Today, WATTSUP (Jurgen Balitzky), SUPURKAR (Bill Polera), and I worked on a Model X to determine all the correct wiring connections for the new Model X lighted rear appliqué that will be available after the New Year. Compared to the Model S this was much easier to do, with far less disassembly of the rear of the car to make all off the proper connections. In fact, it ended up being comparatively simple.
The Model X lighted rear applique will go into production in December and be available in early January. Given that its production will be far less complicated that those we have produced for the Model S, the cost will be substantially lower. And the easy of installation will also lower install costs as well -- a win-win for owners.
For the Model S, our first lighted rear applique involved water jet cutting out of the letters in Tesla's stock plastic applique, which was in very short supply and hard to obtain in any volume. To address that challenge, about a year ago we starting manufacuturing our own applique out of aluminum. But Tesla seems to have taken a cue from our work. The Model X applique is two pieces - one long piece with the T E S L A letters cut out and a second piece consisting of a letter board with the T E S LA letters that fits onto the back so the letters protrude out. Now all new Model S's come with the same kind of applique.
With this new design Tesla did us a favor. We now only need to manufacture the letter board (which is 3D printed out a translucent white material) and attach the neopixel electronics on the back of the letter board.
If you're not familiar with the lighted rear applique and how it works, there are several Model S threads you might want to review. And we also recommend you visit our web site -- many photos are a few videos can be found there. Here are links to the major Model S threads:
Lighted-rear-applique-with-special-effects-and-bluetooth-smart-phone-controller
Model S Lighted Rear Applique in operation on the road
Lighted rear applique special effects
EV Appliques
The Model X lighted rear applique will go into production in December and be available in early January. Given that its production will be far less complicated that those we have produced for the Model S, the cost will be substantially lower. And the easy of installation will also lower install costs as well -- a win-win for owners.
For the Model S, our first lighted rear applique involved water jet cutting out of the letters in Tesla's stock plastic applique, which was in very short supply and hard to obtain in any volume. To address that challenge, about a year ago we starting manufacuturing our own applique out of aluminum. But Tesla seems to have taken a cue from our work. The Model X applique is two pieces - one long piece with the T E S L A letters cut out and a second piece consisting of a letter board with the T E S LA letters that fits onto the back so the letters protrude out. Now all new Model S's come with the same kind of applique.
With this new design Tesla did us a favor. We now only need to manufacture the letter board (which is 3D printed out a translucent white material) and attach the neopixel electronics on the back of the letter board.
If you're not familiar with the lighted rear applique and how it works, there are several Model S threads you might want to review. And we also recommend you visit our web site -- many photos are a few videos can be found there. Here are links to the major Model S threads:
Lighted-rear-applique-with-special-effects-and-bluetooth-smart-phone-controller
Model S Lighted Rear Applique in operation on the road
Lighted rear applique special effects
EV Appliques
