EMU Black – Open-source Raspberry Pi dashboard (Qt/QML, SocketCAN)

GENERAL
1

EMU Black – Open-source Raspberry Pi dashboard (Qt/QML, SocketCAN)

Hi everyone,

I’d like to share a small personal open-source DIY project I’ve been working on:
a dashboard for the ECUMASTER EMU Black, running on a Raspberry Pi 5 using Wayland and Qt/QML.

This project is not affiliated with or endorsed by ECUMASTER.

Project Overview

The project is called EMU-PiDashboard and it’s a lightweight, modern, and fast DIY dashboard solution for enthusiasts who want to build their own in-car display.

It is not a commercial product and does not aim to replace the ADU.
It’s simply a community-friendly DIY option for users who enjoy Raspberry Pi–based setups.

GitHub Repository

Current Features

  • Direct CAN communication via SocketCAN
  • Raspberry Pi reads EMU Black CAN data directly
  • No Arduino, no middleware required
  • Built with Qt/QML for a smooth and modern UI
  • Optimized for 1920×480 automotive displays
    (e.g. 8.8" HDMI IPS panels)
  • Max values screen
  • Live sensor list
  • Settings page
  • Fast startup and responsive UI
  • Designed for Wayland-based systems

Project Goal

The main goal was to build a dashboard that is:

  • fast
  • clean and modern
  • easy to extend
  • open source
  • inexpensive to build

The focus is on simplicity, performance, and transparency, rather than feature overload.

CAN Data

The project currently focuses on standard EMU Black CAN streams.
If anyone has suggestions for additional channels, layouts, or widgets, I’d be happy to extend it.

Feedback Welcome

I would really appreciate:

  • feedback
  • ideas
  • testing
  • contributions
  • CAN data suggestions

Maybe someone wants to build their own layouts or widgets as well.

Thanks for reading and have fun experimenting!

Best regards
PiDashLab

2

Just found this and i`m def going to try this and set it up !
I just bought EMU black and im going to work on my Duratec 2.0 engine soon !
So def will try this out, as i like homebrew/opensource stuff!

And if i find issues or bug i will try to solve them and send you a pull request

3

Nice! :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

If you have any questions during setup or while working with the EMU Black, just let me know — happy to help.

And of course, if you find bugs or improvements, feel free to open an issue or send a pull request :+1:

4

Hi there!

Would you mind give me your discord ?

I had to take a small break but I’m back !

Got my self a ford focus mk2 st and i would love to set it up with my car

5

We had crafted one like this but it was very slow

6

hey Yes we can do it. I have no discord :frowning:

7

yes esp and Bluetooth not the best thing.

8

That’s odd if you are on a ESP32, as 240MHz is plenty for something like this.

Were you using bluetooth or wired using some CAN shield or something?

9

TBH I think ESP32 Bluetooth serial (old school bluetooth, not low-power) is actually pretty good. After daily driving this for 15 months ++, I still never get random disconnects or anything.

This is while parking the car under direct sunlight 5 days a week. (Bangkok heat ~38C ambient / ~80C inside the car)