Arduino 12v Systems VCU

**SplinterOz** · 25 July 2015

Originally Posted by furyphoto

You shouldn't need the FTDI with a Nano, it has USB support built in.

Your right... I didn't order one just couldn't remember when I typed.

**BaldWatson** · 10 May 2016

Hi everyone..i am new to this forum. By profession i am an electronic hardware designer and recently started working on Arduino. I found the project discussed here very cool. Thanks fort sharing such a cool thing. Hope this will be helpful for me to learn something new about the Arduino. I want to know you attached the relays on the same board if they do not cause any temprature effect?

prototype hdi pcb

**marcexec** · 08 May 2017

I wonder if I can revive/hijack this thread.

I've been thinking about this project and would agree on the Arduino Nano / IRF540 MOSFET combo. This is "down the line" for me atm to reduce cabling and add features that the bike doesn't have yet.
The 4 way variant is ~$5 on Aliexpress (search for "Four Channel 4 Route MOSFET Button IRF540"), the Nano only about $2 these days (crazy, huh? - order a spare).
With the port limitations:

one could drive 8 MOSFETs, measure a voltage/current or three and display something (LEDs/OLED/small SPI TFT.
I also considered the now ubiquitous Wemos D1 mini, but it doesn't have the pins (e.g. port extender) and needs extra 5V etc. It could always be put on later for added functionality.

(Mechanical) compatibility with pre-wired fuse boxes would be handy, too, e.g. this.
This could be a very compact and fairly cheap powerhouse. Any thoughts?

**DaanRademaker** · 15 September 2017

Anyways to revive this thread? The knowledge shared, and the initial design are actually one of the best out on the web. I am also currently looking to build a diy (and Open Source!) M-unit alternative, as I think the price they ask for their product is too steep. I am a newbie in the arduino field, but I know quite a bit about motorcycles. Perhaps we can get some momentum after this project? I can also add some value in 3d designing a case, I have experience in CAD software.

**marcexec** · 15 September 2017

Originally Posted by DaanRademaker

Anyways to revive this thread? The knowledge shared, and the initial design are actually one of the best out on the web. I am also currently looking to build a diy (and Open Source!) M-unit alternative, as I think the price they ask for their product is too steep. I am a newbie in the arduino field, but I know quite a bit about motorcycles. Perhaps we can get some momentum after this project? I can also add some value in 3d designing a case, I have experience in CAD software.

Welcome to the forum!
I'm still working on getting my bike running to use it for the commute, but see the need to tidy up cabling big time now

.
Have you played with Arduinos at all? If not, I'd recommend getting one from someone reputable like Banggood (it'll run your bike, right?) and have a got at the tutorials in http://tronixstuff.com/tutorials/.

**Stevo** · 17 September 2017

thanks for that tutorial link... I may have to dive into this when I have spare time

**furyphoto** · 18 September 2017

I'll chime in quickly to say that I really haven't made much progress on this lately (or my El-Moto either) I have taken on a much bigger project, and have been almost singlehandedly rebuilding a 130 year old farmhouse. We will have siding going on in the next couple of weeks, and our occupancy inspection is in 4 days. so soon it will be buttoned up, and I will have time to play again. I am spending my rare spare minutes arranging some shop space for this winter.

That said, I would be thrilled if others took this and tried to improve. My plan was to open source this software, so input is welcome!. I like the FET boards too, I haven't seen those breakout boards before. I had looked at solid state relays breakout boards, but they can only handle 2A where the FETs will take 30. I suppose I should order a few to check them out. The first unit will be going in my ICE Cafe Racer this winter, I will update with progress on that when it happens.

Cheers -A

**DaanRademaker** · 19 September 2017

Originally Posted by marcexec

Welcome to the forum!
I'm still working on getting my bike running to use it for the commute, but see the need to tidy up cabling big time now

.
Have you played with Arduinos at all? If not, I'd recommend getting one from someone reputable like Banggood (it'll run your bike, right?) and have a got at the tutorials in http://tronixstuff.com/tutorials/.

Thanks for the resources, I will order a couple to start tinkering. In the meanwhile I'll keep a close eye out on your prototype! I can't believe the prices of the components either. So the MOSFETs would be used for both the indicators and the fuse circuit?

**marcexec** · 20 September 2017

Well, you guys egged me on - I ordered one of the FET boards today (Aliexpress in this case, less than half the price of Banggood).
I'm still contemplating the resettable fuses, they seem to max out at 14A & 16V, which might be a bit close, especially on the voltage...