Loading... Please wait...
Blog
Recent Posts
Build a CAN Data Logger with Raspberry Pi and the PiCAN3 CAN Bus Interface
The Raspberry Pi has become one of the most popular platforms for embedded development, industrial automation, vehicle diagnostics, and data acquisition. Combine it with a CAN Bus interface, and you have a powerful yet affordable platform capable of monitoring and recording data from virtually any CAN-based system. Whether you are working with industrial equipment, agricultural machinery, [...]
Beyond OBD-II Diagnostics: Passive Vehicle Data Monitoring for Maintenance, Safety, and Predictive Analytics
When discussions about vehicle electronics appear online, they often focus on modifying vehicle behavior, unlocking hidden features, or sending commands onto the vehicle network. Unfortunately, these topics can create the impression that a vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN) is primarily a playground for experimentation. See also our post The Hidden Risks of Tampering with a Vehicle’s [...]
Physical Diagnostics of CAN Networks – Looking Beyond the Protocol
Most CAN Bus troubleshooting starts with software tools. Engineers connect a CAN analyzer, look at message traffic, verify identifiers, and search for protocol errors. While that approach is certainly useful, it often overlooks the most common source of CAN network problems: the physical layer. The CAN protocol itself is remarkably robust. However, damaged cables, poor connectors, [...]
The Hidden Risks of Tampering with a Vehicle’s CAN Bus Network
Modern vehicles are no longer purely mechanical machines. They are distributed computer networks on wheels. A contemporary vehicle may contain dozens of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) communicating over multiple Controller Area Network (CAN) buses, exchanging thousands of messages every second. This creates enormous possibilities for diagnostics, monitoring, and customization. It also creates enormous risks when somebody [...]
Bluetooth 5.0 OBD2 Scanner for iPhone & Android with J1939 Support and Real-Time Engine Diagnostics
Smartphones have changed the way we diagnose vehicles, and compact Bluetooth OBD2 scanners are now replacing bulky handheld scan tools for many drivers. The Bluetooth Wireless OBD2 Scanner available on Amazon is part of that growing trend. It plugs directly into your vehicle’s OBD-II port and turns your phone or tablet into a real-time diagnostic [...]
25 Real-World Projects Using the PiCAN-M Raspberry Pi CAN Bus HAT
The Raspberry Pi has become one of the most versatile platforms for embedded development, and when combined with the PiCAN-M CAN Bus HAT, it becomes a powerful interface for marine electronics, CAN-based systems, and data acquisition applications. The PiCAN-M board connects a Raspberry Pi directly to NMEA 2000 (CAN bus) and NMEA 0183 networks, enabling developers [...]
OBDII Breakout Box Review: The Ultimate Tool for ECU Programming, Protocol Detection, and Automotive Diagnostics
As modern vehicles become increasingly dependent on electronic control units (ECUs), diagnosing and programming automotive systems requires specialized tools. The GODIAG GT100+ OBDII Breakout Box Protocol Detector is designed to simplify this process by providing a flexible testing and diagnostic platform for automotive technicians, locksmiths, ECU programmers, and advanced enthusiasts. Instead of connecting diagnostic tools blindly [...]
Teensy 4.0 NMEA 2000 Development Board with IPS LCD – The Ultimate Marine Electronics Prototyping Platform
In the world of marine electronics and embedded systems, developers are constantly searching for hardware that combines power, flexibility, and ease of integration. The Teensy 4.0 With NMEA 2000 Connector And 240 x 240 IPS LCD delivers exactly that—a compact yet remarkably powerful platform designed for marine instrumentation, CAN-based networking, and real-time data visualization. Whether you [...]
Open-Source Tool Simplifies CANopen Development and Testing
Developing CANopen devices can be challenging. Engineers must configure object dictionaries, simulate nodes, test communication behavior, and verify compliance with the protocol. Traditionally, this process often requires a combination of expensive commercial tools and custom scripts. A recent article by Michael Fitzmayer (Bucher Automation) in the March 2026 issue of the CAN Newsletter describes an open-source [...]
SAE J1939, CAN Bus, and Embedded Networking — All in One Place
If you work with heavy-duty vehicles, mobile machinery, marine systems, or industrial equipment, chances are you have encountered SAE J1939. Whether you are developing embedded firmware, integrating third-party ECUs, or troubleshooting complex vehicle networks, reliable information and robust tools are essential. That is exactly why we created jcom1939.com. A Dedicated Platform for J1939 Engineering JCOM1939.com was designed as [...]