QCAN Explorer

A modern, cross-platform CAN network analysis tool built with Python and PyQt6. QCAN Explorer provides professional-grade CAN bus monitoring, message transmission, symbolic decoding, and data logging capabilities in an intuitive graphical interface.

✨ Key Features

🔍 Real-time CAN Bus Monitoring

• Expandable Message Tree: Message names shown by default, expand to see individual signals
• Built-in SYM File Loading: Load symbol files directly from Monitor tab
• Live message display with sortable, filterable tables
• Color-coded TX/RX messages and extended ID support
• Automatic period calculation and message statistics
• Detailed hex/binary/decimal data views with signal decoding

📤 Message Transmission

• Manual and periodic message transmission
• Transmit list management with save/load functionality
• Extended ID and remote frame support
• Configurable timing and repeat options

🏷️ Symbolic Representation

• SYM file support for message decoding (PCAN Symbol Editor format)
• Real-time signal value display with units and enumerations
• Database browser with message/signal details
• Automatic message interpretation

💾 Data Logging & Playback

• Professional Text Display: Messages shown in industry-standard format with message names
• Hover Tooltips: Decoded signal values appear on hover (with SYM files)
• Wide Message Names: Full symbolic message names visible in dedicated column
• Record CAN traffic in CSV, JSON, ASC, and TRC formats
• Streamlined Controls: Start/Stop/Clear/Save/Open/Format on single row
• No Message Limits: Log unlimited messages
• Open existing log files for analysis
• Background file operations with progress indication

📈 Real-time Signal Plotting

• Full-Width Interactive Plots: Maximum plotting area with popup signal selection
• Dual-Mode Operation: Real-time CAN monitoring + historical trace file analysis
• Multiple Signal Overlay: Plot unlimited signals with automatic color assignment
• Professional Analysis: Interactive zoom, pan, and measurement tools
• Smart Signal Selection: Popup dialog with full signal names and multi-selection
• Data Export: Save plots as images (PNG, JPEG) and data as CSV
• Flexible Display: Auto-scaling, grid, legend, and configurable time windows

🔌 Multi-Interface Support

• SocketCAN, PCAN, Vector, Kvaser, and more
• Virtual CAN: Built-in virtual CAN network for testing without hardware
• Automatic interface detection
• Simultaneous multi-interface connections
• Robust error handling and recovery

🚀 Quick Start

Option 1: Automated Setup (Recommended)

Linux/macOS:

./run.sh

Windows:

run.bat

Option 2: Manual Installation

1. Install Python 3.8+ from python.org

2. Clone/Download this repository

3. Install dependencies:

   # Install core dependencies
   pip install -r requirements-minimal.txt
   
   # Optional: Install additional packages for enhanced features
   pip install numpy pandas pyqtgraph

4. Run the application:

   python main.py

Troubleshooting

Import Issues: If you encounter import errors, ensure you're running the script from the project root directory.

Dependency Issues: If pandas fails to build (especially on Python 3.13), use the minimal requirements:

pip install -r requirements-minimal.txt

The application will work fine without pandas - it's only used for enhanced data processing features.

Supported CAN Interfaces

• SocketCAN (Linux)
• PCAN (Windows/Linux/macOS)
• Vector (Windows)
• IXXAT (Windows)
• NI-CAN (Windows)
• Kvaser (Windows/Linux)

Usage

1. Connect to CAN Interface: Select your CAN interface (including Virtual for testing) from the dropdown and configure settings
2. Monitor Messages: View real-time CAN traffic in the monitoring tab
3. Send Messages: Use the transmission tab to send custom messages
4. Load Symbol Files: Import SYM files for symbolic message interpretation
5. Record Data: Use the logging feature to capture and analyze CAN traffic

File Formats Supported

• SYM Files: PCAN Symbol Editor format for symbolic message definitions
• Log Files: CSV, JSON, ASC, TRC formats for data logging
• Configuration Files: JSON format for saving/loading setups

Virtual CAN Network

QCAN Explorer includes a built-in virtual CAN network for testing without hardware:

• Realistic Message Generation: 7 different message types with varying data
• Symbolic Decoding: Includes matching SYM file (examples/sym/virtual_can_network.sym)
• Control Interface: Virtual CAN tab for managing message generation
• Demo Script: Run python examples/demo_virtual_can.py to see it in action

Virtual Message Types

• 0x100: Engine RPM, Load, Temperature, Throttle (500ms - 2Hz)
• 0x101: Vehicle Speed, Odometer (1000ms - 1Hz)
• 0x200: Door/Window Status, Lights (2000ms - 0.5Hz)
• 0x300: Battery, Fuel, Electrical (5000ms - 0.2Hz)
• 0x400: Climate Control (10000ms - 0.1Hz)
• 0x7E0/0x7E8: Diagnostic Messages (20000ms - 0.05Hz)

Rate Control Features

• Speed Up (÷2): Double message rates by halving periods
• Slow Down (×2): Halve message rates by doubling periods
• Real-time Adjustment: Change rates while virtual network is running
• Individual Control: Enable/disable specific message types

License

MIT License - See LICENSE file for details