How to actually change gears/manage the inverter with the open source board.

[JonMegaTron]

Hi,

I'm planning on buying an open source logic board in order to use a Tesla Model S LDU in my VW T2 early bay EV conversion.
I have a couple of questions though, so first of all what is this board used for https://openinverter.org/shop/index.php ... duct_id=58 Is it used in a Leaf, Tesla??

Also, if I was to buy a Tesla Model S LDU and replace the logic board with this https://openinverter.org/shop/index.php ... duct_id=64 ,how would I install an interface/system which would allow me to change gears and manage the inverter? Are there ports you would be able to plug a laptop into on the inverter or any kind of ports which would allow you to install an interface?

I know the basics of installing the board, but I'm puzzled on utilizing the software it has and being able to actually control the unit with maybe some buttons to change gear or using software on a laptop.

Sorry if anything I said is completely wrong or has been discussed in another post (I haven't come across any similar ones), but I know nothing about how I would achieve this. I've being doing lots of research on components of EVs but I also don't know the wiring process of all components, though the wiring diagrams show contactors (I don't really know what these are) and other components connecting to a 23-pin which connects to the inverter??

Again I don't really know anything about wiring of Tesla drive units and all related components and how to utilize the open source control board, but I would like to learn and hopefully convert my T2!

Many thanks in advance

[Isaac96]

The first board you linked is just the brain. It needs more stuff to be integrated with a Leaf or Tesla motor.

The second is what you need for a Model S LDU; it's drop in as you know.

You can connect via Wifi (the little red circuit board) in order to configure and monitor the inverter. Forward and reverse are handled with a couple of switches -- check out the wiki for information on the wiring for those.

https://github.com/damienmaguire/Tesla-Drive-Unit
There are wiring diagrams in here somewhere - check it all out, you'll learn a good bit.

Contactors are large relays which turn the battery power on and off when you turn the key. They are absolutely necessary and must be wired correctly else your inverter will probably die (or you die).

The OpenInverter systems in general are not really beginner projects. The developers assume that you have some basic electronics knowledge and are comfortable dealing with high voltage and high power.
If you fall into that category, great! If not, you might want to go for something different -- or find someone who can help.

Best of luck and happy learning!

-Isaac

[jon volk]

viewforum.php?f=22

Some good basics there

[JonMegaTron]

Thanks for replying!

So I could connect my laptop/phone to the inverter via wifi to control it, but would I be able to physically plug it in? I would prefer a wired setup where I could hook up my laptop or tablet into the inverter for ease.

[Greenbeast]

Not to control it per se, but to configure and tune settings. You shouldn't need it on a daily basis once all sorted.
There's not much to 'control', think about a normal car, what do you control in that, that is part of the drive train?

[johu]

If "control" refers to selecting forward/reverse, controlling motor torque etc. then that is all done with actual wires. Either analog or CAN, whichever you prefer.

One way to educate yourself about system capabilities is the generic control board page: https://openinverter.org/wiki/Main_Board_Version_3

Much of it applies to the Tesla variants also.
That said, anybody feel like fleshing out the SDU/LDU pages?

[Jack Bauer]

I only have about 20 videos on this subject .............

[Greenbeast]

I only have about 20 videos on this subject .............

I'm sure it's the 21st video that'll do the trick

[JonMegaTron]

I only have about 20 videos on this subject .............

Could you please give me links?

[JonMegaTron]

Not to control it per se, but to configure and tune settings. You shouldn't need it on a daily basis once all sorted.
There's not much to 'control', think about a normal car, what do you control in that, that is part of the drive train?

Ok, thanks! So am I able to physically plug in my laptop/phone with cables or am I forced to use wi-fi?

[jon volk]

Why would you want to use cables when they're not necessary?

[Jack Bauer]

[JonMegaTron]

Why would you want to use cables when they're not necessary?

Just for a stable, secure connection and if I don't have wi-fi available too

[P.S.Mangelsdorf]

That said, anybody feel like fleshing out the SDU/LDU pages?

At one point I had fleshed out the Tesla page with common questions and links to diagrams and then I believe someone took on the task of reorganizing the wiki and they became un-fleshed out. I haven't had time to go back and redo the Tesla pages.

[Greenbeast]

Why would you want to use cables when they're not necessary?

Just for a stable, secure connection and if I don't have wi-fi available too

The board provides a WiFi network. And to clarify what I'm not sure you're understanding yet, you don't need any connection on a day to day basis.

[JonMegaTron]

Why would you want to use cables when they're not necessary?

Just for a stable, secure connection and if I don't have wi-fi available too

The board provides a WiFi network. And to clarify what I'm not sure you're understanding yet, you don't need any connection on a day to day basis.

Is there a pre-loaded interface or system which is sent to the laptop/phone once you connect over wi-fi that you can use to configure the inverter or would you have to download an app? Sorry if this is an obvious question.

Thanks for everyone's replies, they're really helping out!

[JonMegaTron]

If "control" refers to selecting forward/reverse, controlling motor torque etc. then that is all done with actual wires. Either analog or CAN, whichever you prefer.

One way to educate yourself about system capabilities is the generic control board page: https://openinverter.org/wiki/Main_Board_Version_3

Much of it applies to the Tesla variants also.
That said, anybody feel like fleshing out the SDU/LDU pages?

Sorry if this is an obvious question, but what is the purpose of the Main Board 3? I thought the hacked opensource Tesla LDU logic board controls the inverter, or do I buy the Main Board 3 instead, or do I buy both???
The wiki page on the main board 3 doesn't specify on what inverters it can be used on, so I'm a little confused.

Thanks in advance!

[JonMegaTron]

Nvm

[johu]

Hmm, not sure you'll find anyone who will spoon feed you every detail. I won't. You'll have to take the time to educate yourself with the existing videos, the forum and the wiki.

You only need the LDU logic board. But make sure to educate yourself or otherwise it will just end in frustration.

As said earlier, this isn't a beginners product and openinverter is not an iPhone

[johu]

At one point I had fleshed out the Tesla page with common questions and links to diagrams and then I believe someone took on the task of reorganizing the wiki and they became un-fleshed out. I haven't had time to go back and redo the Tesla pages.

Took me ages to find this post again, sorry. So the wiki content is never deleted, just replaced by a newer version. The old version always remains. If you know where your previous content resided it would be easy to restore.

[P.S.Mangelsdorf]

At one point I had fleshed out the Tesla page with common questions and links to diagrams and then I believe someone took on the task of reorganizing the wiki and they became un-fleshed out. I haven't had time to go back and redo the Tesla pages.

Took me ages to find this post again, sorry. So the wiki content is never deleted, just replaced by a newer version. The old version always remains. If you know where your previous content resided it would be easy to restore.

Good to know. I don't have time today to investigate, but maybe later this weekend.