Posted in car hacksTagged car, diwheel, ford, ford ka. And then attempted to drive home when her Ford vehicle called 911 using the Sync Emergency Assistance Technology. GPS data came from a Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS unit. This Ford however comes from the Ford Tractor Co, of South Dakota, an enterprise set up by a shady businessman to cash in on the Ford brand, manufacturing an already outdated and inferior machine.
Maybe it has something to do with the start of the auto show season. Or maybe it's because we're fast approaching the 30-year anniversary of War Games. But whatever the reason, the subject of hacking is clearly a hot topic in car circles.Last week, you might recall that MacAfee issued an alarming (read: alarmist) study about the potential for baddies to hack into on-board computers. Yesterday, we reported on the exploits of telematics tinkerers at the annual TechCrunch Hackathon. Now comes more news from the TechCrunch Disrupt event that Ford Motor Company and Bug Labs will soon give car owners the tools to hack their own vehicles' electronics systems.
The basics
Bug Labs is an open-source software company based in New York. The company has created a series of modularized gizmos that can be fitted together to create tailor-made electronic systems.
The big news is that Ford is planning to implement a technology called OpenXC, which will open the door for Ford owners to use Bug Labs tools in their own vehicles. Want to track your fuel economy? Sure, you could use a pen and paper, or possibly a smartphone app, but soon, you might also grab one of Bug Labs' inexpensive hardware modules, plug it into your ride, download some software, and voila: an eco-meter, right on your dash. And because modules come with internet connectivity built in, you have the option of sharing your 'bugs' with friends and family.
Even more exiting: there's talk of making OpenXC available on older models, meaning that Ford owners could retrofit their rides with Bug Labs docking stations. That means customers around the globe, in a range of markets with a wide range of needs, could custom-build technology for their cars on the fly.
K. Venkatesh Prasad, senior technical leader for Infotronics with Ford Research and Innovation says: 'OpenXC is about creating a platform that is totally accessible to the developer community and quickly incorporates local market needs to offer innovative solutions at an affordable price point.... The platform is designed to help us answer the question of how Ford can accelerate the car connectivity experience around the globe, at a value proposition, for both mature and emerging markets.'
From the look of the (admittedly not so great) videos on Bug Labs' YouTube channel, the modules are a little like Lego blocks with cameras, GPS software, and electric currents -- or, in software terms, like the App Inventor for Android, which allows users to combine a set of modules in any number of ways. We wouldn't really call this 'hacking'; it's more like high-tech tinkering. But it's definitely something that we can get behind.
Here's a video overview of the Bug Labs open source hardware system and a short clip of the Bug Labs camera module. Neither provides a lot of detail, but you can see that the system is easy to use. The possibilities are pretty exciting.
For more details, check out this press release from Bug Labs.
[NYTimes, BugLabs, via TheCarConnection]
The new Ford stereo system provides an exceptional audio experience, but you can make it even better with a few easy hacks. In this guide, we’ll discuss some different methods for improving the stereo system in your Ford so you can get the most from your vehicle as you travel the streets of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Downey.
Before we get started, it’s important to understand that any alteration to the stereo system, involving the removal, replacement, or manipulation of factory parts or system coding, can result in damage and void the vehicle warranty. For more information, contact our service team at the Norm Reeves Ford Superstore in Cerritos.
1. Improve Sound Quality with a System Upgrade
Replacing the stereo system in your Ford can be a difficult and expensive process. With this stereo hack, you can enhance the sound quality in your vehicle by using a stereo add-on, such as the ones provided by Kicker.
Systems such as this use a processor/amp module that plugs into the stereo’s receiver and speakers. Once connected, a sophisticated computer program works to optimize the audio performance from the vehicle’s speakers. It also helps correct factory limitations and adds power for better sound throughout the vehicle.
2. Make the SYNC System Apple-Friendly
Although the new Ford SYNC system supports virtually all Apple products, there was a time when that was only a dream. If you happen to drive one of those older Ford models, there’s an easy stereo system hack that allows you to connect your Apple iPad to the SYNC system.
On the vehicle’s head unit, go to Bluetooth devices and add device. Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad. Click Sync and enter the code. Now you can enjoy streaming audio and more from your connected iPad through the Ford stereo system. If you need help, watch this video tutorial.
3. Become a SYNC System Expert
One of the best hacks for your Ford stereo system is even really a hack at all. It’s a matter of fully understanding the SYNC system along with all its capabilities and customization options. Read the user’s guide and visit online Ford forums to learn more about the stereo system and how to use it.
If you don’t learn anything else, you’ll at least be able to use the stereo system faster and more effectively, making you a certified SYNC professional. Learn more about SYNC services by visiting the Ford website.
![Lincoln sync hack Lincoln sync hack](/uploads/1/2/5/7/125799558/484075493.jpg)
4. Upgrade the Wiring System
The standard wiring system in your Ford is adequate for the proper operation of the vehicle. However, you can improve the electrical system and performance by upgrading three wires. Those wires include the ground wire from the battery, the ground wire from the engine, and the power wire from the alternator to the battery.
By installing larger gauge wires, you’ll help improve the performance of the Ford stereo system and other electrical systems in your vehicle. For more info, check out this post from JL Audio.
(Important: If you don’t have experience working with automotive electrical systems, this hack may not be right for you. Contact an authorized Ford dealer for help.)
5. Develop an App
Techies of the world rejoiced when Ford announced that it was opening the Ford SYNC system to app developers. Previously only available to a selected few, now anyone with the interest and the time and develop and app and upload it to the SYNC system.
To get started, you’ll want to visit the Ford Developer Program website. There you’ll find the tools and the recourses you’ll need to make an awesome hack for your Ford stereo system. You could even earn some extra cash by entering into a developer challenge.
If you’d like more information about these Ford stereo system hacks or if you have any questions about the Ford manufacturer warranty, contact us at the Norm Reeves Ford Superstore in Cerritos, serving the Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Downey area.