DIY: Custom Light Control for Tesla Factory Offroad Lightbar and/ or Aftermarket

[mongo]

Tesla lightbar communication is controlled by a pair of LIN messages sent at 10ms intervals.
Control:
ID: 0x0A
Length: 8 bytes
Data: six values 0-100, packed at 10 bits each

// Calculate LIN enhanced checksum (over PID + data)
typedef union {
uint8_t bytes[8]; // 8-byte array for direct access
struct {
uint16_t value0 : 10; // First 10-bit value
uint16_t value1 : 10; // Second 10-bit value
uint16_t value2 : 10; // Third 10-bit value
uint16_t value3 : 10; // Fourth 10-bit value
uint16_t value4 : 10; // Fifth 10-bit value
uint16_t value5 : 10; // Sixth 10-bit value
uint16_t padding : 4; // Fill remaining 4 bits to reach 64 bits
} __attribute__((packed)) values; // Packed to avoid padding
} __attribute__((packed)) lin_bar_command_t;

Status:
ID: 0x0B
Length: 5 bytes
Data: temperature, voltage, and other status
However, you can respond with zeros and the truck accepts it as proof of life.

Diagnostics:
ID: 0x3C 0x3D
Length: 8 bytes
Data: various propriety including software version
Truck will complain if these are ignored, but still allows the UI to function.

Here's an Amazon list of the parts needed to make your own 2 output controller:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/36PX96UY981FV?ref_=wl_share

One DCDC converter provides 5V to the ESP32 via the 5V pin (the listed module diode ORs it with the USB feed, others don't). The second is set for 15V to power the LIN transceiver.

If your micro is 3.3V (like the ESP32), you should remove the 5V pullup resistors (R4, R6) from the LIN transceiver board (but mine survived with them).

Parts handy for development and testing: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3N0GP3YZM3SFZ?ref_=wl_share

Using a second LIN transceiver, you can control the lightbar directly allowing custom patterns instead of just dimming levels.

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[SlegMD]

Sometimes I feel like I know things, then Mongo opens his mouth

 

[mongo]

Sometimes I feel like I know things, then Mongo opens his mouth

Sometimes people think I know things, then I open my mouth

Prototype:

 

[SlegMD]

I want to see Mongo’s cybertruck at some point, he probably pre-drills tunnels for Boring

 

[mongo]

I want to see Mongo’s cybertruck at some point, he probably pre-drills tunnels for Boring

Truck is actually stock, but here's a shot of lightbar test setup

 

[mitch9]

I bought a Dual Motor Cybertruck in August, have no lightbar (yet).

I’d be interested in wiring up Mongo’s circuit, and testing it (I have setup ESP32’s before). do you have a schematic to show all of the module connections? I’m assuming your using a laptop to the ESP32’s usb-c port to control it, or perhaps a web browser on a phone? Is it connected only to the 3 wires (Ground, +48V, and LIN bus) availble where the lightbar connects? finally, do you have a suggestion for a lightbar that’s available to control? most of what I see are simple on/off models, that don’t appear to have any access to their wiring to customize them… willing to disassemble/customize one as well.. thanks Mongo

Mitch

 

[mongo]

I bought a Dual Motor Cybertruck in August, have no lightbar (yet).

I’d be interested in wiring up Mongo’s circuit, and testing it (I have setup ESP32’s before). do you have a schematic to show all of the module connections? I’m assuming your using a laptop to the ESP32’s usb-c port to control it, or perhaps a web browser on a phone? Is it connected only to the 3 wires (Ground, +48V, and LIN bus) availble where the lightbar connects? finally, do you have a suggestion for a lightbar that’s available to control? most of what I see are simple on/off models, that don’t appear to have any access to their wiring to customize them… willing to disassemble/customize one as well.. thanks Mongo

Mitch

The accessory list has a 24V-48V light bar that is cheap and handy. I used 6 of them along with three modules for my demo. (And 12V lights in strings of four).

It connects to the three roof connections. I like the lever connectors in the accessory list.

I added a control web page to the ESP32, but you can run outputs based on the LIN messages. USB-C for programming and diag interface.

IO is configurable based on your code.
48V feeds two DCDC
DCDC 1 set to 5V to ESP32
DCDC 2 set to 15V to LIN transceiver
ESP32 connections:
Tx/Rx to LIN (should remove R4&R6 and enable GPIO pull ups)
GPIO to the load switches (as many as you want/ have pins for)

 

[Cybertruck Dude]

Tesla lightbar communication is controlled by a pair of LIN messages sent at 10ms intervals.
Control:
ID: 0x0A
Length: 8 bytes
Data: six values 0-100, packed at 10 bits each



Status:
ID: 0x0B
Length: 5 bytes
Data: temperature, voltage, and other status
However, you can respond with zeros and the truck accepts it as proof of life.

Diagnostics:
ID: 0x3C 0x3D
Length: 8 bytes
Data: various propriety including software version
Truck will complain if these are ignored, but still allows the UI to function.

Here's an Amazon list of the parts needed to make your own 2 output controller:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/36PX96UY981FV?ref_=wl_share

One DCDC converter provides 5V to the ESP32 via the 5V pin (the listed module diode ORs it with the USB feed, others don't). The second is set for 15V to power the LIN transceiver.

If your micro is 3.3V (like the ESP32), you should remove the 5V pullup resistors (R4, R6) from the LIN transceiver board (but mine survived with them).

Parts handy for development and testing: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3N0GP3YZM3SFZ?ref_=wl_share

Using a second LIN transceiver, you can control the lightbar directly allowing custom patterns instead of just dimming levels.

Would this be possible as an update from Tesla with the stock lightbar, or is that just not mechanically possible? Just curious?

 

[mongo]

Would this be possible as an update from Tesla with the stock lightbar, or is that just not mechanically possible? Just curious?

Would what be possible, individual control of the six segments? Yah, that what lightshow does.
Lightbar on right, aftermarket on left, pass-through control from the truck.

 

[jjban]

有可能实现对六个部分的单独控制吗？是的，灯光秀就是这么做的。
右侧是警示灯条，左侧是改装的，可通过卡车进行控制。

[/引用]

 

[jjban]

Could you write a step-by-step tutorial? Really like it.

 

[mitch9]

Is the aftermarket light bar on the left lightshow, one you custom built, with (6) of the $10 Amazon lights, or is that a commercialy available model you modified? If a standard aftermarket light bar, which one? Thanks

 

[mongo]

Could you write a step-by-step tutorial? Really like it.

The hardware is really just post #7 (unless you make your own PCB).

The software does the magic, here's a copy of it. Readme is a little stale, I pulled out BLE serial due to having a web server.
Password.example.h needs to be renamed to password.h and filled in with your credentials.
Minimal comments .

 

[jahansolu]

Tesla lightbar communication is controlled by a pair of LIN messages sent at 10ms intervals.
Control:
ID: 0x0A
Length: 8 bytes
Data: six values 0-100, packed at 10 bits each



Status:
ID: 0x0B
Length: 5 bytes
Data: temperature, voltage, and other status
However, you can respond with zeros and the truck accepts it as proof of life.

Diagnostics:
ID: 0x3C 0x3D
Length: 8 bytes
Data: various propriety including software version
Truck will complain if these are ignored, but still allows the UI to function.

Here's an Amazon list of the parts needed to make your own 2 output controller:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/36PX96UY981FV?ref_=wl_share

One DCDC converter provides 5V to the ESP32 via the 5V pin (the listed module diode ORs it with the USB feed, others don't). The second is set for 15V to power the LIN transceiver.

If your micro is 3.3V (like the ESP32), you should remove the 5V pullup resistors (R4, R6) from the LIN transceiver board (but mine survived with them).

Parts handy for development and testing: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3N0GP3YZM3SFZ?ref_=wl_share

Using a second LIN transceiver, you can control the lightbar directly allowing custom patterns instead of just dimming levels.

THIS! Ty for your service.

 

[mongo]

Is the aftermarket light bar on the left lightshow, one you custom built, with (6) of the $10 Amazon lights, or is that a commercialy available model you modified? If a standard aftermarket light bar, which one? Thanks

That is the amazing shelf bracket, zip ties, and 6 of the short lights from Amazon featured in post #5. Plus colored 12V lights wedged under.

@Mars Adventure Gear has 48V light bars that might work well, but I wasn't going for a permanent installation...

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