The eChook Nano v2 is an open source Arduino and Android based data logging and telemetry solution designed specifically for cars competing in Greenpower events.
All designs and code are available at https://github.com/echook
The eChook V2 main board comes pre-assembled (unlike the V1.x DIY kits), but there is still a little assembly (soldering) to do on the sensor boards, documented here. The move to a pre-assembled board has allowed a far greater component count, significantly improving the robustness of the electronics over the eChook v1.x kits.
Improvements include:
Each 5v output individually protected
All inputs to main board 30v tolerant
Improved 24v transient protection
Full connector pinout labelling
Bluetooth module mounted on the main PCB
Automatic Bluetooth configuration
Full 5V PWM output for motor control
Status and Fault indicator LEDs
I2C available on the expansion header
For a full rundown on the changes, see the article here.
The eChook logging and telemetry monitors all the sensors, sends the data over Bluetooth to the eChook app on an Android* phone where it is displayed, optionally augmented with GPS and lap information and logged to a .csv file. Optionally it can be uploaded over the phone’s data connection to various services, including a free private live data website hosted by eChook, so that it can be viewed in near real time from the pits.
*Sorry - iOS is not supported.
The eChook board monitors:
Battery voltage (Each 12v battery individually)
Current
Throttle Position
Brake lever (on or off)
Temperature x2 (Suggested Ambient and Motor)
Speed x2 (Wheel speed and Motor RPM)
The app augments this data with the phone sensors and extra calculations to give:
Amp hours used
Distance
Lap Number (requires GPS to be enabled and a throttle input)
Gear number and ratio (for cars with multiple gears)
GPS position
1x eChook v2 board, pre-assembled
All pluggable terminal connectors for wiring to the board
1x Current sensor breakout board with all components and pre-wired harness connector (Soldering Required)
2x Magnet Sensor boards for Wheel/Motor RPM detection (Some soldering required)
~8x puck magnets for Wheel/Motor RPM pickup
2x Thermistor temperature sensors
1x HC-05 Bluetooth module and mounting bracket + hardware
1x Genuine Arduino Nano
1x Micro USB cable
1x spare header to connect to the expansion header or bluetooth connection if desired.
What isn’t included:
Wire for building the cars wiring harness
Fuses for the 24v and 12v feeds from the batteries
Brackets for mounting the board and sensors, as these are very car specific
An Android phone
The V2 requires far less assembly than V1.x kits, but some assembly is still required, as documented here. The sensor boards require some soldering, and the Arduino needs flashing with the latest version of the eChook nano code, available from github.
What you will need to build this kit:
Soldering Iron
Solder
A little soldering ability.
Multimeter
24v/12v Power Supply (ideally a bench supply but batteries work too)
A computer with the Arduino IDE installed to upload the code to the Arduino
Documentation and support:
Full documentation on building and using the eChook board - as well as schematics and a description of each sensor circuit - are available at docs.echook.uk.
If you have questions there is an online chat function built into the documentation website, and also a support forum at echook.boards.net where we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
Further information:
Website: www.echook.uk
Documentation and Build Instructions: docs.echook.uk
Support Forum: echook.boards.net
Android App: Google Play Store
