View Full Version : Roadster firmware wishlist
dsm363
01-15-2011, 05:34 AM
What things do owners who have had their cars for awhile wish Tesla would upgrade (within the realm of what's possible with a firmware update and their limited engineering sources directed towards the Roadster given Model S development).
I'd simply like to have the speed shown in the gray LCD screen below the speedometer since I'm over 6 feet tall and can't see the top of the speedometer anyway.
Ditto to the above - can we have speed on the LCD so that taller drivers know how fast they are going! I know that the speed is also on the tough screen, but in a RHD car its not visible without taking you hand off the wheel. If its not possible to put speed on the LCD (selected perhaps by the button used to scroll through odometer etc) the could we have the speed on the touchscreen on the LHS for RHD cars.
On a similar vein the amps display is pointless as it changes so fast. Perhaps replace this with kW for the last mile driven?
Doug_G
01-15-2011, 11:08 AM
I totally agree; it would be GREAT to have the speed on the LCD display.
It doesn't matter if it's LHD or RHD, one of your hands is going to block the touchscreen. Plus if you don't have the right screen up you can't see your speed; might be nice to use one of the other screens once in a while.
Other than that, it would be nice to be able to set the charge mode more easily. If you set the charge mode and then get out of the car and open the charge port, it resets to default. So you have to climb back into the car again (of course this would be trivial if it wasn't slightly acrobatic). Also it seems you can't adjust charge current in many modes, such as when you aren't charging.
dsm363
01-15-2011, 01:28 PM
I'm wondering if you really need the estimated range on that LCD display at all since it's easily accessible on the VDS. Maybe the firmware could allow you to cycle that out and put the speed in big numbers that take up the entire height of the LCD display. Can't imagine that would be that hard to do.
+1 for speed on the LCD.
Display:
I'd like time to complete charge at current rate
I'd also like, in the VDS, to see the temps (motor, pem, battery) in *C
I'd like battery level as a %
Functionality:
Disable 'creep'.
Power up HVAC at {time} - allow hvac whilst on charge.
cinergi
01-16-2011, 02:03 PM
I'd also like, in the VDS, to see the temps (motor, pem, battery) in *C
Power up HVAC at {time} - allow hvac whilst on charge.
+1 for actual temps (especially because left-most cold battery is like 70F or something, so I can't tell what's going on in the winter)
+1 for HVAC (I assume you mean both A/C and heat) while plugged in. Keeping the cabin even at 50F while it's 15F outside would be nice. Or something similar to "remote start" When I can power up the HVAC remotely prior to getting in the car.
VDS should have option to display last *40* miles of whpm history since that's what's used to estimate range.
Permanent place for outside temperature (e.g. a spot for it no matter which VDS screen I'm on)
bolosky
01-17-2011, 02:14 PM
I'd also like, in the VDS, to see the temps (motor, pem, battery) in *C
If your VDS is set to debug output mode, then it does show temps in *C. There is a way to do this, but it requires knowing the special Tesla VDS password. Next time you're in the shop, ask your friendly Tesla Ranger to set debug mode, and hopefully he'll set it up for you.
Regarding the touch screen, it would be nice if the buttons didn't move when you release the parking brake. Am I the only one with this problem? But when I get in my car, I put my foot on the brake, put the transmission in reverse, release the parking brake, then reach for the HomeLink button. But just as I do, the touch screen reacts to the parking brake release, and I miss. It just seems like bad design to have buttons move around from place to place. Not very "Apple-like"
dsm363
01-17-2011, 05:16 PM
If there is a feature you'd like on the Roadster, the customer rep I e-mail said to e-mail it to them and they can pass it along to the Roadster team. I think the speed on the LCD screen is something easy so the more people who send an e-mail, the more likely it is to happen. Thanks.
kgb: That does seem strange. I never use the parking brake but know how everything shifts around after the parking break is applied and taken off. There are many user interface issues in the car but most of them are with the Alpine unit.
There are many user interface issues in the car but most of them are with the Alpine unit.
Regarding the Alpine, I use 2 sources most commonly. The bluetooth and the HD Radio. It would be nice if the order of sources could be a user preference. When I want to switch sources, pressing the scroll button is just one more time my eyes have to be off the road.
Regarding the touch screen, it would be nice if the buttons didn't move when you release the parking brake. Am I the only one with this problem? But when I get in my car, I put my foot on the brake, put the transmission in reverse, release the parking brake, then reach for the HomeLink button. But just as I do, the touch screen reacts to the parking brake release, and I miss. It just seems like bad design to have buttons move around from place to place. Not very "Apple-like"
I have other complaints regarding my use of the HomeLink. I would like a preference in which I could turn off alarms on the VDS. Sometimes, I like to reach into the car and press the HomeLink button, but as soon as I open the door, I get the "Door Open with Key in Ignition" alarm... even though the parking brake is engaged. Then I have to clear that alarm and then figure out in which of the 2 locations the HomeLink button is. Seriously, can I just have a chime and a dashboard light. And I'd like the HomeLink button in the same place each time.
Also, I would like to activate the Valet mode before pulling into the valet area. I feel like a jerk activating the parking brake and then covering my fingers as I put in the code. The alternative is to stop the car 100 yards from the valet, activating the brake and then entering the code. I suggest that the valet activation button be available without the parking brake activated. That way, as I am slowly pulling up to valet, I can activate the valet mode and enter my code... before the valet guy is looking over my shoulder.
+1 for all of these great suggestions. And oldie but a goodie is to increase the contrast because when it's sunny out the screen can't be seen for the glare and a night screen would be nice too.
I have other complaints regarding my use of the HomeLink. I would like a preference in which I could turn off alarms on the VDS. Sometimes, I like to reach into the car and press the HomeLink button, but as soon as I open the door, I get the "Door Open with Key in Ignition" alarm... even though the parking brake is engaged. Then I have to clear that alarm and then figure out in which of the 2 locations the HomeLink button is. Seriously, can I just have a chime and a dashboard light. And I'd like the HomeLink button in the same place each time.
Also, I would like to activate the Valet mode before pulling into the valet area. I feel like a jerk activating the parking brake and then covering my fingers as I put in the code. The alternative is to stop the car 100 yards from the valet, activating the brake and then entering the code. I suggest that the valet activation button be available without the parking brake activated. That way, as I am slowly pulling up to valet, I can activate the valet mode and enter my code... before the valet guy is looking over my shoulder.
I have other complaints regarding my use of the HomeLink. I would like a preference in which I could turn off alarms on the VDS. Sometimes, I like to reach into the car and press the HomeLink button, but as soon as I open the door, I get the "Door Open with Key in Ignition" alarm... even though the parking brake is engaged. Then I have to clear that alarm and then figure out in which of the 2 locations the HomeLink button is. Seriously, can I just have a chime and a dashboard light. And I'd like the HomeLink button in the same place each time.
Also, I would like to activate the Valet mode before pulling into the valet area. I feel like a jerk activating the parking brake and then covering my fingers as I put in the code. The alternative is to stop the car 100 yards from the valet, activating the brake and then entering the code. I suggest that the valet activation button be available without the parking brake activated. That way, as I am slowly pulling up to valet, I can activate the valet mode and enter my code... before the valet guy is looking over my shoulder.
Perhaps valet mode should remember the code and be activated automatically when Park is pressed and held for a few seconds.
dsm363
01-18-2011, 10:14 AM
I haven't used valet mode yet but it seems strange that you have to type your pin to activate it. You would think activating valet mode would just require hitting the button then maybe a confirm button as well without the pin. To get out of valet mode of course, you'd need your pin. It should be on the main drive screen as well as was stated.
Doug_G
01-18-2011, 10:19 AM
I haven't used valet mode yet but it seems strange that you have to type your pin to activate it. You would think activating valet mode would just require hitting the button then maybe a confirm button as well without the pin. To get out of valet mode of course, you'd need your pin. It should be on the main drive screen as well as was stated.
That's probably so you can't forget your PIN and then activate it.
jaanton
01-18-2011, 11:12 AM
I would like some charging options... More amp selections such as 30A which is going to be common due to all the J1772 sites which will max at 30A. 24A slows things down.
Also, there has been a lot of discussion regarding the need to plug the roadster in to cool the battery. I've noticed that when charging the car seems to aggressively cool (or heat) the battery at the start of a charge cycle. Cooling the battery is important for its longevity. But charging on a TOU meter means not cooling the battery until late at night. I would like to see a "cool the battery whenever plugged in" option. That way when I get home from a day of driving, the battery will cool down as soon as I get home and then fully charge when the power rates go down.
PaulM
01-18-2011, 12:03 PM
The maximum current you can draw from a 30A J1772 EVSE is 24A (80%). The EVSE tells your car what is the maximum current it can draw from it. Your Tesla allows you to select a lower rate if you want.
donauker
01-18-2011, 12:26 PM
The maximum current you can draw from a 30A J1772 EVSE is 24A (80%). The EVSE tells your car what is the maximum current it can draw from it. Your Tesla allows you to select a lower rate if you want.
Actually the Coulomb stations are 30A delivered to the car. The problem is that the currently available adapter is a J1772 to NEMA 1450. When this is used with current mobile connector the car will only see the signal from the UMC thus you need to select 24A since 32A will overload the Coulomb. 30 amps is slow enough without being limited to 24.
jaanton
01-18-2011, 12:29 PM
Actually the Coulomb stations are 30A delivered to the car. The problem is that the currently available adapter is a J1772 to NEMA 1450. When this is used with current mobile connector the car will only see the signal from the UMC thus you need to select 24A since 32A will overload the Coulomb. 30 amps is slow enough without being limited to 24.
Not so. If you read the Coulomb install specifications, they require a 40A breaker and are rated for 30A continous service.
http://www.coulombtech.com/products-charging-stations.php
donauker
01-18-2011, 12:32 PM
Not so. If you read the Coulomb install specifications, they require a 40A breaker and are rated for 30A continous service.
http://www.coulombtech.com/products-charging-stations.php
How is that not in agreement with what I said??
PaulM
01-19-2011, 05:05 AM
Kinda weird that the Coulomb will only supply 30A when it's connected to a 40A circuit. I'm sure that once Tesla offers official support for J1772, the car will be able to fully exploit all available power.
tennis_trs
01-19-2011, 08:38 AM
It's hard to clean the touchscreen. When I wipe it with a cleaning cloth it keeps registering as random presses (even if the car is off). It would be nice if there was a "cleaning mode" that would ignore touchscreen presses for 60 seconds.
I tried rubbing my finger around the screen a little and none of the buttons registered it unless I took my finger off the screen a little during it. Maybe if you make sure to keep your finger pressed against the cloth/screen and don't allow the cloth to touch anywhere else (although I expect that most cloths wouldn't register without reasonable force pressing them to the screen).
dsm363
02-18-2011, 12:04 PM
I was just updated to 4.5.1, doesn't seem to really add anything. I told the tech my wish to have the estimated range on the small LCD screen replaced with speed (mph) and he said he'd pass that along.
Talkredius
02-18-2011, 12:55 PM
I would like to have a "rally mode", a switchable, more aggressive regen for small twisty country roads
sprediletto
08-03-2011, 03:07 AM
I would like the ability to program security features to specify the maximum speed and distance the Roadster can travel before a PIN is entered. This would prevent someone who stole the car (even if they had a key) from going more than 20 mph with a range of 1 mile. Think of it as enhanced "Valet Mode."
markwj
08-03-2011, 04:01 AM
I suggest people also send these requests into their customer advocate. Here is what I sent to mine:
+++
I have an enhancement / feature request for the roadster.
I am 5'11" tall, and the visibility of the roadster dashboard display is as per the attached photograph. The top third of the speedometer is really not visible at all - as it is obscured by the steering wheel.
The little orange LCD display in the dashboard is very clear, but really doesn't show much useful info. The amps used is ok, but the battery state, mileage and trip odometer are all visible on the color VDS down by my knee.
It would be much better if the roadster had an option to show speed in that little orange LCD. Either just speed, or a setting toggle like the odometer/trip counter switch. Or, simply remove the battery display and show speed there instead.
I am not sure if others have requested this or not, but almost all the owners I talk to complain about not being able to see the speedometer.
Other than that, the car is a dream.
2247
1.5 VDS Screen be able to swap the Ideal miles and new MPH readout. I refer to MPH much more often and it is behind the steering wheel.
dsm363
08-03-2011, 02:06 PM
I suggest people also send these requests into their customer advocate. Here is what I sent to mine:
+++
I have an enhancement / feature request for the roadster.
I am 5'11" tall, and the visibility of the roadster dashboard display is as per the attached photograph. The top third of the speedometer is really not visible at all - as it is obscured by the steering wheel.
The little orange LCD display in the dashboard is very clear, but really doesn't show much useful info. The amps used is ok, but the battery state, mileage and trip odometer are all visible on the color VDS down by my knee.
It would be much better if the roadster had an option to show speed in that little orange LCD. Either just speed, or a setting toggle like the odometer/trip counter switch. Or, simply remove the battery display and show speed there instead.
I am not sure if others have requested this or not, but almost all the owners I talk to complain about not being able to see the speedometer.
Other than that, the car is a dream.
2247
Awesome. Thanks. The more people who e-mail the better. I can't believe this would be something hard to do but maybe it is.
S-2000 Roadster
08-03-2011, 02:13 PM
I can't believe this would be something hard to do but maybe it is.
Every change in firmware is an invitation for new problems. I've seen software companies who are 'responsive' to customer ideas, but they also end up with just as many patch releases to fix new bugs introduced during the feature changes. Sometimes it's better to just leave a new feature unrealized. If only a couple of Roadster owners are unhappy with the three existing speed indicators (needle on dash, number in VDS, number in Infotainment GPS) then it might not make sense to go through testing for all of the potential bugs just to add a 4th speed indicator.
dsm363
08-03-2011, 02:26 PM
Every change in firmware is an invitation for new problems. I've seen software companies who are 'responsive' to customer ideas, but they also end up with just as many patch releases to fix new bugs introduced during the feature changes. Sometimes it's better to just leave a new feature unrealized. If only a couple of Roadster owners are unhappy with the three existing speed indicators (needle on dash, number in VDS, number in Infotainment GPS) then it might not make sense to go through testing for all of the potential bugs just to add a 4th speed indicator.
Good point. If the speed in the Infotainment system could be displayed in the upper right hand corner at all times, I'd be fine with that. That's more of an Alpine issue though so Tesla can't fix that. I just have to move my knee and take my eyes off of the road to see the VDS or duck my head down to see the dash currently. Hopefully it's something they can do at some point.
Doug_G
08-03-2011, 02:56 PM
Every change in firmware is an invitation for new problems. I've seen software companies who are 'responsive' to customer ideas, but they also end up with just as many patch releases to fix new bugs introduced during the feature changes. Sometimes it's better to just leave a new feature unrealized. If only a couple of Roadster owners are unhappy with the three existing speed indicators (needle on dash, number in VDS, number in Infotainment GPS) then it might not make sense to go through testing for all of the potential bugs just to add a 4th speed indicator.
Honestly, if I were to prioritize feature requests, that would be my #1 by far. I'm constantly having to peer over at the VDS. I'd like sometimes to be able to display a different screen there...
... the three existing speed indicators (needle on dash, number in VDS, number in Infotainment GPS) then it might not make sense to go through testing for all of the potential bugs just to add a 4th speed indicator.
There are hundreds of Roadsters without the GPS option. As I said, my left knee VDS is behind the steering wheel just like the top of the needle swing.
felixtb
08-03-2011, 04:44 PM
As I said, my left knee VDS is behind the steering wheel.
I guess that's why they changed the VDS to the center console........ for the speedo I have gotten used to seeing the underside of the needle and knowing at what angles are the prevailing speed limits that I need to adhere to. it works quite well and have never been accosted by the local law enforcement for overly speeding when needing to slow down to something reasonable: ie. current speedlimts. I however, CAN see the VDS in the center console but actually never use it since I have other statistics showing there........
I was talking to Scott about this issue; he mused that the display is driven off of the CAN bus and that it may be easy for TM to send different messages, i.e. speed instead of current draw. That'd be the cheapest way and the one that I think 8 out 10 owners prefer.
Slackjaw
08-04-2011, 05:39 AM
Not sure if this counts as a firmware feature, but: On the 2011 Jaguar XKR (which we almost bought before we tried the Roadster) you can essentially tell the car your preferred top speed. Let's say you set it to 45 mph in an area where the prevailing limit is 40, then you know you can floor the pedal any time you like without going above this speed. For me this would help avoid going waaaay over the limit by accident while giving people demo drives. Demos are much more impressive without the lurch of the regen when I take my foot off the accelerator.
It does have some safety implications, I know; you need to be able to power out of some situations, but a programmable software speed limit would be something I'd like to see.
... Demos are much more impressive without the lurch of the regen when I take my foot off the accelerator.
.
Try hitting the brake very aggressivly (not slam). It slows you down and wows them on good the brakes are.
Slackjaw
08-04-2011, 07:01 AM
Try hitting the brake very aggressivly (not slam). It slows you down and wows them on good the brakes are.
Wouldn't that make it worse? Unless you're two-footing it you'll get the regen when you take your foot of the accelerator, then the hit from the brakes (admittedly, impressive).
Anyway I don't want any deceleration at all, I just want to go 0-40 in 2.6 secs and stay there. As it is I can't quite judge where to put the pedal, not to mention the problem of the built-in lag of the needle tachometer making it hard to measure actual speed.
Wouldn't that make it worse? Unless you're two-footing it you'll get the regen when you take your foot of the accelerator, then the hit from the brakes (admittedly, impressive).....
Yeah it's "hiding the regen" in the braking. I agree the constant relentless acceleration is what blows people away and if a driver could perfectly transition to a steady fixed speed it would be a more impressive smooth experience. It never seems to be as fulfilling though.
Going slightly above the posted limit and then braking hard and leaves them wowed and sweaty by the whole experience as a single unit.
Mycroft
08-04-2011, 07:41 AM
not to mention the problem of the built-in lag of the needle tachometer making it hard to measure actual speed.
Not to mention the inability to even see the needle with the frickin steering wheel in the way for those of us of a certain height.
S-2000 Roadster
08-04-2011, 08:59 PM
To get back on the firmware topic,
I'd like to see the Peak readings in the Torque/Power/Accel window remember negative peaks independently from positive peaks.
So, when you're braking hard with regen, you could actually see the peak G Force and compare it to the peak for acceleration. Same with torque and power.
To get back on the firmware topic,
I'd like to see the Peak readings in the Torque/Power/Accel window remember negative peaks independently from positive peaks.
So, when you're braking hard with regen, you could actually see the peak G Force and compare it to the peak for acceleration. Same with torque and power.
Yes, and lateral G's too!
Eberhard
08-05-2011, 05:50 AM
What is want is very simple - correct an accurate calculation of the consumption for example. the result jumps for- and backward if displayed in Wh/km. Looks like they calculate the distance in miles and round back in km - the result is a very imprecise.
Why can't the car tell me how long it will take to charge? Why is it making me do the math?
jaanton
08-09-2011, 09:37 AM
Why can't the car tell me how long it will take to charge? Why is it making me do the math?
Yea. I suspect this kind of thing will be in the Model S, but not the Roadster. With a large screen, the Model S can have much more elaborate settings. It would be really nice to set up a much more detailed charge location profile with say time-of-use information and the ability to have charging set up with "be sure you're charged by 7a.m." and have the car decided when to start charging. Eventually when there are enough electric cars it could be a problem if a thousand cars all start charging at the same time at high current in one city. We're not there yet, but cars really should be staggering their start times.
A lot of the speed indicator discussion that was not directly firmware related went here: Speedometer visibility issues (http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/1555-Speedometer-visibility-issues)
S-2000 Roadster
08-09-2011, 02:49 PM
Eventually when there are enough electric cars it could be a problem if a thousand cars all start charging at the same time at high current in one city. We're not there yet, but cars really should be staggering their start times.
Is there really any more problem with that than everyone deciding to dry their clothes at the same time, or, more likely, to turn on their stoves and/or ovens to cook dinner at the same time?
Is there really any more problem with that than everyone deciding to dry their clothes at the same time, or, more likely, to turn on their stoves and/or ovens to cook dinner at the same time?
Or a factory adding a night shift or a continent saturated with DVDs, flat screens and DVRs, or Christmas lighting..., anything that puts a load on the grid. No-one ever mentions that stuff when talking about electric cars and the draw they will create.
I think it is fairly well established that air conditioning in the middle of a hot summer day is what drives the peak point of yearly load. They have to build enough power generation to handle that middle of the record hot day as the worst case. In many locations, the middle of the day, in the middle of summer is a time when EVs should NOT be charging. Actually it would be helpful if they could do V2G at those times. Perhaps public charge spots, and spots at company workplaces should be the ones first selectively shut down when the grid is nearing limit. Charging at home, at night, is a better choice then.
Lloyd
08-09-2011, 05:21 PM
Also I wish that we could set custom parameters for charging. For example: If the battery is less than 25% then charge now. If charge is greater than 25% then charge when rates are down.
S-2000 Roadster
08-09-2011, 08:47 PM
Also I wish that we could set custom parameters for charging. For example: If the battery is less than 25% then charge now. If charge is greater than 25% then charge when rates are down.
I'm not trying to be a sour-puss, but the complexity of the user interface to allow that much customization of your charging preferences would probably take more time to navigate on that tiny VDS than simply handling this scenario manually. Seriously, how often do you really run into this situation? Just glance at your battery indicator, and if it's below 25% then tap the VDS a few times and set it to charge-on-connect. Otherwise, set it to charge at a preset time. At least the system remembers your preferred time of day, even when you switch it back and forth from charge-now to charge-later. The fact that the VDS even has GPS-coordinated preferences seems to be spoiling us, making us forget that there's still the manual option.
I've noticed a bug, anyway, where if you connect the charging cable before you turn the car off and remove the key then it just charges right away anyway. You could probably use that bug to your advantage: If you see your battery is below 25% when you get home, just leave the car on, plug in your charging cable, then remove the key and it should charge right away no matter what the settings. Otherwise, remove the key first, then connect the charging cable, and your roadster should charge at your preset time of day.
Lloyd
08-09-2011, 09:30 PM
Great suggestion with the key! The complexity, however, once set will follow your programming without a lot of redundant button pushes. I'm thinking more for my wife, who would prefer not to be bothered with plugging the car in, and much less inclined to have to reprogram the car to her wishes! The more that the car can do for us without having to think about it the more useful this will be as a tool! This is a firmware wish list is it not?
smorgasbord
08-09-2011, 10:17 PM
1) Have the usual Storage/Standard/Performance/Range modes.
2) Program in your TOU metering rates, if applicable.
3) Tell the car what time you want it to be ready in the morning. It should be able to remember two times: one for weekdays and one for weekends.
Plug the car in when you get home. That's it.
The car will figure out the amperage, like it does today. It'll delay charging until the upcoming cheapest rate is in effect and use enough amperage to be ready by the Ready By time. It'll choose lower amperages if that's more efficient, and will delay charging as long as feasible since it's better for the battery to not be at full charge for too long. If even at the highest available amperage it can't get the car fully charged during the cheap rates, it'll do some charging on the next cheapest rates.
Oh, and if when you plug the car in, the battery is too hot and the cheapest rates don't apply right then, it'll draw only enough power to cool the battery only - not actually charge. When the battery is at a good temp, it'll turn off and wait for the cheap rates to kick in, then charge.
donauker
08-10-2011, 06:55 AM
I've noticed a bug, anyway, where if you connect the charging cable before you turn the car off and remove the key then it just charges right away anyway. You could probably use that bug to your advantage: If you see your battery is below 25% when you get home, just leave the car on, plug in your charging cable, then remove the key and it should charge right away no matter what the settings. Otherwise, remove the key first, then connect the charging cable, and your roadster should charge at your preset time of day.
I guess this is one advantage the 1.5 Roadster has with the left side VDS.
Very easy to reach in and hit the Start Now button in the upper right corner of the display after plugging in whenever an immediate charge is desired instead of the programmed start time.
Doug_G
08-10-2011, 07:00 AM
I've noticed a bug, anyway, where if you connect the charging cable before you turn the car off and remove the key then it just charges right away anyway. You could probably use that bug to your advantage: If you see your battery is below 25% when you get home, just leave the car on, plug in your charging cable, then remove the key and it should charge right away no matter what the settings. Otherwise, remove the key first, then connect the charging cable, and your roadster should charge at your preset time of day.
That's clever... but has anyone noticed the "Charge Now" button? :tongue:
That's clever... but has anyone noticed the "Charge Now" button? :tongue:
(By the way, Nissan Leaf has a 'charge now' button to override the timers... Glad someone found a Roadster equivalent.)
I guess this is one advantage the 1.5 Roadster has with the left side VDS.
.
Not so excited about touching the key after plugging idea. With the top on its hard enough to reach in and get to it. Even worse scenario plugging in with a car cover. It's a pain to get to even the 1.5 VDS (to change charge profiles) let alone the key.
Doug_G
08-10-2011, 09:39 AM
Here's a minor charging complaint related to the VDS. Usually I can't dial in the current until after I plug in the car. It doesn't give you most of the current options until it knows what plug you've got.
It would be better if it provided all of the charging options all the time, and let you set the maximum current. That way you can always set it before getting out of the car.
It also works the other way round. Recently I had to dial down the current before the breaker popped. Fortunately it takes a while for charging to spool up, so there's enough time to do it. But still, you have to climb in and out of the car again after plugging in. (Oh and why does the spare connector default to 16A when the vast majority of circuits only support 12A? Around here the 20A circuits are rarely found outside of kitchens!)
The only saving grace is that I now have over a year's experience getting in and out of the car, and it's a lot easier now.
S-2000 Roadster
08-10-2011, 05:44 PM
That's clever... but has anyone noticed the "Charge Now" button? :tongue:
D'oh! :redface:
Here's a minor charging complaint related to the VDS. Usually I can't dial in the current until after I plug in the car. It doesn't give you most of the current options until it knows what plug you've got.
It would be better if it provided all of the charging options all the time, and let you set the maximum current. That way you can always set it before getting out of the car.
It also works the other way round. Recently I had to dial down the current before the breaker popped. Fortunately it takes a while for charging to spool up, so there's enough time to do it. But still, you have to climb in and out of the car again after plugging in. (Oh and why does the spare connector default to 16A when the vast majority of circuits only support 12A? Around here the 20A circuits are rarely found outside of kitchens!)
These are all excellent points.
I usually chastise anyone who creates some sort of Frankenstein charger because of the safety issues inherent to defeating the mechanical keys via rewiring ... but in the case of the 120 V SMC, I agree that Tesla Motors really seems to have broken from their typical safe choices. The default should be 12 A, as you say. I popped a breaker several times and never realized that 16 A was the default (even though I was looking at a 15 A breaker!). My only consolation is that the whole incident inspired me to install a 50 A circuit the very second day of ownership.
I continue my workaround of opening the charge port door while seated, so that I can manipulate the charging setup more easily before I get up, but that's obviously a bit of a contortionist technique. I wouldn't normally accept such a design except that the Roadster pretty much demands that you be a contortionist anyway, just for ingress and dismount.
Doug_G
08-10-2011, 07:13 PM
I continue my workaround of opening the charge port door while seated, so that I can manipulate the charging setup more easily before I get up, but that's obviously a bit of a contortionist technique. I wouldn't normally accept such a design except that the Roadster pretty much demands that you be a contortionist anyway, just for ingress and dismount.
I've tried and I can't reach the thing. You must be a lot more flexible than me.
I'd like my 1.5 VDS to display the updated "T' logo instead of the old shield logo.
slcasner
08-10-2011, 10:37 PM
I'd like my 1.5 VDS to display the updated "T' logo instead of the old shield logo.
Not me. I like the shield logo!
You should be able to adjust all that charging setting stuff from your phone so you don't have to get back in the car.
Doug_G
08-24-2011, 09:55 AM
It was just pointed out to me that I should add this bit I posted in another thread...
One thing I hate about the VDS is it plays that same sound no matter how serious the problem is. Major drive train failure, shutting down in 30 seconds - BRAP BRAP BRAP!!! Power Limit - BRAP BRAP BRAP!!! Tire pressure monitoring problem - BRAP BRAP BRAP!!! Very distracting when you are driving; you basically have to look at the screen to see whether it's a nuisance or you're about to lose power.
The VDS screen has a readout that says how much Volts and Amps the car is drawing. Now that I can plug in at all sorts of boxes and have no idea of what is coming out of them I like to read that readout.
Problem is, IT"S TOO SMALL!.
In my 1.5 I have to open the door, get down on my knees to get close enough to read it. and it's not just the size, the screen resolution is so poor it can't even create actual full numbers, more like blocky shapes. 208 looks like 230. I need to read this while standing up next to the plug. These numbers on plug-in should be TEN TIMES BIGGER. It's always been ridiculous but now it's irritating as hell. 2.0 owners must have to climb in.
... Now that I can plug in at all sorts of boxes and have no idea of what is coming out of them I like to read that readout.
Why can't the car tell me how long it will take to charge? Why is it making me do the math?
Related two-fer.
Doug_G
08-25-2011, 10:14 AM
2.0 owners must have to climb in.
Confirmed!
Confirmed!
Equally lame but better on pants. Thanks.
NigelM
08-25-2011, 10:55 AM
2.0 owners must have to climb in.
No, it's easy; I just lean over and look through the rear window. (Although I do have to climb in the car to hit the top-off button!)
strider
08-25-2011, 02:47 PM
2.0 owners must have to climb in.
If the window's open I can just stick my upper body through and see/manipulate the screen. But could also be hard on clothes/paint depending on how clean your car is.
Doug_G
08-25-2011, 03:06 PM
No, it's easy; I just lean over and look through the rear window. (Although I do have to climb in the car to hit the top-off button!)
That's fine for reading Ideal Miles, but are you saying you can reliably read the voltage/current from the back of the car?
Doug_G
08-25-2011, 03:07 PM
If the window's open I can just stick my upper body through and see/manipulate the screen. But could also be hard on clothes/paint depending on how clean your car is.
Evidently you are a tiny person.
Amazing to me that Tesla still doesn't offer a smart phone extension of the VDS.
NigelM
08-25-2011, 04:08 PM
That's fine for reading Ideal Miles, but are you saying you can reliably read the voltage/current from the back of the car?
You made me go check...but yes, I can.
You made me go check...but yes, I can.
You may have great eyes (and clean windows) but if you already know what the screen is saying it's easier to "read".
NigelM
08-25-2011, 04:52 PM
You may have great eyes (and clean windows) but if you already know what the screen is saying it's easier to "read".
Longsighted, but I can't read it 2 feet away.
Ahaaa,
But you could if they were TEN TIMES BIGGER. :wink:
Doug_G
08-25-2011, 07:31 PM
Ahaaa,
But you could if they were TEN TIMES BIGGER. :wink:
Two times would probably be enough.
smorgasbord
01-26-2012, 11:16 AM
FWIW, I just had some minor work done on my Roadster, and they installed firmware 4.6.4 on it, which adds:
Nissan Leaf charger support
Xenon support
Some AC bug fixes
dsm363
01-26-2012, 04:43 PM
I just had the Xenon headlights installed but I still have 4.6.3. Does it correct the buzzing sound when you unlock your car or is that simply part of the lights?
Doug_G
01-26-2012, 05:25 PM
I just had the Xenon headlights installed but I still have 4.6.3. Does it correct the buzzing sound when you unlock your car or is that simply part of the lights?
That's the lights.
Just had it installed too.
There was an irritating bug finally fixed that would give me a "Charging Problem" screen when I plugged into my 120V plug. It would still flash yellow and charge fine but the screen would have to be cleared to read the state of charge. That was fixed when it had been a problem for the last three firmwares version -about 8 months or so.
My Tesla build original MC240 works fine too. There has been reports about them not working and Tesla variously giving a new one to the customer or telling others owners essentially "too bad". Thank you Tesla for fixing that.
Two Tesla requests.
1. Swap the MPH and "Miles remaining" L to R. On my 1.5 the MPH number that I want to check much more often is behind the left 7-8 o'clock part of the steering wheel.
2. When charging, the Ampsin/Ampscharging readout is tiny tiny tiny in the bottom right hand corner. Please realize we want to read that from 5 feet away standing up at the plug. As it is, I need to open the door and get on my knees to read the blocky low resolution font. Why not have it HUGE when charging? It's not like you are driving the car or trying to hide it from bystanders.
Thank you Tesla.
bonnie1194
01-26-2012, 08:25 PM
Two Tesla requests.
1. Swap the MPH and "Miles remaining" L to R. On my 1.5 the MPH number that I want to check much more often is behind the left 7-8 o'clock part of the steering wheel.
2. When charging, the Ampsin/Ampscharging readout is tiny tiny tiny in the bottom right hand corner. Please realize we want to read that from 5 feet away standing up at the plug. As it is, I need to open the door and get on my knees to read the blocky low resolution font. Why not have it HUGE when charging? It's not like you are driving the car or trying to hide it from bystanders.
Thank you Tesla.
+1 b.
Doug_G
01-26-2012, 08:28 PM
2. When charging, the Ampsin/Ampscharging readout is tiny tiny tiny in the bottom right hand corner. Please realize we want to read that from 5 feet away standing up at the plug. As it is, I need to open the door and get on my knees to read the blocky low resolution font. Why not have it HUGE when charging? It's not like you are driving the car or trying to hide it from bystanders.
Thank you Tesla.
A big +1
dsm363
01-30-2012, 05:24 AM
FWIW, I just had some minor work done on my Roadster, and they installed firmware 4.6.4 on it, which adds:
Nissan Leaf charger support
Xenon support
Some AC bug fixes
I'm going on a trip in April and a Nissan Leaf dealership was one of my backup charging locations. Will my Roadster not charge on their chargers with 4.6.3?
W.Petefish
01-30-2012, 06:38 AM
I have charged at an AreoVironment EVSE before... that being said, I don't know what they are using now. (4.6.3 FW)
I would like to see the Hydrant UI. (maybe a skin)
NigelM
01-30-2012, 07:25 AM
Two Tesla requests.
1. Swap the MPH and "Miles remaining" L to R. On my 1.5 the MPH number that I want to check much more often is behind the left 7-8 o'clock part of the steering wheel.
2. When charging, the Ampsin/Ampscharging readout is tiny tiny tiny in the bottom right hand corner. Please realize we want to read that from 5 feet away standing up at the plug. As it is, I need to open the door and get on my knees to read the blocky low resolution font. Why not have it HUGE when charging? It's not like you are driving the car or trying to hide it from bystanders.
Thank you Tesla.
1. Not for the 2.5 please! Swapping the read-out would make it tougher for 2.5 owners to see.
2. Agree 100%. Note that 2.5 owners are more like 8' away; I have to actually get in the car to read mine.
1. Not for the 2.5 please! Swapping the read-out would make it tougher for 2.5 owners to see.
2. Agree 100%. Note that 2.5 owners are more like 8' away; I have to actually get in the car to read mine.
1. Yep 1.5 only on the L to R swap of MPH and Miles remaining.
2. And without opening the door we both have to deal with trying to look around glass reflections.