This is an attempt to document my process while developing my hobbyist Tesla Model 3 in-car CAN bus display project. The project started in August 2019, but was largely on pause from November 2019 until summer of 2020.

So this build log is being started mid project. I'll attempt to go back and discuss things that were done in the past from time to time, but I'll be focusing on documenting the present. If there is interest on specific existing components, I can dive into them in more detail.

Better late than never, right?

Dash mounted phone instrument cluster

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

I decide that having to look over to the car's main screen is not cool, so I build an instrument cluster that uses my phone as the screen and is mounted behind the steering wheel.

Improving and powering the mount

Friday, November 6, 2020

In this second instalment, I attempt to improve the mount's design and integrate a wireless charger so that my phone won't be empty when I get to my destination. It doesn't go well!

Another iteration of the phone mount

Sunday, November 8, 2020

After the failure of the v2 mount, I go back to the drawing board, and finally land on a design that works. I also go for a drive with the instrument cluster and figure some more stuff out.

Installing the powered phone mount and automating the mobile app

Saturday, November 14, 2020

This week I tap into a 12v source in the car to power the wireless charger, and work on the software to get the instrument cluster to open and close automatically when the phone is inserted and removed from the holder.