Model S Software/Firmware Updates

[dsm363]

Using any DRLs is a step up here. People purposely turn their DRLs off here for some reason.

 

[kevincwelch]

Have had a manual car since the day I started driving, and (for me) creep is the hardest thing to get used to when I have to drive an automatic. It just feels so unnatural. I don't like it one bit.

Hill hold sounds interesting, though (aside from my first week or two of driving manual) I've never had an issue with hills. Not sure wether or not I'll use that.

I agree with you, being a manual transmission guy myself. I don't depress the brake pedal when on a hill since I balance the clutch. I guess that's where I see the hill hold function being of some utility.

 

[jerry33]

I completely understand using your main headlights on cars with poor or non-existent DRLs. But the Model S has great DRLs, so I'm not sure why you'd want to use your main headlights as well, except out of habit.

Well, when the headlights are on so are the side marker lights and taillights. I'd just as soon not be hit from the rear or sides either. The DRL specs were thought up by the auto industry, and initially they didn't think the alternators installed in their cars were up to running the lights on all the time (I suspect this was just for some models because I've ran with headlights on since the mid-seventies and never encountered a problem).

 

[ElSupreme]

It's a habit; Canadians do it in brilliant sunshine in Florida also (sorry Jaff but it's true). But we're getting off topic here.....

Hey growing up in Tampa I was taught to always turn on your headlights when driving. Granted I was driving cars with nonexistent and poor DRLs.

 

[RDruz]

Has anyone else noticed that after the previous software update, not the most recent one, the estimated range for a full (standard) charge dropped? Mine dropped from around 258 mi. to around 235 mi. I assume that Tesla changed the way the range is calculated. Does anyone know anything about this?

R

 

[xhawk101]

Any updates from those who their s what is the best internet music application? Pandora or other that works well on the touchscreen?

from my Samsung galaxy s3

 

[AnOutsider]

Has anyone else noticed that after the previous software update, not the most recent one, the estimated range for a full (standard) charge dropped? Mine dropped from around 258 mi. to around 235 mi. I assume that Tesla changed the way the range is calculated. Does anyone know anything about this?

R

Didn't they mention one of their updates would switch to using EPA numbers?

 

[JoshG]

...being a manual transmission guy myself. I don't depress the brake pedal when on a hill since I balance the clutch..

Ouch! Really? From a "manual transmission guy"?

This is REALLY bad for your clutch. You're probably burning through clutches at a much faster rate than most people who have been properly trained at driving a manual.

If you're on a hill at a stop for more than a second or two, you should use your brake. Use the handbrake to stop you from rolling back when getting back on the gas.

Some other tips here... (notice tip #2). Car Talk guys have the same advice on their site... NEVER use the clutch to hold your car still on a hill.

 

[stevezzzz]

Any updates from those who their s what is the best internet music application? Pandora or other that works well on the touchscreen?

from my Samsung galaxy s3

My Signature S came with a year's subscription to Slacker Internet Radio; don't know if that's a Tech Package thing or a Signature thing. Slacker works fine, but I have trouble making selections on the touch screen on any web page that has small click targets; CarStations comes to mind.

 

[W.Petefish]

My update just came this afternoon. 1.15.5 Nice.

 

[SCW-Greg]

I'm sitting in my S as the software update downloads: it's interesting. Over the course of a minute or so after the update began the car went completely inert, no displays, no fans, etc. At about ten minutes the headlights came on and cycled through various modes. At about 15 minutes I heard some solenoids actuate behind the dash and a fan or pump noise was evident for a minute or so. Then the headlights flashed and went out again and the car went inert once more. The USB ports are not energized but the 12V accessory socket has juice. I can open the driver door and the window drops an inch or so as it always does, and the courtesy lights under the door handle are illuminated. Brake lights work. Rear lift gate opens and closes in response to the key fob. Bluetooth is active and can be used to hold a phone conversation over the car's speakers, when initiated at the iPhone.

At 25 minutes the dash and touchscreen came alive and the climate control system came on. Then the touchscreen went dark again while the dash stayed on. A few moments later the touchscreen came on again with normal displays. No annunciation that the update is complete, it's just back to business as usual. Oh, wait: the charging popup was hiding the information that the software update succeeded.

Useless information, I suppose, but it does give some insight into the internal architecture of the car's systems.

Just to add to those commenting on Steve's experimenting while a firmware update is occurring... hate to push the envelope too much, and then have a stuck update, and a car that won't come alive... but as Chris mentioned, good to test it, so you can add to the list of things "not to do" while your car is updating.

Thought about creep... depending on the amount of stop and go traffic you deal with, this could be just one more thing that makes a dent in your range. No true idle time, no regen opportunity, etc. etc.

 

[cinergi]

My update just came this afternoon. 1.15.5 Nice.

Any release notes for this version?

 

[W.Petefish]

None. I suspect that they skipped the 1.13.16 and went straight to 1.15.5 because of the proximity to the day that the superchargers "officially" go online. I got the release notes for 1.13.16 5 days ago.

 

[stevezzzz]

Thought about creep... depending on the amount of stop and go traffic you deal with, this could be just one more thing that makes a dent in your range. No true idle time, no regen opportunity, etc. etc.

I'm not sure that's true: my sense is that when you come to a stop with your foot on the brake the creep torque goes to zero. Frankly, I'd be surprised if the creep software was designed to carry the simulation of automatic transmission behavior to the extreme of applying torque at a dead stop with the brakes locked: that's not how Tesla does things. As for regen, I don't see any difference in the regen behavior now that creep is enabled.

 

[strider]

I'm not sure that's true: my sense is that when you come to a stop with your foot on the brake the creep torque goes to zero. Frankly, I'd be surprised if the creep software was designed to carry the simulation of automatic transmission behavior to the extreme of applying torque at a dead stop with the brakes locked: that's not how Tesla does things. As for regen, I don't see any difference in the regen behavior now that creep is enabled.

In the Roadster, Creep shuts off once you come to a stop and for as long as you're holding the brake. So no power is being used to "fight" the brakes. Once you let off the brake then creep kicks in and off you go. Also, creep doesn't kick in until you are going very slow so you get tons of regen.

 

[Trnsl8r]

In the Roadster, Creep shuts off once you come to a stop and for as long as you're holding the brake. So no power is being used to "fight" the brakes. Once you let off the brake then creep kicks in and off you go. Also, creep doesn't kick in until you are going very slow so you get tons of regen.

Like this. And I find creep being very helpful when parallel parking and such minute maneuvers.

 

[dsm363]

New software update coming:

A new software update will be available in the coming days. The onboard notification will guide you through the installation. If you would like to review the process, instructions are available at the end of this email.

After installation, Model S will feature improved performance of the digital instrument panel, as well as components to facilitate access of our Supercharger network.

Even if you do not anticipate using our Supercharger network in the near future, we encourage you to perform the update, as the integrated functional improvements will contribute to the overall quality of your drive experience.

Tesla Supercharger Network
"Tesla's Supercharger network is a game changer for electric vehicles, providing long distance travel that has a level of convenience equivalent to gasoline cars for all practical purposes."
Elon Musk, Tesla Motors co-founder and CEO
Tesla Superchargers will be placed along well-traveled routes in North America. Six stations are currently available in California, and we'll be expanding to over 100 stations by 2013.

Superchargers are designed to give road trippers half a charge in about half an hour. That's 150 miles of range with our 85 kWh battery. In addition to being convenient to your route, locations have been chosen adjacent to roadside diners, cafes, and shopping centers. So pull in, plug in, and grab a bite to eat. Model S will be ready when you get back.

Supercharger Components
There are three components necessary to enjoy the benefits of the Supercharger network: hardware, software, and service.
• Hardware is comprised of cables and a junction box that bypass the onboard charger and route DC energy directly to the Model S battery. The Model S charge port will accommodate the Supercharger connector. No additional equipment is necessary.
• Software monitors and manages the source power, communicates with the vehicle firmware, and provides a user interface that helps you gauge the vehicle's state of charge. When using a Supercharger, you'll refer to the familiar Charging window, and simply see a higher rating for volts and amps.
• Service supplies the energy generated at the Supercharger locations. In many instances, the energy you'll use to charge your Model S will come directly from the sun!
With this software update, we'll enable access and you'll be able to enjoy free, unlimited use of the Tesla Supercharger network.


Software Updates
Model S updates its software wirelessly, providing new functionality throughout your term of ownership. The process to install these enhancements is outlined below.

Onboard Notification
The first time you enter your Model S after an update is made available, you will be shown a scheduling dialogue box. You can install immediately, confirm the suggested time, or schedule an alternate time. Once scheduled, the icon will change color from yellow (unscheduled) to white (scheduled). At any point before installation begins, you can re-schedule the installation.



IMPORTANT: Model S must be in Park and not driving when new software is being installed. A software update can take up to 2 hours to complete so be sure to select a time when the car can sit idle for this period.

If your car is charging when the update is scheduled, charging will temporarily stop and restart after the software is installed. If you are driving when the installation is scheduled, the installation will be cancelled.

 

[AnOutsider]

So just super charger stuff. Till impressive how quick these are rolling out. Maybe we'll get USB playback and hard drive access/wifi by the time I get mine.

 

[DrComputer]

So did anyone get the new SuperCharger firmware update last night? I picked up my car yesterday and they promised I'd get the notice by 10pm last night so I would have the new firmware to drive back to LA today using the SuperChargers. No notice last night or this morning. I already e-mailed my delivery specialist.

 

[dsm363]

So did anyone get the new SuperCharger firmware update last night? I picked up my car yesterday and they promised I'd get the notice by 10pm last night so I would have the new firmware to drive back to LA today using the SuperChargers. No notice last night or this morning. I already e-mailed my delivery specialist.

Not yet. Call them too in case they don't check their e-mail quick enough. The ownership team might be worth calling as well.