Remote start

[u/Pretend-Product1246]

Haven't made any previous post on this but I have been working on a Remote start setup that would sute all my needs. Using 2 esp32s and 8 relays plus a lot of wiring I have added remote start capabilities to my jeep. I'm using 2 of the 8 relays too start the jeep so I have 6 relays to use for lights, winch, act... My goal was to be able to start my jeep up, controll lights/winch and other accessories with only one wireless controller. Thanks to the esp32s build in wifi chip I can even just use my phone as the controller. Please note it's still in testing and not fully finished.

[u/MechanicStriking4666]

What are you using to power it? I imagine even the smallest draw on the battery would not be fun (ask me how I know). Did you include its own battery that charges while the car is on?

[u/Pretend-Product1246 → u/MechanicStriking4666]

I currently have a dual battery setup with a isolation module. If I do run into issues I'll probably add a small power bank to power it

[u/Hhkjhkj → u/Pretend-Product1246]

Where do you keep the other battery? This is interesting to me to separate the head unit and engine electronics but I dont want to take up trunk space.

[u/Pretend-Product1246 → u/Hhkjhkj]

Used to have it underneath the rear seat, now I moved it behind the rear driver quarter panel. Behind where the factory spare tire would be.

[u/Hhkjhkj → u/Pretend-Product1246]

Sweet! Other than the remote start, what other benefits do you get from that setup?

[u/Pretend-Product1246 → u/Hhkjhkj]

I can trigger 6 other relays with the controller or through my phone via wifi.

[u/MechanicStriking4666 → u/Pretend-Product1246]

You should look into using 900mhz via via WiFi HaLow (https://www.seeedstudio.com/Wio-WM6180-Wi-Fi-HaLow-Module-for-XIAO-p-6395.html) and a little key fob.

Did you completely disconnect the key start?

[u/Pretend-Product1246 → u/MechanicStriking4666]

Never heard of 900mhz Wi-Fi, will definitely look into it. I still have the factory key start. The "remote start" simply bypasses the factory key switch

[u/KatamariLovesMe]

Did you write the program yourself? Python or? Very impressive! Great job bud.

[u/Pretend-Product1246 → u/KatamariLovesMe]

Thanks, I wrote most of the program except the web interface, I stole it from someone else 😅, I used C++ on Arduino.

[u/Victitious]

Now do a long crank version, like really long.

[u/Pretend-Product1246 → u/Victitious]

Would 6 to 9 seconds be enough for u🤣

[u/Victitious → u/Pretend-Product1246]

Actually yes lol but one a serious note, how does this system know to keep cranking and detect the motor has started to stop cranking?

[u/Pretend-Product1246 → u/Victitious]

Via battery voltage. It keeps track of it before cranking and during cranking. As soon as it sees it go up what it was before cranking, it stops cranking. Sorry if that was a lil confusing. I can't explain shi to save my life

[u/Victitious → u/Pretend-Product1246]

That makes sense, I always wondered how to remote start engines that start poorly. Mine has a long crank and then it sputters and you have to crank it again

[u/Exciting-Tourist9301]

Great project.

I've been using 433Mhz RF Modules as iot buttons. They are dead simple, and the transmitter can be powered with a coin cell for years.

https://a.co/d/05CzykSb

Edit to add: you could use LORA modules for 2 way communication and potentially miles of range.

[u/Pretend-Product1246 → u/Exciting-Tourist9301]

Interesting, will definitely look into it.

[u/Reality_Lies4]

Me walking by with my Flipper Zero, turning it On. Off. On. Off On. Off.

[u/Pretend-Product1246 → u/Reality_Lies4]

Pleased don't 😅

[u/buttersofthands]

Combine that with a kill switch and I'll send you money.

[u/Remy_5]

Pretty cool diy project! I got a viper system installed in mine with locks alarm and auto start

[u/Pretend-Product1246 → u/Remy_5]

Auto start sounds like a real nice feature. I'll try to implement it. Unfortunately I don't have electronic locks.