Learning RPI and CAN with HuDIY
Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2026 8:58 pm
Hello!
I am building RPi powered android auto infotainment system for my old Peugeot 407 using HuDIY software and RPi 3b+.
Baseline is to have headunit connected via RCA connections to the car.
Fully finished should read and use CAN signals to read data and send commands to the car like original headunit does- for example to show A/C settings, have menu to turn various things on a car, etc.
AFAIK i need to:
for basic unit:
-obvious- get RPi, touchscreen and software. Currently waiting for second screen, because mine has dead touch panel.
-have some kind of UPS to softly shutdown RPI when turning car off.
for advanced one
-get CAN Hat to make RPI and BSI of my car to work together
-as an option, get audio hat to get better sound quality, wich i do not consider as a must, since i am not an audiophile and ok sound quality is good enough for me.
My questions are:
1. Can someone validate list above, and tell me do i need anything more to get the funcionality i need?
2. I saw many of the UPS hats- do they all should be able to gently shut down RPi using command or GPIO signal, or are there some wich do not support that function? If so, what do i need to pay attention to?
3. I have set up my 3b+ with a screen for a while, but the time for power everything on is just painfully long- about a 45+ seconds. I am running a most basic version of OS from RPi imager- Debian trixie with desktop function. Can I use other system image, most preferably lightest version even without desktop functionality? If so, wich OS image should i look for?
4. Does anyone here have some experience with CAN lines? After connecting CAN lines to the hat do i need to configure somecar/brand specific protocols or something like that, or should it run after simple setup?
I am building RPi powered android auto infotainment system for my old Peugeot 407 using HuDIY software and RPi 3b+.
Baseline is to have headunit connected via RCA connections to the car.
Fully finished should read and use CAN signals to read data and send commands to the car like original headunit does- for example to show A/C settings, have menu to turn various things on a car, etc.
AFAIK i need to:
for basic unit:
-obvious- get RPi, touchscreen and software. Currently waiting for second screen, because mine has dead touch panel.
-have some kind of UPS to softly shutdown RPI when turning car off.
for advanced one
-get CAN Hat to make RPI and BSI of my car to work together
-as an option, get audio hat to get better sound quality, wich i do not consider as a must, since i am not an audiophile and ok sound quality is good enough for me.
My questions are:
1. Can someone validate list above, and tell me do i need anything more to get the funcionality i need?
2. I saw many of the UPS hats- do they all should be able to gently shut down RPi using command or GPIO signal, or are there some wich do not support that function? If so, what do i need to pay attention to?
3. I have set up my 3b+ with a screen for a while, but the time for power everything on is just painfully long- about a 45+ seconds. I am running a most basic version of OS from RPi imager- Debian trixie with desktop function. Can I use other system image, most preferably lightest version even without desktop functionality? If so, wich OS image should i look for?
4. Does anyone here have some experience with CAN lines? After connecting CAN lines to the hat do i need to configure somecar/brand specific protocols or something like that, or should it run after simple setup?