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README.md

Mars Mode for Tesla

Scripts to simulate button inputs via CAN bus signals in your Tesla Model 3, Y, and newer S and X. Keeps the vehicle awake ("Mars Mode") by periodically sending CAN messages.

Quick Start

# Install dependencies and setup
cd ~/panda/examples/marsmode
./scripts/install.sh

# Run a mode directly
python -m marsmode --mode media-volume-basic

# Or use the wrapper script
./scripts/marsmode.sh start media-volume-basic

Project Structure

examples/marsmode/
├── marsmode/              # Python package
│   ├── __init__.py
│   ├── __main__.py        # Entry point: python -m marsmode
│   ├── cli.py             # Command-line interface
│   ├── core.py            # Shared Panda controller, logging, config
│   └── modes.py           # All mode implementations
├── scripts/               # Shell scripts
│   ├── install.sh         # System installer for PiOS
│   └── marsmode.sh        # Wrapper/launcher script
├── config/
│   └── marsmode.yaml      # Configuration file
├── systemd/
│   └── [email protected]  # Systemd service template
└── README.md              # This file

Installation

Automated Install for PiOS

curl https://spleck.net/mars-mode-install | bash

For verbose output:

curl https://spleck.net/mars-mode-install | V=1 bash

Manual Install

  1. System dependencies:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y dfu-util gcc-arm-none-eabi python3-pip python3-venv libffi-dev git scons screen
  1. Clone and setup:
git clone https://github.com/spleck/panda.git ~/panda
python3 -m venv ~/panda/
source ~/panda/bin/activate
cd ~/panda
pip install -r requirements.txt
python setup.py install
  1. Install MarsMode:
cd ~/panda/examples/marsmode
./scripts/install.sh

Usage

Command Line

# List available modes
python -m marsmode --list

# Run a specific mode
python -m marsmode --mode media-volume-basic

# Run with custom config
python -m marsmode --mode advanced --config config/marsmode.yaml

# Verbose logging
python -m marsmode --mode advanced -v

# Dry run (no actual CAN messages)
python -m marsmode --mode media-volume-basic --dry-run

Available Modes

Mode Description
media-volume-basic Simple volume up/down every 4-8 seconds
media-volume Volume control synced to Tesla clock ticks
speed-basic AP speed adjust every 4-8 seconds
speed Speed adjust synced to Tesla clock ticks
media-back Media back button every 5 seconds (Streaming app only)
advanced Full-featured with mode switching, enable/disable, park detection

Wrapper Script

# Start a mode
./scripts/marsmode.sh start media-volume-basic

# Stop the service
./scripts/marsmode.sh stop

# Check status
./scripts/marsmode.sh status

# Set default mode (for auto-start)
./scripts/marsmode.sh set-default media-volume-basic

Systemd Service

# Enable auto-start on boot
sudo systemctl enable marsmode@media-volume-basic

# Start/stop/restart
sudo systemctl start marsmode@media-volume-basic
sudo systemctl stop marsmode@media-volume-basic
sudo systemctl restart marsmode@media-volume-basic

# View logs
sudo journalctl -u marsmode@media-volume-basic -f

Configuration

Edit config/marsmode.yaml to customize:

can:
  speed_kbps: 500
  bus_main: 0
  bus_vehicle: 1

messages:
  can_id_steering_wheel: 0x3C2
  can_id_tesla_clock: 0x528
  can_id_gear: 0x118

timing:
  reconnect_delay: 1.2
  max_exception_count: 5

modes:
  media_volume_basic:
    interval_min: 4.0
    interval_max: 8.0
    
  media_volume:
    step_count_trigger: 7

Bill of Materials

Hardware Setup

  1. Flash Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit) to MicroSD
  2. Enable SSH and configure WiFi in Raspberry Pi Imager
  3. Boot the Pi and connect the White Comma Panda via USB
  4. SSH into the Pi and run the install script
  5. Connect the Panda to your Tesla's OBD port

Development

# Activate the virtual environment
source ~/panda/bin/activate

# Run tests (if available)
python -m pytest tests/

# Type checking
mypy marsmode/

# Linting
ruff check marsmode/

Troubleshooting

Panda not detected

# Check USB connection
lsusb | grep -i panda

# Check udev rules
cat /etc/udev/rules.d/11-panda.rules

# Reload rules
sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger

Permission denied

# Ensure your user is in the dialout group
sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER
# Log out and back in

Recovery mode

If the Panda needs recovery:

cd ~/panda/board
./recover.py
./flash.py

Safety Notes

  • These scripts send CAN messages to your vehicle. Use at your own risk.
  • The advanced mode automatically disables when the vehicle is in park.
  • Always test new modes in a safe environment.
  • The media-back mode is only compatible with Tesla's Streaming app.

License

Mars Mode scripts are released under the MIT license.

Credits

  • Original panda software by comma.ai
  • Mars Mode extensions by spleck