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MeatPi Electronics
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi

WiCAN

Open source, ESP32-C3 CAN adapter with USB, Wi-Fi, and BLE support

$16,614 raised

of $1 goal

Funded! Order Below

Funding ended on Oct 05, 2022 at 04:59 PM PDT.

Recent Updates

You'll be notified about news and stock updates for this project.

WiCAN is a powerful ESP32-C3-based CAN adapter for car hacking and general CAN-bus development. It is available in two form factors, OBD-II and standard USB-CAN. The original firmware can use Wi-Fi or BLE to interface directly with RealDash, which allows you to create your own custom dashboards with stunning graphics. It is available for Android, iOS, and Windows 10. WiCAN connects to your existing Wi-Fi network and any device on that network, where it allows you to configure Wi-Fi and CAN settings through a built-in web interface. Both versions have a power-saving mode that detects when the voltage drops under 13 V or some other preset value. When this power-saving mode is engaged, WiCAN is capable of entering sleep mode, which drops current consumption below 1 mA.

WiCAN is a simple, ready-to-use solution for CAN-bus development and hacking. It accelerates development by providing vehicle-diagnostic APIs and libraries in various languages and for various operating systems. WiCAN works with a large array of pre-existing vehicle-diagnostic libraries, including RealDash, SavvyCAN, BUSmaster, python-can/SocketCA, and more. APIs are also available for LabView, C#, VB.Net, Delphi, and Python in case you’re writing your own software.

WiCAN-OBD

WiCAN-OBD will be of great interest to car enthusiasts and tinkers who want to modernize or customize the head-unit displays in their cars using RealDash. Check out some examples of the available graphic interfaces, which are supported by a robust collection of Manuals & Tutorials to get you started with RealDash.

Another great feature of WiCAN-OBD is its MQTT battery alerts. It can monitor your battery voltage and send an alert if that voltage drops under a set threshold. This feature is especially important for users who own multiple cars they do not use regularly.

WiCAN-USB

WiCAN-USB can be powered through USB or through a screw-terminal connector. The hardware and firmware is almost identical to WiCAN-OBD, but with an extended voltage range up to 36 V. Many of the projects we work on involve 12 V or 24 V trucks, and WiCAN-USB comes in handy when we need to monitor those trucks remotely, from the comfort of our desks, by configuring them to connect to Wi-Fi. And, thanks to its low cost, we don’t need to worry about breaking or losing it the WiCAN-USB device itself.

WiCAN-USB can also be used as a USB-to-CAN adapter when Wi-Fi connectivity is not available or when a hardwired connection is needed.

Web-CAN

WebCAN is a browser-based web application that allows you to send and receive CAN-bus data. It’s designed to run on any platform, including Android and iOS. WebCAN works over Wi-Fi or USB using websockets or the WebUSB API.

Features & Specifications

Comparisons

WiCAN-OBDWiCAN-USBMacchina A0Freematics ONE+ Model A
Processor ESP32-C3 ESP32-C3 ESP32 ESP32
Power Connector OBD Connector USB or Screw Terminal OBD Connector OBD Connector
Voltage VBat 7.5 V - 16 V 7.5 V - 36 V VBat VBat
Wi-Fi/BLE compatibleYes Yes Yes Yes
USB-to-CAN interfaceNo Yes (UART0) Yes No
USB to UARTNo up to 6 Mpbs Yes No
Web-CANWi-Fi Wi-Fi and USB No No
RealDashWi-Fi Wi-Fi and USB No No
SavvyCANWi-Fi Wi-Fi, BLE, and USB Yes No
BUSmasterWi-Fi Wi-Fi only No No
python-can/SocketCANWi-Fi Wi-Fi and USB Yes Unknown
APIWi-Fi Wi-Fi only Unknown Unknown
Price$42 $42 $85 $80

Support & Documentation

You can find our User Guide, software and open source hardware documentation in our GitHub repo.

Fulfillment & Logistics

After testing and packaging the production batch of WiCAN products, we will send them on to Crowd Supply’s fulfillment partner, Mouser Electronics, who will distribute them to backers worldwide. You can learn more about Crowd Supply’s fulfillment service under Ordering, Paying, and Shipping in their guide.

Risks & Challenges

The pandemic has resulted in many issues in terms of delayed work and supply shortages, and there is always the possibility of future lockdowns or issues with supply chains and shipping. However, we believe that we have mitigated the most significant risks by stocking critical components that we will need for an estimated first batch.

In the Press

CNX Software

"The device is available in USB-CAN and OBD-II form factors and comes with firmware that works with RealDash to create nice-looking dashboards with the data."

Hackster News

"[T]his little open source project is key for anyone wanting to keep tabs on their car's performance."

Produced by MeatPi Electronics in Melbourne, Australia.

Sold and shipped by Crowd Supply.

WiCAN-OBD

OBD2 CAN bus adapter

$42 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.

WiCAN-USB

USB CAN bus adapter

$42 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.

USB Mini Type-B to Type-A Cable (3 ft)

From the Crowd Supply Basics project.

$3 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.

About the Team

MeatPi Electronics

 ·   ·   · 

Ali makes hardware tools.

See Also

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