Introduction #

The V-Link app is entirely open-source under the GPL-3.0 license and can be customized, shared, and non-commercially distributed. All you need is a Raspberry Pi. However, you cannot simply connect 12V, CAN, and all the other modules to the Raspberry Pi without using an “interface circuit.” This is where the HAT comes into play. It contains all the necessary circuitry to make this system almost plug-and-play.

Keep in Mind #

This project aims to be as approachable as possible, so in this section, you will find the information needed to build the circuit from scratch. Be advised, though, it’s not the easiest task and requires tools for building and potentially debugging it.

This guide will not teach you how to solder or wire components but will provide a general overview of the setup to get it working with the app. You can avoid all the hassle by using the HAT, but if you’re feeling adventurous, keep reading!

Disclaimer #

If you decide to go this route, please don’t ask for troubleshooting in the Discord channels. Only proceed if you know what you’re doing. The setup is tedious and involves a certain amount of tinkering, which is exactly why the HAT was created.