Gadget Overload? September 08, 2021, 07:58:26 pm This may be a stupid question but is there such a thing as gadget overload in the cab of our Lazy Dazes? I’ve yet to mount the phone for OBD scanning. Lord forbid if a Ham radio was added!
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #1 – September 08, 2021, 08:58:10 pm Greg, starting to look like the cab of our snowmobile trail groomer. Our operator likes all the gadgets including but not limited to his Serious radio receiver and Spot locator and associated wires.....Jon 1 Likes
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #2 – September 09, 2021, 06:45:49 am Quote from: HiLola - September 08, 2021, 07:58:26 pmThis may be a stupid question but is there such a thing as gadget overload in the cab of our Lazy Dazes? I’ve yet to mount the phone for OBD scanning. Lord forbid if a Ham radio was added!Greg, remember, you asked....What, no radar detector or signal jammer? You appear to be an accident waiting to happen. If you ever have an accident, what happens to all that crap? Do you wear a helmut with a full face screen for protection from flying objects?! The quarters are a nice added touch though.Several other thoughts. Law enforcement might be tempted to cite you for obstructed visibility and distracted driving. Also, you may find yourself an increased target by thieves. Like Larry said, information overload.Ever heard of the K.I.S.S. system? Get rid of some of that stuff dude...Steve K. (Uncluttered dash for 138,000 rv miles) 1 Likes
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #3 – September 09, 2021, 08:55:24 am Yes!It warps my mind to think of all the gadgets are in cars compared to Farmall B Tractor I learned to drive on, or the 1971 Ford Pinto Hatch Back I first owned. Especially the mandatory Power Brakes, Power Steering, ECM(Engine Control Module), the Check Engine Light, The tire pressure Warning light, The brake failure light, The Back Up Camera, passive Anti Theft. Then the others: AM Radio, AM/FM Radio, AM/FM Stereo Radio, 8 Track Tape Player, Cassette Tape Player, CD player, MP3 Player, GPS, Electric Windows, Air-conditioning, Tachometer, Turbo Boost., Electric Windows, Electric Car Seats, Electric Mirrors. Then the Tractors have all of this plus computerized implement control, Diesel engine DEF Failure Engine shut down, roll bars, Air Conditioned Cabs.The Farmall B, 4 cylinder engine, Magneto, Hand Crank Starter, 4 speed manual Transmission, Right/ Left Brake pedals, no water pump, a radiator and fan, no dip stick( Two drip valves), drawbar, side mounted seat, full tire visibility, 30 amp Generator , 6 volt Battery, Foot Press Starter, with add on Umbrella Driver Cooling. Where is my Farmall B?
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #4 – September 09, 2021, 09:21:25 am Rodney, I think many of us yearn for the simpler days. Life seemed to be so much less worrisome back then!Steve, good points as usual. Radar detector, hadn’t thought of that one! 👍 I also hadn’t much considered theft but once we leave the safe confines of our community, I suppose I better. I could relocate the TST monitor from the windshield to a spot right next to the 12V outlet but it would be less visible to the driver. By the way, does anyone know what the round gadget in this photo is? It looks like some sort of a sensor.
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #5 – September 09, 2021, 12:08:08 pm Back in the early days of my driving life, I was introduced to the KISS principal. Not necessarily by choice but it didn’t get less cluttered than this. A VW Beetle was about as bare bones as it got back then.Kent 2 Likes
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #6 – September 09, 2021, 02:16:03 pm I see a couple ways to consolidate. Why not use the Sirius App and use Waze? Both can be used simultaneously on an iPhone and plugged in directly to the aux port (headphone jack) on the stereo so it's coming through your speakers. You'll be listening to your tunes while getting alerts all at whatever volume you want. The radar detector is somewhat pointless to me as Waze provides alerts when police are ahead, red light cameras, debris on the road and monitors your speed. Amazon.com: [Apple MFi Certified] AUX Cord for iPhone, Lightning to 3.5mm... As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #7 – September 09, 2021, 02:17:48 pm Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - September 09, 2021, 12:08:08 pmBack in the early days of my driving life, I was introduced to the KISS principal. Not necessarily by choice but it didn’t get less cluttered than this. A VW Beetle was about as bare bones as it got back then.KentThis is the interior of my Tesla Model Y. Simplicity is making a comeback in style! 4 Likes
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #8 – September 09, 2021, 05:11:08 pm Quote from: HiLola - September 08, 2021, 07:58:26 pmThis may be a stupid question but is there such a thing as gadget overload in the cab of our Lazy Dazes? I’ve yet to mount the phone for OBD scanning. Lord forbid if a Ham radio was added!Ha. That looks like interior of mine minus radar but add an Evenbrake monitor. I love the stuff and find it indispensable. I keep back up camera on when towing too. My GarminRV is suctioned to windshield between visor and mirror tho.
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #9 – September 09, 2021, 05:29:41 pm I haven't driven a Tesla, so my opinion is based upon what I've seen and read. With that said, putting all controls on a big touchscreen seems like a bad idea to me. It's very difficult to use a touchscreen without looking at it, because there's no tactile indication of where the active areas are, and they can change.My car, like most nowadays, has physical controls for the cruise control, climate control, audio system, seat position, and other key functions. I can operate any of these controls by touch, without taking my attention off the road.From the steering wheel alone I can change the audio volume and source, answer the phone, perform all cruise control functions, and more. Dashboard knobs and buttons let me adjust volume, temperature, and so on. Again, I can do all this by feel alone. Yes, the car has a good-sized touchscreen, but it's used for less important functions such as setting up seldom-changed options, displaying radio stations or songs, and of course mapping.In a car, where you want to minimize visual distractions, I think there's a lot to be said for physical controls - buttons, switches, and knobs - that provide tactile feedback. Tesla's single touchscreen appears to have none. You pretty much have to look at it every time you want to do anything with it. Yes, it looks sleek and simple. But to me as a former UX designer who is vitally concerned with usability, it seems like a big step backward. 2 Likes
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #10 – September 09, 2021, 06:15:57 pm We have at least 11 devices in our LD that can beep some kind of alert. Just the other day I struggled to find the source of a beep. Turns out it was a water detector with a bad battery by the water pump. It’s not unusual for Margee to ask me what’s beeping and with my limited hearing I’ll answer, “I don’t hear anything.” That usually will start the beeping hunt. I guess beeps are my friend but on the other hand, beep hunting is low on my entertainment list. And so it goes. 3 Likes
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #11 – September 09, 2021, 06:47:44 pm Quote from: brewersarcade - September 09, 2021, 02:17:48 pmThis is the interior of my Tesla Model Y. Simplicity is making a comeback in style!Where's the CB hidden?
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #12 – September 09, 2021, 08:37:49 pm Quote from: Andy Baird - September 09, 2021, 05:29:41 pmI haven't driven a Tesla, so my opinion is based upon what I've seen and read. With that said, putting all controls on a big touchscreen seems like a bad idea to me. It's very difficult to use a touchscreen without looking at it, because there's no tactile indication of where the active areas are, and they can change.My car, like most nowadays, has physical controls for the cruise control, climate control, audio system, seat position, and other key functions. I can operate any of these controls by touch, without taking my attention off the road.From the steering wheel alone I can change the audio volume and source, answer the phone, perform all cruise control functions, and more. Dashboard knobs and buttons let me adjust volume, temperature, and so on. Again, I can do all this by feel alone. Yes, the car has a good-sized touchscreen, but it's used for less important functions such as setting up seldom-changed options, displaying radio stations or songs, and of course mapping.In a car, where you want to minimize visual distractions, I think there's a lot to be said for physical controls - buttons, switches, and knobs - that provide tactile feedback. Tesla's single touchscreen appears to have none. You pretty much have to look at it every time you want to do anything with it. Yes, it looks sleek and simple. But to me as a former UX designer who is vitally concerned with usability, it seems like a big step backward.You should take one for a spin to be familiar with them because it doesn’t sound like you are knowledgeable of the UI. The steering wheel has two physical tactile knobs which can adjust volume, cruise control (autopilot) speed, and I can speak to the car as well with the push of one of these tactile buttons. Commands such as “set the car to 70 degrees” which do just that. “Turn on defrost”, etc etc. You can even say “my ass is cold” and the car will detect which seats are occupied and turn on the seat heater. The screen is large enough to glance at the 15” map if using navigation (although it gives voice guidance as well) which to me seems much safer then a small navigation screen or smartphone. The screens biggest plus is being able to entertain yourself with the built in LTE with YouTube, Netflix, Display+ all built in and just a touch away if you are parked for a spell. Should you be distracted the vehicle will alert you via vibration in the steering wheel to ensure you pay attention along with an audible ding. After 16,000 miles I don’t think I can go backwards like a tradition vehicle. Oh and it has the highest safety rating of any car tested. Taking my LD to the gas station is a painful process when I have free EV “fills ups” at work. I think you would be surprised if you drove one.
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #13 – September 09, 2021, 08:40:10 pm Quote from: HiLola - September 09, 2021, 06:47:44 pmWhere's the CB hidden? There’s an iPhone app for that 2 Likes
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #14 – September 09, 2021, 08:42:27 pm Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - September 09, 2021, 12:08:08 pmBack in the early days of my driving life, I was introduced to the KISS principal. Not necessarily by choice but it didn’t get less cluttered than this. A VW Beetle was about as bare bones as it got back then.VWs and a lot of older were cars were...cars and very little else. OK, some had wipers and heaters too.I bought and sold nearly a dozen VWs, the last a beautiful 1967 Bug sold to my aunt and uncle who towed it behind their two Class C motorhomes. Wish I still had it, it would go almost anywhere a Jeep will and weighed very little, a close to perfect toad.A/C was the one accessory that I didn't realize how much I would appreciate. My first truck, a 1959 F100 4X4 was our original travel/camping vehicle, we took it everywhere, especially on long summer trips. A friend was scraping out crashed van that had an under-dash, aftermarket A/C. I bought the whole system for a few bucks and proceeded to install it, with a tiny bit of work. We would often go to the Eastern Sierras for weekend backpacking trips, arriving home late Sunday, well cooked by the desert's heat. Returning from our first trip with the A/C, I was amazed at how good I felt from the lack of heat.It was a learning experience to experience how badly longer-term heat exposure can sap your energy and mental attention.Larry 2 Likes
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #15 – September 09, 2021, 08:45:54 pm Quote from: Larry W - September 09, 2021, 08:42:27 pmVWs and a lot of older were cars were...cars and very little else. OK, some had wipers and heaters too.I bought and sold nearly a dozen VWs, the last a beautiful 1967 Bug t\sold to my aunt and uncle who towed it behind their two Class C motorhomes. Wish I still had it, it would go almost anywhere a Jeep will and weighed very little, a close to perfect toad.A/C was the one accessory that I didn't realize how much I would appreciate. My first truck, a 1959 F100 4X4 was our original travel/camping vehicle, we took it everywhere, especially on long summer trips. A friend was scraping out crashed van that had an under-dash, aftermarket A/C. I bought the whole system for a few bucks and proceeded to install it, with a tiny bit of work. We would often go to the Eastern Sierras for weekend backpacking trips, arriving home late Sunday, well cooked by the desert's heat. Returning from our first trip with the A/C, I was amazed at how good I felt from the lack of heat.It was a learning experience to experience how badly longer-term heat exposure can sap your energy and mental attention.LarryA very interesting documentary could and should be made for the fascinating stories you share. The current generation (including mine being born in 1980) doesn’t realize how good they have it and most barely know how to use a hand tool. I’m currently showing my boys how to crawl under the LD to perform basic maintenance in how to be safe doing so. This weekend is an oil change with the installation of a FuMoto valve that was recommended in a recent thread.
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #16 – September 09, 2021, 09:15:25 pm Quote from: Andy Baird - September 09, 2021, 05:29:41 pmI haven't driven a Tesla, so my opinion is based upon what I've seen and read. With that said, putting all controls on a big touchscreen seems like a bad idea to me. It's very difficult to use a touchscreen without looking at it, because there's no tactile indication of where the active areas are, and they can change.I feel similar about using cell phones in multiple ways, many apps can be useful while driving but changing functions is very distracting. I have not found a car with voice control that is precise and smart enough yet, a Tesla may be quiet enough.For essential vehicle functions, I find it hard to beat a small, dedicated device like an Ultragauge or ScanGauge, along with the separate TPMS monitor. The dedicated devices are always available and waiting, requiring no effect other but a glance. It may be a bit cluttered but the information is always immediately available.My phone is used as a phone and as a secondary GPS that can accept verbal questions. Siri has got me out of a couple of jams that Mr. Garmin created. The phone is loaded with better maps, good for off-road trips where Garmin, Apple, and Google maps indicate nothing Several years ago, I tried two different Bluetooth OBDII scanners, neither was reliable and require too much work to keep them functioning. It's been a while, they should've perfected them by now.Our newest Jeep is loaded with dozens of distractions, some can be voice-controlled but fine-tuning or adjustment still requires fiddling, with either the touch screen, knobs, or buttons. The steering wheel is loaded with buttons, several hidden on the backside of the wheel, often accidentally pushed. It's the first vehicle I have owned that I'm next to clueless on how things actually operate, the computer is in control of everything. My iPhone has a better GPS too and doesn't request a $100 a year to update.Welcome to the future. Larry
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #17 – September 09, 2021, 09:34:34 pm Regarding using the phone to monitor OBD functions, my understanding is that a spare smart phone can be used since it doesn’t require a cellular signal, just Bluetooth, freeing your regular phone to use as a phone. Perhaps I’m misinformed so comments are appreciated.
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #18 – September 10, 2021, 12:50:30 am Quote from: HiLola - September 09, 2021, 09:34:34 pmRegarding using the phone to monitor OBD functions, my understanding is that a spare smart phone can be used since it doesn’t require a cellular signal, just Bluetooth, freeing your regular phone to use as a phone. Perhaps I’m misinformed so comments are appreciated.Yes, it should work fine, Bluetooth is local and doesn't need access to the net or cell tower. The disadvantage of using an old or spare cell phone is now it becomes a dedicated device, occupying more room than a ScanGauge or Ultraguage. It will need to be connected to a charger for long drives and it may need to have a connection reestablished each time the engine is started. A cell phone usually requires a specialized mounting for easy visual access and a secure installation.Ham radios? There is always room for it somewhere.Radios-2M/70cm and CB | FlickrAt one time there was a lot of interest in 2-meter/70cm amateur radio by off-road enthusiasts, before that, CB was the thing.Today, FRS and GMRS radios are popular. Our old Kenwood ham rig is relegated to a box in the garage, with a Midland GMRS radio taking its place. Someday soon, everyone's car will have 2-way satellite radio. That will be the end of "getting away from it all". Progress marches on.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #19 – September 10, 2021, 02:06:48 am Quote from: brewersarcade - September 09, 2021, 08:45:54 pmA very interesting documentary could and should be made for the fascinating stories you share. The current generation (including mine being born in 1980) doesn’t realize how good they have it and most barely know how to use a hand tool. I’m currently showing my boys how to crawl under the LD to perform basic maintenance in how to be safe doing so. This weekend is an oil change with the installation of a FuMoto valve that was recommended in a recent thread. Growing up, most of the time spent with my father was working with him and/or various uncles repairing, building, and remodeling stuff, car engines, houses, ham radio gear, woodworking, concrete pours, metal fabrication, you name it. Even if they didn't know exactly how to do something, they tried and learned, the German farmer gene was strong. I watched and learned how to do and not to do a lot of things and I got to experiment with all sorts of interesting tools. My mom and aunts too were all talented people. It obviously had a great influence being raised around men and women that could still 'do things' without complaining, they had strong work ethics and were proud of their work.People still do things, a lot of the things have changed, requiring new, useful skill sets, computer and fantasy football gaming for example.Being exposed to various experiences makes all the difference, get your kids out there and change the oil, maybe change a tire too. RVing is another good way to learn some useful skills, keeping a rig operational forces one to learn how things actually work. Teach them how to dump the tanks, maybe they will learn not to use so much water.Larry 7 Likes
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #20 – September 10, 2021, 01:19:11 pm "It obviously had a great influence being raised around men and women that could still 'do things..."I barely missed the horse and buggy days! I learned to drive in a '31 Model 'A' Ford Roadster. I entered the Marines just as the Korean War was winding down. My Grandfather wanted me to become a lawyer, my Dad would have been happy with a Truck Driver for a son. I wanted to be a machinist. But alas, none of that was realized, winding up instead in the world of electronics just as it came into flower. But, I managed to pick up a few skills along the way, even to the point of reading the dictionary during my lunch breaks to improve my vocabulary. It helps if you can adapt! 1 Likes
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #21 – September 10, 2021, 03:10:50 pm Quote from: Larry W - September 09, 2021, 09:15:25 pm. The phone is loaded with better maps, good for off-road trips where Garmin, Apple, and Google maps indicate nothing.LarryWhat “better maps” is your phone loaded with if not Apple or Google? Just curious. — Jon
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #22 – September 10, 2021, 03:30:55 pm "my understanding is that a spare smart phone can be used since it doesn’t require a cellular signal, just Bluetooth"Yup, that should work fine. As Larry pointed out, you still need to fid a place to mount it and a way too keep it charged."You should take one for a spin to be familiar with them because it doesn’t sound like you are knowledgeable of the UI. The steering wheel has two physical tactile knobs which can adjust volume, cruise control (autopilot) speed, and I can speak to the car as well with the push of one of these tactile buttons. Commands such as 'set the car to 70 degrees' which do just that."OK, fair enough--I can see that as a reasonable substitute for a lot of hands-on functions. 1 Likes
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #23 – September 11, 2021, 09:02:14 am Still wondering what this round, button looking thing is. Anyone know?
Re: Gadget Overload? Reply #24 – September 11, 2021, 10:53:18 am Hi Greg; I can only guess that it is a sensor to: 1) look at ambient light levels to adjust dash brightness,2) measure temperature to display cabin temperature, 3) a red light to indicate an alarm of some kind, I notice Rick and Barb's rig for sale interior pictures also had it. Doesn't your owners manual tell you what it is? Speculation online, other than an ejection seat control, is to plug an aux input to the Ford stock radio that you don't have. Newer rigs picture's have a USB socket next to it, to plug in a flash drive, or power a cell phone or other type of input. (audio related). My guess is a IR sensor for a remote control, that was for the original Ford radio. Now disconnected. RonB
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