[RenegadeMasta]

For future use incase anyone needs it - https://github.com/Autohome2/2SerialToRealdashCAN

[gavin_eakins]

G’day RenegadeMasta,

I can’t speak for the Fiesta but I have reverse engineered then coded for a 2006-8 Focus CANbus.

You write
Please note im new to arduino and anything to do with coding. I'm not even sure where to get started. so any help would be greatly appreciated.

This will be a big challenge then. For the Focus, the CAN messages driving the cluster were proprietory. It took months to come up with a working system. I also had a running car to reverse engineer from. I’m also a computer programmer.

Where to start?
You need to find the format of the CAN messages handled by the cluster. Maybe these are by now available publicly, but don’t expect it. If not you’ll also have to reverse engineer.

By this I mean having a CAN sniffing tool connected to a running Fiesta, then physically manipulating the wiring/sensors, looking for changes in the messages and deciphering.

Think Turing at Bletchley Park.

After that hurdle, it’s down to “easy” stuff - building a microcontroller with CAN transciever, learning how to code against CAN and writing the code.

Here’s a layman’s description of my project:
https://shinesolutions.com/2015/03/26/h ... ntrollers/

Good luck!

Cheers - Gavin

[RenegadeMasta]

Hi gavin, although this is setup for sim hub- pc gaming - there is a github containing code and ID for the mk8 fiesta cluster -
https://github.com/InfoX1337/xconnect-s ... nnect_link

So hopefully that is atleast some homework of the table.

Whilst I have spent a few months reading atlrticles and videos such as Ali Bro - etc to atleast get my head somewhat around it. You are absolutely correct.

I will admit im basically dipping my toes in a whole new minefield although it's something I need to get done. I'm stubborn with it.

My next course of action is figuring out what I do and don't need from both realdash And xconnect
Files and what need splicing where.
And how to translate it over to the dash.

Alot of hair pulling regardless!
Cheers buddy!

[dazq]

I'm glad you found the collection of projects useful.
Palepps work was for use with realddash app on a tablet iirc , so you would need to replace that part with some can code to send the collected data to your dash , the Comms part with the speeduino and reading the other signals in will give you a head start on your own project.
Please publish your work when done to assist others in the future, I will gladly add it to those on my GitHub for everyone .
Keep us posted how you get on or if you need more help

[RenegadeMasta]

Considering i'm currently clueless regarding coding. and struggling what to decipher from where. i decided to see what i can get done with chatGPT.
with this i was able to extract the fiesta canbus data from the simhub file and extract what i should need from the realdash file.
i used what was taken to create a new script with implementing seperate inputs for flashers etc.
Even though there is a high chance of this script failing. it had at least cleaned up into a more understandable format.

Regarding the hardware side of things. I plan on 3d printing an enclosure whilst using these connectors.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006 ... 18020N4cxF

i plan on sharing the input serial with the rest of the input triggers.
And same with the canbus output shared with live / GND.

I have a couple questions with this. Will this cause any interference?

also as the speeduino is in the passenger footwell. would i be better off with a short serial cable or does it not matter? Same with Canbus. as i would prefer the enclosure to be near the cluster rather then ECU.
Thank you.

[dazq]

You would be better to have the shortest possible serial cable between the speeduino and the other unit.
The canbus lines can be longer (mine run all round the car just like they do in OEM) just use a good twisted cable . Don't forget your bus terminators if you need them( usually the cluster has one and the other is in the bcu or main ECU)

[RenegadeMasta]

Small update, prototype box mostly made waiting for aliexpress before finished. I am considering designing an all in one pcb once everything is working.

Many issues with can scripts.
I'm starting over working out the immobiliser, getting the display and backlight to time correctly (otherwise they are off permenantly).
And engaging / disengaging each warning light.

One step forward, 2 steps back and all that.

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[RenegadeMasta]

Just an update. Most of my time has been spend on getting the cluster to launch properly without any fits reliably. It now works within an ign1 standby and ign 2 full launch state. I have also been working on making a Drive-By-wire controller on the side.

For anyone looking into Can-Bus sniffing for reverse engineering etc i found this setup was the most reliable for me.
Arduino nano - mcp2515. works well on both canhacker and supports Lawicel for earlier savvycan v208.
https://github.com/latonita/arduino-canbus-monitor