Over the years I’ve coded in almost every programming language under the sun.  Languages all the way from Turing, Object Pascal, C#, Java, HTML5/CSS, JavaScript, C++, QML.. you name it.  But over the last 5 years or so I’ve been concentrating my hands-on coding experience on web development using HTML5/CSS and JavaScript.  I understand browser engines, the DOM and CSS inside out and can create pretty much any layout and visual effect that I can dream up.

But starting on the Interactive Dashboard I’ve decided to go with Android as the operating system and utilize “native” Android Java development.  In the past I would tackle Android by leveraging HTML5 development with PhoneGap packaging for Android, but for this implementation I need to get integrated down into the operating system.  It will require talking to ODBII ports and Arduino boards via USB, updating system settings, embedding native Google maps and turn by turn direction views from Android etc..

While many of those tasks are possible by building PhoneGap plug-ins, I’m positive that the majority of my code will be in those plug-ins and not in the UI layer.  So I might as well also build the UI layer in Android as well since I’m not trying to port this code to other operating systems.

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Ever since I was involved in working with the fine folks from the automotive division of QNX I’ve had an enhanced interest on what can be done inside a vehicle.  I’ve even started exploring some of those ideas while automating the BatBerry.

Most of those systems are automated for fun using actuators and an Arduino board.  But when QNX started exploring what’s possible by replacing physical console hardware with automated touch screens (as seen in the picture of the Bentley above) it really brought the WOW factor home for me.  It makes you imagine what all might be possible

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Workshop 12’s current active vehicle build is dubbed the BatBerry.

This is a custom ground up build of a replica 1989 Batmobile which has some of its axillary systems controlled by a BlackBerry smartphone application using an Arduino board as the control module.  This software controls aspects like the canopy, afterburner, bat-disc doors, replica 30 caliber machine guns and more.

Like all Workshop 12 vehicle builds, the BatBerry has its own website including a blog covering the entire build along with progress videos where you can view the history of the build.  This vehicle has been fabricated 100% from the ground up requiring detailed metal, fiberglass, software and circuitry work.

The goals of this car are to stay as true to the movie version as much as possible while actually making the vehicle drivable in an everyday world.  There are lots of real life details that the movie car didn’t have to deal with such as water getting on the car without it becoming a bathtub 🙂

So far the BatBerry has only been out to a couple of events (while it was only partially completed) such as the Yorkville Exotic Car Show (pictured above) it drew massive crowds.  There are also lots of visitors who drop by to check out the car when the shop doors are open and building is under way.

The current target completion date is the end of January 2015, but you can browse through the build history as well as keep up to date on the progress through the BatBerry build blog.

The TMBLER was Workshop 12’s first vehicle build. This 450hp widebody street monster has won many awards from wildest Subaru to best paint at many different car shows including national shows such as Importfest. The TMBLER represents an aggressive exterior with absolute attention to detail from the engine bay all the way to the trunk.

This vehicle was where I cut my teeth learning about car modification and fabrication.  All body work, interior, stereo and engine bay wire-tuck and shave were performed by Workshop 12.  Even the custom paint was a Workshop 12 creation which draws lots of attention when attending local car shows.  It has also been a featured ride on Stance Is Everything’s website.

Like all Workshop 12 vehicle builds, the TMBLER has its own website including a blog covering the entire build and a gallery from various photo-shoots and events where you can view the history of the build.

So sit back, checkout the TMBLER’s website, and see what goes into building a show quality WRX!

And so it begins!  My name is Tim Neil and I’m very excited to announce that Workshop 12 has finally opened its doors for business 🙂

Over the years I’ve had countless people ask me to build customized products for them.  Whether it be custom software, provide consulting, build a vehicle or fabricate a display or part for their car or business.

Essentially people have really responded to the creative projects that I’ve been a part of.  However whenever anyone had asked if I could build something for them I would decline.  I was using my free time to work on the projects that I wanted to build for myself, so there wasn’t time to do all of my projects, hold down a full time job and also build creative projects for others.

After gaining over 18 years of software experience, and over 10 years of fabrication and car building experience, I’ve decided to provide services surrounding what I love to do as part of a new business called Workshop 12.

The goal of Workshop 12 is to provide custom creative services for those who need uniquely built items.  Whether that be software, go to market strategies, full vehicle builds or different types of custom fabrication.

So if you or someone you know is looking for a unique build, check out our portfolio and services, and then give us a shout to be added to the build schedule!