(5) beta testers sought for new technology

Hi Raytheeagle,

Tomorrow on your commute home sound good?

Marc

 

Hi Tande,

Sure thing. Here's how the modes work, along with a recap of our product schema:

In the multi-mode devices, the least aggressive is mode 1 and the most aggressive is X, which is a "3" in the case of the advanced, and a "5" for the Extremis.

The differences between the modes are not arithmetic or linear, by which I mean to say that the difference between modes 1 and 2 is not (for example) the same difference as between modes 3 and 4.

Underneath the hood, each mode is expressed through a set of variables that we define (or refine) after getting results from this group as well as other testers with different make/model vehicles.

We usually set the default to mode 3 in Extremis devices and mode 2 in the Advanced series. Experientially, our goal in both cases is for the default mode to generate little or no observable difference in vehicle behavior by the driver or, if it's detectable, then the driver prefers the change.

Higher, more aggressive modes generally, but not always, produce better mileage. Surprisingly, lower modes sometimes do that as well. For example, I think Mode 2 on the Extremis does better for the Gen3 Prius than the default Mode 3.

Incidentally, the reason that higher modes don't always produce better mileage (i.e., why we didn't just ship a single-mode device set to 11) is that drivers consciously or unconsciously will often react to over-correction by pressing the accelerator pedal more.

Because we don't publish the variables we use for each mode (we consider them proprietary) I may not have given you as much information as you wanted--or maybe I have. Please let me know. And if it turns out that you'd like additional detail, I'll see what I can do.

Best,
Marc

 

Sorry, it'll likely be just me.

I'm starting to feel that Attila is the popular one. Marsha, Marsha, Marsha...

 

Hi richer,

We just turned the promo code off this last Friday after selling out of our inventory. We have another order in production to fulfill anticipated orders from our upcoming Kickstarter campaign. If you want to PM me with your email address, I can send a note when the campaign goes live.

If you'll send me a note after placing an order for Smartpedal Advanced during the campaign, I'll upgrade it to the Extremis. Sound good?

Marc

 

We're sending Extremis with our compliments.

 

Hi 04priusnow,

Yep. It's pretty simple to do, especially on the Prius.

For those about to do this for the first time, the only thing to watch for is the underdash panel made of black plastic, which slightly obscures the top of the pedal. The panel has a flange about the length and shape of a finger that protrudes from the right edge. The flange protrudes into a square hollow receptacle to hold the panel's right edge in place.

With just a little bit of pressure, this protrusion can be moved and then there is loads of room. Just make sure to reinstall it in the proper place (it's obvious) or you'll hear your dash panel rattling. Nothing dangerous about that though as the rest of the panel is held in place by screws. Just to be absolutely clear: you don't need to remove these screws or the panel as a whole.

The whole operation should be about 1-5 mins. Ten minutes if you're feeling anxious. 20 minutes if family is watching over your shoulder.

Marc

 

Hi Dave,

First thing: I'm glad your unit arrived and that you installed successfully. Did you perform the one-time calibration after installation? If not, please press pedal to metal once with the car powered up--just a fraction of a second will do. You should have the car in ACC mode instead of with the engine off in order not to waste fuel (and be safer).

In answer to your question, the default is mode 3 of the five modes. I think the better choice for your particular Prius (same as mine) is mode 2. To switch modes:

1. Power down car in flat area, with parking brake on. Let sit for 3 mins.
2. Turn on ACC which, just to be clear, means pressing the start button twice without pressing on the brake.
3. Press pedal fully to floor and hold for sixty seconds.
4. After 60 seconds, release the pedal. (I usually wait until 70 in case I miscount...) You now have a 10-second window to set the new mode.
5. To set it to mode 2, press the pedal _twice_ fully to the floor before fully releasing.
5. After 10 second window closes, you'll see a series of flashes. Smartpedal will be in mode 2 going forward.

This should tighten up the response you're noticing. Please let me know how it goes.

Best,
Marc