5124 miles and the fun continues
Thursday, March 29, 2012How To Resurface Headlights
Last time we covered some important tips for driving at night. Having clear and working headlights is essential in any low-light situation; one cannot rely on a car navigation system with an in dash navigation screen alone. Most modern headlights are made out of polycarbonate, which is great because it is durable and will not break easily in a minor fender-bender. The downside to polycarbonate is it oxidizes over time and turns cloudy and yellow. Hazy, yellowed headlights do not provide proper visibility – good news is you can easily resurface your existing headlights instead of having to replace them. Here is a quick guide for restoring your headlights.
There are many kits out there for restoring your headlights, but they all have the same basic tools you can get from anywhere you like. The main choice you have is whether you want to polish them by hand, or use an electric drill. Using an electric drill makes the job go quicker and easier, but some people do not have this tool so it can be done by hand.
Start by masking off the area around your headlight. Use two layers of thick masking tape around the headlight itself. Then thoroughly scrub and clean your headlights, making sure they are free from dirt or caked on tar and bugs. After they are scrubbed and dried, get them extra clean by wiping the surface with rubbing alcohol.
Most kits include several different grits of sandpaper or buffing wheels. They polish the surface of your headlight using polishing discs and compounds. You can also polish your headlights without a kit by wet-sanding. We will cover the wet-sanding method first.
Buy wet/dry sandpaper in 1000, 1500, 2000, and 3000 grit increments. Soak the sandpaper in cold water for 10 minutes or so before you begin. Spray the surface of the headlight with water, and begin with the lowest grit sandpaper first, sanding in one direction back and forth over the surface of the headlight. Make sure the surface remains wet – if it starts to get dry, spray it down again.
Next once the headlight sheds the yellow color but is cloudy from the sandpaper, switch to the next grit of sandpaper, working in the exact opposite direction of the first grit and keeping the surface wet. Do this again with every grit, switching the direction, until you get a nice, polished surface. The last step with 3000 grit sandpaper will probably take quite a while without a buffing wheel, but will make your headlight look like new.
After resurfacing your headlight, wash them off thoroughly and wipe them dry. Then apply a UV Plastic sealant to the headlights so they don’t oxidize so quickly in the future. This should keep them looking nice and bright for years to come.
Using a kit with an electric drill is much the same as sandpaper, just a bit quicker. One main difference is that you often do not need to wet the surface, and instead will use a polishing compound. Each kit has specific instructions so make sure to read them carefully to get the best results. Work with the drill on a low setting and use light to medium pressure – if you press too hard, you can heat the plastic and cause it to warp. After you have finished with the last and finest polisher, your headlights should look like new. Make sure to clean the surface well, dry thoroughly, and apply a UV Sealant the same as you would if using sandpaper by hand.
The end result should be a shiny, brand new-looking headlight that is protected from UV and thus further oxidization. You can clean and re-apply the sealant at the intervals suggested on the product to retain your headlight’s clarity and shine. With clean and clear headlights, you’re free to enjoy night driving as much as you like.
10 Tips for Driving After Dark
Wednesday, March 28, 2012Driving at night can be a soothing and enjoyable experience; there are less people on the road, it’s much quieter, and you can’t see much beyond what’s directly in front of you. Pop in some of your favorite music on your car stereo, forget any destinations on your car navigation system, and just drive. Driving at night can be a great experience, but it can also be dangerous – here are some tips for driving after the sun goes down.
Aim Your Headlights – Many people are unaware that your headlights can be aimed a certain direction, much like your mirrors. Also like your mirrors, if they are not aimed correctly it can greatly affect their utility. Make sure your headlights are aimed properly so that they illuminate the road well but do not blind oncoming traffic. You can check your owner’s manual for instructions how to do this.Also make sure that your headlights are free from haze and grime. Over the years the plastic surface of headlights can become yellowed and hazy, reducing the amount of light coming from your headlamps. If they are foggy or yellowed you can have them re-surfaced, polish them yourself, or replace them to regain proper visibility.
Dim Your Instrument Panel – The many bright lights on your dashboard can be distracting visually from the road. To make sure you can see the road clearly, make sure to dim your dash lights quite a bit when driving at night. Also, avoid leading interior lights on as most illuminate the entire cabin and can also be a distraction.
Wear Proper Eyewear – There are yellow-tinted “night driving glasses” sold that claim they help you see better at night. These claims are false. There is no evidence to substantiate that wearing any kind of tinted sunglasses will help your vision in low light situations. Save your money and skip the glasses; pay attention to the rest of these tips instead.
Watch For Retinas – If you live anywhere with trees, there always seems to be woodland critters about waiting to jump into the road. Before you see them however, you can usually spot your headlights reflecting off of their retinas. Watch far ahead for two little balls of green or yellow light in the distance. If you see them ahead you can slow down to make sure you don’t hit them. If it seems like it’s too late and you see a deer in front of you, slow down as much as possible – if you try to swerve to avoid the deer they will often follow your headlights and you’ll end up hitting them anyway, just faster, and possibly swerve into oncoming traffic.
Don’t Stare at Oncoming Lights – It seems like a no-brainer, but in the quiet, dim hush of your car interior while driving at night, bright lights from oncoming traffic or bright street signs can be a distraction and you can be lulled into staring at them before you realize it.
Keep Your Windshield Spotlessly Clean - Windshields that appear clean in the day can reveal greasy streaks that cloud your vision at night. One trick to remove the streaks is to polish your windshield with newspaper to remove all of the residue. It’s mostly oil that’s the culprit so take care not to touch the inside of your windshield with your hands. In addition, do all you can to avoid getting interior dash conditioners on your windshield – they can be difficult to get off completely.
Bolt-On Fog Lights – Fog lights help drivers see in foggy conditions by directing light low and wide in front of the car. This illuminates a wide swath of road without reflecting the light off of the fog and visually blinding the driver. Fog lights can be useful in clear conditions as well – the positioning of the fog lights casts large shadows over objects and potholes in the road.
Add Auxiliary Lights – If you spend a lot of time driving on country roads at night with little other traffic, adding auxiliary lights may help you see the road properly. They must be exercised with caution however because they are so bright that turning them off requires your eyes to re-adjust, taking up to 30 seconds. A lot can happen in 30 seconds when you’re driving so it’s best to only add and use auxiliary lights when you absolutely need them.
Clean and Adjust Exterior Mirrors – If your mirrors are dirty they will reflect light from cars behind you in a wider, diffused manner that produces glare. Make sure they are clean and pointed slightly down so light doesn’t reflect directly in your eyes.
Keep Your Eyes Healthy - If your own vision is impaired, all of the proper lighting in the world won’t help you see the road clearly. If you wear corrective lenses, make sure your prescription is up to date and that your vision is crisp and clear. If you do not wear any type of corrective lenses, make sure to visit an eye doctor and take an eye exam to make sure you vision is still in top form, especially as you get older
Keep Your Eyes Healthy - If your own vision is impaired, all of the proper lighting in the world won’t help you see the road clearly. If you wear corrective lenses, make sure your prescription is up to date and that your vision is crisp and clear. If you do not wear any type of corrective lenses, make sure to visit an eye doctor and take an eye exam to make sure you vision is still in top form, especially as you get older
Biff! Bap! Ker-Pow! It’s the BatBerry interview!
Paul Leroux interviews Tim Neil, a director of product management at RIM, who is building his very own Batmobile™. This project might sound like fun (and Tim assures us it is), but it also demands a wealth of skills, from welding to HTML5 programming.
Tim, could you give us a quick overview of the BatBerry project?
The BatBerry combines my love of cars, Batman, and technology. I’ve always wanted to build this car and I’ve had a couple of unsuccessful attempts at creating a carputer. When RIM started creating a 7" tablet, I knew the time was right to bring all of these interests together.
How did you get started on this project?
I started my research about 15 years ago, trying to determine how and where to get started. For instance, I needed to track down the shifter, which is a throttle quadrant from a WWII US Navy bomber.
By 2010, I had finished modifying my custom Subaru WRX, and I needed to get started on something new — working on cars is my way of escaping and relaxing. The time was right, and I got the green light from my wife. Luckily for me, she knew of my desire to build this car when we met and it didn’t scare her away. :-)
Reading your blog, I’m totally impressed by the scope of the BatBerry project — be it creating dashboard panels, writing control software, or building a retractable license plate. Do you do most of the work yourself?
Yes, I try to do as much of the work myself as possible. I leave important things that I don’t have experience in, like doing the frame stretch, to the professionals. I did the same thing building up my Subaru over the past 7 years: learning how to do body work, interior, stereo, engine modifications, etc. I like to learn things as I go and I’ve always had a knack for figuring out how things work. I always figure, what’s the worst thing that can happen? If screw up, I just have to try again.
To pull this off, you need to be a jack of all trades. I’m sure you had skills to begin with — but did you also have to pick up any along the way?
Welding is one of the biggest skills that I’ve picked up so far. I bought myself a welder, watched a couple of YouTube videos, and got to work. I can tell you, my welds look MUCH better now than my first ones. From all the welders I’ve talked to, it’s a skill that simply takes patience and practice.
Since I was a kid I have always been able to figure things out. When I was 8 years old I was wiring my bedroom up to have a switch on my headboard automatically open the door. The best way that I can describe to people how I see the world is by watching the movie Iron Man. When you see Iron Man’s computer JARVIS take an object and expand it out into a million pieces to show how it works, that’s what I see when I look at something.
What kind of power plant does the BatBerry use? Have you modded it?
The car currently has a 305 4.3L L99 V8. I haven’t really modified it yet. I will likely go with a re-built version of the same engine so that I can re-use the ECU. I’m not looking to make this car into a high-performance hot rod — that’s where my Subaru comes in. Plus, it’s nice to drive distances not always looking for a gas station that serves 94 octane. :-)
The V8 puts out 200hp, which should be pretty good for the BatBerry, considering it is basically a frame with a 400-pound fiberglass body mounted to it. As long as it sounds nasty I’ll be happy. I have a couple of Flowmaster 40 series mufflers for it.
Anyone who reads this blog knows we are bullish on HTML5. So I was fascinated to hear that the BatBerry project has an HTML5 connection. Could you tell us about it?
As the former development manager for BlackBerry WebWorks at RIM, I wanted to show what could be done with HTML5 technology. I wanted to build an interface on my PlayBook and BlackBerry Smartphone that could control some of the systems of the car.
I also wanted to share as much code as possible between the Smartphone and PlayBook, and using WebWorks and HTML5 allows me to do this. These devices pair with a Bluetooth connection on an Arduino board to control a series of relays that raise and lower the 30-cal machine guns, open and close the canopy, raise and lower the suspension, and perform other functions.
All the source code for the project, including Arduino microcontroller code, is being shared in my BatBerry repo on github.
Sample screen captures of the BatBerry user interface
What has been your greatest challenge? And what are you most proud of, so far?
My biggest challenge has been finding time! I’ve been travelling for work more on weekends and while this winter was pretty mild, it was still a bit hard to head out into a freezing cold garage to put in a couple hours of work during the evenings.
I would say the two things I’m most proud of so far are my welding skills and my dash panels. I really wanted to give back something to others who have been building their own versions of this car. Screen-accurate dash panels were something missing from the community. In general, I really like to share what I’m doing so that others who want to do something similar can see what worked, and what didn’t work, for me.
The Discovery Channel has been tracking the BatBerry project. Do they plan to broadcast anything soon?
Nothing to air at the moment. The next step will be to get updated footage of some of the technology integration points. I’m getting close to being able to show the combination of HTM5, Arduino, and the machine guns to get some new footage. Once we reveal the car, filming will wrap up and go into post-production for airing sometime in the future on Daily Planet.
When you aren’t working on the BatBerry, what do you do?
I spend my spare time hanging out with my family, doing something with cars, or playing with technology. My daughter is a big Star Wars fan so she and I have been having some epic lightsaber battles lately. I’ve done a lot of car shows in the past with my Subaru and I really like meeting up and trading experiences with the car community around Toronto. At RIM, I direct the product management group responsible for developer tools, APIs, and SDKs — our focus is on removing barriers and adding features to make developers successful.
One more question: Which Batman character do you most identify with?
I would say Batman himself. While I’m not on the tipping point of insanity and looking to be a vigilante, I identify with the desire to make a difference. I also relate to the do-it-yourself attitude and the love of cool tech and cars. Plus, I’m just a geek at heart. :-)
To track the progress of the BatBerry project, check out Tim’s blog. You can also follow him on Twitter.
And while you’re at it, visit Tim’s YouTube channel. Here, for example, is a video showing the BatBerry’s replica machine guns:
Neither Tim Neil, his vehicle, nor Research In Motion (BlackBerry) are licensed by, endorsed by, sponsored by or affiliated with DC Comics or the owners of the “Batman” properties.
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Tim Neil |
The BatBerry combines my love of cars, Batman, and technology. I’ve always wanted to build this car and I’ve had a couple of unsuccessful attempts at creating a carputer. When RIM started creating a 7" tablet, I knew the time was right to bring all of these interests together.
How did you get started on this project?
I started my research about 15 years ago, trying to determine how and where to get started. For instance, I needed to track down the shifter, which is a throttle quadrant from a WWII US Navy bomber.
By 2010, I had finished modifying my custom Subaru WRX, and I needed to get started on something new — working on cars is my way of escaping and relaxing. The time was right, and I got the green light from my wife. Luckily for me, she knew of my desire to build this car when we met and it didn’t scare her away. :-)
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The BatBerry, about a year after Tim launched his project |
Yes, I try to do as much of the work myself as possible. I leave important things that I don’t have experience in, like doing the frame stretch, to the professionals. I did the same thing building up my Subaru over the past 7 years: learning how to do body work, interior, stereo, engine modifications, etc. I like to learn things as I go and I’ve always had a knack for figuring out how things work. I always figure, what’s the worst thing that can happen? If screw up, I just have to try again.
To pull this off, you need to be a jack of all trades. I’m sure you had skills to begin with — but did you also have to pick up any along the way?
Welding is one of the biggest skills that I’ve picked up so far. I bought myself a welder, watched a couple of YouTube videos, and got to work. I can tell you, my welds look MUCH better now than my first ones. From all the welders I’ve talked to, it’s a skill that simply takes patience and practice.
Since I was a kid I have always been able to figure things out. When I was 8 years old I was wiring my bedroom up to have a switch on my headboard automatically open the door. The best way that I can describe to people how I see the world is by watching the movie Iron Man. When you see Iron Man’s computer JARVIS take an object and expand it out into a million pieces to show how it works, that’s what I see when I look at something.
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Tim's other project — a highly modified Subaru WRX |
The car currently has a 305 4.3L L99 V8. I haven’t really modified it yet. I will likely go with a re-built version of the same engine so that I can re-use the ECU. I’m not looking to make this car into a high-performance hot rod — that’s where my Subaru comes in. Plus, it’s nice to drive distances not always looking for a gas station that serves 94 octane. :-)
The V8 puts out 200hp, which should be pretty good for the BatBerry, considering it is basically a frame with a 400-pound fiberglass body mounted to it. As long as it sounds nasty I’ll be happy. I have a couple of Flowmaster 40 series mufflers for it.
Anyone who reads this blog knows we are bullish on HTML5. So I was fascinated to hear that the BatBerry project has an HTML5 connection. Could you tell us about it?
As the former development manager for BlackBerry WebWorks at RIM, I wanted to show what could be done with HTML5 technology. I wanted to build an interface on my PlayBook and BlackBerry Smartphone that could control some of the systems of the car.
I also wanted to share as much code as possible between the Smartphone and PlayBook, and using WebWorks and HTML5 allows me to do this. These devices pair with a Bluetooth connection on an Arduino board to control a series of relays that raise and lower the 30-cal machine guns, open and close the canopy, raise and lower the suspension, and perform other functions.
All the source code for the project, including Arduino microcontroller code, is being shared in my BatBerry repo on github.
Sample screen captures of the BatBerry user interface
What has been your greatest challenge? And what are you most proud of, so far?
My biggest challenge has been finding time! I’ve been travelling for work more on weekends and while this winter was pretty mild, it was still a bit hard to head out into a freezing cold garage to put in a couple hours of work during the evenings.
I would say the two things I’m most proud of so far are my welding skills and my dash panels. I really wanted to give back something to others who have been building their own versions of this car. Screen-accurate dash panels were something missing from the community. In general, I really like to share what I’m doing so that others who want to do something similar can see what worked, and what didn’t work, for me.
The Discovery Channel has been tracking the BatBerry project. Do they plan to broadcast anything soon?
Nothing to air at the moment. The next step will be to get updated footage of some of the technology integration points. I’m getting close to being able to show the combination of HTM5, Arduino, and the machine guns to get some new footage. Once we reveal the car, filming will wrap up and go into post-production for airing sometime in the future on Daily Planet.
When you aren’t working on the BatBerry, what do you do?
I spend my spare time hanging out with my family, doing something with cars, or playing with technology. My daughter is a big Star Wars fan so she and I have been having some epic lightsaber battles lately. I’ve done a lot of car shows in the past with my Subaru and I really like meeting up and trading experiences with the car community around Toronto. At RIM, I direct the product management group responsible for developer tools, APIs, and SDKs — our focus is on removing barriers and adding features to make developers successful.
One more question: Which Batman character do you most identify with?
I would say Batman himself. While I’m not on the tipping point of insanity and looking to be a vigilante, I identify with the desire to make a difference. I also relate to the do-it-yourself attitude and the love of cool tech and cars. Plus, I’m just a geek at heart. :-)
To track the progress of the BatBerry project, check out Tim’s blog. You can also follow him on Twitter.
And while you’re at it, visit Tim’s YouTube channel. Here, for example, is a video showing the BatBerry’s replica machine guns:
Neither Tim Neil, his vehicle, nor Research In Motion (BlackBerry) are licensed by, endorsed by, sponsored by or affiliated with DC Comics or the owners of the “Batman” properties.
The Message Stick Vehicle - Australian Aborginal Art Car - Symbol of Unity and Peace
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 |
| The Message Stick Vehicle Art Car - Via Sacred Oz |
The message stick vehicle art car is a 1961 Vietnam war era army off road ambulance driven by film maker Michael Butler and Samantha Martin and painted by over 200 Aboriginal Artists across Australia. It re-enacts a 50,000 year-old Aboriginal tradition of Message Sticks being passed on by young warriors from tribe to tribe as safe passage onto their lands. The Message Stick Art Car has been transformed and is now recognized as a totemic symbol of unity and peace for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people.
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| Michael Butler and Samantha Martin - Via Sacred Oz |
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| The Message Stick Vehicle Art Car - Nelson Mandela Hand Print - Via Sacred Oz |
This program is the journey of the Message Stick and also of three young people who discover culture, bush medicine and the mystical powers of the traditional and modern Aboriginal way of life and survival.
By purchasing the DVD you are helping Michael and Samantha continue their journey to bring awareness to the world of the indigenous people of Australia, so come and journey with them.
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| The Message Stick Vehicle Art Car - with Aboriginal young - Via Sacred Oz |
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| The Message Stick Vehicle Art Car - Aboriginal elder adding to the story - Via Sacred Oz |
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| The Message Stick Art Car - Side |
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| The Message Stick Vehicle Art Car - Side |
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| The Message Stick Vehicle Art Car - Photos via a hazy moon |
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| The Message Stick Art Car - Photos via a hazy moon |
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| The Message Stick Art Car - Photos via a hazy moon |
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| The Message Stick Art Car - Photos via a hazy moon |
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| The Message Stick Art Car - Photos via a hazy moon |
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| The Message Stick Art Car - Photos via a hazy moon |
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| The Message Stick Art Car - Photos via a hazy moon |
Everything you wanted to know about HTML5 in the car, Part III
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Are there any HTML5 HMI builder tools available?
Most of the well-known IDEs, including Eclipse, Dreamweaver, and Netbeans, support some flavor of HTML5 in their latest release. Adobe Edge, a new tool now available in preview, also lets you create animated HTML5 content. I suggest you check out the HTML5 Tools site, which publishes up-to-date tool reviews.
Often, automotive customers will ask system designers to make an infotainment system work "like an iPhone,” with the popular gesture controls. Does HTML5 support "inertial" menus and two-finger zoom?
Multi-touch is handled at the app level; here’s an example. Pinch zooming at the browser level is browser-dependent — the QNX browser handles it, but not every browser does. As for physics-based scrolling, HTML5 doesn’t support it “out of the box”; it needs to be added. Frameworks like Sencha Touch provide these types of controls.
Will the performance of HTML and JavaScript be adequate for critical user interface components or computations, such as safety-related notifications?
This has to be tested on a case-by-case basis. For the UI elements, yes, the performance should be adequate. Our testing indicates you can build HMIs that are surprisingly responsive. Also, our WebKit port lets you do things things like run JavaScript code in other tabs, threads, or processes to ensure those ocmponents aren’t being thread-blocked by something less critical.
I do get a little gun-shy recommending HTML5 for safety-critical components, because JavaScript isn't inherently real-time. If you wouldn't feel comfortable using Java for a critical coding task, you shouldn't use HTML5 either. If you want predictable, real-time performance for a lower-level computation that cannot tolerate any delay, the code should execute in a non virtual-machine environment. Most code doesn’t really fit that description, so most of the time JavaScript should work just fine.
How do you call vehicle resources — vehicle HMI, vehicle diagnostics information, etc. — on a HTML web app in the car? What's the process in plain words?
In plain words, it’s kinda hard. :-) But here’s my best take on this question: we solve this by creating a vehicle-bus driver that exports data through a publish/subscribe mechanism. The HTML5 layer talks to that piece through a JavaScript interface.
Great time today in Los Angeles at Helm's Bakery
Saturday, March 24, 2012It was great to see fellow ActiveE drivers along with Volts, Leafs, a Tesla and a Zero Electric Motorcycle earlier this morning at Helm's Bakery in Los Angeles. 
Various Services Provided by Auto Transport Companies
Moving your vehicle from one position to another is obviously a tedious process. The auto transport companies provide a range of services, and how you implement these services will depend on your perseverance stage and the on the emergency of needing your assistance of transporting the vehicle to be transported or shipped. It also depends on your budget or the amount you are willing to pay to get your vehicle to be transported and also on your requirement as to where you want your vehicle to be transported or delivered and place from where you want your vehicle to be taken whether you are going to deliver the vehicle to the port or you want the vehicle to taken from your property place.
The most common kinds of assistance which are provided to you while shipping your vehicle from the source to the destination are terminal to terminal services and the door to door services. The difference which can be plotted between the two services could be the cost and the convenience which is provided in door to door rather that the terminal to terminal service. The terminal to terminal service which is offered by most of the auto transport companies at a discounted price. A terminal is a place which is usually located in a metropolitan area which is mostly used for storage purpose. Vehicles which are being transported to and from a terminal provide a better opportunity for the auto transport companies to deliver or collect the vehicles to the same area. This kind of terminal to terminal service is beneficial to people who require the delivery of their vehicle on a particular time and on a specific date.
As far as the other type of assistance is worried i.e. door to door service assistance is worried it makes more assistance and thus shortens the procedure of car shipping. Most of the auto transport companies provide practical function that is door to door services wherein your vehicle would be collected as well as delivered very close to the address which would be provided by you. Sometimes it would not be possible for the auto transport companies to deliver the vehicle at your door steps; this may be because many trucks and trailers cannot travel the narrow and steep roads or streets. Hence the transporting company can just give you call and ask you to come and collect at a place nearby. In such circumstances it would be very graceful if you could just abide by the circumstances rather than arguing on the fact that the agreement was made for the door to door service facility. So in selecting the best choice of the solutions which are offered by the car shipping organizations, what you need to consider is your funds and plenty of duration of needing moving you’re transporting whether you need it on a particular period of time, or any moment frame and time would be practical.
Bkk transport & Brokerage is one among the highly experienced, safe and professional car shipping companies. At present we also provide Door To Door shipping services for motorcycle, car and truck, Transport Heavy equipment to California, Florida and New Jersey.
Collision Avoidance Systems
Friday, March 23, 2012Collision avoidance systems are the next development in vehicle safety. Since the legal requirement of seatbelts, most safety features have focused on protecting the passengers in the event of an accident. It's easy to get distracted talking or texting on a cell phone, going through menus on your car navigation system, or changing the track on your car CD changer. Looking away from the road for just a few seconds can cause a serious car accident. Moving forward, automakers are looking to avoid accidents altogether with new collision avoidance technology.
Collision avoidance systems usually involve adaptive cruise control. This is like normal cruise control, but with radar sensors that can detect traffic ahead of you to maintain a certain distance away. They can also sound alarms or flash warnings on the windshield if the sensors detect you’re getting too close to the car in front of you too fast. If you don’t react in time, the system will automatically apply break pressure. If the computers and sensors determine that you are going to crash, they will tighten seatbelts, adjust headrests, and close power windows and the sunroof to make the car safer in the collision.
Collision avoidance also includes other technology like sensors to tell if you’ve drifted into another lane or to monitor your blind spots. These use cameras instead of radar to watch the road around the vehicle and alert the driver of any dangers.
Having these systems in vehicles make cars smarter than drivers. It alerts sleepy drivers if they’re drifting around the highway and distracted drivers if they’re about to turn into someone in their blind spot. It also prevents serial tailgaters by forcing a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead. These systems could save many lives as the computers react faster in crucial situations than we do.
There is a potential for the system to overreact, causing irritating warning lights to flash when there may not be present danger. Some argue this would be a small price to pay for the lives that could be saved by collision avoidance systems.
Today this technology is primarily available for luxury cars, like BMWs, Cadillacs, and Audis but it has begun to appear in mid-level cars as well, like the Ford Taurus and the Dodge Charger. It will only be a matter of time before these systems are widely available for even lower priced vehicles so everyone can benefit from the added safety collision avoidance systems provide.
Source: AOL Autos
Can auto wag the ITS dog?
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
This question came up repeatedly at the Fully Networked Car Workshop held at the Geneva Auto Show, for the simple reason that auto is dwarfed by the telecom industry. Car volumes are measured in millions, whereas mobile phones are measured in billions. (In fact, evidence suggests the world may contain more mobile phones than toothbrushes.) It is likely, then, that businesses will focus on ITS-related applications, services, and infrastructure for phones — not cars.
Workshop panelists also pointed out that ITS extends beyond the auto or other transport industries; it is about enabling a connected society on the move. Consumers want mobility solutions that enable them to stay connected to all aspects of their lives in meaningful ways — not just optimize the efficiency and safety of getting from point A to point B.
The need for global standards
Regardless of whether auto or telecom drives ITS, we will need global standards for how these systems work. The good news is, major international standards development organizations (SDOs) are already trying to collaborate on the global standards needed to make ITS a reality. In fact, the Fully Networked Car Workshop was jointly sponsored by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
The ITU has also started a collaboration on ITS Communications Standards. The next meeting of this collaboration will take place at SAE Headquarters in Troy, Michigan, USA on April 3, 2012.
A non-starter without industry participation
Mind you, success of ITS standards cannot solely depend on cooperation of the SDOs. Industry involvement is just as important.
Some workshop participants argued, however, that standardization inhibits product differentiation and thereby acts as a barrier to industry participation. But others felt this could be managed by standardizing on the lower layers (i.e. communications layers) and differentiating at the higher layers (i.e. application layers). The one caveat raised was that some aspects of the higher layers need to be standardized for safety reasons. But even then, it is possible to standardize on safety and still differentiate on user experience.
Panelists also discussed the threat of government regulation as a motivation to develop and deploy ITS. Someone pointed out, however, that competition often acts as a bigger motivator for companies than the threat of regulation.
Wagging the dog?
So what will drive innovation and deployment of ITS? It seems that global standards created with industry participation are crucial. Perhaps even more important, the auto industry must start working more closely with other industries such as telecom and consumer to develop ITS solutions that not only help people get from point A to point B efficiently and safely, but also deliver value in other ways to consumers on the move — unless of course you believe that the tail can wag the dog!
The long wait continues for the Carpool Lane stickers
As wonderful as the ActiveE has been, a boondoggle at the dealer and DMV has put a halt on my plans of cruising in the carpool lane. For whatever reason, it took almost 8 weeks for the DMV to show anything in their system in regard to our ActiveE that we picked up on 1/16/12. Then, once it showed, the VIN # was associated with a 1981 gas powered BMW, lol. I finally was able to speak to someone today who explained how that most likely happened. In my VIN#, 8 characters back from the end is a letter, "B". The "B" means "1" in DMV lingo....an "A" would be "0", "C" would be "2", etc. This number represents the year. As the computer systems are a little behind the times, when the VIN# is typed in, all the info will autofill and if the person doing the entering doesn't catch it, the year 1981 will autofill in as the year. This is what happened to me. Whether this happened at the dealer or DMV headquarters, who knows. Getting this fixed takes time, like up to 30+ more days time. Once this is resolved, hopefully the "E" (for Electric) wil be entered into the box for engine type. If not, that will require even more time to fix.
The above brings me to a suggestion for BMW before the i3 rollout begins. Insist that each dealer who carries the "i" brand have a dedicated person or persons thoroughly trained in handling DMV paperwork related to an EV. All DMV related paperwork from EV sales/leases will be handled by that person or persons and no one else. Ideally, this person would be able to process this paperwork either electronically or in some other quick manner so that the new owner can apply and receive his/her carpool stickers ASAP. This last step in the vehicle sale/lease process is a crucial step and one that I never even thought about until I was boondoggled.
The above brings me to a suggestion for BMW before the i3 rollout begins. Insist that each dealer who carries the "i" brand have a dedicated person or persons thoroughly trained in handling DMV paperwork related to an EV. All DMV related paperwork from EV sales/leases will be handled by that person or persons and no one else. Ideally, this person would be able to process this paperwork either electronically or in some other quick manner so that the new owner can apply and receive his/her carpool stickers ASAP. This last step in the vehicle sale/lease process is a crucial step and one that I never even thought about until I was boondoggled.
Concept vehicles by Joe MacCarthy
Amazing vehicle designs by Joe MacCarthy. Also check conceptships and tanks.
Keywords: digital concept auto automobile vehicle car truck transportation design art by joe maccarthy industrial designer toy industry product design
Keywords: digital concept auto automobile vehicle car truck transportation design art by joe maccarthy industrial designer toy industry product design
Essential Vehicle Maintenance: Exterior Care
Aside from keeping your car running great, maintenance needs to be performed to keep your car looking great too. After you've repaired your worn out diesel injectors and diesel fuel pump, your exterior needs some TLC. Keeping your car clean and waxed will prolong the life of your paint job and make your car more fun to drive. Here are some tips to properly washing, waxing, and detailing your vehicle.
Beyond the normal dirt and dust that collects on the surface of your car, there are other, harder to see contaminants that can damage your clear coat over time. Airborne pollutants, bugs, tree sap, and bird droppings can all degrade your paint so it’s important to scrub it all off frequently.
Before washing and especially before waxing, make sure your car is parked in the shade if it is sunny outside. The sun can prematurely dry your car leading to water spots, or hamper your waxing efforts. If you plan on waxing your car you may even want to wash your car twice because dirt is difficult to see when the car is wet.
Make sure to use the right solvents for washing and detailing your car. Dishwashing soap is not good for your paint. Buy some kind of actual car wash, and make sure to buy a high quality wax like Turtle or Meguiar’s. Wash your vehicle thoroughly, using a soft sponge or towel, paying special attention to the front grill of your vehicle where bugs and debris often collect. Rinse and dry your car carefully, inspecting the paint for anything left behind. Make sure to go back and scrub spots that did not come clean – if you attempt to wax the paint with dirt or debris on it, you will scratch the clear coat of your car. In decades past it was agreed that the best wax to use was very-hard-to-apply carnauba wax – the “wax on, wax off” kind; nowadays technology has advanced enough to provide excellent, more easily applied waxes that are just as effective at protecting your clear coat. Some of the more advanced systems currently require just spray on application and spreading evenly over the paint, no buffing required.
If you decide to use a more traditional paste wax or cream wax, use the applicator recommended or provided by the wax manufacturer. If they don’t have a recommendation, use a foam applicator pad to apply the wax. Work in small areas, rubbing a small amount of wax and spreading it to the surrounding areas. Apply the wax in a back and forth motion, not in circles, and make sure your applicator and buffer are clean before you begin. If the wax residue doesn’t buff off easily, switch to a very clean towel or cloth.After you are done buffing, use a soft toothbrush or detailing brush to clean the wax out of the cracks and crevices of your car. After you’re done waxing, your car should have a smooth, glossy finish that looks almost wet.
Paste wax systems require you to re-apply the wax every 30-90 days to protect your paint, depending on weather conditions. Newer synthetic systems can last up to 9 months without re-application, but some people say they don’t give off the same “three-dimensional” shine that carnauba wax provides, so you’ll have to make a judgment call on what is most important to you. Either system will protect your paint and keep your car in excellent form for years.
Crossing the boundaries: Cooperation across industries will fuel the connected car
Tuesday, March 20, 2012A guest post by Brian Salisbury of Telecommunication Systems (TCS)
Connected car – these two words appear together more and more these days. Consider, for example, two events that took place in February: The Connected Car Executive Lunch organized by Fierce Wireless and held during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, and the Telecom Council’s Mobile Forum: Connected Car meeting hosted by Marvell Semiconductor in Silicon Valley.
Speakers at these events came from mobile operators (AT&T Mobility, Orange, Sprint, Verizon), auto manufacturers (Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota), and platform and solution providers (Nokia, Pioneer, QNX Software Systems, TCS). No doubt about it, the car is now connecting industries.
Although these two events were held on different continents, the topics on the minds of attendees were very similar:
The presentations and discussions were diverse, as each group sought to define their role in terms that extend logically from their own past experience, and that could provide them with some control over the outcome. Thankfully, every group shared the common goal of making sure that connected cars are safe cars, and that the introduction of new connected services doesn’t create driver distraction problems.
We are clearly on the verge of a new generation of services being extended into the car that can enhance many aspects of owning, operating, and riding in tomorrow’s vehicles. Those of us fortunate enough to be part of one of these groups will have some amazing opportunities to bring the best of our respective industries into this new space, and to build new relationships across industry boundaries.
For an example of how TCS is helping to enable the connected car, check out this post on the VW Polo that was showcased at Mobile World Congress — Ed.
Here’s a little more about Brian and TCS:
Brian Salisbury is director of business development at TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS), where he is responsible for developing new business with OEMs, platform providers, and developers in the LBS ecosystem. Brian has worked in the mobile industry for more than 25 years, with most of that experience being in mobile data and location-based services, and within semiconductor, device manufacturer, and network operator companies.
TCS (NASDAQ: TSYS) is a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology. TCS infrastructure forms the foundation for market leading solutions in E9-1-1, text messaging, commercial location and deployable wireless communications. TCS is at the forefront of new mobile cloud computing services providing wireless applications for navigation, hyper-local search, asset tracking, social applications and telematics.
Connected car – these two words appear together more and more these days. Consider, for example, two events that took place in February: The Connected Car Executive Lunch organized by Fierce Wireless and held during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, and the Telecom Council’s Mobile Forum: Connected Car meeting hosted by Marvell Semiconductor in Silicon Valley. Speakers at these events came from mobile operators (AT&T Mobility, Orange, Sprint, Verizon), auto manufacturers (Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota), and platform and solution providers (Nokia, Pioneer, QNX Software Systems, TCS). No doubt about it, the car is now connecting industries.
Although these two events were held on different continents, the topics on the minds of attendees were very similar:
- Who “owns” the customer?
- Will the connection be part of the car, or brought to the car by its driver?
- How can the “wild west” of the Internet be safely incorporated into the car?
- What is the business model for such a multi-part solution?
- What will be the “killer app” for connected car, or is there no such thing?
The presentations and discussions were diverse, as each group sought to define their role in terms that extend logically from their own past experience, and that could provide them with some control over the outcome. Thankfully, every group shared the common goal of making sure that connected cars are safe cars, and that the introduction of new connected services doesn’t create driver distraction problems.
We are clearly on the verge of a new generation of services being extended into the car that can enhance many aspects of owning, operating, and riding in tomorrow’s vehicles. Those of us fortunate enough to be part of one of these groups will have some amazing opportunities to bring the best of our respective industries into this new space, and to build new relationships across industry boundaries.
For an example of how TCS is helping to enable the connected car, check out this post on the VW Polo that was showcased at Mobile World Congress — Ed.
Here’s a little more about Brian and TCS:
Brian Salisbury is director of business development at TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS), where he is responsible for developing new business with OEMs, platform providers, and developers in the LBS ecosystem. Brian has worked in the mobile industry for more than 25 years, with most of that experience being in mobile data and location-based services, and within semiconductor, device manufacturer, and network operator companies.
TCS (NASDAQ: TSYS) is a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology. TCS infrastructure forms the foundation for market leading solutions in E9-1-1, text messaging, commercial location and deployable wireless communications. TCS is at the forefront of new mobile cloud computing services providing wireless applications for navigation, hyper-local search, asset tracking, social applications and telematics.
Setting the Pace for Automotive Electronic Innovation
Welcome to the first installment in a series of guest posts from Paul Sykes of Freescale’s driver information systems team.
Recently, I traded in my MY2002 SUV for a new MY2012 vehicle. At the time, the MY2002 was quite advanced in its in-cabin electronics and styling, but wow — times have changed! Gone are the aftermarket satellite radio and PND that were attached, with wires dangling, at various places in my cabin.
The newest generation of vehicles offers complete and total integration, including new features that didn’t exist in 2002, such as USB/iPod interfaces, HD Radio, and a rear view camera.
But here’s the problem. I work in this great industry of automotive electronics and have some view of what’s coming in the next wave of vehicles. It’s both a blessing and a curse. Do I buy now or wait for the next model year? It’s like trying to time when to jump into your next cell phone or tablet purchase, only the time scale is a bit different.
The pace of electronic innovation has increased in this industry and you don’t have to wait 10 model years (like I did) to see it. It’s exciting to be a part of the supply base that is helping this industry move faster while maintaining some of the highest standards of quality and reliability over a long product life.
Fundamentally, at the heart of every embedded electronic vehicle system, incoming data needs to get processed and acted upon, using complex software algorithms. At Freescale, sensor and processor innovations make the future possible by doing these fundamental elements better, faster, and more reliably.
Ecosystem partners like QNX Software Systems provide many of the complex algorithms required to realize infotainment and instrument cluster systems. These same systems are often powered with Freescale i.MX processors.
In the latest generation, the i.MX 6 Series, Freescale has provided the most scalable line-up of products available. Scalability means not only performance and function scalability, but also pin-to-pin hardware compatibility across the entire series. This is one example of how the processor can help pick up the innovation pace. With hardware and software compatibility, system makers can develop more products to meet a broader range of market needs, in a shorter amount of time.
The Freescale i.MX 6 Series has been chosen to power the next-generation
GM OnStar system.
In future posts, I will offer Freescale’s perspective on many of the current trends in driver information systems as well as our product collaborations with QNX to bring unique value to the industry.
Here’s a little more about Paul and the Freescale Driver Information Team:
Paul has more than 15 years’ experience in the semiconductor industry, including product development, program management, and marketing positions. For the past several years, Paul has lived in Michigan and focuses exclusively on the automotive telematics, audio/infotainment, and instrument cluster application spaces.
Freescale’s Driver Information Team is driving the global strategy and product development for solutions to address the multitude of applications in the rapid growth and innovation area of Driver Information Systems. This includes instrument cluster, graphics displays, audio and infotainment, and telematics.
The newest generation of vehicles offers complete and total integration, including new features that didn’t exist in 2002, such as USB/iPod interfaces, HD Radio, and a rear view camera.
But here’s the problem. I work in this great industry of automotive electronics and have some view of what’s coming in the next wave of vehicles. It’s both a blessing and a curse. Do I buy now or wait for the next model year? It’s like trying to time when to jump into your next cell phone or tablet purchase, only the time scale is a bit different.
The pace of electronic innovation has increased in this industry and you don’t have to wait 10 model years (like I did) to see it. It’s exciting to be a part of the supply base that is helping this industry move faster while maintaining some of the highest standards of quality and reliability over a long product life.
Fundamentally, at the heart of every embedded electronic vehicle system, incoming data needs to get processed and acted upon, using complex software algorithms. At Freescale, sensor and processor innovations make the future possible by doing these fundamental elements better, faster, and more reliably.
Ecosystem partners like QNX Software Systems provide many of the complex algorithms required to realize infotainment and instrument cluster systems. These same systems are often powered with Freescale i.MX processors.
In the latest generation, the i.MX 6 Series, Freescale has provided the most scalable line-up of products available. Scalability means not only performance and function scalability, but also pin-to-pin hardware compatibility across the entire series. This is one example of how the processor can help pick up the innovation pace. With hardware and software compatibility, system makers can develop more products to meet a broader range of market needs, in a shorter amount of time.
The Freescale i.MX 6 Series has been chosen to power the next-generation
GM OnStar system.
In future posts, I will offer Freescale’s perspective on many of the current trends in driver information systems as well as our product collaborations with QNX to bring unique value to the industry.
Here’s a little more about Paul and the Freescale Driver Information Team:
Paul has more than 15 years’ experience in the semiconductor industry, including product development, program management, and marketing positions. For the past several years, Paul has lived in Michigan and focuses exclusively on the automotive telematics, audio/infotainment, and instrument cluster application spaces.
Freescale’s Driver Information Team is driving the global strategy and product development for solutions to address the multitude of applications in the rapid growth and innovation area of Driver Information Systems. This includes instrument cluster, graphics displays, audio and infotainment, and telematics.
Essential Vehicle Maintenance: Tires
Monday, March 19, 2012If you want to upkeep anything in your vehicle, the objects that keep your car rolling, and off the ground, should be at the top of that list. Tires are often overlooked because a car with bald tires can still drive, and replacing all four tires can be expensive. When your fuel pump or fuel pump assembly goes out, you have no choice whether or not you want to replace it because your car will not drive - bald tires can get you down the street and back, and the dangers always occur when it's too late. Nevertheless, keeping track of the condition of your tires, and keeping them properly inflated, can mean literally life or death for the people in the vehicle. Here are a few tips to make sure your tires will keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
The main cause of tire failure (when your tire goes flat or blows out) is the friction caused from moving contact with the road. This causes the tread on the tires to wear away. When the tread becomes too shallow, the tire is worn out and should be replaced. Bald tires give you little traction on the road, especially when the road is wet or icy. This means the difference in you maintaining control of your vehicle, and not maintaining control, is dependent on proper tread on your tires. One trick to check if you have proper tire tread is to place a penny, with Lincoln’s head down, between the tread of your tires. If Lincoln’s head isn’t completely covered by the treads on your tires, they need to be replaced.
Underinflation is very detrimental to your tires, and your fuel economy. Not having enough tire pressure causes excessive wear on the tires, and gives you less control of your vehicle on paved roads. You should check your tire pressure regularly. To check your tire pressure, make sure your tires are cool (so when the vehicle has been sitting for awhile.) If you need to go somewhere else to fill up your tires with air, check the tire pressure before you leave and fill up appropriately. You can find out the appropriate tire pressure for your vehicle by looking in your owner’s manual, the driver’s side door panel, the glove box door, or the fuel door. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire. Firmly press the tire guage onto the valve. Add air to achieve the recommended tire pressure. If you overfill a tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve with a fingernail or the tip of a pen. Recheck the tire pressure, and then replace the valve cap. Repeat for your other tires, including the spare.
Another important factor in maintaining your tires is your vehicles alignment. When you are driving, does your car pull to one side, or shake? A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can throw off your alignment. Have a tire dealer check your alignment regularly to make sure your vehicle is aligned properly. If the alignment is off it will cause your tire to wear irregularly, which can lead to tire blowouts.
You should also rotate your tires periodically, typically every 5,000 miles. Naturally your front and back, left and right tires wear differently on the road. By rotating your tires from front to back, left to right, you can ensure your tires wear evenly and lengthen the life of your tires.
I find inspecting the tires while filling up at the gas station is convenient. While the vehicle is filling up, you can check your tires for wear, visually check for proper inflation, and inspect for any debris that is caught in your tire tread and can damage your tires. This way you will always be on top of properly maintaining your tires.
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