Going to keep an updated thread here on the progress of the standalone MOST module. I’ve mapped out the functionality for a starter
USB CDC connection that sends MOST messages that can be translated to the same format as SocketMost to allow it to run in “client mode” so the host has full control
Device also appears as a USB soundcard with mic input and also audio out
Option to configure amplifier and microphone address, then when the sound card either receives audio, or the microphone is used, it auto connects amplifier/microphone
A few thoughts on extra functionality
opto output that can be used to switch power to a pi
Ability to write your own Fblocks with implemented fkts (would allow replacement of any device on the current MOST netowork once fkt data responses are known)
Can channels, the stm32 chip in use has two can channels, not sure if enough endpoints/bandwidth to allow these to run as slcan over usb
As an update, the first rough prototype board has been delivered, and alot of the messaging functionality is now complete
It’s been a while since I’ve dropped by to check in on this project. This looks pretty cool! Have you considered using one of the optical+electrical connectors like a 2+12? This would allow for a much cleaner installation. Especially if all commonly used connectors can be placed on one edge of the board.
Not a bad shout, only issue is they are quite a bit harder to get hold of and quite far from standard. The board here is just a complete prototype one, I’ve got some preproduction ones going now which are much more compact and use 3.5mm pluggable power connectors
Awesome work!
This looks like it would be a lot more useful in a car application than the Pi-hat (which feels to me more like a development tool).
I also messaged you @rhys_m using the contact form, hopefully that went through, I am very interested in learning how you sourced these most chips and their relevant interfacing docs. I’m more than happy to support your development and buy the PI hat, but ideally I’d want to implement most in my own design (ideally with an esp32 series chip)
Hi, I’m currently still finishing off the drivers, I’ll then thoroughly test in a car environment, then finalise the board, I am guessing a couple of months minimum but could well be longer!
Big update on this, on multiple fronts! I’ve managed to completely replace the touchscreen in my test bench with a PiMost, there’s a bunch of communication that had to be reverse engineered, but by using a PiMost and hijacking addresses it is do-able, the master now starts up healthy and treats the PiMost as though it is the OEM screen!Second part is to do with the drivers, these are probably 90% of the way there now for the USB version, audio seems good, messaging etc is great.Third part is by replacing the screen and figuring out the propriety source control that JLR have implemented, I can completely control sources, and even reuse the old ipod module addresses to stream audio from the PiMost in an OEM fashion.
In the below video there is no screen in the MOST network, the PiMost-USB is handling all those requests directly from my mac. The PiMost also appears as a USB sound card and you can see the source switching works direct from OSX too!PiMost Audio switch and USB audio
Audio is super quiet apologies!
@InfinityMod I have a friend that has a 1 series 2013 that I am going to test on, he is in the process of ordering an android touchscreen for it, I will let you know how it goes.
Admin, apologies but didn’t see a way to DM you on the forum. Can you shoot me a way to contact you (email?). I have a project I wanted to see if you might be interested in.
Hello there, Rhys. I gather you’re making a batch of the USB version of your module?
I’d very much like to buy it to send digital audio from the v-link Raspberry Pi setup to my Volvo’s amplifier.
I have three that are almost ready for shipping out, just polishing off the firmware. These 3 are for some people who have been using the PiHat and can do some proper testing and feedback. Once everything’s good I’ll have another 10 off the bat for anyone to grab.
can’t wait to get one of them is there any presale for the first batch?
i plan to use the module in Mercedes E-Class W211 with stock HU, harman kardon sound system and Raspberry, if you need more people for testing.
That sounds cool, what app are you running on the raspberry pi? Mercedes uses 44.1khz which is one of the specific cases that need testing (along with BMW and Saab etc)
The plan is to use your CarPlay App because with Raspbian im able to Output FBAS Video to the headunit. There are also many people that want to use it with a Android Headunit in the same car. With H&K Sound system its very hard to get these Headunits to work.
I’ll install it in a Volvo C30 with Dynaudio using also Sh4rp’s v-link soft and HAT. I’ll test extensively, but I think you have a bunch of more qualified testers on the Boosted Moose Discord server we’re both on, so I’ll just eagerly wait for my turn… but I’ll buy as soon as it’s possible.
Any updates on this project? Should I order the PiMost hat or will there not be a long wait for this board?
I have access to many BMW cars & modules on including bench setups to test & provide feedback, I also recently started a PhD position where I am setting up a lab with access to any maker-adjacent tools that may be relevant.
My main concern is acquiring the most hardware and avoiding re-engineering the drivers if it is not needed, I can easily code my own firmware for MCUs if needed.
Main short term goal is to have a reliable way to interface with BMW high end amplifiers without the matching headunits.
The boards have progresses well! I’m hoping to get a few test ones sent out this week, then pending successful testing they should be good to go early January. I would say to definitely wait for the USB version. It does sound like your requirement may need the board to act as a master, there’s an experimental branch that allows this functionality on the HAT, however the USB version may be little way off for that.
For general info of anyone else following, here’s an demo of it running in standalone mode and auto switching the amplifier and microphone.
is there any presale for the first batch?