I got my smarttop module ~3 years ago. Is it worth to update the firmware? I use exclusively linux systems, so it wouldn't be an easy operation for me...
This module comes with our USB Field Upgrade and Configuration Port! We recommend connecting it to a computer BEFORE YOU INSTALL and using our support app "m4cconnect" to do a quick firmware update check. M4cconnect as well as all other information regarding USB update and configuration can be found at mods4cars update site. You can even configure and activate your favorite module functions and settings on screen before the module is installed in the car! It is a good idea to permanently install the USB cable with the module in the car, leaving the computer plug in an easily accessible spot for later use with a Wifi/3G/4G connected laptop.
I got my smarttop module ~3 years ago. Is it worth to update the firmware? I use exclusively linux systems, so it wouldn't be an easy operation for me...
This module comes with our USB Field Upgrade and Configuration Port! We recommend connecting it to a computer BEFORE YOU INSTALL and using our support app "m4cconnect" to do a quick firmware update check. M4cconnect as well as all other information regarding USB update and configuration can be found at mods4cars update site. You can even configure and activate your favorite module functions and settings on screen before the module is installed in the car! It is a good idea to permanently install the USB cable with the module in the car, leaving the computer plug in an easily accessible spot for later use with a Wifi/3G/4G connected laptop.
It is indeed a great product built to the highest quality beyond my expectation. However, for such a great product, in my opinion it is let down by its upgrade process where the laptop needs to be 'connected' to the internet to facilitate a download of the new firmware while connected to the Smarttop! This is very clumsy approach for some users like myself where my car is parked in the basement of a large apartment block with no WiFi nor 3G/4G signal. I don't understand why the manufacturer didn't make it so that one can download the firmware with the laptop connected to the internet, disconnect the laptop from the internet, take the laptop to the car to connect with the Smarttop to update the firmware?
It is indeed a great product built to the highest quality beyond my expectation. However, for such a great product, in my opinion it is let down by its upgrade process where the laptop needs to be 'connected' to the internet to facilitate a download of the new firmware while connected to the Smarttop! This is very clumsy approach for some users like myself where my car is parked in the basement of a large apartment block with no WiFi nor 3G/4G signal. I don't understand why the manufacturer didn't make it so that one can download the firmware with the laptop connected to the internet, disconnect the laptop from the internet, take the laptop to the car to connect with the Smarttop to update the firmware?
I get that, but there are stronger ways to protect one's IP than doing it this way. The protection can be embedded securely at Chip level and not at firmware level which will always be liable to hacking. Putting the protection at chip level means that someone can copy and duplicate the hardware, they may even go to the same factory to get clones manufactured, but the clones will not work unless they purchase the chips containing the protection from the owners. This was how the company I worked for in 2004 managed their manufacturing in China and prevented the factories from closing the products for the Chinese market. It was very cost effective and gave HQ in London total control.
I get that, but there are stronger ways to protect one's IP than doing it this way. The protection can be embedded securely at Chip level and not at firmware level which will always be liable to hacking. Putting the protection at chip level means that someone can copy and duplicate the hardware, they may even go to the same factory to get clones manufactured, but the clones will not work unless they purchase the chips containing the protection from the owners. This was how the company I worked for in 2004 managed their manufacturing in China and prevented the factories from closing the products for the Chinese market. It was very cost effective and gave HQ in London total control.
Perhaps stupid question, but are all R171s supposed to be able to open the roof with the factory keyfob?
Mine does not, it only works with the center console button.
Perhaps stupid question, but are all R171s supposed to be able to open the roof with the factory keyfob?
Mine does not, it only works with the center console button.
I have been reading through most of the roof modules posts an logically the focus is on the roof functions. My apologies if perhaps somewhere I have overlooked the info I am after.
For me the roof and window functions are nice to have, but I became interested in smart TOP module as it can be the solution for the start-stop function without messing directly with the software in the car.
So in fact main reasons why I would like to get a module are :
1) Passenger side mirror down with reverse gear
2) Start- Stop (ECO) Memory function (in random order ;-))
Based on the descriptions and manual, only the module from SmartTOP STHFMZ2 seem to have both of the above functions. Does anybody else know any other modules that have this Start-stop (ECO) memory functionality ?
X carstyle M04051 : not available
SmartTOP STHFMZ2 : yes both function available
OThers : ??
Note: I'm from Europe, so preferably looking for EU sellers.
Based on the descriptions and manual, only the module from SmartTOP STHFMZ2 seem to have both of the above functions. Does anybody else know any other modules that have this Start-stop (ECO) memory functionality ?
X carstyle M04051 : not available
SmartTOP STHFMZ2 : yes both function available
OThers : ??
Note: I'm from Europe, so preferably looking for EU sellers.
So in fact main reasons why I would like to get a module are :
1) Passenger side mirror down with reverse gear
2) Start- Stop (ECO) Memory function (in random order ;-))
Based on the descriptions and manual, only the module from SmartTOP STHFMZ2 seem to have both of the above functions. Does anybody else know any other modules that have this Start-stop (ECO) memory functionality ?
I'm not aware of any other module like this that can provide that functionality and, as @Avel Du has already mentioned too, the support provided by Mods4Cars has always been excellent when needed by other forum members.
In the UK, I bought my SmartTop from PPCGB, but Mods4Cars appear to have other European distributors too <click here for list>.
(I'm not associated with them in any way - just another very satisfied customer)
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