the CAN bus kit boards.
We want these to be removable, so you guys can easily unplug things from the car. The current front runners are some really nice (and expensive...) Phoenix contact removable terminal blocks (pictured at the bottom):
View attachment 322937
These are available both with and without screws to secure them into place (so they don't wriggle out). We are leaning towards the ones with the screws, but after playing with them the ones without the screws may be more user friendly (plenty secure and easier to plug/unplug (no tools needed)). In this configuration, we would have a 10position terminal block with fused +12V, GND, and 8 output pins (reverse and 7 spares for other projects/future expandability), as well as a 2position terminal block with an extra output for fused +12V and GND.
Alternatively, we are considering using a standard RJ45/8P8C jack for output instead of the terminal block. This is much less expensive (~$1 instead of ~$18 for the connector), and CAT5 connectors and cable is very common/can be found everywhere. If we go this route, it would mean you would be plugging in a CAT5 cable instead of flying leads to connect your camera switcher to the CAN bus kit. We would still provide a 2pos header for aux power out.
What do you guys think? Select an option and reply below (I wish I could insert a poll mid thread...):
1) 2pos + 10pos terminal block with security screws
2) 2pos + 10pos terminal block without security screws
3) 2pos terminal block with security screws for Aux power out + RJ45/8PC8 connector for power and signal output
4) 2pos terminal block without security screws for Aux power out + RJ45/8PC8 connector for power and signal output
