Tesla Model 3 Drive Unit Update

In this very boring episode I talk about where we are going with the Tesla Model 3 Drive unit project.

[MikesTropicalTech]

That's a massive undertaking but I know you and the guys will be able to pull it off. Looking forward to each update and nitty gritty boring details!

[Ingineerix]

The immobilizer is a ZKT (Zero Knowledge Test), which means the Drive unit issues a random challenge to the security controller (VCSEC) and then the security controller does some crypto and sends back the answer. You cannot just "play back" a CAN log, as the challenge will be different every power up.

[Ryukachoo]

17:52
Wow, I didn't realize people in Ireland pointed at things like that, very cool, learning a new culture

[LatutaEV]

Wow Damien that is a massive project. Very brave decision - love it 😃

[papalew]

So looking forward to more boring episodes. I have a model 3 bottom half I my garage. Battery, motor, pedals, left and right controllers. With the original wiring I'm waiting on an idea for controller. Would love to test any ideas you may have. Good luck with the bridge over troubled Elon.

[Aan]

Well good luck with that 👍 Remember that you might have to count to 20 instead of 10 and if that isn't enough keep counting to you get it done 😊

[ZOD]

You are the man Damien! Fingers crossed that you and the team pull it off.

[brandondelgado]

Most of those commercial solutions ingenext and the other one that's a tiny black box with a white label. Can't remember the name. Require you to remote desktop with them so they can "reprogram" your drive unit. So I'm certain you are right. There are a bunch of evs out there with identical firmwares I'll bet.

[sydneyg]

Look forward to seeing what you find out. Looking at the wiring diagram for the inverter there is also a 'proximity' digital in from the Charge port ECU as well.

[andybpc]

as usual you make the rest of us look like cavemen rubbing sticks together 🤣

[RemcoStoutjesdijk]

If you drive fast enough, does it really matter that the bridge is out?

[martymar]

Would be nice to have log from tesla diagnostik session durring reset imobilizér procedure that usually reset in this case inverter for receiving new handshake

[jonathanlarkin]

GOING BACKWARDS! Hooray. If you are going back and redesigning everything at least there is a chance you can run the drive backwards, which means it could be an option on many more classic conversations where the motor has to be behind the differential. Good luck Damien, you are an extraordinary superstar!

[unoxunox]

wow, there will be a lot of emc to consider in the new PCB!
Happy pair twisting.

[renierdebeer]

" . . But Damien ! " 🙂 I really like your plan of rebuilding the invertor and logic board. If there is space, you could even do two levels - one for the invertor and one for logic. Could be useful if you want the same logic but with a more powerful invertor (Think Tesla Truck motors)

[timh]

Wouldn't it be easier (at first, maybe) to go the mod-chip route? De-solder the MCU and get/make a qfp to pin header adapter. Figure out what each pin does, then make a replacement with an STM32 on it.

[Ryukachoo]

I've always wondered, what kind of bench power supply can be used to supply high voltage+ amps needed to do things like throttle pedal tests?

[tomasg.]

Dear Damien, thank you for open engineering. How going your Mitsubishi L200 conversion project? I think people have a lot short range off-road cars and pickup trucks and pay huge CO2 taxes. That you think about pragmatic aspect on pickup trucks convertion? May you need any help or support to do truck conversion faster?

[biggie]

I believe I asked this question before on this channel and also in open inverter forum. How does one test a model 3 motor if buying a "Supposedly" good unit with a 30 day guarantee? It's a big gamble if I can't test it, so can it be run bypassing the inverter and running it on an off the shelf three phase controller? Need some ideas please...

[TestTest-ebjr]

My guess??
The Damien Maguire designed board is going to be the superior one when compared to Elon's...