> What???
> You don't like CANbus?

Sarcasm aside, I actually do, _if_ (and that's a BIG IF) it's
implemented correctly, meaning that:
* "critical" and "non-critical" systems are seperate. This means
that there would be one network for shared ABS, engine control,
crash sensor, etc. information, and another for the lights, radio,
climate control, etc. Certain data could be shared between the
two networks, of course, via a controller that would "pass" data
* engineers must recognize that there is no shame in a lever pulling
on a Bowden cable or a plain 'ol SPST switch. Not everything has
to be electronically controlled, and sometimes the most obvious
solution is the best.
* standard modules are used across a manufacturer's line whenever
possible, or are even shared between manufacturers (and produced
by an electrical specialist like Bosch)
* modules that the owner might like to change during a car's life,
like the radio, remain independent, but can have a connection to
the non-critical bus (e.g. a radio can grab speed information for
in order to adjust its volume) Connecting a new radio should be a
"plug and play" affair, and require no special tools.
* diagnostic information and software programs are publically
and cheaply available. Possibly, error messages and codes should even
be shown in plain English on a dashboard LCD display. This display
could also have a diagnostic mode to show engine sensor outputs.
* it's ok to use gauges controlled by the car's computer. That
avoids duplication of sensors (for example, two temp. sensors, one
for the computer, the other for the gauge). It is _not_ok_ to
display fake data on the gauges - i.e. the temp. gauge should
not sit smack in the middle whenever the computer deems the
coolant temperature to be safe.
* there should always be an actual mechanical linkage running
from the steering wheel to the wheels. There is no "nice" way for
an electronic steering system to fail. If we get self-driving
cars eventually, the servo should be in parallel with the regular
steering system and not a replacement for it.
* a gateway to a standard USB or Ethernet port for diagnostic
purposes would be *very* nice
.
-b.