What is this for?

 

I would guess to update the software.

 

updates to the navi software. the actual software for the navigation is in memory and not the dvd. the dvd just contains the map and data.

 

according to the Developer's screen, you can use the slot to log information about navigation execution (it's a program), you'll probably need a mini-HD to go in there so you can record and analyze the results... It may be used for updates too, but I'm not sure about that...

 

It is a PCMCIA slot. You can down load from it, or up load from it.

 

can i just stick any pcmcia hard disk there and start logging? how do you get to the developers screen? i know you are suppose to hold down a certain number of buttons but not sure which ones.

 

It could be for the future upgrade to Acura/XM real-time traffic Navi system.

 

i wish that would be a real nice feature. would even make me subscribe to XM at that point.

 

My guess it is for data collection during car test/development - not intended for use in production vehicles.

 

When exported, the japanese deliveries of this car get the real-time traffic , which is a pcmcia card for that slot to receive the signal.

Notice that the RL gets that also this year in OUR country, so one could deduce that we have the infrastructure inplace for this real-time-traffic, so maybe one day we could upgrade our TL's with it.

 

You got my vote. Hope it's the easy upgrade for all of us, whatever Acura says to install Honda/Alpine/XM genuine devices or software into our cars, I really like to try... if I still drive this 04TL.

 

Hey, Sherlock - Where did you get this detailed information from?

I personally would doubt that the PCMCIA card would have a receiver on it (not that it can't), since the receiver would then be located in the trunk of the car - probably one of the worst spots possible in the car for signal reception, short of the engine compartment.

I agree with NOX 3.2's comment. The Navi diagnostics screen lists the PCMCIA card for data logging, and I believe that is all it is for (probably not for software upgrades, you wishful thinkers!)

Here's what I suspect:

1) Customer complains about some really strange functionality that they see on their Navi.

2) Customer give Acura Customer Service an earful.

3) The Customer Service Department contacts the Acura Engineering Department.

4) The Acura Engineering Department reads about the problem report and goes, "WTF!?!?! The Navi should never do that! And it's repeatable? Wow! Let's get a data log from the customer."

5) Acura provides a PCMCIA card to the customer, which they then insert into the Navi PCMCIA slot.

6) The customer drives around and gets the problem to occur.

7) The customer gives the PCMCIA car back to the Acura Customer Service Department, which now contains all of the data bus traffic to and from the Navi system to the rest of the car.

8) The Acura Engineering Department gets the PCMCIA card from their dealership and can then play back the entire incident (similar to what the FAA does with a Flight Data Recorder on an airplane). Very helpful when diagnosing a problem!

I've seen systems do this for companies that I've worked for in the past.

BTW, I figured out the F-CAN and B-CAN pages on the Navi Diagnostic Screens this morning.

 

Expansion for the future if need be it. They thought ahead

 

It's to hook up an Atari 2600 and play it on the Nav screen

 

That is called a Cassette Deck. It will play cassettes that were popular in the early 80s. My 1997 grand prix did not have one but thankfully the TL has this classic audio equipment built in!

 

I'm in the computer business and I simply wrote some code that allows me to connect it (the Nav system) to my laptop. I've got a 802.1 wireless card in the laptop and a wireless access point. The signal covers the car and the laptop also has a PCMCIA card for cellular uplink wireless systems. I have taken an RF keyboard (bought from Gateway before they closed up shop) and now my son can site in the car and browse the internet from the backseat (or front) via the wireless keyboard. The mouse is a little more difficult as I had to set up an infared link for it back to the laptop in the trunk. The diode is stored in the dash. Here's a pic of the whole setup...

 

:lol1:

If only.

 

Let me guess...

F-CAN (French Canadian)
B-CAN (British Canadian)

changes language in the car ?
(where applicable)

 

the scary thing is, i don't know if you're kidding or if you're telling the truth.

 

The really scary thing is, he doesn't know himself. He's been off his medication for some time now.

 

Nah - I believe they are related to two different CAN busses that are part of the TL's data networks. CAN stands for "Controller Area Network" and is a standard protocol used for low-speed real-time control applications, like automation systems for manufacturing plants, and has had lots of application in automotive systems. Check out http://www.can.bosch.com/

It is standard practice to separate applications with different copies of the same bus -- helps separate things that have different timing characterstics or different safety needs (we did this on the Boeing 777, that I worked on in the early 1990's).

"B" could be for the braking system (the brakes and VSA could be on a separate CAN bus). I haven't unwound the "F" yet.

Here is an interesting page -- tells which on-board protocols different auto manufacturers use --
http://www.intrepidcs.com/can/protocolchart.htm

MOST is most likely (pun intended) used for the navigation/audio systems -- CAN is way too slow for that. I haven't studied LIN, but have worked with TTP and FlexRay. These are needed if Acura goes to steer by wire - right now they only have "drive by wire" - the gas pedal is computerized. Get rid of the mechanical link with the steering wheel, and we got ourselves a safety critical real-time data network.

 

Nope.

As kph sez, it's for the CAN Communications Bus. THe CAN bus is a very popular automotive data bus that is also used in the aerospace industry (one of my areas of expertise).

My guess is that the "F" and "B" correspond to "Front" and "Back" - either for a Primary & Backup bus, or for "front" data (such as engine & A/C data) and "back" data (such as GPS and XM data).

 

F-CAN = Fast Controller Area Network
B-CAN = Body Controller Area Network

 

Sorry for the delay guys - Work has me doing flips right now. I posted that as a joke after a particularily "odd" day. In theory, all of it is possible but in reality, the costs would far outrun any potential "coolness" benefit. Interfacing into the NAVI obviously would require propritary code or reverse engineering (I have done RE on other things in the past but truely don't have the hours or patience to attempt anymore). The standard hardware others are using to display video on the screen would make more sense ($500-$600). The internet connection could be afforded via the Verizon PC5220 card. Here's the link...http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/m...roadbandAccess If the PC also has a video card capable of outputing NTSC (many of them do now), simply pluging the laptop into that $600 device would make the most sense. Regarding IRD and mouses...Sure, possible (similar to home theater stuff) but if your going that way, why not also go to the next level and do find an RF version of a mouse. Then the receiver would not actually need line of sight for control.