Encouraging. According to AUTOSAR, replacing an evil stew of proprietary automotive software with open code could save OEMs and suppliers millions of dollars and improve systems’ efficacy and functionality. What’s more, if vehicles’ discrete systems were able to share standardized data, a car would become a kind of distributed computing platform — rather than a series of independent modules — allowing for far more efficient processes. Link.

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One open automotive standard with 15 years of implementation history is the CAN network ISO standard, which is used by automotive controllers to talk to one another. We used it at John Deere for the controllers on our powered equipment, which had from 7 to as many as 15 controllers on each tractor, combine, self-propelled sprayer, or cotton picker. Cool stuff.
I am probably way off but wasn’t the OBD standard suppose to be an open standard? Anyway, what about checking out http://www.megasquirt.info/ as a start for the DIY peeps.
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Make: School’s Out! Summer Fun Guide
This Summer Fun Guide is brimming with over 50 projects for kids of all ages. You’ll also find inspiring young maker profiles, as well as tool reviews written for and by kids! Plus, it’s our 3D issue, complete with 3D glasses and tons of super-cool 3D photos!
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