Get Started
Whether you want to upgrade your vehicle, build your own hardware, write code, or contribute to the project—choose the path that fits you.
Make Your Vehicle Smarter
No coding required. Pick the modules you want, plug them in, and start controlling your vehicle from your phone.
What You'll Need
Smart Modules
The hardware boxes that plug into your vehicle. Start with power distribution for light control, then add GPS, sensors, and more.
Vehicle Computer
A small onboard computer like a Raspberry Pi. It connects all the modules, runs the dashboard, and creates a WiFi network.
Your Phone or Tablet
Any device with a web browser. Connect to the vehicle's WiFi and open the dashboard to start controlling everything.
Choose Your Modules
Start simple. The power distribution module gives you smart control over up to 8 lights and accessories—every connected light becomes dimmable. From there, add what makes sense for your setup:
- GPS module for location tracking and movement alerts
- Air quality and climate monitoring
- Battery and solar power monitoring
- Cabinet and door sensors for travel alerts
- Vehicle leveling assistance
Install in Your Vehicle
All modules connect with a simple 4-wire cable that carries both power and data. Daisy-chain them together—no complicated wiring harnesses. Each module just plugs into the next.
- Single 4-wire cable for power and data
- Daisy-chain modules in any order
- Add or remove modules without rewiring
- Automotive-grade CAN bus communication
Set Up the Vehicle Computer
Plug in a small computer (like a Raspberry Pi) and connect it to the module chain. It automatically creates its own WiFi network—no internet connection required. Everything works offline, even in the most remote locations.
- Creates its own WiFi network automatically
- Works completely offline—no internet needed
- Includes offline maps with 11 map styles
- Runs a web-based dashboard accessible from any browser
Open the Dashboard
Connect your phone, tablet, or laptop to the vehicle's WiFi and open any web browser. The dashboard gives you full control—toggle lights, adjust the thermostat, check power status, view sensor readings, and more.
- Control lights, thermostat, and accessories
- Monitor battery, solar, and power consumption
- View GPS location and sensor data
- Set up automation rules and alerts
Remote Access from Anywhere
When an internet connection is available, you can set up remote access to monitor and control your vehicle from anywhere. Check on it while in storage, get alerts if something needs attention, and pre-cool the fridge before heading out on a trip. The cloud is entirely optional—everything works without it.
Build Your Own Hardware
Every hardware design is open source. Order PCBs, 3D-print enclosures, solder components, and flash firmware yourself.
Open Hardware Designs
All hardware is designed in KiCAD with full schematics, PCB layouts, and bill-of-materials files. Download the designs, send the Gerber files to any PCB manufacturer, and build your own modules.
- KiCAD schematics and PCB layouts for every module
- Shared component libraries across all designs
- FreeCAD and STL files for 3D-printable enclosures
- Bill-of-materials with part numbers
Modify & Flash Firmware
Firmware for all modules is built with PlatformIO and runs on ESP32 microcontrollers. Modify the code to fit your needs, then flash via USB or over-the-air once installed.
- PlatformIO build system with VS Code integration
- FreeRTOS task-based architecture
- Flash via USB during assembly or OTA after install
- CAN bus communication libraries included
Extend the Software Stack
The platform runs on standard tools you already know. Docker, Node.js, MongoDB, Kotlin—pick the layer that interests you.
Vehicle Computer
Docker Compose stack with MQTT broker, Node.js API, offline tile server, CAN-to-MQTT bridge, and a progressive web app dashboard.
Clone the repo and run docker compose up to have the full
platform running locally.
Cloud Backend
Node.js Express API with MongoDB. JWT authentication, WebSocket real-time updates, and push notifications. Fully self-hostable.
Run it on your own server or a cheap cloud instance. Your data stays on your infrastructure.
View on GitHubMobile App
Native Android app with Kotlin and Jetpack Compose. Material Design 3, direct WiFi and cloud connectivity, real-time sensor display.
Control your vehicle from your pocket. Connects locally over WiFi or remotely through the cloud.
View on GitHubHelp Shape the Platform
Found a bug? Have an idea? Want to improve the documentation? Every contribution matters, and the project is built on community involvement.
- Read the documentation to understand the architecture
- Browse open issues across repositories
- Fork the repo you want to work on
- Make changes on a feature branch
- Submit a pull request with a clear description
Code Contributions
Firmware in C++, backend in Node.js, dashboards in vanilla JavaScript, mobile app in Kotlin. Pick what you know.
Hardware Design
Improve existing KiCAD schematics, design new modules, or refine 3D-printed enclosures.
Documentation & Testing
Write setup guides, improve architecture docs, test modules, and report issues you find.
Everything You Need to Know
The TrailCurrentDocumentation repository is your central reference. Architecture guides, wiring diagrams, CAN bus definitions, and step-by-step setup instructions.
- System-level architecture spanning 10 sections
- Wiring diagrams and installation guides
- CAN bus message definitions in standard DBC format
- Working DBC editor web application
- Edge gateway deployment instructions
- API documentation for the Node.js backend
Ready to Get Started?
Learn how the platform works or jump straight into the code.