I’ve enjoyed this forum since late Aug ‘05’ when we ordered a blue #4 2005. We didn’t finally take delivery until it turned into a silver 2006, but it appeared in our driveway two weeks ago. We got a fair deal, and the wait resulted in a car we’ll like better. Unfortunately, my spouse insists on keeping all of the “new†fresh as long as possible by leaving it parked. Like many of you, we waited anxiously for months, but now it remains a nearly pristine ornament on the driveway. I’m not sure I blame her. The good news? We’ll take it on its first real trip across the high plains of Wyo tomorrow (the high wind warnings could be a test of its reputed skittishness in breezes) and sell its predecessor next week. Most of the preceding seems self-indulgent, and it is unlikely that I’ll post often, if at all. Nevertheless, I’ve learned a ton here during the past months and I imagine I’ll learn more. So thanks. This hardly counts as compensation for all of the good advice, but the newest issue of PC Magazine arrived today with a story on the Prius. It seemed odd, but I guess the Prius really is a computer (three computers?) with wheels. Actually, it appears that Ziff-Davis is trying to attract a little attention to their companion web site: www.technoride.com. There’s a review there that some of you may enjoy reading…although it isn’t all positive.
Actually 14 computers; 15 if you have Navigation. I did a "cut and paste" of hdrygas's 11/17/05 Acronyms and Abbreviations posting of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) section that describes the following 14 (15 with Navigation) computer control units in the car: 1. HV ECU High Voltage ECU This is the brains of the HSD receiving and sending signals from all parts of the HSD turning driver request (shift, accelerator, break) into action by parts of the HSD system. 2. ECM Engine Module controls the ICE (spark, fuel injection, valve timing etc) delivering the proper amount of power to the system under direction of the HV ECU and informs HV ECU of ICE state. 3. Transmission ECU after receiving On signal from HV ECU monitors the Parking Switch (button) and when pressed it locks the hybrid trans axle and locks when brake is pressed and car is placed in D, R, N 4. Skid Control ECU Controls regenerative brake effect by MG2 and the hydraulic system to mimic a conventional hydraulic system as well as functions of Brake Assist, ABS (Antilock Brake System) and VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) 5. ECB ECU = Electronically Controlled Brake integrated into the Skid control ECU to calculate required brake force based on peddle effort and force. 6. EPS ECU = Electronic Power Steering ECU controls the power assist to steering column calculated from input from the Skid Control ECU and various sensors 7. Battery ECU monitors the SOC (State Of Charge) and battery temperature communicates with the HV ECU and controls the HV battery cooling fan. 8. Power Source Control ECU Controls the push button start system receives signals from switches and ECUs communicates to the HV ECU power on power off 9. Air Conditioning ECU calculates the compressor speed based on input from sensors using a nonlinear fuzzy logic system controls blower speed 10. Meter ECU Transmits vehicle speed signal, receives information if smart key is in vehicle and sound the warning sound in car on request of other ECUs (the source of the annoying beeps) 11. Body ECU receives door lock and unlock request and monitors if smart key is in vehicle transmits this to Smart ECU over a serial connection. 12. Transponder ECU Controls the HV immobilizer by recognizing the key ID code also works with Smart ECU in cars equipped with SKS. Transmits an HV stat authorization to the HV ECU 13. Smart ECU Checks ID code received from wireless transponders in the car and transmits the code to the Transponder ECU 14. Navigation ECU provides navigational features as well as Voice recognition and Bluetooth connection. 15. Gateway ECU provides communication between the 3 LANs (Local Area Network)
Wow! Tell us more! How many does an ordinary car have? I don't suppose there was one in a Model T Ford, so which was the first car to have a computer?
The manual of my 1982 Ford Escort boasted about Ford's first use of integrated circuit technology (I think - can't remember the exact wording) for the auxiliary warning system. Mind you, that was advanced - you had warning lights for low oil level, low washer fluid and worn brake pads. The Prius doesn't manage that!
I'd like it to be more like a real computer. i.e. Installation of approved 1st and 3rd party software.
And be able get upgrades of the software as needed, either by a transmission from an agency (via BT) or a CD.
All cars have a computer. An electrochemical analog computer in the driver's seat. Some aren't exactly a "Pentium Inside," if you get my drift...
The scariest quote from the PC Mag article: "A version of Microsoft Windows controls the dashboard in more than a dozen car models."
As long as MSWindows (or any other OS) is only supplemental, does not control critical systems or interfere with core functionality, it is still much better than no programmable interface at all.
I'm pretty sure I'm still a Commador 64.... <_< :blink: I guess I'll add a few more computers....CAN-View and the XM reciever (can I count that?)
HA HA HA I've still got tears in my eyes and a sore diaphram from laughing at that. Now get over here and fix the chair I broke when I fell on the floor!
Your description of the Prius as a self-propelled computer is apt. I have been telling my family that we got a $26,000 garage door opener. (It has the fancy self-dimming mirror/homelink...) Just kidding. I love the car.
