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Open Pilot Comma 2

Discussion in 'Prime Accessories and Modifications' started by High Mileage, Jun 10, 2020.

  1. High Mileage

    High Mileage Active Member

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    I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has used or is using the Open AI open pilot, especially the newer Comma 2, or any of the older versions as well. I am very interested and ready to pull the trigger on one for my 2018 Prime Advanced.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    search around, i think there might be a thread here
     
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  3. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    So definitive :p.
     
  4. High Mileage

    High Mileage Active Member

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    Thanks Bisco, I had searched around and found a few discussions talking about open pilot, and I think I watched all the videos available on YouTube. I started a conversation with Tha_Ape who has some posts. I really want to talk to someone who is using the device, and also get any tips before I install. I went ahead and used my stimulus check to order one this morning, hopefully a wise investment.
     
  5. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    I have a Comma One that was used on our 2018 level II and then later for our non-approved Honda Clarity when custom harness and custom forks became available. Since the prius install was temp., I don't recall if I even attempted to put the plastic cosmetic cover back on.

    First, let's talk the achilles heel of the system: heat. This is basically a highly upgraded phone with an extra fan and heatsinks but it is still a phone and was never intended to be left sitting on a windshield in the sun. This will light up the car like a christmas tree with errors and shutdown all those sub-systems (LKA, ACC, LDW, etc) since they are no longer getting the proper signals but, and this is very important, the car is still fully operable otherwise. Comma 2's are better in this regard but still not ready for prime-time. YMMV.

    Since April-May, my system simply can not be left installed and run without major heat issues at startup and I have (especially at my wife's request) removed it entirely from the Clarity. I kept the comma mount and the GPS installed so I can relatively quickly reinstall (takes about 5 minutes) for road trips. Please check with others in your area or at least with similar climate for feedback.

    Make sure the mounting allows the comma to "see" you as it does check the driver via the backwards facing camera. Note: this "feature" frequent warnings can be turned off with a not-so-secret hack in the software.

    Since most of my driving is local urban routes and commai (can) work down to zero mph, I found I began using it nearly all the time (till the heat issues began). The system is advertised more for highway/interstate use which it excels at and I think this is a must have for folks with heavy traffic commutes. It just gets better and better with every upgrade.

    TL;DR: Commai good, heat bad, buyer be aware. Hope Commai cracks this egg.
     
    #5 fotomoto, Jun 11, 2020
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2020
  6. mr88cet

    mr88cet Senior Member

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    Yes, there definitely has been at least one such thread here.

    Good video comparing it to Tesla Autopilot:



    I think I recall somebody saying that installing it disables the automatic windshield-wiper function, if your ‘Prime has that.
     
  7. cirruspete

    cirruspete Junior Member

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    I installed a new Comma 2 in my 2017 Prius Prime in early May. I absolutely love it! The only ding against it is the Comma 2 forum, which is their only tech support, is way too technical and geeked-up to be of value for me. I am reasonably tech-savvy but I am not a programmer; it seems like many of the forum folks are.

    Installation took about 30 minutes. It truly has been refined to be as plug-and-play as possible. 5 minutes to prepare the windshield and attach the "phone", which is the forward-looking camera. Running the cable from the rear-view mirror area (the cable connects to the Toyota camera) and then tucking it in to come out down by the OBD2 connector under the driver's side console, where you plug it in.

    I drove the Prius on Comma 2 all the way from Sonora to Long Beach California and it performed flawlessly. Kept up with traffic, held its lane, and performed lane changes as their website describes. I drove the 99, the 5 through the Grapevine, and then the 405 south to LB. I'm heading back down to Long Beach Tuesday and I can't wait to use it again!

    It's not a Tesla autopilot by any stretch. If you are on a twisty curvy road, and are at speed, the steering motors cannot overcome the side g-forces, so you have to grab the wheel and help steer the car through the curve. You can buy a component from one of the developers to improve the steering forces, but for now I don't want to change anything. The gizmo just works. I use it just for fun around town and for stretches of country road around here.

    I recommend it 100%
     
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  8. High Mileage

    High Mileage Active Member

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    Cirruspete and everyone else so far thank you. My Comma 2 is due to arrive tomorrow.
    FOTOMOTO, thanks for the info on the heat as that has been one of my concerns. My work parking area is not covered and we get to ~105 degf on summer days. I do have a car cover that I use all the time, but I am thinking the Comma needs to come inside each day while I am working.

    Cirruspete, I also live in Sonora, and drive to Turlock everyday. Might have to meet you someday, I live in East Sonora almost to Phoenix lake area.
     
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  9. cirruspete

    cirruspete Junior Member

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    Wow what a coincidence! My next-door neighbor also has a Prius prime, color’s ...white same as mine. Keep us posted on how your installation goes. I got on the road at 5:30 this morning and arrived in Long Beach a little after 11 AM and drove 95% of the time on “auto pilot”.
     
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  10. cirruspete

    cirruspete Junior Member

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    Have you had a chance to install yours yet? I wanted to see if yours did what mine does, which I would love to see corrected: On double-yellow line roads on sweeping curves to the left, the Comma 2 has a tendency to hug the yellow lines, sometimes riding over the reflectors and even crossing slightly into the oncoming lane a few inches. It's pretty unnerving, especially when a logging trucking is barreling down the opposite direction! I would prefer a centered car, or even slightly to the right of center.
     
  11. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    I'd say give it time.

    Originally, mine seem to stay aligned too far to the left (left mirror too close to lane dividing lines). Although I did fuss a little with the mount, I do believe that with more use and miles it simply learned and improved. It now is centered most of the time.

    I may be totally off base but I think the AI learns from each time the driver intervenes and/or adds assistance and this is why routes, commutes especially, get better and better as it learns. Even Toyota is doing this in a limited way in the Primes for better efficiency.

    FWIW
     
  12. High Mileage

    High Mileage Active Member

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    Cirruspete, I had the opportunity to get it installed this morning. I wish there was a little more room inside the compartment where the mirror and camera are ): I took it for a very short drive on Phoenix Lake Rd to make sure I got it installed correctly. It learned very quickly and I engaged cruise and it drives.
    I will be back to work tomorrow and have a chance to really start using it. It does seem to have a pretty course steering angle sensor as has been noted on the Comma site. I have not been in any other cars with a Comma, but based on the video I saw on YouTube from Logan LeGrand it seemed like the Corolla which I assume has the really good steering angle sensor, was really smooth.
    I look forward to letting it drive and learn. I will let you know how it reacts to the double yellow.
     
  13. cirruspete

    cirruspete Junior Member

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    Good going! I too wish there were more room... we played with the mounting height twice to find the sweet spot that allows the facial monitor to work, but does not block too much central forward vision through the windshield.

    The Prius' raked windshield affords very little vertical height, and between the rear-view mirror and the Comma 2, we've lost a good part of central visibility. I take particular caution in parking lots when turning ... the blind spot is huge! Have fun but stay vigilant! Peter
     
  14. cirruspete

    cirruspete Junior Member

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    I too hope it is "training itself" through my corrections, but I have no way to confirm this. I always pucker a little when approaching the left sweepers, with opposing traffic coming... my fingers at the ready.
     
  15. illumiN8i

    illumiN8i Active Member

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    Training is done on the comma.ai servers using the correction data that is uploaded from your device. It does not learn while you're driving, but comma.ai uses the data you upload to train and release better AI with each update to openpilot. I have personally observed newer versions of openpilot perform better on sections of my commute where I had made corrections previously.
     
  16. cirruspete

    cirruspete Junior Member

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    Is the uploading of my data automatic, or do I need to manually send it? I park my car in a garage with wifi. Thanks!
     
  17. illumiN8i

    illumiN8i Active Member

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    It's automatic any time connected to WiFi. It can also do mobile uploads if you have the comma prime SIM activated or another SIM card.
     
  18. cirruspete

    cirruspete Junior Member

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    Thanks Illuminati!
     
  19. cirruspete

    cirruspete Junior Member

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    Just now, my battery was dead and I couldn't start my Prius. I had read that the Comma 2 drains current even when the car is parked and turned off, but I though it might be a problem after a week or so.

    I parked the car Tuesday afternoon, plugged it in, and disconnected the charger yesterday (in case the charger has any bearing). So in less than 72 hours, the car was incapacitated. I have a lithium charger and with it, the car started right up. Make sure you have your "blade key" with you so you can open the locked door! I hide just the blade key on my Prius in case I lose the electronic fob.

    I guess I'll have to unplug the cable from the OBD2 jack going forward....
     
  20. Rob43

    Rob43 Senior Member

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    While it is possible that your new Comma 2 had a slight influence on your 12v battery dying, I would tell you that your 2017 Prime 12v battery was already in poor shape because it's been proven that the Prime has a daily parasitic electrical draw which slowly damages your 12v lead acid battery. Here's a lot of great info on the subject, filled with do's and don'ts.

    12v Battery Is Discharging, Re-Charge Now ! | PriusChat



    Rob43