IdeaWell

Project ideas from Hacker News discussions.

Running Tesla Model 3's computer on my desk using parts from crashed cars

Original Article

Hacker News Discussion

📝 Discussion Summary (Click to expand)

4Prevalent Themes

  1. Automotive voltage & alternator behavior
    "then I needed to find a brake controller that can work with the higher voltage (14.4v vs the normal 12v)" – ferongr
    "If I recall correctly, a fully charged lead acid battery has an open circuit voltage of 13.6V." – nandomrumber

  2. Wiring harnesses (“looms”) and cable bundles
    "Cars usually consist of multiple harnesses — as it is in this case as well. The harnesses are the cables in a car. That is the part you can purchase because that is the part." – kube‑system
    "I was more fascinated that a new wiring harness was $80!" – MBCook

  3. Networking & signaling standards (LVDS, CAN, Ethernet in vehicles)
    "It’s funny to hear LVDS be described as an 'automotive' cable when all of my run‑ins with it are for connecting laptop displays." – girvo
    "LVDS with Fakra connectors is pretty standard in automotive for cameras and displays." – jeffreygoesto

  4. Right‑to‑repair / root‑access programs & liability concerns "Tesla offers a “Root access program” on their bug bounty program… researchers who find a rooting vulnerability receive a permanent SSH certificate for their own car." – denysvitali
    "It feels like this is something you should get by being owner of the car, and not have to do free speculative research for the manufacturer." – jordanb

🚀 Project Ideas

Modular Automotive Connector Bridge

Summary

  • A plug‑and‑play kit of interchangeable, color‑coded connector modules that map to common automotive pins, eliminating the need to hunt for model‑specific cables.
  • Includes an online pinout database and 3D‑printable housings for rapid prototyping.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Automotive hobbyists, repair shops, EV retrofit builders
Core Feature Modular connector modules with integrated pinout lookup and secure snap‑fit wiring
Tech Stack React (frontend), Node.js (backend), KiCad (PCB), 3D‑printable housings
Difficulty Medium
Monetization Revenue-ready: marketplace commission (≈10% per sale)

Notes- HN commenters lamented “couldn’t find a compatible cable” and “had to splice” – this product removes that friction.

  • Enables quick swaps for experiments without ordering a full loom, fostering community sharing of custom modules.

LoomMap – Visual Wiring Diagram Builder

Summary

  • Web app that turns a photo of a connector or loom into an interactive wiring diagram, auto‑generating pinout maps and exportable CSV/DBC files.
  • Solves the frustration of manually tracing wires and guessing pin functions.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Car modders, EV developers, professional technicians
Core Feature Image upload → auto‑detect pins → interactive diagram with hover‑tooltips and export options
Tech Stack Python (backend), OpenCV (image processing), Vue.js (frontend), SQLite (storage)
Difficulty Medium
Monetization Hobby

Notes

  • Users praised the “pain of not knowing which wire is which” and the desire for “a visual reference without a service manual.”
  • Potential for community‑driven diagram sharing could spark vibrant discussion on HN.

BenchPower AI – Automated EV System Bench Testing Suite

Summary

  • Integrated hardware‑software platform that provides safe low‑voltage power, current limiting, and CAN‑bus emulation for bench‑testing high‑voltage automotive components.
  • AI‑driven anomaly detection alerts users to wiring faults before they cause damage.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience EV hobbyists, indie developers, research labs
Core Feature Plug‑and‑play power supply with graphical UI, CAN‑bus emulator, and real‑time AI fault analysis
Tech Stack Embedded Rust firmware, Qt (UI), TensorFlow Lite (anomaly detection), Docker (deployment)
Difficulty High
Monetization Revenue-ready: SaaS subscription ($29/mo)

Notes- Commenters noted the difficulty of “building a bench setup” and “needing a safe way to test high‑voltage modules.”

  • The AI safety layer directly addresses the “risk of frying components” concern, making it highly attractive.

CableKit Marketplace – On‑Demand Custom Automotive Cable Fabrication

Summary- Online configurator that lets users specify connector types, length, gauge, and housing style; the platform coordinates CNC/laser manufacturing and ships the finished custom cable.

  • Eliminates the $80‑$500 loom markup and the “can’t find a cable” problem.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience EV owners, repair shops, classic car restorers
Core Feature Configurator → real‑time pricing → automated manufacturing order → direct shipping
Tech Stack Next.js (frontend), GraphQL (API), Stripe (payments), Cloud manufacturing webhook
Difficulty Medium
Monetization Revenue-ready: 15% commission per order

Notes

  • HN users expressed amazement at “paying $80 for a loom” and the need for “individual cables that aren’t sold separately.”
  • A marketplace model leverages existing maker‑spaces, offering a scalable solution and spurring discussion about right‑to‑repair.

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