What did you do today?

[adsm08 4,726]

43 minutes ago, Beap52 said:

How is this done?

 

Mostly with a USB drive and boredom.

[Handy Don 16,846]

2 hours ago, Beap52 said:

So what I'm reading is that a fellow has to update the software on the new vehicle computers?  How is this done? 

Most newer vehicles have multiple computing modules. There are nearly 20 in my 2022. The largest is typically the “head end unit” that drives the infotainment but others include direct engine management, emissions, anti-lock/traction control braking, AWD engagement, lighting (interior and exterior), the instrument panel, cameras, distance sensors, and more.

Each module typically has some “firmware”--usually programmed at manufacture and more or less permanent, as well as some replaceable programming. My car recently received an update that completely changed the appearance of the entire driver’s instrument panel (which is actually a 4” x 12” computer display) as well as how the central screen gives access to settings like driving mode (regular vs. off-road) and more.

 

On my car there is a separate module just to manage a connected trailer's lighting, brakes, etc. which has its own programming. Connecting a trailer’s plug lets me run a preset check of the trailer’s lighting and it also turns off some car features like the blind spot detector and the “you’re getting to close” backup warning and braking which would be confused by having a trailer attached!

 

As well, if the manufacturers discover issues with, say, displaying camera views or they need to change the engine management or braking operation, they can create new software to make those things happen. 

 

New or changed “replaceable” software is delivered either at a dealer, where the tech connects a cable or a flash drive to a socket in the car and transfers it onto the needed module, or over the air (OTA), where the car has a WiFi or cellular data connection of its own (like a data-only cell phone) and the car reaches out to the manufacturer’s distribution computer and asks for the update. (Just like using the App Store on your phone, but automated.)

 

Edited yesterday at 01:10 AM by Handy Don

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,760]

At my job, the system my hand held and scanner run off of gets updates every so often. Like car updates and computer update, Some go well and others are a cluster, losing locations or other stuff. For example, the bread in a certain aisle will magically disappear according to the system. Not a big deal but it’s a bit of a bigger deal when you are timed and a goal is set to be reached for that order. Isn’t technology great😁

[19richie66 17,907]

8 hours ago, Handy Don said:

 the “you’re getting to close” backup warning and braking which would be confused by having a trailer attached!

 

If I leave my hitch in and let the tailgate down, the backup camera and alarm beeper freaks out.

[19richie66 17,907]

I got to watch these hard working men put up my new hangout. Over 100 degrees here today and they showed up at 10am and left at 8:40pm. Back this morning for the roof. Plan on sealing the floor this afternoon when it cools off 

[Ed Kennell 46,403]

1 hour ago, 19richie66 said:

. Back this morning for the roof. 

Any insulation under the roof to prevent indoor rain?

[19richie66 17,907]

4 hours ago, Ed Kennell said:

Any insulation under the roof to prevent indoor rain?

Yes sir. They installed it and the sheetmetal this morning. Future meet and greet spot hopefully.

[adsm08 4,726]

19 hours ago, Handy Don said:

) and the car reaches out to the manufacturer’s distribution computer and asks for the update.

 

Actually, it is typically pushed from the manufacturer's end. The car just allows it if typical usage says the vehicle should be in "down time".

 

Much like your home PC, the car doesn't know it needs updated unless the manufacturer tells it so.

[adsm08 4,726]

17 hours ago, MainelyWheelhorse said:

Isn’t technology great😁

 

Only until it isn't.

[Handy Don 16,846]

2 hours ago, adsm08 said:

 

Actually, it is typically pushed from the manufacturer's end. The car just allows it if typical usage says the vehicle should be in "down time".

 

Much like your home PC, the car doesn't know it needs updated unless the manufacturer tells it so.

Yep. Was trying to keep the explanation of the ongoing comms between the car and the manufacturer’s systems simple.

Unless given permission in advance to automatically accept OTA updates, no version i’ve seen accepts one without user permission at the vehicle end--effectively a “go ahead and send it”. 

[adsm08 4,726]

1 hour ago, Handy Don said:

Unless given permission in advance to automatically accept OTA updates, no version i’ve seen accepts one without user permission at the vehicle end--effectively a “go ahead and send it”

 

With Ford you have to have everything enabled, but minor updates can be pushed without your consent. In fact a lot of software recalls are being done this way. Ones that might require extended down time will ask you to schedule it and will not go ahead if the vehicle is running at the scheduled time.

[rjg854 13,153]

I'm in D.C. for the 4th of July, and visiting my son and his wife. Went to the Museum of the Bible today. They've been doing multiple flyovers and many more scheduled for tomorrow. They are going for a world's record over 18,600 fireworks.  Happy Birthday, America.

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,760]

5 hours ago, adsm08 said:

 

Only until it isn't.

Definitely, speaking of which this highlights a drawback of text instead of speech, as I meant “Isn’t Technology Great” sarcastically.

[adsm08 4,726]

12 hours ago, MainelyWheelhorse said:

Definitely, speaking of which this highlights a drawback of text instead of speech, as I meant “Isn’t Technology Great” sarcastically.

 

I knew what you meant.

 

Where I work any time something tech related goes wrong my manager says that, sarcastically, and I respond "only until it isn't."

[Handy Don 16,846]

12 hours ago, MainelyWheelhorse said:

Definitely, speaking of which this highlights a drawback of text instead of speech, as I meant “Isn’t Technology Great” sarcastically.

I took it positively with a tinge of sarcasm!

Being able to apply technology to solving some real-world problems was how I earned a living and could eventually retire. 

Yet, I struggle with businesses that provide customer service interactions and other support solety via website, text, or email. A couple of elderly women neighbors I’ve been helping for several years with their very basic cell phones as well as access to health, banking, and social services cannot keep concepts like smartphone, cellular, WiFi, internet, and texting straight. Their life education and life experience have left them unprepared, one financially and both intellectually, for many of these daily challenges. With one, whose late husband had bought her an iPhone, I tried to guide her toward using Siri but the abstraction was just too great.

[rmaynard 17,384]

I'm sitting here thinking about how lucky I am to have had great-grandparents come to this country  from Europe and settled in the Baltimore area only about an hour or so from where the WHCC show is held each year.

Aside from that, I'm smoking 6 pounds of pork shoulder to make pulled pork for the family.

 

Happy Independence Day 

[ebinmaine 79,408]

14 minutes ago, rmaynard said:

how lucky I am to have had ********-grandparents come to this country

 

Agreed. My lineage varies like anyone's but the first on this continent were in what's now Massachusetts in 1622.  

 

Trina's.... MUCH further back.  Both sides of her family claim Indigenous lines.  

[Ed Kennell 46,403]

Loaded the log splitter for delivery to my son tomorrow.

   That front hitch on the 312H sure does make it easy to push equipment around.

 

Then mowed around the neighbor's fence lines.    They were busy picking canteloupes.

 

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,760]

2 hours ago, Handy Don said:

I took it positively with a tinge of sarcasm!

Being able to apply technology to solving some real-world problems was how I earned a living and could eventually retire. 

Yet, I struggle with businesses that provide customer service interactions and other support solety via website, text, or email. A couple of elderly women neighbors I’ve been helping for several years with their very basic cell phones as well as access to health, banking, and social services cannot keep concepts like smartphone, cellular, WiFi, internet, and texting straight. Their life education and life experience have left them unprepared, one financially and both intellectually, for many of these daily challenges. With one, whose late husband had bought her an iPhone, I tried to guide her toward using Siri but the abstraction was just too great.

 

My parents are the same way. One took to technology like a fish to water. The other only recently started using his phone more than just phone calls. Now that he’s figured out Siri he’s much more capable with it.

 

2 hours ago, adsm08 said:

 

I knew what you meant.

 

Where I work any time something tech related goes wrong my manager says that, sarcastically, and I respond "only until it isn't."

Ok, just figured I’d check. NBD.

 

 

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,760]

55 minutes ago, rmaynard said:

I'm sitting here thinking about how lucky I am to have had great-grandparents come to this country  from Europe.

Same here, one set came from Ireland and Germany the other came from England. My great maternal grandparents came over to escape the potato famine in Ireland. 

[sqrlgtr 3,106]

2 hours ago, MainelyWheelhorse said:

Same here, one set came from Ireland and Germany the other came from England. My great maternal grandparents came over to escape the potato famine in Ireland. 

Ireland on one side Cherokee Indian on the other. I think that's why I had to quit drinking..

[Handy Don 16,846]

2 hours ago, MainelyWheelhorse said:

Now that he’s figured out Siri he’s much more capable with it.

Congrats to him.

As simple as Siri seems (and I use it heavily--especially when driving) it is childlike in that it demands that you articulate, in simple and direct words, what you want done. Excessive elaboration causes useless (and sometimes frustratingly confusing) results. This means the human must “think like” the system--and that is the crux of the problem for many!

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,760]

 

@Handy Don Simplification definitely helps like “Call Mom”. BUT apparently certain accents “Maine” being one are a bit problematic with Siri as well. Sometimes the old ways are the best ways.
 

My niece Sadie’s name in Maine accent will unintentionally trigger Siri pretty regularly.

Edited 41 minutes ago by MainelyWheelhorse

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,760]

1 hour ago, sqrlgtr said:

Ireland on one side Cherokee Indian on the other. I think that's why I had to quit drinking..

With the direct Irish lineage I’m 50/50 which way it’ll go. So far so good.

[ebinmaine 79,408]

As with most of you we've been in a pretty wicked heat wave. 

Several days of 90⁰+ temps. 

Today is "cooler" at a freezing 88⁰.

 

I >> CAN'T <<  function very well, if at all, on days like this.

 

Take it easy. 

Putter around a bit. Rest more than usual. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.  

Even at that we've been relatively busy and got some stuff done.  

 

My 1974 C160-8 Cinnamon Horse had an argument with a rock a few weeks ago. Bent the left steering spindle. I removed the outer tie rod and used brute 🐻  force to reverse the kink caused by the rock.  

 

The 1975 C160 Automatic oil leak has still not been properly fixed but there's a frozen bolt in there and I need the workshop space. I got that tightened up enough to drive the tractor and that'll be addressed later. It's a snow machine so there's no priority on it now.  

 

I've been spending time in the barn organizing various areas, getting the truck tasks back online,  and organizing and cleaning the workshop space more.  

A guy I got a tractor from last year gave me this 100 plus year old Seeder. It's now wall art.  

 

 

 

 

Trina's been standard issue ridiculous busy. Felling trees. Bucking to 6' - 8'. I've hauled 2 pole trailer loads of beech wood up from behind the barn to the driveway circle area where she's been cutting to 14" and splitting the wood, followed by stacking it in the shed. 

 

 

 

 

 

She also did a full cleansing and takeback of the coop portion of the chicken enclosure. That's now a small shed for wood and garden tool storage. 

 

 

 

 

In between all that we've been taking care of the new to us feral cats and many many other things.  

 

Tomorrow I'm expecting a visit here from a new Redsquare member to see about getting his tractor going.