Tag: Sentry Mode

  • Elon Musk Proposes Solution to Tesla Vandalism Issues

    Elon Musk Proposes Solution to Tesla Vandalism Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla owners are experiencing vandalism, including key scratches on their cars.
    2. Customers are urging Tesla to take action to protect their vehicles from damage.
    3. A user suggested adding an alarm system to notify criminals they are being filmed.
    4. Tesla’s existing Sentry Mode records threats but could benefit from a new alert feature.
    5. Some owners are changing their car logos or adding stickers to distance themselves from Elon Musk’s reputation.

    Emotions are quite intense regarding Elon Musk and his firm, Tesla. The backlash isn’t just aimed at the company’s buildings, as numerous customers are reporting acts of vandalism. Some have found their cars damaged by key scratches. Frustrated owners have urged the car manufacturer to take action, and Musk has suggested a possible fix.

    User Suggestions for Improvement

    A user on X, known as TeslaBoomerMama, has requested that Tesla consider adding an alarm system in their next software update. This alarm would alert criminals that they are being filmed and that authorities will be notified. Musk replied, mentioning that the car could beep at people.

    Existing Features and New Additions

    Tesla vehicles have had Sentry Mode for a long time. This feature uses outside cameras to keep an eye on and record possible threats when the car is parked. The recorded video can be saved on a USB drive for later viewing. Nevertheless, this new feature could potentially sound an alert when someone approaches, which might discourage would-be vandals from harming the vehicle.

    Owner Reactions and Creative Solutions

    Reports have emerged of Tesla owners taking extreme measures to keep troublemakers at bay. Some have swapped out the Tesla emblem for logos from other car brands. Others have taken to putting stickers on their cars, asking people to understand that they “bought this car before I knew Elon was crazy.”

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  • Tesla Optimizes Sentry Mode to Reduce Battery Drain from Cameras

    Tesla Optimizes Sentry Mode to Reduce Battery Drain from Cameras

    Tesla has been facing complaints regarding its Sentry Mode system, which notifies owners about suspicious activities near their cars. Users have found that this feature has been draining the battery since it was introduced.

    Functionality of Sentry Mode

    Sentry Mode is turned off by default but can be activated using voice commands or through the app. This feature keeps the necessary cameras and sensors powered up, allowing them to record movements around a locked Tesla in Park mode. However, the ongoing power needed for the cameras in Sentry Mode has turned out to be a significant battery drain. The system must constantly process and record a large amount of video footage, which can be saved on a dedicated drive located in the glove compartment.

    Law Enforcement Awareness

    Police are familiar with Tesla’s Sentry Mode. There have been instances where officers were unable to reach the vehicle’s owner. In such cases, they have towed the car to the nearest precinct under a court order to access the potential crime scene recordings for investigations.

    Addressing Battery Drain

    To tackle the battery drain issue associated with Sentry Mode, Tesla released the 2024.32.6 software update. This update reduces power consumption by shutting down the 12V outlets and USB ports in theft-prevention mode. This means that devices plugged into these ports won’t be able to charge or draw from the main battery.

    While this might not be the best solution for those who like to keep their devices charging in the car or need to run a portable fridge overnight, it does help reduce the immediate power drain caused by Sentry Mode.

    Improvements with New Updates

    For the ongoing power drain caused by processing video recordings from multiple cameras— which can consume as much as 14% of a Model Y’s battery in a single day—Tesla has introduced a more sophisticated solution. The recent 2024.38.4 software update promises an up to 40% decrease in Sentry Mode battery drain. The company has optimized how the video feed is processed, which helps preserve battery capacity while Sentry Mode is activated.

    This update is initially being rolled out to the Cybertruck, and it remains unclear how quickly the Model 3 and Model Y will receive the significant improvements in battery drain for Sentry Mode.

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  • Tesla Sentry Mode Will No Longer Power Devices

    Tesla Sentry Mode Will No Longer Power Devices

    With the new software update version 2024.32.6, Tesla is introducing a feature called Light Pulsing for the Sentry Mode in the refreshed Model S and Model X.

    Gentle Warning System

    Light Pulsing works by gently blinking the headlights when it senses a potential threat, creating a warning effect by increasing and decreasing the brightness. While this addition is nice, it’s worth noting that other Tesla models have included Light Pulsing since last year, indicating that this might not be the most exciting feature in the latest update.

    Power Cutbacks in Sentry Mode

    Earlier this year, Tesla’s previous battery head hinted at the company’s efforts to significantly cut down power usage while the vehicle is in theft-prevention mode. A new feature seems to be addressing this concern for almost all models, except for the Cybertruck, by disabling outlet power. Now, the 12V outlets and USB ports in Tesla cars will not function when the vehicle is in Sentry Mode, also cutting off the devices connected to them.

    This affects a variety of devices, from portable fridges hooked to the 12V outlets to laptops or phones that were charging in the car. When the Tesla is in Sentry Mode, these items will no longer receive power, which can be quite inconvenient for those relying on a portable fridge to keep their drinks cold.

    A Trade-off for Security

    Tesla owners still have the option to use Camp Mode to power their devices, but this means the car remains unlocked, which is the opposite of the security that many drivers seek from Sentry Mode. It’s uncertain how effective this power-cutting measure will be in reducing battery drain during Sentry Mode, but reports indicate that Tesla Service teams are already hearing frustration from customers and are relaying this feedback to higher management for review.

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