Newish to Linux, not to computers

[rtuite]

Greetings all! I am not totally new to Linux, but have not used any distro much since Red Hat 9, and even then I did not have the system network connected. I simply was "playing" with it, learned a few commands, and sort of lost interest. Since then, I have dabbled a little with Debian on a G3 mac, and not much else.

Computers, IT, and technology in general are one of my true passions, but I have other hobbies. One of which is automotive, and other forms of mechanical engineering. I have been unemployed for some time, and have been "apprenticing" under a mechanic friend who specialises in forced induction engines (turbochargers, superchargers, etc.) and have developed a new respect for the oft ignored vehicles.

Anyway, I am wanting to build a Linux based car PC with a few adjustments. I want to connect said PC to a vehicles ECM and have it pull realtime data such as engine RPM, speed, temp, etc. and display it on a monitor that would replace the gauge cluster. I have a ton of ideas/plans on functions, features, and hardware necessities.

This may make me sound stupid, but as I said, I am not that familiar with Linux. I am also not a programmer, but I have a few people who are working on this project with me who are. But if we wanted to develop a custom GUI for the OS, what sort of resources would you gurus recommend? What should be our starting point? I know it will take a lot of time, but I am confident in my ability to absorb information that all I need is pointed to a few resources.

For example, take the current distro of Ubuntu (what I am currently using). I would like to have the bars at the top and bottom consolodated, similar to a Windows system, but with a few marked differences. The system would need to be dual monitors, but I want to configure the "desktop" of each monitor to be independent. One would display information on the vehicle, (speed, RPM, etc.) to replace the gauge cluster for the driver, and the second monitor would be a more traditional desktop, where media would be controlled via touchscreen and other functions could be performed (web browsing, engine adjustments, administration tasks).

I know this is a tall order, but when I search for what I need on Google, I find places to download what other people have done, and none of it fits what I need. None of them are even close. I cannot find anything on developing your own GUI outside of regular programs. Is this even possible?

[rokytnji]

Howdy and Welcome rtuite, I wish you luck in your endevor.

I aint a programmer so no big help with which OS to start out with. There a minimal Distros like Linux from scratch, Debian Net install, Ubuntu Mininal install (9 to 10 MB) ,Arch,etc......

I am a Bike tuner. I HAVE to run Windows 2000 Pro to run Windows only Proprietary Software (which is expensive as hell) to connect up to Modules on the bikes and tweak the fuel injection and electronic ign. systems.
TTS - MasterTune EFI Programming Software

Like I said, Good Luck with it. Sounds like you will be happy with just a monitor style instead of being able to make adjustments.
The Linux communtiy in more into office style applications and gaming and such. Proprietary Hardware (like car and bike modules) and software (like the link above) will be a very hard nut to crack indeed.

And before anybody mentions WINE,Cedega,Etc........

Tuning software is Highly Expensive, Run once on only 1 vehicle, so I take the safe route with Windows 2000 Pro.

[rtuite]

The specific application I am looking for is for the Mega Squirt system. Their system is quasi open source. They sell the hardware as a kit or assembled (similar to the heathkits of old.) and anyone can download the software for free. The hardware is a little complicated to explain, but it is an extremely affordable system. They actually sell a "microsquirt" system that is aimed more at motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and so on.

But I am getting ahead of myself here. What I am looking to do first is develop the UI, and test it out on a standard vehicle, like my wifes van. It is not a high performance application (by any stretch of the imagination) but I am in the R&D phase right now, just seeing what works.

[rokytnji]

The specific application I am looking for is for the Mega Squirt system.

Took a look see. No joy.for Harley Davidsons. Which is where I make my most money on. On Jap stuff. Just replacing the module or sending unit (ign,fuel inj.) is usually all you need to fix the problem, if that is the problem. A lot of jap bikes and Atv's I get are because of built up gunk in fuel systems, wrecks, you get the idea .I don't tune jap bikes. I just make sure they start up and run. If they wan't a dyno type tune up. I tell em to go to the dealer.


DIYAutoTune.com

Thanks for mentioning the MegaSquirt thing any hows. Learned something New.

[rtuite]

Yea, there is no hope for using any sort of system like that on a HD. Or any engine without fuel injection for that matter. They are "designed" for fuel injection or some other computer or microprocessor controlled engine (TBI, etc.)

[IrishBoxer]

thats cool. I am currently going to college for mechanic. I have heard unix system works for computer modifications on trucks. Says my teacher....... but i will look into it a little more and get back to you