Timloto-OS Project Day Fifth Project Day - course year 2008-2009 BS-AutoTune te Beneden Leeuwen Participants: see attendance list.

BS-Auto Tune is a one-man business run by Jeroen Bosma. It is operated out of a repair garage with independent bays. Jeroen is mainly concerned with the universally programmable Megasquirt II computer and has become a real specialist in this area. He invited us to come for a demonstration because he sees educational opportunities for Megasquirt. And we think he may be right ...

After a coffee break, Jeroen got straight down to business. He is extremely enthusiastic and told us how this all started. The story began with a Citroën with a Maserati engine that needed to be overhauled and Jeroen's general interest in injection systems. In the presentation, the Megasquirt computer was explained with the aid of a demonstration panel. Jeroen's rule of thumb is: I can show you how the system works just using two hands'. However, the software that accompanies this is a bit more complicated but it shows the technical principles clearly and all parameters are adjustable.
The demonstration panel can also be replaced by a simulation print with potentiometers attached to it. The disadvantage of this is that you miss an overview. The advantage is that it is cheaper and and a student can perform tasks on a work table. Of course, the system can also be built onto an existing engine. This has the advantange of allowing all the engines in the worksop to run in the same operating environment. The Megasquirt costs around 250 euros and the simulation print is 150 euros. Together, very affordable.

Jeroen would welcome co-operation with schools. The Megaquirt computer could become part of the electronics lab but accompanying lesson material would need to be written. After working through the material, questions on injection systems and ignition systems should become clear. This would make a great supplement to the Elektor controller print and would also mean that our level 4 automotive-electronics lab would be complete.
-analalog electronics (Steppe and Pulles1)
-digital electronics (Steppe and Pulles 2)
-micro-processors (Z80, 68HC11 of AT90CAN32)
-management systems (Megasquirt)

A simulation set will be purchased so that we can experiment with it.
Jeroen will continue to support us. To be continued ...

After lunch we left for Tiel where we were welcomed at the ROC RIVOR by Kees Saarloos.
Ep demonstrated the development of the Elektor lesson materials starting with the USB-CAN-adaptor. He showed us how the CAN-bus can be read out on an airbag computer and an instrument panel. All of this is possible with a print that costs only 70 euros. An article on the print appeared in the February edition of Elektor. The software is open source and also runs under Linux.

The new controller, AT90CAN32, appears to be a good replacement for the 68HC11. The hardware parts can be ordered, hopefully for under 100 euros. We should consider placing this print on the book/materials list for the coming school year. The required stepper motor can be used from the Webeko print. The April edition of Elektor will carry an article on this print.

There was some time left for 'self-study' at the end of the afternoon. Several things were tried out, mistakes were made and solutions were found. Harold was busy with the Megasquirt but due to a lack of time, communication with the software wasn't successful.

At 16:00, everyone left for home feeling very positive about the project day.

Our thanks goes out to Jeroen and Kees for their invitation and their efforts.

The next project day will take place at DAF in Eindhoven on March 13th.


Report: Kees v.d. Berg

(click here for photos)