Mar 5, 2014
artsci Now we just have to get the PCB into production!
- - - Updated - - -�
Mar 5, 2014
DriverOne "Snap out these pieces" sounds terrifying to me! I'm petrified of snapping some plastic trim in two. Please tell where to pull from; a video would reduce nervousness by showing how much force is needed.�
Mar 5, 2014
artsci We'll cover this in the instructions. "Snap out" sounds much worse than it is. Basically you use a plastic pry tool to loosen a corner or side then gently remove the piece. These things are designed to be removed and they won't break unless really manhandled.�
Mar 5, 2014
bareyb What would be cool is if there was a way to get the front Parking sensors to activate the front camera. Then it would be totally automatic. Is that even feasible?�
Mar 5, 2014
artsci Probably, depending on how the front parking sensors are powered on.�
Mar 5, 2014
bareyb If we could isolate the trigger... Might need a relay but it seems like it could work.�
Mar 5, 2014
HankLloydRight I was under the impression that most people wanting this mod were people without parking sensors.
If I had parking sensors, I sure wouldn't be spending >$600 just to add a camera to the existing system.�
Mar 5, 2014
bareyb I would (if it were automatic). The front parking sensors don't exactly inspire confidence. I still get out and look.�
Mar 5, 2014
teslasguy I have front sensors and they do nothing for gauging distance to front curbs in parking lots.�
Mar 5, 2014
EBill Please add my name to the list. Would be glad to pay deposit or in full.�
Mar 6, 2014
swegman I agree that a video would be desirable. I have looked at the pictures, and still do not understand how to go about snapping off the panel. This is the only thing about this project that gives me (and I imagine numerous other people) pause.�
Mar 6, 2014
4SUPER9 That panel is incredibly easy to pop off. I have removed them from both sides several times, as I initially had my radar detector cpu located there. No special tool required. Just grap any thin tool that would not scratch the panel or leather, stick it in a couple of spots and pop it out. Should take about 5 seconds to remove it, and no force. Pops right back in.�
Mar 6, 2014
swegman Still makes me nervous. Would like to see a video showing exactly how it is done.
Ordered the camera today. Will pick it up later this month when the car is in for its annual inspection.�
Mar 6, 2014
GasDoc Does the video signal that comes out of the Tesla camera adhere to a standard?
Would it be possible to use this setup but instead of hooking up a front camera, hook up a different video source such as some sort of ipod/iphone cable adaptor to play video on the center console screen.
I'm not advocating watching movies while the car is in motion, just wondering if this is a possible way of killing time when the car is parked.�
Mar 6, 2014
pilotSteve I was going to reply it uses LVDS and its not easy to interface to that.... but a quick google search actually shows a bunch of converters that might actually work! This is a serious DIY hack with low probability it will work. But could make an interesting project.....
http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/VGA-HDMI-USB-AV-DVI-Single_1392129987.html?s=p
�
Mar 7, 2014
artsci Yes, it adheres to Telsa standards, which means that it's all custom. This would be a very challenging project. No standard hardware seems to work according to WhiteP85, who spent 2 months trying to get the camera switch designed and operational.�
Mar 7, 2014
Gizmotoy I wouldn't be surprised if the fully-custom interface was to stave off exactly what GasDoc proposed. Using the camera input would be a nice backdoor to displaying video on a forward screen while in motion, a big no-no that, if I recall, carries large fines for the manufacturer.�
Mar 9, 2014
swegman What is the total number of people interested in this project now?�
Mar 9, 2014
artsci We're up to about 100. But once we have final production costs we'll begin taking pre-production payments to determine more accurately the level of real demand and determine the final price based on that.�
Mar 9, 2014
rekoh REPEAT....If there was a way to hook up a dvd player (stored in the glove box) - I think there would be A LOT more people interested in doing this sort of mod.�
Mar 11, 2014
jainalok Add me too
Please add me to the list.
- - - Updated - - -
add me too.�
Mar 11, 2014
lloyds What's the current time frame?�
Mar 11, 2014
EBill A previous member had concerns about removing the panels. On other cars I made my share of mistakes of pulling in the wrong place and breaking tabs. Or using a screwdriver or similar and damaging the surfaces. After looking at a few videos and talking to my auto body repairman I saw that the right tools would make a difference.
As I do not remove these type of panels that often I didn't want to spend the money on the snap-on kit. I went to the other extreme and saw what Harbor Freight was selling. I ended up buying two of the $1.99 kits. HF also has a $6.99 kit that has sturdier handles and few extra tools.
Nothing like having the right tool - panel removal has been easy, no breaks, no scars. Ideally a video of removing the panel highlighting where the tabs are would be ideal to remove the anxiety of where to pull on the panels.
A picture of the most useful tool and the HF link is below.
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=pick
�
Mar 12, 2014
artsci We have the estimate for the box and we're expecting the estimate for the pcb by week's end, so I'm guessing about 4-6 weeks.
UPDATE: We just received the estimate for the PCB so we'll soon be posting prices for various volume levels and taking preproduction payments.�
Mar 13, 2014
drtko147 I can't wait. Got my camera from the SC.�
Mar 18, 2014
vfx This is cool.
Study: Rearview Cameras Better At Detecting Objects Than Parking Sensors�
Mar 18, 2014
artsci In several days we'll being taking pre-production orders for the Camera Switch Kit on the TMC marketplace. The kit will include the PCB, box with connectors jacks, and the OBD2 connector. The mounting bracket for the front license plate will be optional. We don't yet know the cost for the bracket but it will be modest.
The initial cost will be about $220, give or take $5.00. That assumes we get at least 50 orders. That's because we have to order a minimum of 100 PCBs and 100 boxes. If a higher number of orders is placed the price will decrease. For example, for 100 orders the price would fall to about $125.00. But for only 25 orders the price would rise to about $450.00.
The production run and the final price will be based on the number of pre-production orders actually placed. If the final price is lower than the pre-production cost of $220, refunds will be made before shipment. On the other hand if the final price is higher, an additional payment will be required.
We know this sounds complicated but it's the only way we can cover our costs. We have about 100 owners who have indicated a serious interest in the kit so we're hoping that the pre-production orders will come close to that total. That will save every buyer nearly $100.
I'll post again once we have the the TMC Panjo Marketplace set up to take orders, likely in a day or two.�
Mar 18, 2014
JerryNycom Getting close! I can taste it!!!�
Mar 18, 2014
GasDoc Camera and cables in hand. Waiting to buy the heart of the system!�
Mar 18, 2014
drtko147 Sorry, but what is PCB? I will need the front license plate bracket. Let me know when we do the preproduction order.�
Mar 18, 2014
artsci Printed Circuit Board -- the electronics that make it all work.�
Mar 18, 2014
TXjak I am interested, but would like to see the camera installation. Post 180 links seem to be broken.
John�
Mar 19, 2014
artsci The complete install instructions should be posted on Teslarati.com tonight. And we'll start taking preproduction orders tonight as well. In the meantime, they are accessible here:
Dropbox - Camera kit instructions.pdf
When you click on this link, you'll have a choice of downloading the pdf or adding to your Dropbox, if you have one.�
Mar 19, 2014
artsci Pre-production orders for The Front/Rear Camera Touchscreen can now be placed. Links to the installation instructions and the TMC marketplace are also in my signature.�
Mar 19, 2014
Gizmotoy Great stuff. Looking through the detailed instructions now, looks very thorough so far.
Quick question: why hack off the metal camera mount wings? It looks like the entire metal bracket can be removed with the screws.
One further question: No easy way to auto-toggle between front/rear cameras? I know the hunt was on for a suitable wire. I assume nothing was found?
Just finished... parts list doesn't include the optional PosiTap. What is the wire gauge that's being tapped? Need that to select the correct PosiTap part.�
Mar 19, 2014
HankLloydRight Why do we need to tap both pins 4 and 5 on the OBD connector? Pin 4 is chassis ground, and Pin 5 is signal ground. Since we only need chassis ground for +12v, do we really need/want to short out chassis ground and signal ground?
From what I understand (I could be wrong), there are no signals on the Tesla OBD port, so wouldn't Pin 4 be adequate for just a 12v power source?
Also from this post: Does the Model S have an OBD-II connector? - Page 2
�
Mar 19, 2014
drtko147 I can't seem to download the instructions.�
Mar 19, 2014
artsci Regrettably removing the screws removes the camera back and it can't be reassembled without the bracket.
There is a wire to toggle the front to rear when the car is shifted into reverse-- it's the lead to the parking lights that turns them on when the car is put into reverse. Haven't had time to track that down yet but will by the time we go into production.�
Mar 19, 2014
mlascano artsci, I'm following the link, trying to place an order and I get "This item is no longer for sale".
Am I doing something wrong?�
Mar 19, 2014
jerry33 This item is no longer for sale.�
Mar 19, 2014
artsci That's a problem with the Panjo Marketplace. When you place an item for sale it defaults to a quantity of one and when that's sold it indicates that the product is no longer availabe. Then it won't let the seller edit or fix the problem. Not good. If they don't fix it soon we'll find another vehicle for selling these, perhaps my own web site. We did this as a favor to TMC, as they get a commission on each one sold. Thought is was the right thing to do, as the site made all of this possible. As fpr Panjo....no comment.�
Mar 19, 2014
teslasguy Rick, I have my cables and camera. Standing by to place an order for the kit as soon as the order issue is resolved.�
Mar 19, 2014
artsci To fix the problem I reposted the entire sale item in the Classifieds. You should be able to order now.
- - - Updated - - -
Corrected.�
Mar 19, 2014
Seven7 It's working, just ordered one�
Mar 19, 2014
artsci We're up to eight orders. Once we get over 50 the price starts coming down and the first 50 get refunds for the difference.�
Mar 19, 2014
swegman Ordered. Scheduled to pick up the camera next Thursday when I take the car in for its 1 year checkup.�
Mar 19, 2014
bigmaple1 Can I get by with just a long cable and a short cable. I didn't buy the cable kit because I didn't think I needed both short cables. Let me know if I need to order another short cable for the install (just ordered the switch kit, and will be getting the camera soon)�
Mar 19, 2014
teslasguy Thanks. Just placed my order.�
Mar 19, 2014
artsci Yes one short and one long is all that's needed. The second short in the kit is a spare, just in case...
Up to eleven orders now. If they keep coming in at this pace we we'll go into production next week.�
Mar 19, 2014
swegman If you have a Tesla installed front license plate, is there an adapter or something that we will need to get to mount the camera to the license plate holder? I did not see anything on the order page.�
Mar 20, 2014
artsci We're finalizing work on a mounting bracket for the Tesla plate frame. It should be ready and available by the time the switch goes into production. Cost is unknown but it will be modest.
We now have 14 orders, 4 of them from Hawaii owners!
The installation instructions are now posted on Teslarati.com.�
Mar 20, 2014
jcaspar OK. I can't hold out any longer. Put me on the list too.�
Mar 20, 2014
swegman jcasper, click on the link provided by artsci to order the camera switch. Preproduction orders are being accepted to April 5. The more people that purchase the switch, the less expensive the switch will be.�
Mar 20, 2014
RavynArcadia I can't resist, I'll be getting one around April 1st.�
Mar 20, 2014
JerryNycom Yea lets go folks! We need to hit 100 so we all pay less.....We had OVER 100 on the wait list, so any concerns ask now.....�
Mar 20, 2014
Gizmotoy That sucks. We should work on 3D printing a new backplate. Now I wish I'd ordered the camera earlier and tried to do that. :-/�
Mar 20, 2014
artsci The problem is that the bracket is attached to the cable and a ribbon cable from the assembly make the connection to the camera electronics. Here are a few photos:
�
Mar 20, 2014
Gizmotoy Interesting. I may be missing something, but pictures actually make it look like the silver metal part can be separated. It looks like the cable is connected to the black case using those two screws that go directly into the black case. The four screws on the corners appear to both connect the silver bracket to the case as well as hold the whole lid assembly on the case. The two screws on either side of the cable appear to hold the bracket to the case and provide stability to the cable (you can see the dimple in the bracket used for tension relief at the connection point).
It looks like it'd be relatively straightforward to design a part that's essentially a replica of the silver bracket after the wings are hacked off. I'll look into it when I get my camera.�
Mar 20, 2014
artsci You're welcome to try this out and let us know what you find. I was a bit concerned about messing with the ribbon cable and screwing things up.�
Mar 20, 2014
Gizmotoy Will do. We have a 3D printer in a library out here I think I could use. Worth a try, I think. I'll let you know.�
Mar 20, 2014
HankLloydRight Any comments to this? Thanks.
Also, I placed my pre-order today.�
Mar 20, 2014
artsci I'm pretty sure that only the chassis ground is needed but I want to double check with WhiteP85, who designed the circuit. I'll post when I have an answer.�
Mar 20, 2014
artsci This is what WhiteP85 had so say:
I really do not think it matters. Engineers will make arguments about ground loops etc and not connecting both so just say one or the other. Either one or both will work.
He designed the circuit so he should know.�
Mar 20, 2014
Gizmotoy Not that it wasn't expected, but it sounds like Tesla's taken notice. I picked up my backup camera today and got a general "that voids your warranty" warning. They already knew what it was for. I asked for more details regarding their position on the warranty, but the person most familiar with their stance was out. It sounded like the notice came directly from Fremont.
They asked me to hold off on doing anything until they could get clarification, not that there's much I could do yet, anyway.
In general a manufacturer is not permitted to deny warranty claims unless they can prove the aftermarket part was the cause. Practically, they can make it a pain in your ass. Mitsubishi guys joke Evos have no warranty as Mitsu is infamous for telling you to get lost if you so much as sneeze in its general direction.
I probably won't have more info until I go back in to have my parking sensors fixed next month, though.
In any case, wanted to mention it.�
Mar 20, 2014
Leland I have no idea how they could justify voiding our warranties by doing this upgrade. Refer to the Magnuson�Moss Warranty Act for further info.�
Mar 20, 2014
TXjak Placed my order yesterday. I have a low-mount license plate and should be able to mount the camera under the nose cone.
A full width picture of the nose with the camera might be a nice addition to the instructions.
John�
Mar 20, 2014
HankLloydRight The only warranty I could see it voiding is the 17" display and associated computer/CPU. That's the only real thing it taps into/interfaces with, and then it's only a video signal.�
Mar 21, 2014
artsci Based on what I know this may be a few service centers action on their own.I would be surprised if this is company policy. It would be profoundly ironic if one of the great innovators in auto technology tries to discourage or even penalize innovation by owners.
The odds of damage to the touchscreen from the switch are near zero. The switch is the electronic equivalent of unplugging the camera from the touchscreen and plugging it back in. All the touchscreen electronics know is that a Tesla camera is plugged in with the required signals. They just display the image -- they don't know where the image comes from or where the camera is mounted. All they know is that acceptable signals have been received.
The 2 second display on the touchscreen of the "Camera Unavailable" message when the switch is made is the touchscreen recognizing the the camera is unplugged for a brief moment while the switch is made.�
Mar 21, 2014
swegman Rick, what is the total number of orders so far?�
Mar 21, 2014
artsci We have 34 at the moment. Once we get to 44 we'll begin production. And of course, the price starts to decline with each order over 50.
The license plate frame bracket will be ready for production a week from Monday. I assume by then the switch will already be in production. so the timing of this all should be good.�
Mar 21, 2014
HankLloydRight I'm curious about the production process... So assuming from your previous posts, the minimum production run/order is 100 units, and the initial contributors are funding equally the entire cost of that production run. But if we only have 50 people sign up and pay $225 each, how are the remaining 50 units going to be sold, and for how much? I don't doubt that eventually all 100 units can be sold, but it's kind of unclear how this is going to play out for the early adopters who are in effect subsidizing the entire production run.�
Mar 21, 2014
swegman Maybe we get 2 units instead of 1. Just kidding.�
Mar 21, 2014
artsci
The manufacturer of the case and PCB has a requirement for a minimum run of 100. As it's very hard to anticipate and plan for the timing and number of orders, we'll set the final price based on the number of orders we have as of April 5. All orders that have been made at that time will pay that price. If the number is over 50, everyone will get a refund for the difference between what they paid and the final price. If it's under 50 a premium will have to be paid by everyone. After April 5, any new orders that come in will pay the same price.
As WhiteP85 and I are only interested in recovering our development costs (about $1,500), we may or may not achieve that goal with the April 5 price. If and when the development costs are covered, whether before or after April 5, any excess will be provided to TMC, which we believe has made this possible in the first place.
If the number of orders require a second production run at some point in the future, we'll go through this all over again, expect the development costs, if covered by the first run, will not be an issue.
If anyone has a better idea, please share it.�
Mar 21, 2014
Asif How about for the next mod, you get a kickstarter campaign going. That will get you the money and hard numbers of people genuinely interested up front.�
Mar 21, 2014
artsci Good idea. We'll consider that.
Someone asked for a full width photo the the front of the car with the front camera in place. The arrow points to the camera. Please note that this camera location is recommended for cars without a front plate as well as those with a low-mounted front plate. The stock plate frame will require the still-under development bracket.
BTW, the lighted T is on in this photo.
�
Mar 21, 2014
P5802 Order Placed! Thanks for all the hard work you guys have put in this project.�
Mar 21, 2014
HankLloydRight If just seems there has to be a better way than charging a near 100% early adopter fee if not enough units are pre-ordered.
If close to 100 are sold before the deadline, then everything is honky-dory. But if only 50 are sold, that leads to some interesting numbers:
Say 50 units are pre-ordered at $225 each, that's $11,250. Less paypal fees ($330), your development costs ($1500), leaves about $9400 for the production run. Is that about right?
That leaves another 50 units to sell at $225 each, which is another $10k of total revenue that has to go somewhere. All that goes to TMC? When the actual cost of each unit is only about $115? So essentially if only 50 units are committed to before April 5th, every buyer of the initial 100 units is also making a $100 donation to TMC. I have no problem at all with TMC getting a cut for creating and maintaining this community, but that seems exorbitant to me.
Alternatively, If only 40 units are pre-ordered, the per unit price jumps to $280, and the total revenue for the remaining 60 units goes up to about $16k, and each of the early-adopters has to kick in an additional $50!.
I think a more equitable idea would be for someone (or a small group of people) to commit to buying up the remaining unsold stock at $115 each, so all the early adopters get the lowest price possible. Then the investment group who put up the initial investment (and risk of holding inventory and opportunity cost of the invested capital) can then turn around and sell them for whatever price they see fit (with some profit built in to adjust for the risks). Say, $175 per unit. That would give all the early adopters the lowest possible price, the non-early adopters a reasonable price, the investment group a little profit (about $3000) to pay for the investment risk and shipping/fulfillment labor, plus some to kick back to TMC.
Since you and WhiteP85 put in all the hard work putting this together, it seems "right" that you should be able to benefit in this manner at selling the remaining units for a small profit to make up for the time and effort you put into it. But I understand if either one of both of you are not in a position to put up the cash (or take the associated risks) up front.
These are just my thoughts on the process. Feel free to challenge/dispute them, I have my flame suit on.
�
Mar 21, 2014
artsci The idea is worth considering but let's wait to see where we are on April 5.�
Mar 21, 2014
swegman By my estimate, there are probably about 37 orders so far, with April 5 being far away. If it turns out that only 50 units are sold by April 5 (which I doubt; will likely be higher), maybe you should consider buying 2 units each. The net cost will ultimately be about the same, because the per unit cost will decrease, and you will have a spare unit in the event one is needed at some point in the future.
Rick and WhiteP85 have done a great thing here. If you end up "donating" $100 to TMC, is that really so bad, considering all you have probably benefited from this site? I don't think so.�
Mar 21, 2014
HankLloydRight It's not $100, it's $100 times 100 units = $10,000. If you're asking each person if they think that they would be OK with donating $100 to TMC as the early-adopter penalty for the front-camera kit, I don't think very many people would go for that. Personally, I could donate $20 to TMC, but not $100.
Also, if someone were to hypothetically buy the remaining unsold units (say there's 50).. I suspect it would be possible to get a bulk-discount deal on the cameras from Tesla and the cables from chita, and put together a complete "kit" with all the parts, ready to ship for less than what each of us can do individually. But that would require 50x$300= at least $15,000 just to buy the cameras and roughly $2500 for the cables, plus $6k for the kits == someone would need to be willing to invest roughly $25,000 to buy all the parts to resell, say for $600 total each bundle.�
Mar 21, 2014
artsci TMC is already getting 10 percent of every sale (that's commission for TMC marketplace. I'm thinking now we could set this up so that the early adapters continue to get rebates as more are sold so that over time they get rewarded for buying and installing first. I'm going to think about how that can work at various levels of sales beyond the first 100,
But first things first, and that's the April 5 deadline. I'm not as optimistic as others that all 100 will be sold by then. More than 50 is very, very likely.�
Mar 21, 2014
HankLloydRight Wow, I didn't realize TMC got a 10% commission! That changes my numbers somewhat, but the general idea remains the same.
Thanks for thinking about it. I think offering a continuous rebate for early adopters is a step in the right direction, but would be an administrative nightmare.�
Mar 21, 2014
artsci I think I can deal with the administrative issues.
There's one thing I believe in, which is some payback for TMC, so the 10 percent doesn't trouble me at all. Whatever the case I'll be sure TMC continues to receive my support. What we've been able to accomplish as a community would not be possible without them.�
Mar 21, 2014
omarsultan Order placed - guess I should go get a camera now.�
Mar 21, 2014
artsci For sure. We're up to 39 orders now, only 6 away from authorizing production to begin.�
Mar 21, 2014
Chris1howell I would be willing to buy ~25 for resale in the OpenEV Store and coordinate a second production run when needed.
I have expanded the Store from OpenEVSE products to also include community developed Electric Vehicle products, modifications, and charging stations.�
Mar 21, 2014
tarkas Please add me as well�
Mar 22, 2014
swegman tarkas, ordering of the switch kit is now open until aApril 5. See artsci's link ( TMC Marketplace[mshow]=listing&p[id]=front-rear-camera-touchscreen-switch-kit-39181 ) to order it.�
Mar 22, 2014
artsci Sent you a PM. We're very open to this.�
Mar 22, 2014
Gizmotoy Interesting findings this morning. I was able to easily and successfully remove the entire metal bracket from the camera without risking damage to the cabling. 6 of the 8 screws hold the bracket in place, while the 2 remaining screws hold the cabling/connector to the case (leave these screws installed). See the pics below.
This is actually fantastic news. If we can replicate the metal bracket (minus the wings), we can 3D print a replacement that doesn't destroy the bracket and preserves the ability to resell the camera module later on if you desire. Further, if you're going to cut the bracket per the current instructions, you can do so without risking damage to the camera module by removing the bracket entirely.
MORE IMPORTANTLY, we could custom fabricate a new bracket for owners without a front plate that interacts with or hangs directly off the honeycomb for better stability, reducing or greatly eliminating the need for tape & glue. I'm willing to give this a try, and have long-lead access to a 3D printer (1 month advance notice only :-/), but have no experience in this area. PM me if you have any ideas/advice.�
Mar 22, 2014
kirkp That's awesome Gizmotoy! Since I'm a klutz with a Dremel, I was very concerned about slicing into the cable while cutting the ears of the bracket off.
Also, if you 3D print a new bracket, you could potentially add a little tilt into it so it might capture a portion of the lower valence lip for reference, similar to the way the rear camera is angled down a bit to show the rear bumper (or maybe not, I'm sure it's no big deal, but I was just thinking it might be nice to see a portion of the car itself for reference).�
Mar 22, 2014
Gizmotoy I had exactly that in mind. It's not a huge deal if you can't see any of the valence, but I'd prefer it if possible. I'm going to start fiddling with a CAD tool to see if I can even come close to replicating that bracket.�
Mar 22, 2014
Klaus Excellent!
Also please keep in mind an option to mount the camera off center by 1/2 the width of the front license plate for cars with a low mounted front plate that blocks the center part of the honeycomb grills. (The rear camera is off center too ...)�
Mar 22, 2014
swegman Is the bracket even needed at all if you use the license plate mount that they are developing?�
Mar 22, 2014
artsci The low mounted plates will not need a bracket -- if the camera is mount on the grille under the nosecone it can see over the top of the plate frame.�
Mar 22, 2014
Gizmotoy The one I'm talking about? No. Indeed it's not needed at all, and I certainly didn't mean to imply otherwise. I was just interested in trying to determine if I could install without 1) destroying the factory camera bracket, and 2) taping/gluing it to the bumper. The process in the installation manual should work for everyone, I just want to see if an alternative is possible.
Still looking for someone with 3D printing experience, though.�
Mar 22, 2014
artsci Great find!! You are going to reinstall the four long screws on the corners of the camera back, right? They hold the camera together.�
Mar 22, 2014
Gizmotoy Yes. If I can make it work, all 8 screws will be reinstalled. The four at the corners are the only ones absolutely necessary, but those two around the cable provide tension relief and should be reused if at all possible.�
Mar 22, 2014
swegman Rick, my question was whether the camera bracket (which Gizmotoy figured out how to remove) or a 3D printer replacement is needed if the camera will be mounted to the Tesla supplied front license plate holder using the mount that you are developing. My original posting of this question may not have been clear.
I don't have the camera yet (should get it on Wed when I take the car in for its 1 year checkup). You mentioned reinstalling the four long screws. Would we need to install spacers to make up for the lost thickness of the original camera bracket, or get shorter screws, or is this not necessary? Thanks.�
Mar 22, 2014
Klaus It can't on mine. The plate and frame rest on the lower bumper lip and cover the entire lower and more than half of the upper honeycomb. Maybe we have different definitions of "low mounted plates" ;-)�
Mar 22, 2014
Gizmotoy artsci can chime in here, but from the warnings in the instruction manual, you are told not to modify the metal camera bracket if you're going to be doing their license plate option. Presumably the camera uses the existing screw holes on the bracket wings to attached to their license plate mount. So you won't need to remove the metal bracket or modify it in any way. Here I've created some confusion discussing a hypothetical alternative, which I apologize for. You won't need to worry about any of the things mentioned in my posts for your installation method.�
Mar 22, 2014
artsci I don't think spacers are necessary, but Gizmotoy can confirm. The mounting bracket we're working on is 3D printed in the design and testing phases but will be made out of metal for strength. It will screw onto the plate frame and the camera bracket screws on to it, so there's no need to remove the camera bracket for the plate frame mount.�
Mar 22, 2014
pilotSteve artsci - I'm very interested in buying such a front plate bracket. Those of us in WA (and other states) have already had our holes drilled on delivery. I can live with that and now its at least a benefit if you make a bracket available for the camera.�
Mar 22, 2014
artsci We're definitely making the mounting bracket for the license plate frame. It will take another 2 weeks to finalize.
We're now up to 42 orders. Two more and we authorize production to begin.�
Mar 23, 2014
albiefett Just purchased... Hope this helps to put us over the top!
Thanks again to Rick and team.
If there was a newer better cooler word for awesome, that's what you guys would be.�
Mar 23, 2014
drtko147 artsci,
Where are we now as far as pre-purchased? Hopefully, over 40. Maybe we should advertise it on the Tesla Motors forum as well?�
Mar 23, 2014
artsci We're now at 43. So one more and we launch production.�
Mar 23, 2014
Asif I'll be submitting my order tonight when I get home.�
Mar 23, 2014
NJ Plugin Ordered. Thank you.�
Mar 23, 2014
JerryNycom Here we go!�
Mar 23, 2014
artsci We now have 44 orders, the threshold for production. Production will begin ASAP.
Just sent the following email to all 44 buyers:
Fellow Model S Enthusiast,
As promised, I writing to report on order volume.
We just received the 44th order, the threshold for our launching production of the PCB and case. WhiteP85 will instruct the manufacturers to begin work ASAP. When we have a production schedule from the manufacturers I�ll report back on when we expect to ship your order. For now, I�m anticipating 5-6 weeks.
In the meantime we need to get some sense of demand for the license plate camera mounting bracket. Here are the options:
- If you have no front license plate you will not need the mounting bracket to install the front camera.
- If you have the stock Tesla license plate frame you�ll need the bracket.
- If you have one of the several low-mount license plate frames you may not need the bracket. If you have the latter, please check the installation instructions to determine whether you will need the bracket (with a low-mounted license plate frame the camera has to be positioned on the grille under the nose cone so it can see over the frame).
If you think you�ll need the bracket please let me know. As the bracket design is being finalized, we�re not sure yet of the cost, but it will be modest.
Once orders for the camera switch exceed 50 the price for all buyers will be reduced according to volume. We�ll make determination of the final price when we reach the April 5 deadline for orders. Assuming that the number of orders at that time exceeds 50 we�ll begin issuing appropriate rebate amounts to all buyers. This may be the first time that early adapters don�t pay a price penalty for being first
Finally, some minor changes to the installation instructions will be made over the next 7-10 days. I�ll let you know when they�re finalized.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Rick�
Mar 23, 2014
jerry33 My license plate is just taped on to the nosecone. It's more-or-less in the same place the Tesla supplied bracket would be, but no bracket.�
Mar 23, 2014
artsci Can you post or send me a photo?�
Mar 23, 2014
jerry33 
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Mar 23, 2014
artsci You won't need a bracket with the plate in that position. The camera can go in the spot under the nose cone identified in the installation instructions.�
Mar 23, 2014
artsci A buyer of the camera switch just emailed me a suggestion which I think merits posting:
If EVSEAdapters purchases the balance of the initial run, and sells (likely marked-up) kits on their site, that might provide an incentive for people to buy sooner rather than waiting to see whether the number of buyers increases enough to bring the unit price down. Also the initial order of 100 units may leave last minute interested parties unfulfilled.
As WhiteP85 had other business to run, I don't think we're interested in being suppliers and shippers for very long, and certainly not after the initial run.�
Mar 23, 2014
swegman Rick, I will want the license plate mount. I have the license plate holder installed by Tesla when the car was delivered to me.�
Mar 23, 2014
artsci Would you mind emailing me that info? Thanks.�
Mar 23, 2014
cgiGuy I have an active thread over at the TeslaMotors.com forum. I try to bump it every now and then. Looks like they're starting some sort of moderation/approval of comments, now.. so, things are slowing down there drastically.�
Mar 23, 2014
jespo27 Placed order today.
Thanks for all the hard work. Awesome project.�
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