Repurpose your commonplace car to emulate a genuine Mario Kart controller (though it's advisable to abstain from doing so)
In a recent experiment, cybersecurity experts at Pen Test Partners demonstrated how to convert a 2016 Renault Clio into a unique driving game controller by intercepting its Controller Area Network (CAN) bus data. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this fascinating feat.
**1. Choose the Car and Understand Its CAN System**
The 2016 Renault Clio was selected due to its modern sensors on steering, brakes, and throttle, which communicate via a mix of CAN and LIN buses. The Body Control Module (BCM) manages many of these signals [1][3].
**2. Access the CAN Bus Hardware**
To tap into the CAN bus wires without damaging them, inexpensive wire splicers were used. These splicers expose the wire insulation slightly, allowing for the attachment of CAN interface wires [1][3]. Typically, the CAN wires can be accessed near the OBD-II diagnostic port or at the BCM wiring harness.
**3. Use a CAN Interface Device**
A CAN interface hardware device, such as the Kvaser USBCAN or similar USB-CAN adapters, was connected to the tapped CAN wires. This device translates CAN electrical signals into data your computer or microcontroller can read [1].
**4. Capture and Decode CAN Messages**
Using CAN bus sniffer software or writing custom code (e.g., in Python), the team listened on the CAN bus to capture raw CAN frames. The software decoded these frames to identify which messages corresponded to steering angle, brake pedal position, and throttle position [1][5].
**5. Map CAN Data to Game Controls**
Once relevant CAN messages were identified and decoded, a program was written to map these CAN signals to game controller inputs. For example: - Steering angle → joystick X-axis - Brake pedal pressure → game brake button/trigger - Throttle pedal position → accelerator input
This was achieved with Python libraries that interface with CAN hardware and simulate game controller input [1].
**6. Run and Calibrate Your Setup**
The team interfaced the program with their driving game (e.g., SuperTuxKart) and tested the responsiveness. Calibration of thresholds and scaling ensured a natural driving feel [1].
**Additional Notes:** - It is safer to operate the car stationary when using it as a controller to avoid accidents [1][3]. - Modifications for experiments might affect roadworthiness (e.g., removing air filters or mirrors) [1]. - Advanced CAN bus tools enable not just reading but injecting messages for more complex control schemes [5].
In summary, by physically tapping into the Renault Clio’s CAN bus, capturing and decoding control signals, and translating those into game inputs, you effectively create a real car steering/braking/throttle controller for games [1][3]. This process requires automotive CAN knowledge, hardware interface, and programming skills.
1. Win the Racing Game Season with Renault Clio Controller:With the gained insights, you can craft a unique gaming experience by converting your 2016 Renault Clio into a race car controller.
2. Integrate the Car into Your Game Environment:By intercepting the CAN bus data, the car's sensors relay real-time steering, braking, and throttle info directly into your racing game.
3. Revamp Your Lifestyle and Gadget Collection:This adaptation not only levels up your lifestyle but also paves the way for your favorite tech gadgets, like game consoles or steering wheels, to integrate with the car-controller.
4. Merge Car and Technology in a Single Package:The fusion of cars and technology enables seamless transitions between your daily commute and virtual racing escapades, bridging the gap between reality and gaming.
5. Showcase the Future of Driving and Gaming:This endeavor revolutionizes the relationship between automobiles and games, epitomizing the demarcation line between gaming and real-life experiences blurring beyond recognition.
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