CAN Gateway: Monitoring Cars Wirelessly!

The "Gateway" project utilizes an ESP32 DevKit 1 combined with a custom CAN shield to wirelessly transmit vehicle data via the ESP-NOW protocol. This hardware interface connects to a car's OBDII port—specifically targeting the high-speed CAN bus responsible for dashboard lights and speed data—or taps directly into the wiring of Tesla models. To address the constant power draw of the OBDII port, the system employs software-based deep sleep cycles triggered by bus inactivity and hardware-based monitoring of alternator voltage spikes to preserve battery life. Each gateway assigns unique IDs to data packets, allowing a centralized MQTT bridge to funnel streams from multiple vehicles into "gadget" receivers for real-time decoding and action. This setup transforms raw automotive signals into a flexible, low-power wireless ecosystem for hobbyist vehicle automation and monitoring.