Open Source Car-Hacking Tool Successfully Crowdfunded (kickstarter.com)

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Open Source Car-Hacking Tool Successfully Crowdfunded (kickstarter.com)

Posted by EditorDavid on Sunday February 26, 2017 @07:37AM from the dashboard-donors dept.

An anonymous reader writes: Two geeks are crowdfunding an open source car hacking tool that will allow builders to experiment with diagnostics, telematics, security, and prototyping. "Cars have become complicated and expensive to work with," they explain on a Kickstarter page. "Macchina wants to use open source hardware to help break down these barriers and get people tinkering with their cars again." After years developing a beta prototype, they announced a tiny plug-and-play device/development platform (that can also be hardwired under the hood) on an Arduino Due board with a 32-bit ARM microcontroller. They almost immediately reached their $25,000 funding goal, and with 24 days left to go they've already raised $41,672, and they're now also selling t-shirts to benefit the EFF's "Right to Repair" activism.

Challenging "the closed, unpublished nature of modern-day car computers," their M2 device ships with protocols and libraries "to work with any car that isn't older than Google." With catchy slogans like "root your ride" and "the future is open," they're hoping to build a car-hacking developer community, and they're already touting the involvement of Craig Smith, the author of the Car Hacker's Handbook from No Starch Press.
"The one thing that all car hobbyists can agree on is that playing with cars isn't cheap," argues the campaign page. "Open source hardware is the answer!"

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Dont THINK for your self - ITS a CRIME by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 07:47 · Score: -1

He's in control of all the nuclear missiles. If he says "launch" the air force won't stop him. They have to follow all his orders. They will do whatever they are told. That's what the military does. They follow orders, without question.
If you're in the air force, you have to follow orders. If you question orders, you can be court marshaled. You have to do whatever you're told. You can't think for your self. You have to do whatever DONALD J. TRUMP tells you. Or ELSE!!
1. Re:Dont THINK for your self - ITS a CRIME by amiga3D · 2017-02-26 07:58 · Score: 1
  
  I can tell you've never been in the military. Google Douglas MacArthur for an example of people in the military and how they feel about obeying presidential authority. He's just one in a long line of Generals and Admirals that had problems with Presidents. Ultimately the US military answers to the president as Commander in Chief but it's hardly a lickspittle relationship.
2. Re: Dont THINK for your self - ITS a CRIME by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 08:06 · Score: 0
  
  Obama tried to launch nukes at white people everyday, but the Secretary of Defense kept saying no. Checks and balances.
3. Re:Dont THINK for your self - ITS a CRIME by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 08:13 · Score: 0
  
  they INPUT THE CODE and TURN THE KEYS.
  they aren't allowed to question anything. TRUMP says launch the missiles and they follow the orders. that's it.
  NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
4. Re:Dont THINK for your self - ITS a CRIME by JustAnotherOldGuy · 2017-02-26 08:14 · Score: 1
  
  He's in control of all the nuclear missiles. If he says "launch" the air force won't stop him.
  Unfortunately, this is probably correct. Those guys are trained to turn the keys when the light goes on, and that's about it.
  Sadly, the nuclear launch protocol was designed for speed, not debate. This means you could go into the bathroom, spend five minutes pooping and when you come out we could be well into the second round of nuclear launches.
  Could Trump initiate a nuclear exchange? I wish I could say "no", but I'd just be kidding myself.
  “You know what uranium is, right? It’s this thing called nuclear weapons. And other things. Like lots of things are done with uranium. Including some bad things. But nobody talks about that.”
  This is the guy with his finger on the button. What could possibly go wrong?
  
  --
  Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
5. Re:Dont THINK for your self - ITS a CRIME by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 08:20 · Score: 0
  
  this should scare teh living shit out of all persons on earth donald trump can launch nukes and nobody can question him ever
6. Re:Dont THINK for your self - ITS a CRIME by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 08:25 · Score: 0
  
  Sadly, the nuclear launch protocol was designed for speed, not debate.
  i disagree every time a launch order comes in there should be a debate
7. Re:Dont THINK for your self - ITS a CRIME by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 09:01 · Score: 1
  
  We are thinking for ourselves, which is making liberal idiots like you have fits.
8. Re: Dont THINK for your self - ITS a CRIME by Zero__Kelvin · 2017-02-26 09:11 · Score: 0
  
  If that we the case they would just give the Crazed Orange Orangutan a button to press. It is definitely NOT the case that Drumpf can order a Nuclear Holocaust on a whim ... but good job fear mongering!!! DJT surely has a place for you on his team!
  
  --
  Guns don't kill people; Physics kills people! - John Lithgow as Dick Solomon on Third Rock From The Sun
9. Re: Dont THINK for your self - ITS a CRIME by Zero__Kelvin · 2017-02-26 09:19 · Score: 0
  
  Well what O didn't realize is that you have to be a US born citizen or the damn button doesn't work! (Thank you Donald Drumpf for proving O isn't a citizen!)
  
  --
  Guns don't kill people; Physics kills people! - John Lithgow as Dick Solomon on Third Rock From The Sun
10. Re:Dont THINK for your self - ITS a CRIME by amiga3D · 2017-02-26 09:19 · Score: 1
  
  A really quick debate. Maybe 2 minutes. In reality, if Trump started giggling and ordered a nuke launch there's an almost certainty that someone will pump a bullet in his head. If the Russians are over the border into Poland and bombers are in the air then they'll probably go along with it. The guys in the silos have no idea what's going on. They get a launch order and it validates then they turn the keys. At the Joint Chiefs level things are a lot less automatic. The Chiefs have some latitude with an order that is obviously nuts. There has to be a credible threat. If you believe that the president can just arbitrarily launch nukes on a whim and out of the blue you have no idea of the character of the people that serve in the US Armed Forces.
11. Re: Dont THINK for your self - ITS a CRIME by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 13:19 · Score: 0
  
  In addition, I believe that Donald will go down in history as the greatest president we've had since Anthony Jackson and I believe we'll see him on currency within the decade.
  AC because the libtards might mod.
  - Zero__Kelvin -
12. Re:Dont THINK for your self - ITS a CRIME by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 21:44 · Score: 0
  
  There has to be a credible threat.
  Nope. There is the option of starting a (nuclear) war, rather than merely defending the country. So a credible reason, but not necessarily a threat.
13. Re: Dont THINK for your self - ITS a CRIME by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-27 05:38 · Score: 0
  
  Is that what you call a black man's schlong? Never heard it called a nuke before. Carry on.
14. Re:Dont THINK for your self - ITS a CRIME by amiga3D · 2017-02-27 10:00 · Score: 1
  
  You must think they just give him a box with a button and when he feels like it he can just press it and the missiles leave.
Cue Automakers by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 07:47 · Score: 0

...buying a law to make it illegal in states in which it not already is...
1. Re:Cue Automakers by PPH · 2017-02-26 10:28 · Score: 1
  
  In states?
  This is going to be an EPA regulation, nationwide. Lest some shade-tree mechanic decides he'd like to tune his car for performance and fuck the emissions up.
  
  --
  Have gnu, will travel.
2. Re:Cue Automakers by 0100010001010011 · 2017-02-26 14:45 · Score: 1
  
  It already is an EPA regulation. Companies, by law, have to make a best effort to avoid people trying to change anything that can affect emissions regulations.
3. Re:Cue Automakers by drinkypoo · 2017-02-26 16:25 · Score: 1
  
  It already is an EPA regulation. Companies, by law, have to make a best effort to avoid people trying to change anything that can affect emissions regulations.
  The automakers have to do that. The rest of us can sell auto hacking tools with impunity as long as they have substantial non-infringing use, and our right to develop them is actually explicitly protected by law (even through reverse engineering.) So the automakers might well be prohibited from giving us the information we need to tune the vehicle, but it's legal for us to sniff the bus while they do it.
  
  --
  "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
4. Re: Cue Automakers by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-27 01:26 · Score: 0
  
  Not in California. We have a fucking stupid huge bureaucracy dedicated to making upgrades unaffordable, because the 3000 people who actively race cars are a huge threat to the environment. Fucking stupidities nirvana here where you can't buy a race cam without asking mother may I.
5. Re: Cue Automakers by drinkypoo · 2017-02-27 02:48 · Score: 1
  
  The automakers have to do that. The rest of us can sell auto hacking tools with impunity as long as they have substantial non-infringing use, and our right to develop them is actually explicitly protected by law (even through reverse engineering.) So the automakers might well be prohibited from giving us the information we need to tune the vehicle, but it's legal for us to sniff the bus while they do it.
  Not in California. We have a fucking stupid huge bureaucracy dedicated to making upgrades unaffordable, because the 3000 people who actively race cars are a huge threat to the environment. Fucking stupidities nirvana here where you can't buy a race cam without asking mother may I.
  While I do take offense at the CARB equipment restrictions, you can have basically any kind of car you want in California so long as you build it yourself. It smogs as the engine donor. You only have to do a certain percentage of the work yourself.
  
  --
  "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
Five bucks says they get sued by Rick+Schumann · 2017-02-26 07:51 · Score: 2

I've got a $5 bet that says automobile manufacturers file for an injuction against them and/or sue them and/or file for a DMCA takedown because they're violating copyright. Regardless of what they're doing being right and good.
1. Re:Five bucks says they get sued by ArylAkamov · 2017-02-26 07:55 · Score: 1
  
  It wouldn't surprise me, it will probably be over the included canbus libraries so you know what code means what, I bet they want licensing fees.
2. Re:Five bucks says they get sued by hsmith · 2017-02-26 08:08 · Score: 2
  
  More cut and dry than that. Touch the ECU and they'll void the entire warranty.
3. Re:Five bucks says they get sued by Gravis+Zero · 2017-02-26 08:44 · Score: 2
  
  I'll take that bet. OBDII tools have been around for decades. The only thing this does is have better software support. I expect you to fork over that sweet sweet cash too, bro. ;)
  
  --
  Anons need not reply. Questions end with a question mark.
4. Re:Five bucks says they get sued by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 09:10 · Score: 0
  
  That would be a violation of the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act. The FTC has been the manufacturers' bitch when it comes to enforcement, but it is still the law.
5. Re:Five bucks says they get sued by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 09:12 · Score: 0
  
  The manufacturers didn't give a shit about generic OBDII tools because all of the good stuff is hidden behind undocumented, proprietary codes. They sell that info to mechanics for beaucoup bucks. They absolutely will try every trick in the book to knock down anything that devalues that revenue stream.
6. Re:Five bucks says they get sued by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 09:21 · Score: 0
  
  opensource obd / can / etc FTW!!!
  dont forget, if you're chased by copyright and patent trolls like the fucking automakers,
  you can always develop this opensource software code and hardware specs and reverse engineering
  on encrypted anonymous overlay networks like I2P, Tor along with all your
  hacking buddies and publish it all safely to the world via those networks.
  git repos, docu wikis, websites, irc, email, etherpads, voip... it's all there on waiting for you on I2P and Tor :)
7. Re:Five bucks says they get sued by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 09:39 · Score: 0
  
  As far as funding goes, it should also be said that you can easily
  raise Bitcoin and Zcash completely anonymously over these networks.
  Which you can then spend wherever you wish or fund other things.
  Car mechanics are definitely into BTC... side job, no tax.
8. Re:Five bucks says they get sued by drinkypoo · 2017-02-26 16:22 · Score: 1
  
  I've got a $5 bet that says automobile manufacturers file for an injuction against them and/or sue them and/or file for a DMCA takedown because they're violating copyright.
  
  How long do we have to wait to collect our five dollars from you? They're not getting sued. There's already a ton of devices which do this.
  
  --
  "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
9. Re:Five bucks says they get sued by drinkypoo · 2017-02-26 16:30 · Score: 1
  
  Touch the ECU and they'll void the entire warranty.
  Sure, they could do that. And then you could take them to court to cover the cost of repairs. And you'd do it in small claims court, unless you were into the big big money because you bought a big expensive automobile, in which case you can afford to go to real court.
  
  --
  "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
10. Re:Five bucks says they get sued by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 17:19 · Score: 0
  
  Do you fucking morons even read the act? If it does ANYTHING that messes with the factory settings and can be linked to any issue, you fucking broke it, the warranty is null and void. Instead of parroting shit you don't fucking understand, pull your goddamn head out of your ass, and fucking read the act. Dumb fucking kids.
11. Re:Five bucks says they get sued by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-27 01:14 · Score: 0
  
  Hey fucking moron, did you even read the post?
  What part of "touch the ECU" includes the phrase "linked to any issue?"
  Also, you are wrong. Not linked to any issue, only the issue under dispute.
N1ggers by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 07:52 · Score: -1

I was in the air force.
The person "giving the orders" is almost always a n1gger, and the person "receiving" the orders is almost always a white kid. Google the words "Sargent Major" and tell me there isn't racial component in play.
1. Re:N1ggers by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 08:31 · Score: -1
  
  I have to spell N1gger with a "1" cuz Slashdot ****censors**** this.
  Would MARK TWAIN be CENSORED?
  I bet it would be in Berkley. They only like free speech if they agree with it. They riot and start fires.
Can't wait.. by fluffernutter · 2017-02-26 07:52 · Score: 2

I can't wait for a five autonomous car coordinated attack on some crowded public area.

--
Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
1. Re:Can't wait.. by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 09:04 · Score: 1
  
  That requires too much effort; it's easier to talk idiots into doing it manually by promising them 72 virgins.
Pretty neat by ArylAkamov · 2017-02-26 07:54 · Score: 3, Interesting

I've been working on some canbus boards in eagle to make something similar to this, but this seems to have everything I want. There have been similar products for a long time but nothing as DIY friendly as this as far as I've seen. This being completely open, complete with libraries, wireless, breakout board, etc. all ready to go is exactly what I've wanted for years.
Now we just need a better aftermarket-but-hackable ECU that isn't megasquirt. I've been looking into rusefi, which seems promising. I just wish one of them would support resistor spark plugs so you can detect knock via ion sensing (I'm unaware of any). Using the older Saab ECUs for this is nice (Trionic 5.2 and 5.5, tuned with T5suite) but I would much rather have something built from the ground up that doesn't rely on parts that are quickly going out of existence.
It's [THE CURRENT YEAR] and we still rely on stupid piezo microphones for knock detection for aftermarket ECUs.
1. Re:Pretty neat by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 08:14 · Score: -1
  
  It's [THE CURRENT YEAR] and we still rely on stupid piezo microphones for knock detection for aftermarket ECUs.
  It's the [CURRENT YEAR] and we are still fiddling with internal combustion engines...
  Let's crowdfund electric propulsion replacement kits for your [insert favorite car here] and move on...
2. Re:Pretty neat by 0100010001010011 · 2017-02-26 15:01 · Score: 2
  
  ViewTool Ginkgo USB to CAN isn't bad. They have drivers and libraries for OS X, Windows and Linux. It has 2 CAN lines and taking it apart they actually separated the CAN side from the USB side on the PCB. (Something not even Vector's CAN boxes do).
  It's cheaper than any of the commercial tools.
3. Re:Pretty neat by drinkypoo · 2017-02-27 02:58 · Score: 1
  
  It has 2 CAN lines and taking it apart they actually separated the CAN side from the USB side on the PCB.
  What, they included a $5 USB isolator IC, saving the user from buying a $20 USB isolator module? That's great, I wish Ross-Tech would do that on their VW interfaces.
  
  --
  "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
4. Re:Pretty neat by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-27 03:32 · Score: 0
  
  Now we just need a better aftermarket-but-hackable ECU that isn't megasquirt. I've been looking into rusefi, which seems promising. I just wish one of them would support resistor spark plugs so you can detect knock via ion sensing (I'm unaware of any). Using the older Saab ECUs for this is nice (Trionic 5.2 and 5.5, tuned with T5suite) but I would much rather have something built from the ground up that doesn't rely on parts that are quickly going out of existence.
  It's [THE CURRENT YEAR] and we still rely on stupid piezo microphones for knock detection for aftermarket ECUs.
  Try some of the early 2000' GM ECU's. Perfectly open and programmable, uses standard GM parts and sensors which exist everywhere in buckets.
  Saab parts? And then complaining about lack of parts...seriously? LOL.
5. Re: Pretty neat by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-27 09:31 · Score: 0
  
  No odb1? Booooooo! I don't care. It's more expensive than odb2 which i might buy if it was backwards compatible but not theodb1 at its higher cost.
car mechanics are apparently high security agents by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 09:38 · Score: 0

The manufacturers didn't give a shit about generic OBDII tools because all of the good stuff is hidden behind undocumented, proprietary codes. They sell that info to mechanics for beaucoup bucks. They absolutely will try every trick in the book to knock down anything that devalues that revenue stream.
so now car mechanics are the front line of automobile security, it's a good thing every car mechanic is carefully screened /s
OpenXC by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 09:49 · Score: 1

OpenXC is a Ford sponsored open source hardware and software project that allows you to read and inject messages using the CAN. I have been using it for about 3 years on my Focus and then my F-150. There are several libraries available, including python. There is also a test client for Android.
For an example of what can be done with the device, check out http://connectedcars.splunk4good.com/en-US/app/connectedcars/overview
Re:car mechanics are apparently high security agen by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 11:10 · Score: 0

Hello, McFly? This isn't about "automobile security" its about diagnosing and repairing modern cars. SMH
Nice! by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 12:12 · Score: 0

Wonder how many morons will buy em, put them in their cars, screw something up, and void their warranty :)
Re:car mechanics are apparently high security agen by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 12:25 · Score: 0

This isn't about "automobile security"
it sure fucking is all about protecting the security of automotive intellectual properry
Scam Alert: Copy of an OBD2 Recorder by guruevi · 2017-02-26 12:48 · Score: 2

Here is an already commercialized project if you'd like to avoid the Kickstarter scam which has the same form factor as this project
http://freematics.com/store/in...
Or you know, the hundreds of people that thought about this before and documented it.
https://www.google.com/search?...
-or-
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tut...
I should start a Kickstarter myself to develop some knock-offs.

--
Custom electronics and digital signage for your business: www.evcircuits.com
1. Re:Scam Alert: Copy of an OBD2 Recorder by drinkypoo · 2017-02-26 14:19 · Score: 4, Interesting
  
  And a cheaper one, you might add. These Macchina guys are anticipating $55 just for the interface board. But then they claim they made it as small as possible, which is bullshit because it's multiprotocol. They say they made it small so that you could fit it under the dash or hood, but then they went and put an OBD-II connector on it which just takes up a lot of space. If I'm permanently installing it, I can splice into the wires I need. I also don't need protocols I'm not going to use. Then they added an xbee module slot. xbee modules are primarily used for long-range communications. Up close, you use bluetooth or wifi. You can get an esp8266 module which goes into an xbee slot, but the module they specifically talk about is the new cellular xbee module. There's no reason to give the device a cellular uplink unless your plan is to use it remotely.
  Which brings us full circle: this device was designed first and foremost to be used as a weapon. It's designed to be installed into a target's vehicle, and to be used to attack the vehicle remotely. We know this because of their choice of wireless interface module standard, which is oriented towards long-range communications, and because the broad multiprotocol support is otherwise at odds with the desire to make the device as small as possible. So is the addition of a soldered OBD-II connector, which is not desirable in many installation types. It is useful, however, if your goal is to connect as rapidly as possible.
  
  --
  "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
Re:car mechanics are apparently high security agen by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-26 12:55 · Score: 0

you're kinda stupid, aintcha?
The car techs don't know anything about the low-level codes, they just plug in a black box that does the diagnostics for them.
Do WHAT to your ride? by Trogre · 2017-02-26 13:21 · Score: 1

I'm guessing these people have never talked to an Australian.

--
"Nine times out of ten, starting a fire is not the best way to solve the problem." - my wife
Fortunately, nothing to worry about by kaizendojo · 2017-02-27 01:32 · Score: 1

After all, it's a Kickstarter. Chances of it shipping on time or actually working outweigh any damage that could be done.
bigot by Anonymous Coward · 2017-02-27 01:47 · Score: 0

You're really proud of being a bigot, aren't you. Those dirty working class people can't possibly know anything about computers or busses, right?