[garzipan]

Fellow tinkerers, Im starting on a new project.
I have already installed the HDLINK (using instructions here)
I have the Veepeak OBD2 reader (wifi version). My plan is as follows
I am going to hook up an android computer (most likely this one, unless anyone has a better recommendation for an android computer with an hdmi output)
I already have a hotspot for my car (courtesy of Freedompop)
I am going to hook up the android computer to the hdlink, and have it running multiple apps, acting like an android auto on steroids. It will run media apps like Spotify, and car apps like torque.
any suggestions to improve this are appreciated.

 

[Coppersnowboarder]

I think this thread separates the geeks from the non-geeks in society.

 

[werdup]

I think this thread separates the geeks from the non-geeks in society.

Feels that way when I re-read my very similar thread here: http://gm-volt.com/forum/search.php?searchid=58755338

Maybe there is an ODB-Volt hacker discussion somewhere? I'd be very interested in how others have overcome some limitations with the CAN communication.

 

[Alan in Sitges]

I've been working on something similar for a while. Still planning but pretty much have figured out what pieces I'm going to use (aside from the canbus part - the bluetooth adapters aren't reliable). My priorities are different from most people doing this I suspect; I'm not interested in torque or anything of the sort. I just want Google Assistant handling music and navigation for me, and ultimately need find a way to proxy messages (specifically whatsapp) from my phone. So I'll probably run either Android Auto or Automate and likely have to write some custom software for some basic things like HVAC control for the functions that aren't available on hardware buttons.

I'm looking at an Amlogic-powered Android box running Nougat. In addition I'm going to need:
- HDMI to LVDS adapter like https://car-solutions.com/en/video-interface-with-hdmi-for-chevrolet-mylink-with-pas.php
- 4-wire touch to USB adapter like https://car-solutions.com/en/universal-touch-screen-controller-utc.php
- USB 3G/4G modem
- USB audio or microphone adapter for voice control since the Android box won't have any inputs
- Canbus connectivity and associated software to allow for steering wheel control and, long-term, onstar-like functionality

It's not going to be cheap or simple but I think it will be worth it to have that functionality in the dash.

 

[MrHack]

I have been researching doing something similar to my 2014 Volt.
When it comes to android boxes, Alan look into the MiBox, Amazon Firestick, or Nvidia shield. They have remotes with mics built in so you don't need to deal with adding an extra mic to the car. I'm still undecided as to which I am going to go with but I'm leaning towards the firestick.
The shield and MiBox I know have GoogleCast on them so you can cast from your phone to the device.
The firestick has alexa built in, if you haven't used the Amazon Echo with Alexa its pretty interesting that you can do practically anything with it using it in combination with something like IFTTT.
For canbus access I would look into the OVMS, it isn't there when it comes to Volt functionality as of yet however with some work of a dedicated hacker it could get there. It seems pretty flexible from my research. As well as it can add GPS capability as well as a cell modem.

(There are 2 ODBC-II connectors on our volts, one is on the drivers side, the other on the passenger. Each have access to diffrent components of the car, make sure you get both cables if you order one from fast tech.)

 

[Churusaa]

I'm considering doing something like this, but while integration with the MyLink screen is a clean way to do this, I'm worried about the limitations of the screen in terms of resolution and number of touch points it's sensitive to. On the other hand, I can't really see where I would install another display that would be convenient and accessible without adding a blind-spot or blocking any of my existing controls.

I'm using my phone to toy with screen locations right now. It's currently mounted behind the steering wheel above the cowl for the DIC, but I might move this to a pivoting mount above the MyLink screen. Any ideas? I saw someone install a rear camera display in the stow gap for the shifter knob, but I don't like how far the screen would have to be recessed.