- This topic has 9 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated Feb 3-4:18 pm by sybok.
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Posts
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Brian Masinick
https://apnews.com/article/technology-privacy-business-software-6164f6d826529d99f5098be8d354084a
PROS:
Software was a big theme for automakers attending CES 2023 in January. BMW, Stellantis, Volkswagen and a joint venture between Honda and Sony showed off upcoming or concept vehicles that are significantly reliant on computers and code. The takeaway was clear: More and more vehicles will be run top to bottom by software, not hardware. In some cases, the future is already here.…
CONS:
THE DOWNSIDE OF THIS NEW TECHSoftware allows new features that wouldn’t have been possible in the past. But sometimes these features aren’t so great in practice. Tesla and Rivian, for example, use touchscreen-based controls to direct the flow of the cabin’s air vents. It seems neat in theory but turns out to be a finicky and distracting process in real-world driving. Old-school air vents that you adjust by hand just work better.
Software crashes and glitches are also problematic. Issues that PC users are all too familiar with can crop up in cars. It might be a touchscreen that goes blank and is inoperable while driving, glitchy operation of certain controls, or advanced driver assist features that aren’t as fully vetted as they should be before being added to vehicles.
The complete article can be read at the reference at the top.
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Brian MasinickXunzi_23
Apart from other real dangers where vehicles can be controlled remotely.
On my Stellantis Vehicle, Airbag failure warnings, poor contact in cheap and nasty cable connectors.
Very hard to find. Only real cure is soldering with a tested safe i.e. isolated soldering iron.
and being very careful about static. Airbags can release at very low voltage, specs say about 1,3Volt.If all 6 go my vehicle is Beyond economic repair.
Engine control has crashed several times, disconnect battery wait ten minutes reconnect, works for
months until next time.In summer at about 30C the heating controller, a microcomputer crashed several times. Result electric
heating elements on and max hot air blown in cabin. Aircon also went to full cool, obviously they do
not communicate.Back to find a safe place to stop, disconnect the battery, wait 10 minutes and reconnect so systems reboot.
Disconnect the battery on a modern BMW you have to get the car trailered to a workshop at high cost, pay for
diagnosis and resetting the trip online with BMW to allow battery to be recognised. You also can not just change
the battery.Total rip off. The owner controlls nothing, I was told I am not qualified to comment on why these measures are in
place.I am only a fully trained and experienced Master Mechanic and Vehicle Electrics technician on same level.
Not done that badly paid work for years but keep up and maintain my own vehicle. Also have uncovered many packs
of lies from specialist workshops. Trust in them, I have none. Worst ever experiences, vw audi totaly dirty proven
swindling company.Only modern vehicle I would buy, if I had the money that is, a Toyota Prius, the big one, taxi drivers swear by
them they are unlike most other vehicles so reliable. Local ones at about 480,000 KM, on one a battery cell was
replaced at 700,000, it is still in daily usage.
That is a single battery cell which developed high internal resistance was replaced, not the entire pack.The owner is a mechanic and vehicle electrics master at a stellantis workshop, he bought and replaced the cell
himself, worst or most difficult task was sourcing the cell. Toyota wanted to sell him a complete battery pack.
because a repair would be too dangerous… Liars.- This reply was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by Xunzi_23.
sybok
Well, I have a preliminary sense of mistrust devices smarter than necessary (the necessity can be a matter of opinion/taste) for them to do their job.
Although, I have to admit I desired a K.I.T.T. in my childhood.Increasing reliance on SW can create a similar situation as with smart-phones.
Sometimes, you are forced to “give up” a mobile that still operates but no longer gets updates of its OS, hence some of the apps are no longer supported at this platform and no longer work.
This is especially internet banking, with its two-factor authentication more and more relying on apps rather than SMS which are often to be paid.Back to the cars…
If your automobile no longer gets SW updates, it should not be allowed on the road because of decreasing security or you must accept your insurance not covering accidents.
Instead, buy a new car to make everyone safer and automobile industry happier.Many everyday electronics (phones, TV, dishwashers, coffee machines, pacemakers, cars) get controlled by programs or “smarter” (connected to internet, their firmware getting old and obsolete, no patches because of limited/no support guaranteed).
That’s one of the good roles of European Union – forcing some industry to standardize their produces (e.g. mobile chargers), force providers to acknowledge right for repairs and force SW support for at least some limited time.
Toyota wanted to sell him a complete battery pack.
I could understand such an approach if they wanted to avoid any legal backfire if an inexperienced user messes things up; then providing them with a written statement of accepting the risks when proceeding on my own should persuade them.
I have a friend who wanted to repair a malfunctioning window in his car and he needed to pay for a whole block of stuff to be removed and inserted from the corresponding door.
He informed me that this is called a modular approach; it makes the replacements easier and the service can hire not that skillful/specialized people (which is good because I guess the different car-making companies have their own specialties and tweak involved such as custom screws used to be present in mobile chargers).
Of course, the price is higher and more waste is produced (unless properly re-used).
But who cares, right? If customers are buying, why change a model that works well.A bit off-topic, it reminded me of a guy I met at some course who told me that airplane SW certificates, ensuring security, create a situation when publishing a workaround is easier than fixing a non-critical bug (because the updated SW would have to go through the lengthy and pricey certification process again).
Suggested reading:
https://taks3.com/how-to-protect-a-hacked-car/
https://thehackernews.com/2023/01/millions-of-vehicles-at-risk-api.htmlBrian Masinick
Yeah, my wife has an ordinary Honda CR-V that is normally powered. It’s been good, only three things replaced: a set of tires, a battery under warranty and another battery at six years old.
She also has an electric wheelchair. Guess what had to be replaced, a battery.
Electronic components can be helpful but a complete reliance on them is not a good idea at all.
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Brian Masinick
rokytnji
Toying with the idea of running a seperate car play/android air play unit on my motorcycle handlebars.
Phones break when you do this motorcycle because of handlebar vibration.
These seperate units are tough and water proof and tie into the phone in your pocket using bluetooth or wifi.
To give you a idea.https://www.advrider.com/easy-carplay-or-android-auto-for-any-bike/
Lots of open desert out here. It is easy to get lost.
Sometimes I drive a crooked road to get my mind straight.
Not all who Wander are Lost.
I'm not outa place. I'm from outer space.Linux Registered User # 475019
How to Search for AntiX solutions to your problemsBrian Masinick
Toying with the idea of running a seperate car play/android air play unit on my motorcycle handlebars.
Phones break when you do this motorcycle because of handlebar vibration.
These seperate units are tough and water proof and tie into the phone in your pocket using bluetooth or wifi.
To give you a idea.https://www.advrider.com/easy-carplay-or-android-auto-for-any-bike/
Lots of open desert out here. It is easy to get lost.
Might come in handy; hopefully it’ll last a long time; otherwise it’s on the pricey side.
Like all the things we are discussing here, there are both costs and benefits, useful features and potential consequences associated with their use.
Those concerned about their absolute privacy and location will have concerns; those who appreciate convenience and useful “directions” may find it helpful.
Choices, features, costs, benefits, concerns – which create the most concern?Personally I do appreciate technology, but I also recognize that everything comes at a cost of one form or another.
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Brian Masinickrokytnji
You can get em for 75 bucks on ali express.
Amazon is about a 100 bucks. That article was posted when they were a new thing.Be a good idea for a obsolete raspberry pi project I guess. I have a housing with a touch screen from china.
Above my skill set presently to fabricate something out of what I have available.
700hz arm cpu with 512MB of ram.
The MX PI version runs like paint drying on it.
Everything is now browser based. When it comes to gps location.
You can download static maps to keep on file.
It is not the same though.Phone in pocket is how I roll presently with antiX chromebook in the saddlebags.
Sometimes I drive a crooked road to get my mind straight.
Not all who Wander are Lost.
I'm not outa place. I'm from outer space.Linux Registered User # 475019
How to Search for AntiX solutions to your problemsBrian Masinick
In that case this could be a decent way to get some tunes when you’re riding your motorcycle.
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Brian Masinick@sybok,
repairing a car window, mechanical or motor driven correctly is not trivial,
usualy seals, guides, often clips must be replaced to avoid malfunction. Talking
up to 4 to 5 hours on many vehicles. A bad mechanic can not even remove the door
trim without damage.
Mostly repair kits are put together out of experience. Owners do not want to be
told, wait a few days or weeks, we had to order some more parts once we had finished
assesment. Some customers get very abusive, blaming and and threatening so generaly
all possibly needed parts are ordered and routinely replaced.@roki, regarding GPS navigation, I have used OSM and, an open street maps application
for some years now, generaly very good and maps on device. Not sure how good the maps
are in USA but, its a community project and corrections are always welcome.sybok
@Xunzi_23: OK, thanks for clarifying that modular approach is sometimes the better variant.
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