eChook GPT Documentation
  • Welcome to the eChook nano documentation
  • System Overview
  • The eChook Nano Kit
    • Versions
  • Build Instructions (Kit V1.x)
    • Build Steps Photos
    • First Power On
  • Build Instructions (Kit V2+)
  • Programming the Arduino
    • Install Arduino IDE
    • Arduino Drivers
    • Download the eChook Arduino Code
    • Programming the Arduino
  • Setting up the Bluetooth
    • Pairing with a phone
  • Connecting the eChook to the Car
    • Power and Voltage
    • Current Sensor
    • Throttle Input
    • External Buttons and Brake
    • Temperature Sensors
    • Wheel and Motor RPM
    • PWM Output
  • Calibrating the eChook
    • Wheel Speed and Motor RPM
    • Temperature
    • Voltage
    • Current
  • Using the App
    • Pair eChook to Phone
    • Setting up the App
    • Logging Data
    • Lap Counting
  • Telemetry (Live Data)
    • eChook Live Data
    • Node-Red Integration
    • DIY Web Dashboard
  • Using the Data
  • Circuit Schematics
    • 12 and 24v Inputs
    • Temperature Inputs
    • Bluetooth Module
    • Throttle Input
    • Current Input
    • Button Inputs
    • RPM Inputs
    • PWM Output
    • Power Regulator
    • Expansion Port
  • All about the Arduino nano
    • The eChook nano Code
  • Bluetooth Communication
    • Bluetooth Packet Encoding
    • Bluetooth Packet Decoding
  • Experimental Section
    • GUI Calibration
  • eChook Accessories
  • DIY eChook
  • Spare Parts
  • Troubleshooting
    • Power
    • Arduino
    • Bluetooth
    • Current Sensor
    • Incorrect Data
  • Contributing
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  • eChook nano Board
  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Android App
  • Website

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System Overview

PreviousWelcome to the eChook nano documentationNextThe eChook Nano Kit

Last updated 3 months ago

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There are three subsystems to the eChook Data Logging and Telemetry:

  • The Arduino based hardware with sensors on the car to collect the data.

  • An Android app to receive the data, log it to file, display it to the driver and upload it.

  • A website to display the data in real time to the rest of the team.

The decision to split the system up like this was primarily cost based. Once you start adding an SD card slot and SD card, GPS receiver, screen etc. to the hardware on the car, costs rise rapidly - but we all carry devices with memory, a screen, GPS and so much more in our pocket every day. By offloading as much of the functionality to the smartphone as possible we have been able to create far simpler and lower cost hardware.

The PCB design, Arduino code and Android app are open sourced under the MIT licence. This means that anyone is welcome to copy, modify and use the designs as they like. If a team has an existing data logging system on the car, it is possible to add a bluetooth module to that, connect to the eChook Android app and use the driver display, data logging and online telemetry free of charge.

eChook nano Board

Hardware

The eChook nano board is a custom PCB with interfaces for sensors, an Arduino nano to read the sensors and a Bluetooth module to send collected data to the Android app. The board takes power from the +24V car batteries.

The V1.3 board has been designed using circuits and components covered in the GCSE and A level Electronics Curriculum in the hope that teams can understand the board as much as possible. The PCB also uses through-hole components and generous solder pads to aid teams in soldering up the board in the classroom.

The V2+ boards are sold fully assembled.

Software

The brain of the eChook nano board is the Arduino. The Arduino platform was chosen due to its massive online following, meaning a large community and loads of support available. While C/C++ coding is often not covered in the UK curriculum, the online support makes the Arduino easy to get started with.

Android App

The app connects to the Bluetooth module on the eChook nano board and logs the incoming data. It also augments this data with sensors on the phone - primarily GPS location. The app can also use the GPS to count laps, which is added to the logged data. At the end of the session, there is the option to send a .csv data file through the standard Android sharing system, making it easy to add it to Google Drive or Dropbox, email it to someone, or send it using whichever app you choose.

Finally, if the phone has a data connection, the app can upload data in real time to the internet for telemetry.

Website

The data.echook.uk website displays data uploaded from the phone in near real-time. Sign up (one login per car), enter the account details in the settings section of the eChook Android app to link them.

The PCB and circuit designs are available at . You will need to open and edit these files. It is free for everyone to use.

The code for the Arduino Nano on the eChook board is available from . It has been written in a step-by-step fashion and commented every step of the way to explain what each bit of code is doing.

The eChook now uses the , provided by Banchory Greenpower Team.

github.com/eChook
KiCad
github.com/eChook
Omni Telemetry app