CAN bus between MS3 and a PDM (Power Distribution Module)

[RallyRat]

I'd like to connect a PDM and key pad to MS3 via CAN to minimize wiring. It looks like Motec's CAN protocol is pretty open and well documented. Has anyone gotten MS3 to communicate well with a Motec PDM? Can they do two way communication (read output currents, conditions, etc from the PDM)?

As for SmartWire, the Racepak CAN module looks like it only gets 20 set outputs from the MS3, many of which are not useful for PDM functions. It also looks like two way communication is not supported. Is there SmartWire functionality that I'm missing?

Thanks,
Will

[jsmcortina]

Go ahead and post links to datasheets on these products or send me a PM with them.

I think I can answer the RacePak question - their interfaces listens to Megasquirt CAN broadcasts and converts it to their proprietary VNET CAN protocol, yes it is one way.

James

[winstonusmc]

That is one thing I wish the CAN did on Megasquirt is have flexible IDs to be able to broadcast to various OEM things. I am integrating CAN in my 240z and will us an Arduino to "translate" IDs that I want to use on OEM devices. I am using a Nissan IPDM instead, I am on a more strict budget, $20 at the JY instead of $2000+ It will be all I will need for my application.

[jsmcortina]

will us an Arduino to "translate" IDs that I want to use on OEM devices.

Instead of the effort of writing code on an additional device why not just customise the MS3 code - that's why the source code is available to customers.

James

[RallyRat]

Here's the user manual:
http://www.motec.com/filedownload.php/P ... docid=2434

[RallyRat]

This youtube vid has a graphic showing a Motec CAN message (2:13):
https://youtu.be/2m34nQ4i6KQ?t=2m13s

[jsmcortina]

From their manual it looks like you should be able to programme the PDM to listen for and act on Megasquirt CAN broadcasts.

Listening to the PDM's status broadcasts, if required, would likely be best achieved by modifying the Megasquirt firmware to add specific support.

James

[Peter Florance]

I've used MoTeC PDM with other MoTeC products.
I think it will work for this although you have to get the scaling correct.
It's been a while since I worked with it.