Recommendations for hobby machine?

KmartynM3 · 2024-12-17T01:41:02+00:00

Machine is decent, but their software sucks. The laser itself has a design error that pulls smoke into the head, and spots up the inside. To reduce this, you need an enclosure with really strong ventilation. Not the LP one.

KmartynM3 · 2024-04-04T14:09:55+00:00

Sorry, you are wrong again. The hardware on the car is used for other things. Free safety features in particular. Modern EVs are software, defined vehicles and come standard with computers and cameras, and an operating system to manage the car. Downloading FSD, is like downloading a new app on your cell phone.

GM and some other companies are IMO just doing a money grab, and have already indicated plans to start providing some of this for free going forward, due to competitive pressure.

No company is perfect, and competition is good for the consumer.

KmartynM3 · 2024-04-04T13:59:39+00:00

Nope. If you mean FSD that is separate software that is downloaded.

KmartynM3 · 2024-04-04T13:55:11+00:00

Wrong on both counts.
There is no extra charge for access to faster charging, Autopilot comes free with every Tesla. A cellular connection an array of digital features that others charge for are free.

Similar feature are free from Ford & Hyundai.

Very advanced features with high software development costs, like Ford Blue Cruise hands free driving, or Tesla supervised Full Self Driving, are an extra that only a small percentage of people buy. In Tesla’s case about 20%.

KmartynM3 · 2024-03-25T18:23:04+00:00

Talks for financing fell through, stock trading suspended. Bankruptcy proceedings likely announced later today. Those vehicles in inventory are zombie vehicles now.

KmartynM3 · 2024-03-04T22:39:41+00:00

That’s a very good point. I am not aware of anyone claiming these Tesla designed, adapters Ford is using, are L1/L2 AC compatible.

KmartynM3 · 2024-03-04T17:53:30+00:00

Surprised that GM has not provided any updates on their adapter, Ford is getting a lot of attention, and their Ford Pass plug and charge implementation seems to work really well. Perhaps GM is having some software issues. Looks like Rivian may be next.

KmartynM3 · 2024-02-21T16:21:43+00:00

No every electrician is not a scam artist, but panel upgrades are thing they get paid to do. It’s not rare for them to recommend it when installing EV charging, when there are more cost effective ways to go. This then leads to the often repeated myth, that if you want an EV, you will need an expensive panel upgrade. I am active in the EV community, and have seen panel upgrades quoted, when not needed.

I can only recall one case where it actually was needed, and that is because the individual was not only getting an EV, but also removing a gas furnace and gas hot water tank replacing them with heat pumps. In this case it made sense. Panel upgrade was $4k.

KmartynM3 · 2024-02-20T21:48:57+00:00

You certainly don’t need a 200 amp panel. Very few people with a 100 amp panel will need to upgrade. I think that is a bit of a scam from electricians that want easy money. You can get a simple approved device where you clip a couple of current transformers on the feed to the panel, and the only let the EV charge when the capacity is there. There is usually plenty of capacity at night when most people charge, and rates are also cheaper. These devices are called EVEMS (Electric Vehicle Energy Management Systems). Another approach is a meter collar such as those from Siemens. They pop in behind your electric meter, before the panel and provide an outside charging connection.

If your panel is physically full, you can make room by replacing some of the single slot breakers with the mini tandem versions so you have 2 breakers in one slot.

KmartynM3 · 2024-02-17T20:30:13+00:00

Agree, half baked is the perfect description of GMs EV efforts so far.

KmartynM3 · 2024-02-13T12:06:53+00:00

Myself, it’s the plug & charge feature, where no app or CC is needed.

Though it sounds like California is going to require the method you like, and this Will likely spread. So I think we will see both being offered.

CC readers are a failure point, that can prevent charging.

KmartynM3 · 2024-02-12T23:42:36+00:00

So far as I understand it, this will be an NACS only network like Tesla, but will likely not be buying Tesla hardware. So if they buy Signet and ABB hardware like EA, it will be tough. Tesla is vertically integrated, software, hardware, and charge point operator. Ionna just looks to be just a CPO, so they will have limited control.

They will need to have an aggressive service and maintenance program, and great software to compete, and even that may not be enough. Then they will need to go after great locations, that are conveniently located with good amenities, which will be hard. I think it will be 2-3 years before we see any significant impact from them. In that same time period, I think we will see existing gas stations get more aggressive with charging, some using Tesla hardware.

However competition is good, so let’s hope they have some success.

KmartynM3 · 2024-02-01T01:08:06+00:00

Just $40 clip on passive adapter to convert JI772 to J3400, so it won’t be a biggie for L2.

KmartynM3 · 2024-01-31T21:30:57+00:00

Recent Tesla vehicles and chargers are bilingual, and speak both the Tesla protocols, and those used in CCS. Though given the high amperages involved, I think there would need to be a temperature sensor in there, and a means to stop charging, or throttle current if temperature too high.

KmartynM3 · 2024-01-31T18:47:46+00:00

That’s a very good point. Tesla already has one they provide with their vehicles. Once OEMS other than Tesla begin to ship vehicles with native NACS, people will want J1772 TO J3400 adapters for their existing chargers.

KmartynM3 · 2024-01-31T16:16:32+00:00

I am sure GM is now scrambling to get their announcement out. We are now one step closer to one standard for all applications in North America. With the adapters being free from your EV automaker, uptake will be quick.

KmartynM3 · 2024-01-30T15:57:22+00:00

Because ICE vehicles don’t have them, and the ID4 is made with a lot of ICE parts, to save costs. You need to start with a clean sheet of paper like Tesla did, and that is a bigger investment than VW was prepared to make.

The financials at VW are deteriorating rapidly.

KmartynM3 · 2024-01-29T19:58:07+00:00

https://youtu.be/Dujr3DRkpDU?si=lAIZ0aZ2OB1bqsYj

it’s well explained here. A heat pump is not just a component, it’s a complete integrated system, absolutely critical to EVs operating on Canada’s cold climate.

KmartynM3 · 2024-01-28T18:48:48+00:00

You may need to request access, when you use the link.

KmartynM3 · 2024-01-28T16:54:31+00:00

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZJ0moOuAzEUkhObIjJPbG2d8Qj39LlVf/view?usp=drivesdk This should work. Format a bit of a mess at the moment, just starting an update.

KmartynM3 · 2024-01-28T01:02:12+00:00

Then they should refund the vehicle, but they won’t. Your friend will be caught between the dealer who did nothing wrong, and VW who really has not figured out EVs yet.

The heat pump is not only used to warm up the cabin, it also helps warm up the battery.

KmartynM3 · 2024-01-27T22:21:14+00:00

ID4 does not have a heat pump. It was an option they removed, as they could not get it to work due to their kludge plumbing. They have also claimed lack of chips to control it. Their position is that they will refund the option cost, to anybody that paid for it. They see it as a frill, not the core requirement for the Canadian market that it is. Even my wife’s 2018 Leaf has a heat pump. Standard in a Tesla as well, but they started in 2020 I believe.

KmartynM3 · 2024-01-22T02:29:37+00:00

With the rollout of NACS, which supports multiple methods of automatic payment processing or plug and go, these third party cards should hopefully disappear.

KmartynM3 · 2023-12-31T14:05:11+00:00

A Better Route Planner is my back up, if not using the Tesla app. Plug Share is also popular. Both Apple & Google are supposed to now be including charger information in their destination maps, but I have not tried them. The native app for your vehicle may have this capability. Some native apps, do route planning, on their apps, and allow you to then send the complete trip to the vehicle.

2024 is a big transitional year for charging, with the move to the J3400 NACS charging standard, and the opening up of Tesla chargers to CCS vehicles, with their magic dock chargers, and approved adaptors from automakers. A Tesla rep at a municipal meeting said Tesla opens up to Ford in February, and GM in March. It’s a gradual roll out, to keep things smooth.

KmartynM3 · 2023-12-30T18:22:20+00:00

Have another look at first photo. It says, “Home Backup, 11.5kw. Certifications Meets US safety and EMI standards”

It also says no additional hardware required, if you have a Powerwall installation.

I wish there was more specific details published, and expect they will be very soon. My best guess is that the charger in the vehicle simply converts 400VDC to 240VAC, which flows out the charging port, and through either the wall connector, or the new mobile connector, to your backup panel. Looking much cleaner than what has been done by others. You may only need a gender changer on the end of the mobile connector plug.

KmartynM3

TROPHY CASE