Climate control interface reverse engineering
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 349
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
Climate control interface reverse engineering
Has the dual zone A/C control module interface been reverse engineered? I could not find anything with quick googling.
I am starting to think of a windows carputer to replace the tape deck, and to run VCM scanner whenever I need without a laptop. It would be great to be able to change the A/C panel with a virtual version at the same time. I can write the software, but I'd need to buy or build an interface board first. Interfacing to the UI side with relays and ADCs and DACs would be the brute force method, but kind of stupid, like building a robot to push buttons.
I am starting to think of a windows carputer to replace the tape deck, and to run VCM scanner whenever I need without a laptop. It would be great to be able to change the A/C panel with a virtual version at the same time. I can write the software, but I'd need to buy or build an interface board first. Interfacing to the UI side with relays and ADCs and DACs would be the brute force method, but kind of stupid, like building a robot to push buttons.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 871
Likes: 41
From: Ontario
Its been a few years.. Anyone?.. I can program as well but don't know much on the hardware side but would love to learn to build. Something like this.. If i could have some. Kind of interface to work with and test with then emulate the input and output signals on the same wiring...
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,375
Likes: 295
I'd start by investigating the hardware - does the dual-zone unit control the air duct valves / heater core directly, or does it send messages to something that does? If the latter, then try to figure out what those messages are. If the former, the look at how it controls the fan and ducts, and try to figure how easy/hard it would be to do the same thing with an Arduino or something similar.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 414
From: New Jersey
I'd start by investigating the hardware - does the dual-zone unit control the air duct valves / heater core directly, or does it send messages to something that does? If the latter, then try to figure out what those messages are. If the former, the look at how it controls the fan and ducts, and try to figure how easy/hard it would be to do the same thing with an Arduino or something similar.
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
The HVAC controller interfaces directly with the vacuum control solenoids, sun sensors, blower motor and temperature actuators. The PCM controls the compressor turn on (data bus cmd?) and it monitors Engine coolant temp and AC pressures. There may be a few other things that I missed. So it looks like an Arduino with some supporting circuitry could easily control the HVAC.
