Integrating CAN Bus capabilities with your Flipper device

In this tutorial, we'll explore how to integrate CAN Bus capabilities with your Flipper device using the Flipper CAN Bus Add-On. This powerful Add-On, combined with the MCP2515 CAN Bus app, allows you to interact with CAN Bus networks, analyze IoT traffic, and even control peripherals. Whether you're looking to monitor network traffic, troubleshoot errors, or send custom messages, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Why Integrate CAN Bus with Flipper Zero?

Integrating CAN Bus with Flipper Zero opens up a world of possibilities for enthusiasts and professionals alike. You can monitor automotive networks, analyze industrial IoT systems, and even hack into smart devices that use CAN Bus for communication.

How Does CAN Bus Work?

The Controller Area Network (CAN) is a specialized communication system that enables devices to communicate with each other. Predominantly found in automobiles, it allows all Electronic Control Units (ECUs) to communicate. Unlike continuous data streams, CAN Bus transmits information in brief messages, each tagged with an ID indicating the type of data. This makes it easier to identify and retrieve specific information. The system prioritizes critical messages, ensuring that vital communications, such as those from anti-lock brakes, are sent first. One of the key features of CAN Bus is its simplicity—it transmits messages using just two wires.

Flipper Add-On: CAN Bus

This Add-On, along with the MCP2515 CAN Bus app, allows you to interact with a CAN Bus network. You can read and analyze messages, view bytes from every node in the network, and capture messages to resend or modify the data. This makes the app an excellent tool for network analysis, error detection, and peripheral control.

Installing the CAN Bus Flipper App

Requirements:

• A Flipper Zero.
• An Electronic Cats Flipper Add-On: CAN Bus.
• Unleashed firmware flashed on your Flipper Zero.

Note: This app has been tested running unleashed version 071. For further instructions on how to flash custom firmware, refer to the "First Steps With Electronic Cats Flipper Add-Ons" guide on GitHub.

Installation steps:

• Download the latest.fap file from the release section of the Electronic Cats GitHub repository.
• Connect your Flipper to qFlipper, Flipper Lab, or the Flipper mobile app (if Experimental Options are enabled).

• Use the File Manager system to navigate to the Apps Folder.
• Upload the.fap file to your preferred path. Creating a new folder or using an existing folder like “Misc” is recommended.

After completing these steps, the app should appear in your Flipper's installation path.

Using the CANBUS Flipper App

Navigate through the app's main menu to select the task to perform.

Sniffing

Watch the packets of data being sent between the various CAN Bus network devices (addresses).

Sender

Send a packet to the CAN Bus network.

• SEND MESSAGE: Send the packet once it is set up.
• Choose ID: Choose any previously scanned ID in the CAN Bus network.
• Id: Here you will see the ID's value.
• DLC: Select the Data Length of the packet.
• Request: Request an "acknowledge" from the node.
• CLICK TO SET DATA: Set the data of the packet.
• Byte [n]: Set the data of the Byte.

Example Video

To help you better understand how to use the Sniffing and Sender features in the Flipper CAN Bus app, we have prepared an example video.

We hope you find this resource helpful as you explore the capabilities of the Flipper CAN Bus Add-On.

Read LOG

Read the saved LOG files obtained from previous sniffing sessions. These files will be stored in the Flipper's SD card.

Settings

Set up your CAN Bus parameters in this menu.

• Bitrate: Set the transmission bitrate.
• Clock: NOT CONFIGURABLE. It shows the work clock frequency.
• Save LOGS?: Select whether you want to record the sniffing sessions or not.

Save All: save all data sent through the CAN Bus network

Only Address: save only the data sent for one node in the CAN Bus network.

Integrating CAN Bus capabilities with your Flipper Zero can significantly enhance your ability to interact with and analyze CAN Bus networks. Whether you're a hobbyist, a professional, or someone in between, the Electronic Cats Flipper Add-On: CAN Bus and MCP2515 CAN Bus app provide a powerful toolkit for your projects. By following this guide, you can set up and start using these tools effectively. Happy hacking!