Dev Log
DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS
Follow the build. Screenshots, test bench updates, firmware progress, and feature teasers - straight from the workshop.
22 updates posted
July 19, 2026
website
Site refresh
Refreshed the site around the new lineup, the CAN bus architecture, the starter bundles, and the local-first, own-your-hardware direction.
July 12, 2026
general
Product line and starter bundles
We laid out the full product line and three starter bundles, Essentials, Standard, and Expedition, with a phased release plan so we build in the right order and keep an old base unit working with new modules down the road.
June 28, 2026
firmware
Firmware: module auto-discovery
The firmware core now handles module discovery and versioning. Plug in a module and the base unit recognizes it, negotiates a compatible protocol version, and shows it in the app automatically. This handshake is what keeps forward and backward compatibility as the line grows.
June 20, 2026
hardware
Smart output module specified
The eight-channel smart output module is specified. Every channel is individually protected, senses its own load and current, and reports faults over the bus. Nothing to blow on a dead short.
June 5, 2026
hardware
Analog input module hits design release
The eight-channel analog input module reached design release, the first board through a full design review. It reads a real voltage on every channel and, separately, senses whether a line is grounded, driven, or floating.
June 2, 2026
app
App: quick access menu
The quick menu pulls settings, scenes, and every subsystem into one place.
Quick access menu
May 18, 2026
app
App: unified dashboard
One dashboard for the whole system. Everything grouped, named, and status-aware, vehicle and home in the same app.
One dashboard, vehicle and home
May 2, 2026
hardware
The CarTot module family
The expansion line is set: analog input, smart output, RGBW lighting, pan/tilt spotlight, audio, and the inclinometer cluster, with GPS, cellular, and satellite as optional add-on modules. Every module shares one connector, one power standard, and one firmware core, so the ecosystem stays compatible as it grows.
May 1, 2026
app
App: convoy trail navigation
Trail navigation with shared position for convoy runs, over long-range radio with no cell coverage required.
Convoy trail navigation
April 14, 2026
hardware
CAN bus architecture locked
We moved the entire expansion system onto a CAN 2.0 bus. Every CarTot module now talks over one shared, differential, automotive-grade bus instead of short-range wiring. It handles a noisy vehicle better, runs longer cable, and lets modules announce themselves the moment they are plugged in.
April 10, 2026
app
App: scene builder
Scenes fire a whole set of actions at once. Build them visually, then trigger them by button, voice, or automation rule.
Scene builder
March 22, 2026
app
App: Dog Mode
Dog Mode in the app: cabin temperature monitoring with escalation and a bystander message, so your pet stays safe while you are parked.
Dog Mode cabin safety
March 9, 2026
general
Introducing HomePotato
We have decided that the ecosystem should be available from the start, we believe everything should work out of the box. we are developing the HomePotato system concurrently with CarPotato
March 8, 2026
app
App: per-channel output control
The companion app output screen. Toggle, name, group, and automate every channel from your phone, over Bluetooth, WiFi, or long-range radio.
Per-channel output control
March 5, 2026
general
Kudos to Burton for a new idea submission!
Burton came of with the idea of BuddySpuddy or BudSpud, a mobile gps tracker that links back to the unit over lora and has onboard GPS to aid with tracking when you and your furry friend are out and about hiking, camping, or adventuring! This will be fully evaluated and added into our growing ecosystem!
March 4, 2026
app
App Architecture: 7 Feature Categories Deep
A look at the depth of the CarPotato app. The "More" menu reveals 7 organized sections: Quick Access, Automation, Safety & Protection, Lighting, Vehicle & Navigation, and Overlanding — each containing multiple features.
This isn't a simple relay toggle app. It's a full vehicle control platform with safety systems, automation rules, lighting management, navigation tools, and overlanding-specific features all built in.
The architecture is modular — features can be expanded through CarTot modules without touching the core app. The app auto-detects connected hardware and adapts the interface accordingly.
This isn't a simple relay toggle app. It's a full vehicle control platform with safety systems, automation rules, lighting management, navigation tools, and overlanding-specific features all built in.
The architecture is modular — features can be expanded through CarTot modules without touching the core app. The app auto-detects connected hardware and adapts the interface accordingly.
More menu — 7 feature categories covering automation, safety, lighting, navigation, and overlanding.
March 4, 2026
hardware
Hardware Update: Custom PCBs & Dual-Chip Architecture
Hardware development is going strong. We're currently designing custom PCBs to replace the development board setup. The system has grown to require a dual-chip architecture — two separate ESP32 processors to handle all the communication protocols and processing overhead.
Custom power systems are being designed to support the dual-chip layout efficiently. The expansion boards (CarTot modules) have been tested and are currently going through bug testing.
Pan/tilt lighting mounts are in active development. We're evaluating carbon fiber reinforced 3D printing material that behaves like metal — potentially a great fit for mounts that need to be both lightweight and rigid enough to hold position under vibration.
Also exploring antenna solutions to offer multiple options for LoRa communication range and form factor.
Custom power systems are being designed to support the dual-chip layout efficiently. The expansion boards (CarTot modules) have been tested and are currently going through bug testing.
Pan/tilt lighting mounts are in active development. We're evaluating carbon fiber reinforced 3D printing material that behaves like metal — potentially a great fit for mounts that need to be both lightweight and rigid enough to hold position under vibration.
Also exploring antenna solutions to offer multiple options for LoRa communication range and form factor.
March 4, 2026
app
Trail Navigation with Trigger Zones
The trail navigation system is built for off-road use. This screenshot shows the Truckee Stampede Loop — a 134.6 km route through the Sierra Nevada foothills with 2877m of elevation gain, rated Extreme difficulty.
The map shows start/end points with the full trail path. Below the map: distance, elevation, difficulty rating, and trigger zone count. Trigger zones let you assign GPS-based relay actions along the trail — automatic lighting changes, winch prep, or alerts at specific waypoints.
This is the same system that powers Convoy Mode for multi-vehicle coordination.
The map shows start/end points with the full trail path. Below the map: distance, elevation, difficulty rating, and trigger zone count. Trigger zones let you assign GPS-based relay actions along the trail — automatic lighting changes, winch prep, or alerts at specific waypoints.
This is the same system that powers Convoy Mode for multi-vehicle coordination.
Trail navigation — Truckee Stampede Loop with distance, elevation, difficulty, and GPS trigger zone support.
March 4, 2026
app
Scene Management: One-Tap Configurations
Scenes let you save and activate entire relay configurations with a single tap. In this screenshot: Off-Road (4 outputs), Highway (2 outputs), Camping (5 outputs), and Show Mode (8 outputs, currently disabled).
Each scene stores which relays are on, their PWM levels, and any associated lighting settings. 16 scene slots available. Create them through the app and activate from the app, dash display, portable remote, or voice command.
Perfect for switching between driving modes without toggling individual channels.
Each scene stores which relays are on, their PWM levels, and any associated lighting settings. 16 scene slots available. Create them through the app and activate from the app, dash display, portable remote, or voice command.
Perfect for switching between driving modes without toggling individual channels.
Scenes — pre-configured relay combinations for Off-Road, Highway, Camping, and Show Mode. One tap to activate.
March 4, 2026
app
Dog Mode: Cabin Temperature Monitoring
Dog Mode is one of the features we're most proud of. The interface shows real-time cabin temperature with a visual gauge, comfort status, and the ability to Arm (automatic) or Activate (manual) climate response.
Three temperature sensors displayed: Cabin (76.0°F), Engine Bay (193.4°F), and Ambient (71.8°F). When armed, Dog Mode will automatically trigger climate control if cabin temperature drifts outside safe thresholds — keeping your pet safe while you're away from the vehicle.
This isn't an aftermarket add-on. It's a core system behavior built into the CarPotato platform.
Three temperature sensors displayed: Cabin (76.0°F), Engine Bay (193.4°F), and Ambient (71.8°F). When armed, Dog Mode will automatically trigger climate control if cabin temperature drifts outside safe thresholds — keeping your pet safe while you're away from the vehicle.
This isn't an aftermarket add-on. It's a core system behavior built into the CarPotato platform.
Dog Mode — real-time temperature monitoring with automatic climate control activation and configurable alert thresholds.
March 4, 2026
app
Relay Output Control with Live Status
The Outputs tab gives you direct control over every relay channel on the system. Each channel shows its name, channel number, mode (latching/momentary), and a toggle switch with real-time status.
The Light Bar and Interior LED are active in this screenshot — green indicators confirm the relay is energized. All On / All Off buttons at the top for quick control. Individual channel settings accessible via the gear icon.
5 of 12 channels active in this demo configuration.
The Light Bar and Interior LED are active in this screenshot — green indicators confirm the relay is energized. All On / All Off buttons at the top for quick control. Individual channel settings accessible via the gear icon.
5 of 12 channels active in this demo configuration.
Outputs tab — individual relay control with live on/off status, channel naming, and per-channel settings.
March 4, 2026
app
CarPotato App: Nearing Completion
The CarPotato Android companion app is nearing completion. We're currently in the closed testing phase on the Google Play Store with a focus on bug fixes and optimization as our top priority.
The app is feature-packed — relay control, Dog Mode, scenes, voice control, trail navigation, convoy mode, RGBW lighting, and more are all functional. At this point we don't want to add complexity. The goal is to optimize and perfect the existing feature set before opening up to a wider audience.
We're hoping to move to open release soon. Stay tuned.
The app is feature-packed — relay control, Dog Mode, scenes, voice control, trail navigation, convoy mode, RGBW lighting, and more are all functional. At this point we don't want to add complexity. The goal is to optimize and perfect the existing feature set before opening up to a wider audience.
We're hoping to move to open release soon. Stay tuned.
CarPotato home dashboard — BLE connected, battery monitoring, voice control, quick actions, and system status at a glance.