Start the car with the laser key?

:laser:

A Prius with friggin' lasers !

 

Page 541 of the manual shows how to use the key to open the door, and page 542 shows how to hold a dead fob near the power button to start the car.

 

There are 10 type IV point defence lasers mounted 5ea just above each headlight. To activate them you just ummmmm should I be sharing this with you mere civilians?

 

Yes!

 

Hmmm, we're Prius owners, not mere civilians

 

Oh, fer.... ARGhhhhh.

Did you have to mention this to the masses so early into the
2010 release? Didn't we all agree at the meeting that October
would be the leak, December would be the Car & Driver article
and January would be the official release and production start?
Sheesh! Do NDA's mean nothing anymore?

* * * * * Spoiler Alert * * * * *​

Don't read beyond this point if you already have a IV or lower
or V without AT NAV, or if you expect to recieve your new Prius before January 2010.

OK, with that all-too-untimely leak above (again, thanks for
nothing), we might as well tell you more about this feature. But
just enough to get you juiced and motivated.

ALLCLEARS Ver. 1​

Active LASER Location and Collimating Linear Elimination And
Retreat System

Available as part of the AT NAV package and level V cars only,
since the LED headlight housings sport the room for the
hardware — namely the sensors and emitters, without sacrificing
the GENIII basic aesthetic design.

NAV is required to access the hidden menu. How you do this I
can't yet devulge, but it isn't difficult once one learns the
multi-button press. The defense system menu is where you will
program perimeter and wavelength thresholds, output limitations,
lockout codes (you don't want your kids playing with this),
wiggler rates, etc. The computer will handle the safety
shutdowns for emmiter meltdowns and redundant current
backflow.

L.K.A. keeps the car on track when the going gets tough out
there on the roads (engages automatically once ALLCLEARS is
activated); the dynamic grille front radar is used throught target
acquisition, aiming and resulting LASER fire sequences. The stock
radar unit is actually military spec., surplus from hand held battle
tested ranging in the Gulf War. A hidden radar unit in the rear is
also used. Hint: that is why the rear wiper is so small.

Most Touch Tracer Display buttons are utilized by the driver for
maximum control and to override the automatic ALLCLEARS modes.
Touch Tracer use, as always, enhances driving safety and
comfort.

At this time, there are no plans to employ the hands-free voice
control or criuse control systems in ALLCLEARS, although we are
looking into integration of these popular features in future releases.
We are also very interested in having the wireless key fobs with
remote start do something special with ALLCLEARS2. There will be
more fun (possibly 5 flags worth) in version 2, I assure you!

In addition to the 10 emmiters up front, there are also 10 more in
the rear, not necessarily limited to the tail light housings. That
backup camera is really important and plays a vital role in
defense and offense. You didn't think it was only there for fun and
backup safety, did you? Can you say "adaptive optics?"

As to the full compliment of what ALLCLEARS can do for the
driver and occupants is still strickly hush hush, but by now, my
guess is white papers will be circulating the net from
"unofficial sources."

--- Technical Highlights (subject to change) ---

LASER Type: Solid State. Lighter weight and uses less power to
achieve maximum output, and of course maintains the important
high MPG over the other power-sucking LASER types - gas,
excimer, dye or carbon dioxide.

Maximum Output, in KW: more than 700.

Maximum Range: classified.

Wavelengths: 1.04-1.08 micrometer.

Color: colorless.

Temperatures achieved at 100 yards: up to 1,900ºC.

Power usage: TBT (still in beta testing). Will not significantly
stress standard batteries. Must use PWR Mode to achieve highest
LASER outputs.

I hope this information helps.

EDIT: Almost forgot... the USB/iPod interface will be fully compatible
with ALLCLEARS ver1 and up.

 

I hear there are HV battery warranty issues if the system is activated without prior written authorization from Toyota.

And I hear that Toyota is actively downplaying this feature since some people feel that it conflicts with the "feel-good" Prius commercials that are currently playing.

I've also heard that a third party is coming out with a mod that will increase the power to a full 1 MW, effectively doubling the range to 200 yards, but I understand that there are still minor issues that they are attempting to address.

 

The one concern I have is the operation of the system. I understand how it works with the NAV for sighting, but for firing will you pull the joystick back or push it forward. The last thing we need is more confusion on the proper operation.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/66847-shift-forward-go-back.html

 

It's clear you haven't used this system yet, or you would be aware that the controls are all set via user preference! Steering controls and gearshift stick movements can all be configured to provide superb user control.

Once radar's locked onto your target, a pulsing ring will surround it and a constant beeping will sound (it's reported that some users have experienced anxiety while backing up after using this feature; this is typically resolved by having the dealer turn off reverse beeping). Most European vehicles will display in HUD style while American versions will be limited to feedback provided via the NAV display.

Press a button, and small to moderate obstructions are instantly eliminated. For larger objects, laser pulse operation is automatically activated, but note that the car may automatically brake to provide additional removal time if needed.

 

Nice to see that the system's configurable. Hope we don't have dealers who think they become liable with any safety issues if they configure the ALLCLEAR system to the owner's preferences.

 

Maybe I'm wrong on this, but I thought that holding the key fob near the power button only works if the battery is weak, but not if the battery is dead.

 

Should work even with the battery removed. The Gen2 certainly does with the keyfob inserted into the keyslot.

 

I love the red laser on the back. I use it to put a red dot on the pavement behind me and then watch all the neighbors cats chase me as I ride around the block on EV. :eyebrows: