#DPF Companion — Know When Your Regen Is About To Begin (& End)
I built this because I was completely fed up with getting caught out by DPF regenerations at or near the end of a journey.
We've all been there: you're 5 minutes from home, the van starts a regen, and suddenly you're forced to drive around on for another 20 minutes. The alternative is switching off the engine, risking future DPF & turbo problems and diluting your engine oil with diesel.
I wanted to know two simple things:
This project actually consists of three parts working together:
Here are some screenshots from the DPF Companion App and a short video showcase of how it works:
DPF Companion Video ->
Some photos of the DPF Companion Device mounted on the dash of a T6:
If you'd like to read more about how the project started, I documented the creative journey in a forum thread on here:
"I Made A Thing" -> I Made A Thing
When that thread started I hadn't yet started the app but decided that the only way to get the device configured was to build an app. Now the app does more than the Device but both enable other.
Thank you to everyone who's supported the project so far.
What it does
Is your vehicle compatible?
If you drive a VW Group diesel with an EA288 or EA897 engine, yes!
Price & Total Cost Breakdown
Please Read.
This listing is for the app, enclosure and mounting kit only
You will need to purchase the Waveshare device and battery separately.
To bypass import paperwork, product liability regulations, bureaucracy and red tape, it's easiest if you buy the raw electronics directly from the supplier while we provide the custom software and hardware kit.
How to Order
Total Investment: If you already have an OBD adapter and USB-C power cable, the complete setup costs roughly £77.71 (Non-Touch) or £82.91 (Touch).
Screen Options
The custom enclosure is supplied with all parts required to fit both variants of the Waveshare 2.8" display.
Mounting Options
Dedicated Dashboard Mount:
"Go Pro" Accessory Mount:
Easy Assembly
Seriously, if you can tie your shoelaces, you can build this.
Choose Your Colour
• Colours available: Black, White, Red, Blue, Yellow, Orange.
Custom colours available upon request, although a surcharge may apply to cover material costs.
If you have any questions at all, ask away in the thread, send a PM, or drop me a line at [email protected].
I built this because I was completely fed up with getting caught out by DPF regenerations at or near the end of a journey.
We've all been there: you're 5 minutes from home, the van starts a regen, and suddenly you're forced to drive around on for another 20 minutes. The alternative is switching off the engine, risking future DPF & turbo problems and diluting your engine oil with diesel.
I wanted to know two simple things:
- How long until the next regen starts so I can plan my trip.
- Once a regen begins, how long until it's finished so I know whether to keep driving or pull over.
This project actually consists of three parts working together:
- DPF Companion App - a standalone mobile app that reads and analyses live DPF data. This works without the ESP32-S3 device but does need the ELM32 OBD dongle (e.g. Carista or Vgate).
- DPF Device Firmware - free firmware that transforms a Waveshare ESP32-S3 display into a dedicated DPF monitor.
- Custom Enclosure & Mounting System - designed and manufactured by fellow forum member @CooseVW.
Here are some screenshots from the DPF Companion App and a short video showcase of how it works:
DPF Companion Video ->
Some photos of the DPF Companion Device mounted on the dash of a T6:
If you'd like to read more about how the project started, I documented the creative journey in a forum thread on here:
"I Made A Thing" -> I Made A Thing
When that thread started I hadn't yet started the app but decided that the only way to get the device configured was to build an app. Now the app does more than the Device but both enable other.
Thank you to everyone who's supported the project so far.
What it does- Predicts the future: Tells you how long until your next regen starts so you don't get caught out.
- Tracks progress: Counts active regenerations down to completion and beeps when they're finished. (Optional, the beep can be disabled.)
- Reads live soot levels: Surfaces DPF information normally hidden away inside vehicle control modules.
- Works on phone or dashboard: Use the mobile app on its own, or pair it with the dedicated display.
- Looks factory-made: The enclosure is printed in PETG with a refined, textured finish that doesn't look like a cheap 3D print.
- No dash drilling: The included 3M VHB tape mount leaves zero trace if removed. It also comes with an additional "Go Pro" style backplate so you can utilise windscreen mounts etc.
Is your vehicle compatible?If you drive a VW Group diesel with an EA288 or EA897 engine, yes!
- Confirmed on VW Transporter T6/T6.1, Crafter, Skoda Superb, and Audi A4/A5/A6 (80+ engine codes verified).
- The app automatically discovers your vehicle's sensors on first connection.
- Tip: Download the app and use the built-in Simulation Mode to explore the features before connecting to a vehicle.
Price & Total Cost BreakdownPlease Read.
This listing is for the app, enclosure and mounting kit onlyYou will need to purchase the Waveshare device and battery separately. To bypass import paperwork, product liability regulations, bureaucracy and red tape, it's easiest if you buy the raw electronics directly from the supplier while we provide the custom software and hardware kit.
How to Order- Get the App: £9.99
iOS: DPF Companion App - App Store
Android: DPF Companion - Apps on Google Play - Get the Device Firmware: £FREE (optional “pay what is fair”) DPF Companion Device — Firmware Installer
- Get the Enclosure/Hardware Kit: £35 (inc. UK P&P). Drop a comment below or send a PM directly to @CooseVW with your colour choice.
- Waveshare ESP32-S3 2.8" Round Display: ~£30.06 (Touch Version) | ESP32-S3 2.8inch Round Display Development Board, 480×480, 32-bit LX7 Dual-core Processor, Supports WiFi & Bluetooth, Options For Touch Function, ESP32 With Display | ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-2.8
- Waveshare RTC Battery-A (25mAh): ~£0.97 - £2.25 | RTC Battery for Raspberry Pi 5, Options For 25mAh / 64mAh / 180mAh Battery Capacity, 2PIN JST connector
- Bluetooth OBD Adapter: ~£20-£50 (Carista EVO recommended)
Total Investment: If you already have an OBD adapter and USB-C power cable, the complete setup costs roughly £77.71 (Non-Touch) or £82.91 (Touch). Screen OptionsThe custom enclosure is supplied with all parts required to fit both variants of the Waveshare 2.8" display.
- Touchscreen Display: Lets you swipe between the DPF monitor, digital speedometer and tachometer views. Features an integrated glossy glass bezel for a premium finish.
- Non-Touch Display: Matte screen to reduce reflections, retained by a matching enclosure bezel.
Mounting OptionsDedicated Dashboard Mount:
- A base plate which attaches to the dashboard using pre-fitted 3M VHB tape.
- A stand that slides into the base via a dovetail joint.
- The stand is secured using 2 × M2 screws.
- The display can be removed for cleaning or maintenance without removing the base.
- NO SCREWING INTO DASHBOARD REQUIRED - fully removable without trace.
"Go Pro" Accessory Mount:
- A second back plate is included to adapt the display to any GoPro-compatible mount.
Easy AssemblySeriously, if you can tie your shoelaces, you can build this.
- Flash the screen: Plug it into a PC or laptop. Firmware installation takes around 30 seconds using your web browser. Firmware Help & Setup
- Assemble the enclosure: Follow @CooseVW's quick assembly video. You'll only need a PH1 and PH2 screwdriver. Enclosure Assembly Guide
- Configure using DPF Companion: Connect the app and complete the initial onboarding setup. The app automatically discovers the correct vehicle sensors.
Choose Your Colour• Colours available: Black, White, Red, Blue, Yellow, Orange.
Custom colours available upon request, although a surcharge may apply to cover material costs.
If you have any questions at all, ask away in the thread, send a PM, or drop me a line at [email protected].
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