microDisplayManual
The microDisplay is a tiny wireless data display that connects to a CANserver. It's also a modular system that supports multiple displays, bargraphs, LEDs, buttons, and more. Everything is powered with standard microUSB cables, which you can route any way you choose to an existing USB port or add your own 5V supply. The simplest way is to just run a cable down to one of the center console USB ports.
While the display itself is feature complete, the smarts are in the server. The server can be scripted to send data to the displays and their accessories, as well as add functionality. The possibilities are endless!
In addition to the modular microDisplay boards and accessories, an all-in-one Bargraph Display is available. It combines a microDisplay, bargraph, and LED in a handmade plastic case. Simply plug in a microUSB cable for power, select the display config using the DIP switches on the back, and place it where you want!
If you have just one display and server, they will connect to each other out of the box. The most basic setup with one display is powered by a small USB adapter on its left. Note the correct orientation with a red dot on the back. Plug the USB cable into any standard USB port, hide the cable if you wish, and you are done.
Watch the installation and setup video
Initially there are also "left" and "right" boards that connect to the sides of the display and offer multiple options depending on how they are built. They connect to the bargraph display, or contain LEDs or buttons. Plug these in as desired before plugging power. More detail on these boards are in the technical section below.
If you have multiple microDisplays, you can configure them with jumpers on the back. They configure the display number [0-3] and if it should connect to a second WiFi CANserver.
::: server 1, display 0
::| server 1, display 1
:|: server 1, display 2
:|| server 1, display 3
|:: server 2, display 0
|:| server 2, display 1
When the display starts up, before it connects to a server, it will show its configuration on the screen.
- Temperature warning -The display contains plastics that may melt in the extreme heat of a car cabin. Activate Tesla's Cabin Overheat Protection feature in fan only mode to keep the cabin at a safe temperature, and do not install on the outside of a window reflector.
In addition to the main data signal mode, the microDisplay supports text, scrolling graphs, and a few other options. Orientation can also be flipped for a second Bargraph Display. See the separate displaycommands document for technical detail on the display modes and how to program and communicate with the microDisplay. These modes are defined in the display script on the CANserver.
Standard microUSB cables are all that's needed to connect displays to any 5v USB power source. You can use USB ports built in to your car, or wire in a 12v USB adapter to add new ones. Some may want to go through the effort to open the dash and hide cables, or you can just neatly run a USB cable through the air vent, behind the display, and into the center console with minimal effort. Some recommendations:
- Standard black USB-A cable to connect to 2018-19 console or USB hub or adapter
- USB-C to microUSB cable to connect to 2020+ cars with USB-C ports
- microUSB splitter to connect separated displays onto one cable
- USB-A hub to make the most of dashcam, music, and displays all from one console port
- USB-C hub for newer cars with USB-C ports
! Please make sure boards are plugged in the proper orienation before powering up--with the connectors on the back!
24-LED bargraph
This starts with an Adafruit bargraph I2C backpack. I paint the front black, add a black filter sheet, and include a left or right board on the back so it can connect to a microDisplay. You are welcome to build, customize, and add your own! Each display supports one bargraph. I2C address 70
Right board
This board plugs into the right of the display. It has an I2C connector for a bargraph. It may also have an LED and/or a 6mm pushbutton depending on your custom order, or you may add your own. These are driven by the 5v right GPIO from the display. You can have the LED on the board so it shines next to the display, or wire a remote LED to hide elsewhere. If configured, the board can also have a connector to plug another display on its right; only 5V USB power is passed to that connector.
Left board
This board plugs into the left of the display. It has an I2C connector for a bargraph. It may also have an LED or a 6mm pushbutton depending on your custom order, or you may add your own. These are driven by the 3.3v left GPIO from the display. You can have the LED on the board so it shines next to the display, or wire a remote LED to hide elsewhere. This board also has a USB connector to be used instead of the USB-only power connector. I2C address 70
Alphanumeric LED
Coming soon or add your own, support for two BTTF-style LED displays, based on the Adafruit quad alphanumeric I2C backpack. (These won't fit in the 16mm height of the Tesla air vent) I2C address 72 & 73
12v Accessory Relay
A right board with added 3A 12V relay so you can program it to turn off accessories like amps and radar detectors whenever you want (like when you exit the car). Activated by the right IO instead of the LED.
Oct 1, 2020