Automotive Power
Unlike a desktop computer, the system has to operate from an old vehicle electrical system with voltage fluctuations, electrical noise, and large transient loads.
Project / Embedded Systems
Jeep Computer
A custom Raspberry Pi-based onboard computer designed to integrate vehicle monitoring, sensors, audio processing, CarPlay, and a touchscreen interface into my 1975 Jeep Cherokee.
Raspberry PiPythonPySide6I²CGPIOCarPlay
01 / Overview
Turning the Jeep into a connected vehicle
The Jeep Computer is an extension of the electrical and mechanical work already performed on the Cherokee. Instead of adding isolated aftermarket gauges and controls, the goal is to create one central system capable of collecting information from the vehicle and presenting it through a modern interface.
The project combines embedded Linux, Python, electronics, automotive electrical engineering, networking, audio DSP, and custom mechanical installation.
02 / System Architecture
One computer, multiple vehicle systems
01
Vehicle Inputs
Analog senders, I²C sensors, ignition state, and electrical measurements.
02
Processing
Python services collect, process, and interpret incoming vehicle data.
03
Interface
A PySide6 dashboard presents vehicle information through the touchscreen.
04
Outputs
GPIO controls, audio processing, CarPlay, and other vehicle systems respond to the computer.
03 / Hardware
Built for an automotive environment
Raspberry Pi 5
The central computing platform running the dashboard, sensor software, web interface, and audio-processing control system.
14-inch Touchscreen
A dedicated in-vehicle touchscreen provides the primary interface for vehicle information, diagnostics, navigation, and system controls.
Vehicle Sensors
The system is designed around multiple I²C sensors and analog inputs for monitoring cabin and outside temperature, pressure, light, orientation, electrical conditions, and factory vehicle gauges.
Power System
A dedicated regulated power system supplies the computer and peripherals from the Jeep's electrical system while allowing the vehicle's electrical conditions to be monitored.
04 / Software
A modular software stack
The software is being developed as separate components so the dashboard can remain responsive while sensor collection, audio processing, networking, and vehicle control operate in the background.
- ›PySide6 touchscreen dashboard
- ›Python sensor-management software
- ›CamillaDSP integration
- ›CarPlay integration
- ›Local web interface
- ›GPIO-controlled amplifier system
- ›Vehicle electrical monitoring
- ›Off-road pitch and roll monitoring
05 / Engineering Challenges
Designing around real-world constraints
Multiple Systems
The computer combines vehicle instrumentation, sensors, audio processing, networking, CarPlay, and a touchscreen into one system without allowing one subsystem to interfere with another.
Physical Integration
The electronics have to fit inside a vehicle that was never designed to contain a modern computer, touchscreen, networking equipment, and custom audio electronics.
Reliable Startup and Shutdown
The system is designed around vehicle ignition state rather than a conventional computer power button, requiring controlled startup behavior and protection against improper shutdowns.
06 / Development
An evolving platform
The Jeep Computer is an ongoing project rather than a fixed product. The hardware and software architecture are being developed together as new capabilities are added to the Jeep.
Vehicle Data
More sensors and digital versions of the original vehicle gauges.
Audio
Deeper integration with the Jeep's custom multi-channel DSP system.
Interface
A more complete touchscreen interface for vehicle status and control.
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