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How is your rear camera after MCU1 to MCU2 upgade (dark?)

Discussion in 'Model S' started by Battpower, Apr 28, 2020.

  1. Hank42

    Hank42 Member

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    I agree it is a software issue. But after they came back and replaced my camera, things improved a little (see pictures/posts above). It is now only slightly better than unusable.
     
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  2. cruiserlarry

    cruiserlarry Gadgetologist

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    My guess is there is a slightly different camera for the MCU2 / HW 2.5-3 OE vehicles, and that the cameras in the MCU1 / HW2 vehicles are not completely compatible, image-wise. So, using the later model camera helps, and a software patch should make it able to correctly process the image info with the newer computer. I'm just amazed that no one ever tests this stuff BEFORE they release it, to check for quirks...especially since this isn't a freebie, and you lose functionality without choice.
     
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  3. Need

    Need Active Member

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    Just as a data point, I had MCU1/HW2.5 upgraded to MCU2/HW3.0 and the backup camera at night was not affected or better than before. I think the useless backup camera thing is for HW2.0 or older cars?
     
  4. cruiserlarry

    cruiserlarry Gadgetologist

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    That seems to be correct. The upgrade from MCU1/HW2.0 to MCU2/HW3 definitely shows a huge reduction in the usability of the backup camera image - it is very dark, even with backup lights on, whereas it was almost like a daytime image prior to the upgrade.
     
  5. Robotpedlr

    Robotpedlr Supporting Member

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    My upgrade to MCU2 was done at the same time as HW3 and I have the issue. So I think you are an exception as most people are noticing a drop in night time visibility on the back up camera after the upgrade, including those with HW3 upgrades.
     
  6. Need

    Need Active Member

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    I was talking about original car with HW 2.0 cameras. I think if you upgrade from HW 2.5 camera/MCU 1 to MCU 2, the night back camera does not have any problem. I have posted this pic in the MCU upgrade thread. As you can see the back up camera after the update was still really bright, but that is probably because I had HW 2.5.

    backup_cam.JPG
     
  7. Trebek1762

    Trebek1762 Let's play jeopardy

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    The issue persists on 2.5 cameras. i have it too.
     
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  8. Zuikkis

    Zuikkis Member

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    @Need what is your firmware version? Maybe you have more recent version and the fix just almost being released to the rest of us. :D (Hopeful thinking)
     
  9. Need

    Need Active Member

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    I already got 2 updates since the MCU/HW upgrade. I am now on 2020.44.10. My backup cam is pretty bright after the upgrade. If you look at the tree on the right, it would be completely dark to the human eyes.
     
  10. Robotpedlr

    Robotpedlr Supporting Member

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    I had the same set up (2017 HW2.5 MCU1 that I upgraded to HW3 MCU2 and have the issue....so you got lucky or have more light on your streets. When there is a decent amount of light, I dont have an issue. But if its dark you can't see anything (used to be great before the upgrade).
     

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  11. hjzs2k

    hjzs2k Member

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    Interesting. Just took delivery of a 2020 new S. Camera is crap in the dark, but day time is crisper. I dont get how they didn't load the latest software for me. I am on 40.8. Was just at the service center for something else and was told there might be a TSB coming, whatever that's worth.
     
  12. Art_Vandelay

    Art_Vandelay Attractive Membrane

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    I had the MCU2/FSD upgrade done on my 2017 Model S with AP2.0, and the backup camera is exactly as unusable on low light conditions as my wife's 2020 Model X with factory installed MCU2 and AP3.0 (FSD).

    I've had them both parked next to each other on a dark street at night, and they were both useless. :(

    Although I did replace all the AP cameras on my Model S (except the backup cam) to AP2.5/3 hardware, in order to have a bit more color in my Sentry videos... now that my car is able to record to a USB drive :).
     
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  13. Zuikkis

    Zuikkis Member

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    I got my MCU2 upgrade last week, and I'm on 2020.40.8 and it says there are no updates available.

    So maybe the dark camera is fixed in 2020.44+ versions? Couldn't find anything related in the release notes, though.
     
  14. Zuikkis

    Zuikkis Member

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    • Helpful x 2
  15. Need

    Need Active Member

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    I can't find a place near me that does not have as many street lights as my street. I am going to drive up to the mountain in December. Maybe I will test it then.
     
  16. Need

    Need Active Member

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    Just realized that this is also a Model S thread. I have a Model X. I wonder if that makes a difference.. higher body? Brighter backup lights?
     
  17. Trebek1762

    Trebek1762 Let's play jeopardy

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  18. rob4448585

    rob4448585 Member

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    My AP2 MCU1 MX P100D now has HW3, MCU2 and the backup camera has the same issue as everyone in this thread (dimmer than before) was updated on 2020.44 and is still on same firmware.
     
  19. CK_Stuggi

    CK_Stuggi Member

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    I had the MCU1>MCU2 & AP2>FSD Upgrade done beginning of October. My backup camera is useless without brake lights on. See the comparison; It used to look like the brake light pic with only the reverse light.
    IMG_20201031_174714_copy_1024x1365 (1)__01.jpg IMG_20201031_174717_copy_1024x1365 (1)__01.jpg
     
  20. Trebek1762

    Trebek1762 Let's play jeopardy

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    F7382638-C971-4C9F-A851-DA107DE6FA67.jpeg F7382638-C971-4C9F-A851-DA107DE6FA67.jpeg F7382638-C971-4C9F-A851-DA107DE6FA67.jpeg Also, the side repeaters are not as dark as the rear camera see attached pic.
     

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