Sorry for the delays, guys. Nobody wants this out there more than me, but it needs to be 100% right before we hit the button:
Current status summary:
- Firmware is pretty close. Major functionality is there, and basic vehicle support has been ported (Nissan Leaf, Renault Twizy, Tesla Roadster, etc). Still some reliability issues with modem connections to address, but that can be done over time. Initial release is not going to be as feature-rich as OVMS v2, but we can improve this over time and have Over-The-Air update capability for v3, so not too worried about this. All the normal base functionality will be there on day#1, as well as a solid foundation for the future.
- Firmware includes support for an OVMS v2 protocol connection, for compatibility with existing apps. iOS App works with that, and Android App has just been updated to support the new floating point metrics (OVMS v2 was integer only, mostly).
- Firmware also includes support for an OBDII HUD, which is really cool. The module can use one of the CAN buses to emulate an OBDII ECU, and map vehicle metrics to OBDII PIDs. Lots of OBDII HUDs are available, and these can now be used in cars like the Tesla Roadster (which don't have any native OBDII support).
- Enclosures are done. Injection mould has been created, and the first 500 enclosures produced in black colour. Looking good.
- Modems are done. Ready to go. We're initially launching with two versions of a 3G modem (one for EU market, one for US) to keep costs down (3G is _much_ cheaper than 4G).
- 4G will also be available (I've got one on my desk) but will come later. We want to wait a bit for this, to let 4G IoT stabilise - as that is the future and the carriers are just not ready yet. The modem is a pluggable module, so not worried about this.
- Hologram SIMs ordered and on the way. Each modem will include one as standard.
- One issue (SD CARD) is holding up production of the main board. That is the only thing delaying us now.
An issue was found with the SD CARD on the 10x developer units produced earlier. It just wasn't reliable. This has been delaying us for weeks now, trying to get it resolved. The chipset manufacturer hasn't been very helpful, and it has been very hard to get them to recognise the issue and engage to help resolve it. The issue seems to be a fundamental compatibility issue between the external SPI flash memory we are using and the SDIO SD CARD hardware interface. We are not sure if it is just a circuit issue (interference, bus timing, etc), a library issue in the SDK, or something more fundamental. The good news is that the chipset manufacturer has now engaged and is actively working on it - they ordered some custom PCBs to try to recreate the problem, which they received a couple of days ago. We're expecting to hear back any hour/day now; not going to hit that manufacture button until 100% certain the issue is in software (not hardware).
This SD CARD issue is the final issue we've identified. Everything else is ready to go. Timeframe for OVMS v3 to be available on FastTech is 14-to-21 days after the SD CARD issue is resolved.
In the meantime, here are some photos to wet your appetite.
Regards, Mark.
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