{"id":277,"date":"2020-06-05T15:33:00","date_gmt":"2020-06-05T14:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bxproject.co.uk\/blog\/?p=277"},"modified":"2020-10-27T11:17:31","modified_gmt":"2020-10-27T11:17:31","slug":"connecting-to-a-module","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bxproject.co.uk\/blog\/connecting-to-a-module\/","title":{"rendered":"CANBus – Direct connection to a module"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/span> 3<\/span> min. read<\/span><\/span>\n

Rather than try to talk to a module on a car, it would be wise to experiment with a module ‘on the bench’ first. We’ve previously looked at how to find the right module. In this article, we will look at making a direct CANBus connection. First, we will identify connectors, then find a wiring schematic, and finally get wired up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To talk to any module we will need to power it with 12v and connect it to a CANBus adapter. We’ve previously covered the CANBus adapter so let’s have a quick look at power supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Powering Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For any electronic project, a basic bench power supply is always a good investment. It is possible to make one from an old PC power supply<\/a>. However, a basic Chinese 0 to 30v 5A supply can be picked up for around \u00a345 from eBay<\/a> or a little less for something second hand. Eventually, you’ll need something with a bit more grunt. I would happily recommend a 40A fixed voltage Mercury power supply<\/a> for automotive work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identifying Connectors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Front
Front Display (FCDIM) Screen Connections<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On first look at the back of the display, there are a LOT of connections! Fortunately, we don’t need connections to all of these to get talking to the screen. All of the connectors here are standard automotive types used on many cars by multiple manufacturers. By doing a little research through an electronics component supplier like DigiKey <\/a>or RS<\/a> it’s possible to identify the type of connector, its family and its usual purpose. I’ll share some of my own learning for this module;<\/p>\n\n\n\n