If there were an actual product to build, I'd agree. Right now, it's just
an extremely poorly defined idea.

-MB

On Tue, Nov 6, 2018 at 5:42 PM <stuartmacm@gmail.com> wrote:

> Sounds like a potential Kickstarter campaign to me!
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Mark
> Belanger
> Sent: Tuesday, November 6, 2018 2:20 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: VW T3 On-Board Computer?
>
> So I stuck my nose into the developer section and it was different than I
> expected. I assumed that the project was more of an open source project,
> but it is not. There is no source, but firmware. It's also a lot more
> complex and complete than I'd expected. Gerhard was selling a complete kit
> down to a custom enclosures for holding the boards. It was also more deeply
> integrated into the circuitry of the car than I'd assumed. All in all, an
> impressive bit of kit. That said, the most recent timestamp is from 2013,
> so I doubt it will see the light of day again, unless Gerhard is so
> inclined to resume development and production.
>
> It's an inspiring concept, especially considering my clock is crapping
> out, so in my copious spare time I'm going to see how Arduino or Feather
> might be used to create a more interesting use of that space...
>
>
> -MB
>
> On Tue, Nov 6, 2018 at 11:57 AM Mark Belanger <mbelanger@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > I reached out to the guy behind it, whose name is Gerhard, and he
> > happily seems to speak fluent English. Unfortunately, he's not working
> > on the project anymore and is all out of the custom boards that drove
> the display.
> > He gave me access to the developer section, so I'm going to poke
> > around and see what's involved. I'll report back when I have some time
> > to go through it.
> >
> > Your points about lack of direct contact with the ECU is totally
> > valid, but I'm mostly interested in a meter for items I've added to
> > the van, like second battery and charging rates.
> >
> >
> > -MB
> >
> > On Tue, Nov 6, 2018 at 10:56 AM Richard Smith <smirby@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> >> I did the same thing. Seems like a fun project, but - because it is
> >> not tapped in to a computer feed - things like mileage etc are rough
> >> approximations. Still, I would definitely swap out my (no longer
> >> working) clock for that display.
> >>
> >> If there are others interested, perhaps we could find out if this is
> >> even do-able (parts still available?).
> >>
> >> I sent the link to my brother (who is pretty fluent in German, and
> >> has an
> >> 84 westy) to see if he would be interested in contacting them. No
> >> reply from him yet...
> >>
> >> ...r
> >>
> >> On 2018-11-06, 10:18 AM, "Vanagon Mailing List on behalf of Neil N"
> >> < vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com on behalf of musomuso@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> >>
> >>     I was curious to find out more. For what it's worth, google
> translate
> >>     is quite handy for this type of thing. I translated the FAQ section,
> >>     if that helps. (below)
> >>
> >>     Neil.
> >>
> >>     On 11/1/18, Mark Belanger <mbelanger@gmail.com> wrote:
> >>
> >>     >  <http://www.projekt-borco.at/>
> >>
> >>     ---------------------------
> >>
> >>     Is it possible to use another display?
> >>
> >>     In principle, the use of any display with RS232 or I2C interface is
> >>     possible. When using a different display, the display control in the
> >>     firmware must be adapted.
> >>
> >>         Which expansion options are there?
> >>
> >>     The on-board computer has an RS485 bus interface, which enables
> >>     communication with other control units. This interface could also be
> >>     used to integrate existing ECUs.
> >>
> >>         What can the USB socket be used for?
> >>
> >>     The USB socket is intended exclusively for service purposes
> (firmware
> >>     updates, readout and setting of certain parameters, etc.). The USB
> >>     socket must not be used to power other USB devices.
> >>
> >>         Can the BORCO display data from an engine control unit?
> >>
> >>     No, the BORCO does not use data from the ECU, but only evaluates
> >>     signals from the sensors that are already present. In addition to
> the
> >>     standard built-in sensors, you only need indoor and outdoor
> >>     temperature sensors, as well as a sensor that outputs a digital
> speed
> >>     signal (such as Speedpulse).
> >>
> >>         If the display is of other sizes, e.g. Oil pressure and oil
> >>     temperature possible?
> >>
> >>     The current FW version supports the display of oil pressure and oil
> >>     temperature, provided appropriate sensors (oil temperature: VDO 180
> °
> >>     C / oil pressure: 0-5 bar) are installed and connected to the
> reserve
> >>     analogue inputs. Additional analog displays can not be used.
> >>
> >>         Which motor types are supported by the BORCO?
> >>
> >>     The BORCO can be used with any engine as long as the speed signal
> can
> >>     be tapped anywhere (eg from the alternator, the ignition coil or a
> >>     digital signal from a controller).
> >>
> >>         Which sensors need to be installed?
> >>
> >>     Only the sensors for indoor and outdoor temperature as well as the
> >>     tacho sensor (speed pulse) must be installed. All other information
> is
> >>     obtained from the already existing sensors / signals.
> >>
> >>         How does the gear indicator work?
> >>
> >>     The gear is calculated from the speed and speed signal.
> >>
> >>         Does the control unit have to be installed instead of the
> original
> >>     loudspeaker?
> >>
> >>     No, but since a 3-axis acceleration sensor for measuring the
> position
> >>     and acceleration of the T3 is installed in the control unit, the
> >>     installation position is relevant. With the aid of the data of the
> >>     sensor, the tank contents are only measured when the bus is on level
> >>     ground and there is no acceleration through cornering, braking or
> >>     acceleration. Details for installing the control unit are in the
> >>     installation instructions.
> >>
> >>         Further questions?
> >>
> >>
> >
> > --
> > ______________________________________________________________________
> > __
> > Mark Belanger - mbelanger@gmail.com
> >
>
>
> --
> ________________________________________________________________________
> Mark Belanger - mbelanger@gmail.com
>
>

-- 
________________________________________________________________________
Mark Belanger - mbelanger@gmail.com