Smart Mods German style

[jwight]

Originally Posted by ostfriese

TFL means Tagfahrlicht or in english daylight running lights.

ostfriese, is the DRL module "plug and play?" Meaning, if we order it can it be easily installed by the owner without a lot of tearing the car apart?

Thanks.

John

[Fredvon4]

Jwright

TFL from Germany for sort of big bucks may not be really important.... It sounds like in another thread we simply need a command set in the Cars Brain to enable DLRs. Once set, the owner can turn on or off the function with a combination of button pushes...

[jwight]

Originally Posted by Fredvon4

Jwright

TFL from Germany for sort of big bucks may not be really important.... It sounds like in another thread we simply need a command set in the Cars Brain to enable DLRs. Once set, the owner can turn on or off the function with a combination of button pushes...

Fred, that was from another German source. May well be true in Europe. I PM'd one of the US smart techs on this forum and he replied that the DRLs were not covered in his training. So, I'm still in the dark on this issue, but I like DRLs and would be willing to pay the cost of the European module to have them.

John

Or, I guess just leave the lights on all the time.

[Old smart]

The Canadian 451s have them (have to have them), so its likely that we can have them too after the proper incantation. But I recall that it was said that the Canadian DRLs were at full brightness, not the 60% or 75% we might prefer.

I'll get them somehow. My favorable USAA insurance quote is based partially on their presence.

[Cruise451]

Originally Posted by nader

Please feel free to get technical. I assume that you see a flaw in their design? Why will yours be better?

There's a few technical deficiencies.

#1. The way the accelerator plugs into the device. It does not use proper contacts but instead plugs directly into routed out tabs on the circuit board. We understand why they did this, and in fact this is how our prototype works, but its not electrically sound. Vibrations and flex can and will result in sporadic contact failure without proper support on all 3 axis/planes. According to photos and their instructions and their largest Canadian reseller, the only thing holding it on is a nylon zap strap, and that only takes care of one axis. That retailer (I'd say their name but I'm not sure if that's allowed here) confirmed to us that a significant number of customers have complained about periodic or sporadic "dead pedal" and that's what we believe is the cause. Other than for our in-house prototype (and only because we couldn't get the proper connectors in time) we will not be using this method. Secure and supported connectors are also required by both the DOT and Transport Canada regulations and there's a good reason for it. Beyond electrical failure, it also introduces a (very slight) fire risk.

I'm not here to slam the competition. But it wouldn't have occurred to us to make a product if there was already a suitable one on the market.

Other differences are discussed on our R&D website but I don't think I'm allowed to post that URL here any more. I hope I've answered your question.

[Fredvon4]

I am not a big fan of DRLs personally... As a motorcycle enthusiast I rely on my motorcycle lights to make be stand out from all the cages (cars n trucks)... I noticed when DRLs became common that we got back to ignoring motorcycles.... I teach the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Beginners and advanced courses... I am a hot rod lead foot in certain circumstances... As a bike rider I developed excellent defensive driving skills...

That all said... I want the DRL enabled on my Smart because like the discount they bring with my insurance costs... When discussing this with my underwriter USAA, the rep said she did not care how they were implemented but as long as I claim the vehicle has the ability I would get the discount... Because I prefer to not fraud my very good Insurance company this is and important issue with me...