Thread: ECUs, EMS, ABS, TC, GPS, etc. etc. in modern car

Thanks guys for response

Originally Posted by procrastination inc

flashed eproms are stacks quicker on boot up than an an OS. Imagine turning the ignition key, waiting for the BIOS to load, BIOS virus scan to check OK, Memory check OK, Detect Hard drives, Load OS...windows logo..................start "drive to work" application...

Thats right, quicker because millions times less electrical circuits to go and less programing code. As the result less things that type microcontrollers can do. HDDs are last century staff, BIOS can be part of OS.

And ...windows logo - what about "Stand By" mode or hibernation? Even my laptop running WinXP stays "alive" for weeks and comes back in 3-5 seconds when I need. You know XP is heavy OS, hundreds not used drivers loaded, more than 30 processes go on only after clear installation.

Originally Posted by dm_td5

Here's a scary fact. Jaguar/Land Rover are one of many that develop the ECU programs using MatLab and Mathworks Real-time workshop on Microsoft Windows PC's. The developed software is compiled and burnt to EPROM's etc...

It is possible using current technology to develop system I described in my first post, and it can work fast enough. And nothing scary in fact Jaguar/Land Rover used Microsoft Windows PCs in their development work. It works! Right now I'm typing that message on computer running WinXP, System Up Time 225 days, 23 hours, 26 minutes, 3 seconds. Personally I like Linux as webserver, MacOS to do graphics and video. WinXP is good for home usage. For car - developers know I think.

All cars can use one system (better) or two-tree, similar to our PCs running Windows, MacOS, Linux. Number of drivers for different cars and models (Defender, Discovery, etc.) and different region (for example, engine pre-heating hardware and utility for UK). Customer can select options or/and upgrade them later simply by plugging in a new card similar to how lockable diff replaces factory one, or longer shocks and springs, etc. Fantastic.

So, guys, we have to make our wishes and Universe will find ways how to make it real

Originally Posted by JDNSW

...The only reasons for not doing it are conservatism and an attempt to tie owners to dealers.

Hi John, thanks for response. This is a common answer I hear all the time. I think it makes most of us to step back, sit down and wait, or forget about. It is good that someone put his hands up and developed Nanocom diagnostic tool. It became real because someone decided to show his middle finger to them who wants "to tie owners..." and most important make us TD5 owners happier. Sure, business hand here too, but it is something that comes to affordable price. I'm really want to get more from car computer and hope someone will take this idea and make it real. Who knows, might be it's on the way already and coming tomorrow