[remy_martian]

Tell him the main computer on the Tesla is Linux-based, so that may be a good starting point?

Get him a main computer from a Model S and have him do a "cleanroom" rewrite for DIY 😈

 

[remy_martian]

The Pi with CANBUS is a good idea.

Doesn't have to be a small screen...in fact, almost everybody does a small screen, so do a monitor interface (HDMI) and let the user decide screen size.

I still say port the GUI from Tesla, page for page, set up tables to allow flexible CAN messaging and scheduling.

 

[remy_martian]

Forget Arduino. Keep him in his Linux element. Linux naturally multitasks...Arduino sucks at it. The low pevel Linux drivers and library bolt-ons for Linux is a natural extension for him AND make him employable...Arduino C++ and Python hacks are a dollar an hour in places like Bengaluru.