My Prius Prime Drives Itself

It wasn't too bad, I really recommend it. Erich has some excellent videos that show the install in detail. However it sounds like you have a 2020 and I have been told those have updated steering sensors that are much better than the 17-19 Primes. So you shouldn't need ZSS.

 

I was absorbing mixed messages on the discord chat group about how steering sensing had improved in the 2020 and whether they were enough to get smoother lane handling with the baseline OpenPilot code. I will look for another 2020 owner to make the leap before me and report results.

Where can I go to see the install videos? Is there a YouTube channel or link references that I can follow?

 

What is "ZSS"? My EON is arriving this week and I'm eager to get it working on the Prime.

Also, how long did it take from opening the box to letting go of the steering wheel?

Any hints/tips for a first time installer are GREATLY appreciated.

 

ZSS is an experimental add-on steering sensor that was created by someone in the openpilot discord community. It makes openpilot steer more smoothly on the prime. I don't personally use one as official openpilot works fine for me. I expect that lateral control performance will continue to improve over time as comma.ai releases new updates negating the need for any external sensor.

 

My 2017 is up and running OP 0.6.3. In a month or so I'll try and port to the Gen3, but for now I'm learning how it's supposed to work

 

Have a ‘19 and ‘20 and can reconfirm the steering is better

 

Yes the '19+ years have the better steering sensor and don't have a need for ZSS. ZSS is definately not needed and illuminati is right that software will probably catch up. But I will say that the ZSS sensor makes it drives so smooth. And there is no replacement for good data. Its a nice option for the community to have.

 

I tried to get it working for two weeks. illumiN8i got it going for me in 20 minutes, wish I could say I knew what he did. Thank you friend I love it.

 

He got mine working as well...

I recommend the comma.ai discord community. They are extremely helpful.

 

So what basic videos or install instructions did you follow to get started? Any links or documents?

And then illumiN8i still had to provide final advice? I was on the discord chat forum and he reached out to me there.

But I see you have a 2020 Prime so I am glad to see that it worked eventually. Are there lots of dangling wires after the hardware is installed?

My commute is short so the distance I travel makes the applicability of the device less enticing now that I have considered it.

 

To answer my query about installation. Erich at the comma.ai discord group posted this link:

But this video is ONLY about the ZSS hardware installation. I was too eager to include the link and assumed it covered basic installation as well.

 

The ZSS hardware (custom steering sensor) is covered as well. illumiN8i apparently is not sold on the need for the hardware inclusion.

 

I had the hardware setup pretty cleanly, the wires can hide in the headliner. Ordered a second cover cap part# 86466-47021 so I can dremel one to hide the rest of it. But I definitely needed illumiN8i to get the software working for me. Now that mine is in the data base it may be easier for another 2020.

 

Although I have a 2018 Prius II w/safety pkg, this seems to be the only active comma.ai/open pilot thread going, so I thought I'd post here.

I just ordered Open Pilot (OP) yesterday one day after the live announcement from Comma.ai when they rolled out their latest hardware solution that makes it MUCH more plug-n-play for the average consumer (cough, me, cough). Total costs: $998 USD. Ouch!!! but much cheaper than the closest alternative: buying a Tesla with AP.

Our Honda Clarity does an pretty admirable job steering by itself but has a pesky time out limit (sometimes even when I'm actively steering) that the latest OP version eliminates IF you are watching the road as the hardware camera unit (EON) does monitor the driver. Unfortunately the Clarity is not officially supported yet, so the Prius, ATM, will be the only test unit in the fotomoto garage.

 

I got mine a few months ago. They roll out updates almost every month and it improves as time goes on. I started out leaving my Driver Support Unit connected (controls gas/brake) and just letting OpenPilot control steering. After doing that for a month I decided to disconnect the DSU and let OpenPilot do everything.

The only downside I've noticed is you lose the ability to control the gap between cars (those 3 stages). It's basically set at max range which is fine for most driving, but it definitely encourages cut-ins in rush hour (especially in the DC area). That said, the ability for it to handle stop-and-go traffic without intervention is worth it. It's also better and slowing down for stopped traffic (ie youre going 50, approaching a traffic jam). It doesnt do that well spotting traffic around curves, but its a driver AID not something you can turn on and fall asleep with. It's also a little clunky slowing down for curves, but better than the stock cruise which wont even attempt to slow down if you start turning. I'm sure it will get better though. It's on version 0.6.4 right now.

I'm actually trying to get my Gen 3 working. I've fingerprinted it and now I just need a spare Panda to capture some messages from the DSU so it can emulate them. The Gen3 is definitely NOT plug-and-play, but it is working my brain and gives me something to tinker with while I enjoy a fully functioning version in my Prime.

 

On the '18 Prius Prime, for those of you using the comma power on the OBD2 port, is it okay to leave it plugged in with the car off? or will it drain the car battery over a few days. Just wondering a few things before I take the plunge and order a kit myself.

 

Wow this is amazing, does it detect if someone is about to smash into you from the left or ride sides? what about from the rear?

 

I leave mine plugged in, but it sits drain the battery slowly. If you don't use the car for a few days, it's better to unplug it. I understand in the latest version (0.6.5) they have attempted to address it. To most people who drive a few times a week, it's not an issue at all.

 

Im pretty sure it only uses the forward radar/ camera.

The auto lane changing is supposed to use the blind spot monitors and the ultra sonic parking sensors, but those have a very short range and I doubt anyone is going to try and program reactive measures based on other drivers. It could cause more harm than it helps. It'll only use them to make decisions based on your input and what it "sees"

 

I leave it plugged in all the time and have never had an issue with the battery dying even after 4 days. They have added power saving features and a low voltage cutoff to prevent battery problems.