Building CANtact Pro - An Open Source CAN Bus Tool

Explore the process of designing and releasing an open-source hardware tool in this conference talk from NorthSec 2021. Dive into the journey of creating CANtact Pro, an advanced CAN bus tool, from initial concept to market release. Learn about PCB design using open-source tools, cross-platform driver development with Rust, and the economics of hardware product launches. Gain insights into the challenges of building hardware, including logistical hurdles and design considerations. Discover the evolution from the original CANtact to the improved CANtact Pro, featuring isolation, high-speed USB, and CAN-FD support. Understand the steps involved in bringing an idea to fruition, from software development to crowdfunding and shipping. Whether you're an aspiring hardware developer or curious about the intricacies of open-source hardware projects, this talk provides valuable knowledge on creating and marketing your own hardware tools.

Intro
CAN?
The Original CANtact
Goals
2x CAN-FD + Single Wire CAN
Isolation
Enclosure
Software - SocketCAN
Software - Userspace Driver
Software - Python API
Software - BUSMASTER
Building & Selling
So You Want To Build Some Hardware...
Next Steps