Road Tripping in a 2018 Tesla Model 3

In 2018, I sold my 2013 Ford F-150 and bought a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)! My wife thought (and may still think) I was crazy. I actually have a lot of the same concerns she does. I just push them away because it is too crazy cool to not try! Specifically, I bought a Long Range, Dual Motor, Tesla Model 3.

This blog post isn't about the purchasing experience, what it cost, etc. This is about what most people worry about; what happens if it runs out of juice? Can you actually drive it on long trips?

I have already driven it on several trips of about 8-9 hours, so I think I already know the answer. But I'm planning a longer road trip which will take two full days of driving each way. I will document how it goes, good or bad, in this blog. I will be traveling on Interstates for most of the trip and using Tesla's amazing Supercharger network as well. My destination is a tiny town off the interstates in Kentucky. That may present some charging challenges. I will also have to PAY for my Supercharging which is a tiny bummer. I have had free charging thus far as a promotion. But as you can see above, that ends in just a few days so I won't have it for my trip. That means we will get to compare the cost of charging to buying gas.

I also want to say the only time I even think about my state of charge (SOC) is on road trips. But 90% of the time, I'm staying within the city limits. You know, going to the grocery store, running errands, that sort of thing. My car charges at home in my garage so I never think about going to the gas station or how much range do I have. I should add that Tesla says I can get 310 miles when fully charged. (But you know, you never really operate an EV fully charged.) It is sorta cool I can say "Hey, Alexa, ask my car how much range it has." She just replied, "Sparky has 168 miles of range available." I guess I should plug it in tonight. :)

Goodbye Verizon; Hello Google Fi

After watching my Verizon bill reach skyward faster than the US Debt, I decided to try Google Fi! In this blog I will let you know how it goes, from ordering to... begging Verizon to take me back? (Probaby not.)

My Verizon Situation

So, here's my setup. Two phones, sharing data, and one iPad.

Doesn't this seem a bit high? Was once around $150 and has just crept up over the years. BTW, the service is great. No complaints about the service. Which means Google Fi will need to be equally good. I travel a bit as well which includes international travel. From what I've read, Google Fi does great overseas as well. My prediction is I will save about $40 to $50 per month. So, it will take 10 months to make back the cost of the phone.If I keep the phone two years, that means I will save about $560 over 2 years. I'll let you know if this pans out.

Ordering

7/8/2016 I just pulled the trigger after making sure I was out of contract with Verizon.

I ordered the Nexus 6P because I demand a strong smartphone. I use my phone for everything so I tend to buy the best I can find. My Verizon phone is/was a Moto Droid Turbo. The Droid and 6P have essentially the same specs so wasn't much of an upgrade. I will be gaining a fingerprint reader.

I also opted to get a new number. I get lots of junk calls on my current cell so a reset won't hurt. BTW, I have a Google Voice account which complicates things. My understanding is I will lose that phone #. I will get a new one because I like having a junk # I can give to companies, etc.

The process itself was actually very easy. They claim my phone will arrive in a few days. So, until then... take it easy.

BTW, it shipped the same day. Just got a Fedex tracking number from Google. So far a great start!

7/13/2016

It's Here!

It showed up on time via Fedex. Here are a few unboxing pics.

As you can see above, pretty simple; one phone, one sim card.

Box contains a 110V to USB-C charger, a long USB-C to USB-C cord, a short (maybe 3 or 4 inches) USB to USB-C cord (not pictured), and a phone. I wish I would have known about the short cord. That is exactly what I ordered on Amazon for use in my truck with Android Auto.

BTW, sorry these pics aren't the best, lighting was dim..

I let it charge for a bit while I went for a ride, but it had about 50% charge when it arrived.

The Initial Startup

It immediately wanted to get online, so I added it to my local WiFi. Yes, I have four wireless networks, that is for another blog.


Not surprising, it then wanted to update.


I wasn't expecting this screen. I followed the prompts and Android synced with my old phone so all my apps, email addresses, etc were installed in a matter of seconds with no action from me after I allowed the two phones to talk. Very cool!

Getting My New Phone Number

I sort of hoped I'd have some say in my new number. Google Voice would let you pick from a list of numbers. I used to have a Google Voice # I used for riff-raft. That number vanished as part of my Google Fi activation. I will make a new GV# under a different email address I can use for companies, etc.




Next thing in the setup is your finger print. It works great and is really in a perfect spot (back of phone.) Just like on iOS, the finger print reader can be used by some applications instead of a password. Very cool.


At this point, the phone started working to set all my apps and things up. It had downloaded the data a few steps earlier, but just now went to work on it.


The transfer wasn't perfect, but it did save lots of time. All my accounts were added which means calendar, contacts, email, etc all worked. It then started downloading all the apps I had on my old phone from the Play store. That actually took a long time to download and install them all. Also, unless it was a Google app, none of the account data was there so that means opening each app, logging in, etc.


While my apps were updating, my phone number showed up! And...another system update...


It is actually nice to know I have the latest, greatest software updates.


After the restart, more downloads... You get the idea. I just let it do its thing.

First Full day of Google Fi

Before heading to work, I plugged the Nexus 6p into my truck to see if Android Auto would work. After a few confirmation screens, came right up. No problem! Check that one off.

Once I arrived at work, I opened my speedtest app to see how things were going.

This is not a good first try...



This is better, but still not wowing me.

I pulled out my Verizon phone to give it a try.

What? Verizon is doing bad, too! This is on my Droid Turbo which I plan to shut off.

I asked my buddy on ATT to test a few times and he was all over the map, too. So, I guess this test was inconclusive. I work at the Will Rogers World Airport in an old building which is built like a fortress with no windows. I guess it is ok to have spotty service here which , BTW, I've always had on Verizon as well.

I Heard Customer Service was Great

At lunch, I was on the web and I saw a headline. Google had JUST dropped the price of the Nexus 6p by $150! I just received mine (which was not discounted) last night!!! I called Google Fi support (actually they called me) and explained my concern. She said she would happily refund me the difference. No problem. AWESOME!

Some Sad News for Verizon

After I scored $150 from Google Fi, I chatted with Verizon Wireless to save some more money.

That was actually pretty easy. While there I switched my data plan from 8GB to 2GB. My wife and the iPad actually use very little data normally. Cha-Ching! I'm expecting my new Verizon bill to be around $80. We'll see when the new bill comes in. BTW, Verizon charges me $40 for unlimited minutes and texting. Google Fi is $20. Verizon charges $30 for 2GB of data. Google Fi charges $20 for the same. See why I'm switching?

Speaking of my Google Fi bill, here is the invoice I received today.

As advertised.

About the phone... This blog isn't about the Nexus 6p, but I'm really pleased. Pretty large, also seems really snappy and is running a clean version of Marshmallow. I'm expecting Nougat pretty soon.

You are up to speed. I'll post after I get a feel for how it is going. :) So far, I'm really pleased.

7/14/2016
Day 2

I've been setting up my apps and everything is going great. I wanted to share a couple of points with you.

I took a couple of pics today. Camera seems to work fine.


After work, but while still in the parking lot, I did another speed test.

That is great speed! Much better than what I was getting in the building the day before.

For comparison, I tested it again once I was home on my WiFi.

Nothing wrong with that.

Later, my wife wanted to go to Ihop to use a gift certificate. While we were there, I noticed my phone had automatically connected to their open WiFi! As promised, it also established a VPN to keep my data secure from others who might also be eating pancakes for dinner.


Notice the key symbol which shows I'm on a VPN connection. Very cool.

Oh, I forgot to mention, I did go for a bike ride after work. I always put my phone in a snack baggie so it doesn't get sweaty. (Nothing worse than a stinky phone.)


It Barely fits! But, it is in there. As another interesting note, not only can I still work the touch screen through the bag, but the finger print reader also still works!



I continue to be really happy with Google Fi and my Nexus 6p! What are you waiting for??  Oh, I saw an article today about Verizon. They are increasing their rates. Big Surprise... Talk to you later.

7/17/2016
Stage Fright? What Stage Fright?

If you aren't familiar, Android phones have been bothered by a nasty bug called Stagefright. You can read about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stagefright_(bug)

I'm not going to go into it here because that is not what this blog is about. This blog is about my experience on Google Fi and the Nexus 6p by association. Anyway, ever since Stagefright came out, my Verizon phones have been vulnerable to the bug. Verizon would on occasion push out a patch, which would change just how vulnerable, but my phones were never fully patched.

I was curious to see if my Nexus 6p was also vulnerable, so I ran my Stagefright detection software.

Score! I'm honestly not surprised. Nexus is a pure Google experience without the middle man slowing down the security patches.

I'll check my Verizon Moto Droid just for fun.

Again, not surprising. This phone has NEVER been clear of the Stagefright risk. BTW, yes I have turned off this phone from cell service, so it is basically acting like an Android tablet. I bet it will no longer receive security updates.

Here is a peak at what software the Nexus is running.

You can see my last security patch was 12 days ago. Google recently announced they will provide monthly security patches to Nexus phones. Very cool.

How about my Moto Droid from Verizon?

Last security patch I was pushed from Verizon was April 1st. Running over 3 months behind. Not impressive.

Another WIN for Google Fi and Nexus!

2013 Ford Escape Review

My wife and I recently purchased a 2013 Ford Escape.  I thought you might find it interesting to see how it is doing now that is has almost 5,000 miles.

We special ordered the car and waited about 6 weeks for it to arrive.  We wanted a loaded version, like the Titanium trim, but didn't want black leather which gets insanely hot during the summer.  So, we ordered an SEL and added all available options such as the My Ford Touch, Panoramic Sunroof, 2.0 Liter engine, and Active Park Assist with Blind Spot Monitoring.  That way we could get the stone leather we wanted.  The only thing we couldn't add that comes on the Titanium are the Halogen Headlights.  We are ok with that.

I also own a 2011 Ford Escape.  Let me say these cars have NOTHING in common other than the name.  The 2013 is a completely new model and I must say much nicer than my 2011 Escape.

Let's talk tech.  This car has it!  Considering it is under $40k, it has tons of tech that you don't even see on more expensive makes.  Here are some of my favorites:

• The Auto-Lift Gate with 'kick' control:  You've seen he ads; you walk up to the car with full hands and can't reach your key fob.  No problem, just sweep your foot under the back bumper and step back.  The lift gate opens right up!  We use this a lot.  It is important to note that if you option in the towing kit from Ford, you lose the auto lift-gate.  I don't know if adding an after market hitch will effect the kick sensor.  We don't plan to.  My 2011 has the towing package and a V6.  Speaking of engines, don't waste your time with the 1.6L.  Too small.  The 2.0L is much better.  I will say not as strong as my V6, but still plenty of power for a small SUV.
• Active Park Assist:  This feature parallel parks the car for you.  It works, well!  You would think this would be hard to get right, but Ford has done it!  We use it pretty frequently and has never had an issue.
• Cross Traffic Alert:  You know how hard it can be to back out of a parking spot with big cars on both sides?  You really have no idea if a car is coming or not.  You just back out and hope!  Not anymore.  The Ford uses radar that looks left and right from the rear of the car.  As you back out, it scans for on coming traffic.  If it detects a car, it sounds an alarm and even displays traffic is approaching from right or left.  Fantastic!  It does occasionally have false alarms.  Seems to be aggravated by turning and backing at the same time in a congested areas.  You also have the camera to help you see what is going on behind you.  Third, you have parking sensors front and rear.  If you back it to something... you weren't paying attention.  I like how if you have the radio blasting, it will turn down the volume if the parking sensors are sounding so you will notice them.  Smart.
• Blind Spot Monitoring:  The same radar that is used for backing out of the parking lot also looks for traffic in your blind spots.  If it detects a car or motorcycle, it lights an indicator in your side mirrors.  I have found this to be pretty reliable, but not 100%.  So, you still need to turn your head to look for traffic in your blind spots before changing lanes.
• My Ford Touch:  We optioned our car with all the goodies; navigation, traffic link, etc.  This is a very complex system and over all works good.  But, has a few issues. I have found searching for Points of Interest to be a hassle.  That is both using the touch screen or Sync voice control.  However, there is a cool work around.  You can either search the onboard database for a business or address, or you can use Sync Services.  When you use Sync Services you are connected via your phone to an automated system where you can find businesses or other points of interest.  You can even talk to an operator, for free!  Once you find your destination, Sync Services sends the address to the car where your internal navigation system does the actual routing.  My 2011 Escape does not have a navigation screen or internal database.  It uses the Sync Services to download destination data and announce turn by turn directions.  We have had some trouble with the USB drive.  I loaded a thumbdrive with 3000 songs.  The car tries to index them for voice command functions and I think it gets over-whelmed.  I should try with fewer songs.  Eventually it will play from the USB, just cranky.  My 2011 Escape plays the same thumbdrive flawlessly.  The bluetooth phone pairing is not 100%.  We have Razor's with the latest software.  They pair fine and will receive calls, place calls, phone book,etc.  What doesn't work is the texting feature.  The My Ford Touch is designed to read your text messages to you and allow you to reply with some pre-formatted messages.  I have never been able to get this to work.  Won't receive, won't send.  Interestedly, same phone on my 2011 Escape, text messages ARE read allowed as they are received.  But still can't reply.  Finally, we have been hit twice with the dreaded Red Buttons glitch.  For unknown reasons, all of the control buttons, on every screen, turn red.  Very ugly looking.  Doesn't seem to interfere with operation.  The only way to fix it is to touch each button.  Some people online say to do a master reset.  I found that just cleared all my setting, but I kept the red buttons.  I'm looking for a software update that might fix this.  It has only done with twice and we've had the car about 3 months.

Some other non-techie bits about the car.  The seats are very comfortable!  I recently drove it for 12 hours and they felt great.  They have made tons of improvement of design, materials, etc over my 2011 Escape.

There are a few issues we are working on.  Besides the My Ford Touch things already mentioned,  we have a creaking in the front suspension when backing out of the driveway.  Seems worse when turning the wheels versus just straight.  The car seems to forget setting some times. We have the guidelines turned on for the back-up camera.  Sometimes we will start to reverse and the guidelines are gone.  We look in setting and they are off.  We just turn them on again.  It will be a few days before it goes to off again.

In summary, we love this car!  I'm sure we will work out the glitches and look forward to many years with our 2013 Ford Escape!

Mace DIY CCTV 4-channel DVR with 500 GB & 4 Camera System Review

I recently purchased this DIY Camera System kit.  The price was too good to ignore.  B&H Photo also had a $100 discount, plus a $50 gift card!

Bottom Line:  You get what you pay for... and, yes, it WORKS!  Read more for all the details...

Best Buy - Bait and Switch

I admit it, I'm a techie person who buys techie things.  You would think Best Buy and I would be 'Best' of friends.  Truth is, I am a Rewards Zone Member...  I WANT to like Best Buy.  But, they are making it IMPOSSIBLE!

Here is what I want to like about Best Buy:  Good Selection, Good Prices, Knowledgeable Staff, Instant Gratification.

Here is what I actually like about Best Buy:  Good Selection... guess that's it.

I'd been singing "Lost That Loving Feeling" for a while now every time I walked into Best Buy, but just kept thinking it would get better.  Turns out, it just got MUCH worse.

E10 Gasoline vs 100% gasoline

It is pretty much an accepted fact that using E85 does not makes financial sense because your fuel economy is so poor, it takes away any benefit you might see at the pump in the terms of miles you can drive per gallon.  However, I'm not sure if E10 makes since over 100% pure gasoline.  As you know, E10 is gasoline blended with up to 10% ethonol.  As of 6/12/2011, the local price here is $3.41 per gallon for E10 and $3.79 for 100% fuel.  It seems like a no-brainer that you should buy the E10 and save the $0.38 per gallon.  However, you should see better fuel economy on 100% fuel.  But, is it good enough to offset the higher price?  Well, before I even see what I actually get, a bit of math indicates I need to see an improvement of 2.7 MPG on 100% gasoline to account for the higher cost.

Does it REALLY save Money to set Back your Thermostat during the Day?

Seems we have always been told that, if we want to save money, we should set our thermostat up when we aren't home to save money during the summer.  This concept also applies in the winter, but I'm focusing on summer for this discussion.

I was thinking about this.  If I keep the thermostat set, say 76F all day, the air conditioning cycles on and off all day, obviously using energy.  If I set it higher, like 80F while I'm gone, the AC stays off most the day as the house slowly warms up.  Problem is, when I get home, and set the air back to 76F, the AC runs, and runs, and runs; trying to cool the house while it is 100F outside.