Gigas wrote: ↑Thu Dec 02, 2021 1:58 pm
Im at NC/VA area but I don't see anyone near this area
Sent you a PM.
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2021 3:52 pm
by xp677
Gigas wrote: ↑Tue Nov 30, 2021 8:35 pm
Looks like I have a dead inverter - I thought I saw somewhere on here that a guy bought a couple, repaired a part in the middle that would go bad, and then have a good unit again. I can't seem to find that post or what part that is. I'm getting no communication from the VCU and the inverter
This could be as simple as one of the pairs of data wires hooked up backwards.
To get info out of the inverter, you only need MTH, CLK, and REQ hooked up, along with power and ground. Maybe try cutting back to just those and seeing what you get. If you have an oscilloscope (expensive) or logic analyzer (very cheap!) then you can probe the data lines to make sure the VCU is outputting as expected.
Gigas wrote: ↑Tue Nov 30, 2021 8:35 pm
Looks like I have a dead inverter - I thought I saw somewhere on here that a guy bought a couple, repaired a part in the middle that would go bad, and then have a good unit again. I can't seem to find that post or what part that is. I'm getting no communication from the VCU and the inverter
This could be as simple as one of the pairs of data wires hooked up backwards.
To get info out of the inverter, you only need MTH, CLK, and REQ hooked up, along with power and ground. Maybe try cutting back to just those and seeing what you get. If you have an oscilloscope (expensive) or logic analyzer (very cheap!) then you can probe the data lines to make sure the VCU is outputting as expected.
The issue could still be within the VCU setup.
I'm re-loading the code but I am able to set thing up within the VCU and get throttle and check out via Arduino, but maybe it is the VCU. I have a OEM wire harness and starting from scratch and I'm just going to get those, to verify communication and throttle. Then if still nothing I'm gonna to let someone else test it in there setup and verify it that way.
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2021 9:53 pm
by xp677
You don't need to connect or worry about anything else (throttle, PRNDL, etc) to get basic communication. Just those 3 pairs of wires.
Change the mth_mask array to all 1's to be able to read back the entire MTH stream.
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2021 11:08 pm
by PatrcioEV-ATX
Can someone verify my thought process and statements below, please?
1. PB1-3 inputs aren't doing anything in the code. They appear to be just informational (maybe Toyota uses the info to control SL,SP for gear shifting).
2. They use two 1k resistors to bring 5v down to ~3.3v.
3. BrakeIn, IN1, IN2 inputs use 4k and 1k5 resistors to bring 12v down to ~3.3v.
4. Could we replace R12-14 on the PCB with 2k7 resistors and then use those three circuits as additional 12v inputs?
Bonus question:
My series/parallel knowledge of resistors is sketchy at best. Could we solder some other resistor value on top of the 1k resistors in R12-14 to achieve the same result (use them as 12v inputs) rather than replace them?
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:55 pm
by ggeter
PatrcioEV-ATX wrote: ↑Tue Dec 21, 2021 11:08 pm
Can someone verify my thought process and statements below, please?
1. PB1-3 inputs aren't doing anything in the code. They appear to be just informational (maybe Toyota uses the info to control SL,SP for gear shifting).
2. They use two 1k resistors to bring 5v down to ~3.3v.
3. BrakeIn, IN1, IN2 inputs use 4k and 1k5 resistors to bring 12v down to ~3.3v.
4. Could we replace R12-14 on the PCB with 2k7 resistors and then use those three circuits as additional 12v inputs?
Bonus question:
My series/parallel knowledge of resistors is sketchy at best. Could we solder some other resistor value on top of the 1k resistors in R12-14 to achieve the same result (use them as 12v inputs) rather than replace them?
Aren't they already 12v inputs, and voltage is adjusted to be compatible with VCU logic level? Or, are you saying that BrakeIn, IN1, and IN2 are 3.3v inputs?
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2021 4:00 pm
by PatrcioEV-ATX
Yes, Bin, IN2, IN1 are 12v inputs.. I'm wondering about changing PB1-3 inputs so that we can use 12v instead of 5v (in). If I'm reading the schematic correctly, R12-14 are 1k resistors on the input line for PB1-3 (well, pins 9-11 on A connector).
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2021 11:15 pm
by xp677
PatrcioEV-ATX wrote: ↑Tue Dec 21, 2021 11:08 pm
1. PB1-3 inputs aren't doing anything in the code. They appear to be just informational (maybe Toyota uses the info to control SL,SP for gear shifting).
I never programmed these, this is a fun project for someone else, who can them tell me what programming to use so I don't have to do it.
PatrcioEV-ATX wrote: ↑Tue Dec 21, 2021 11:08 pm
2. They use two 1k resistors to bring 5v down to ~3.3v.
Doesn't sound right, I'd use a 10k and 20k or similar in a voltage divider to do the drop.
PatrcioEV-ATX wrote: ↑Tue Dec 21, 2021 11:08 pm
3. BrakeIn, IN1, IN2 inputs use 4k and 1k5 resistors to bring 12v down to ~3.3v.
4. Could we replace R12-14 on the PCB with 2k7 resistors and then use those three circuits as additional 12v inputs?
Bonus question:
My series/parallel knowledge of resistors is sketchy at best. Could we solder some other resistor value on top of the 1k resistors in R12-14 to achieve the same result (use them as 12v inputs) rather than replace them?
Without knowing the circuit, I can't answer this. Parallel resistors follow a simple equation, as do potential dividers. To drop 12V to 3V3,I'd use something like a 10K and 3K3 in a potential divider.
PatrcioEV-ATX wrote: ↑Wed Dec 22, 2021 4:00 pm
Yes, Bin, IN2, IN1 are 12v inputs.. I'm wondering about changing PB1-3 inputs so that we can use 12v instead of 5v (in). If I'm reading the schematic correctly, R12-14 are 1k resistors on the input line for PB1-3 (well, pins 9-11 on A connector).
Got it. How about grabbing a level shifter to bring 12v to 5v or 3.3 like this unit:
I like the idea of having more inputs. I may take this path later.
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2021 1:31 am
by xp677
You could likely get the same effect from changing resistor values on the board. Depends on it's design.
My project which ended up being forked to the VCU has ended up with around 70 inputs/outputs, about 20 analogue in and 50 digital in/out, so I can understand the fustration!
Robert et al thank you so much for doing this, I know I am only 2 years late but is this the final version of this diagram. I realize the VCU has gone through a number or reiterations
I have Ver 2 and a question or two regarding pin #15 on the A Gray connector (forgive me if it has been addressed already or if I'm just being a fool) labeled as OIL PUMP Power would it make more sense if it was labeled something like "Pre-Charge"? as I don't see it going to the oil pump relay at all, Pin #6 from the B Connector does though? So I am confused
also I took the liberty of sanitizing your diagram to isolate just the "ignition" and pre-charge circuits, mea culpa
Kevin Sharpe wrote: ↑Wed Jun 03, 2020 7:57 pm
Can you add this wiring diagram to the GS450H wiki? I don't think Damien has seen it listening to comments in his latest video.
Robert et al thank you so much for doing this, I know I am only 2 years late but is this the final version of this diagram. I realize the VCU has gone through a number or reiterations
I have Ver 2 and a question or two regarding pin #15 on the A Gray connector (forgive me if it has been addressed already or if I'm just being a fool) labeled as OIL PUMP Power would it make more sense if it was labeled something like "Pre-Charge"? as I don't see it going to the oil pump relay at all, Pin #6 from the B Connector does though? So I am confused
also I took the liberty of sanitizing your diagram to isolate just the "ignition" and pre-charge circuits, mea culpa
Ignition Wiring Oil Pump Power.jpg
Controller_V2_Pinout.pdf
Oil Pump Power is what it was in the earlier versions of the software, so people have just left it named the same. In reality, it's a general purpose 12v output, so you can call it and use it for whatever you want.
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2022 12:14 am
by TonyV
xp677 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 02, 2021 9:53 pm
You don't need to connect or worry about anything else (throttle, PRNDL, etc) to get basic communication. Just those 3 pairs of wires.
Change the mth_mask array to all 1's to be able to read back the entire MTH stream.
funny thing I'm having the same issues as Gigas.
It was working during bench tests and in the car. but now all i see is 0's on the Serial window.
I do have have a cheap olliscope to check things.
question is can I check the inverter com wires output without the vcu being powered up?
I'm trying too figure out if its the VCU or the Inverter that has the issue.
Can what voltage are the signals?
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2022 8:25 pm
by TonyV
Well after about 4 weekends checking this and that it came down to one REQ+ pin wasn't making contact in the "A" connecter on the VCU and I had the Resolvers connections all screwed up.
Moral of the story...
When checking connections go from connector inside the inverter to final connector.
Don't check from mid point of run. Especially if you have to make your own harness.
This way it checks any connection in-between and it also makes sure A goes to A and B goes to B and so on.
Now back to building a electric car!
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2022 7:14 pm
by Gregski
so I recently noticed Damien has 9 old design VCUs for sale when at the time when I bought mine last year there was only 1 left, I thought that product was being discontinued in lieu of the ZombieVerter, did I miss something?
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2022 4:04 pm
by Bryson
Anyone here ever figure out how to do a smooth 1-2 or 2-1 shift? I’ve got a clunky way of shifting but would love to implement a more useable low gear mode with an auto Up and down shift.
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2022 6:20 pm
by catphish
Bryson wrote: ↑Sun Apr 17, 2022 4:04 pm
Anyone here ever figure out how to do a smooth 1-2 or 2-1 shift? I’ve got a clunky way of shifting but would love to implement a more useable low gear mode with an auto Up and down shift.
I'm just waiting for a friend to finish his GS450H build, and then I will be working on this with his car as a guinea pig
Bryson wrote: ↑Sun Apr 17, 2022 4:04 pm
Anyone here ever figure out how to do a smooth 1-2 or 2-1 shift? I’ve got a clunky way of shifting but would love to implement a more useable low gear mode with an auto Up and down shift.
I'm just waiting for a friend to finish his GS450H build, and then I will be working on this with his car as a guinea pig
sweet we have a spare room!
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2022 9:27 pm
by catphish
Gregski wrote: ↑Sun Apr 17, 2022 6:48 pm
sweet we have a spare room!
Maybe I should come to California and hack away on your car instead
What are you building?
Gregski wrote: ↑Sun Apr 17, 2022 6:48 pm
sweet we have a spare room!
Maybe I should come to California and hack away on your car instead
What are you building?
oh nothin' just...
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:31 am
by Bryson
Good luck! Looks like you've got a bunch of space to work with
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Tue May 10, 2022 9:29 am
by Jack Bauer
Gregski wrote: ↑Sun Apr 10, 2022 7:14 pm
so I recently noticed Damien has 9 old design VCUs for sale when at the time when I bought mine last year there was only 1 left, I thought that product was being discontinued in lieu of the ZombieVerter, did I miss something?
Well my stock of sam3x8e chips is nearly gone and thanks to this chip shortage nonsense wont be getting restocked for some time so I would say this is my last batch for now.
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Tue May 31, 2022 7:05 pm
by AdrianB
How to choose? GS450h VCU vs Zombieverter VCU. I like the idea of contractor control which comes with the Zombieverter but my conversion is very old school (1980s) - basic electrics with no black boxes or electronics.
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Tue May 31, 2022 8:19 pm
by celeron55
I would choose based on which processor you like programming. But if you won't be programming at all, then Zombie as it's more configurable without programming.
Re: Lexus GS450H VCU Support Thread
Posted: Tue May 31, 2022 8:55 pm
by AdrianB
I’ve been through both sets of Damien’s setup videos and I don’t think I’d have a problem with the programming of either. Adding components to the circuit boards isn’t anything I’ve done before though. Is there more of that to do on the Zombieverter VCU?
celeron55 wrote: ↑Tue May 31, 2022 8:19 pm
I would choose based on which processor you like programming. But if you won't be programming at all, then Zombie as it's more configurable without programming.
