QUESTION: Dashboard clock

yan · Apr 8, 2008

For anyone with PCM and Sport Chrono:
Is the digital dashboard clock independent of the PCM clock, i.e. the one which displays on the PCM screen? e.g. to change to BST or Time Zone does it involve changing the clock on the PCM and the dashboard separately? I always thought they were synchronised and a change via PCM updated the dashboard but they currently have a life of their own which seems rather basic.

My dashboard computer module was recently reset by OPC (due to a snag with the seat memory - not fixed) since when the clocks have needed attention.

Alex L · Apr 8, 2008

Do I understand that you wish to switch to British Summer Time?

If so go into 'Main' and then press the set button. Under there somewhere is changing the time/date and a tick-box for BST.

The dash clock and the PCM clock are both changed via this method.

dereksharpuk · Apr 8, 2008

Mine does not keep correct time! By the way, you mention Sport Chrono; actually the sport chrono 'clock' on the top dash is not a clock at all which is a gret pity. It is merely an analogue and digital stopwatch.

yan · Apr 8, 2008

Alex - many thanks for verifying - unfortunately it's no longer working for me - I was rather sure it used to work but thought I'd ask here to double-check.

ORIGINAL: dereksharpuk

Mine does not keep correct time! By the way, you mention Sport Chrono; actually the sport chrono 'clock' on the top dash is not a clock at all which is a gret pity. It is merely an analogue and digital stopwatch.

According to the manual the PCM is supposed to synchronise with the GSM service but last time I looked it wasn't exact.

I emphasised the Chrono package as I have unearthed at least 2 bugs in the existing software (1. auto-lock settings via PCM - system conflict on lock-on-ignition; 2. auto-lock configuration when opening vehicle - doesn't work) which have been linked to the combination of Sport Chrono and PCM (on 997). 1 has been fixed and 2 is pending.

It would have been nice to have the option to de-specify the mantelpiece clock, i.e. Sport button + PCM memory only: I have yet to use the chronometer except as a test and it recently has developed a vibration... Enquiries to-date of after-market solutions to remove it have not been successful.

MarcBC · Apr 8, 2008

ORIGINAL: Alex L

Do I understand that you wish to switch to British Summer Time?

If so go into 'Main' and then press the set button. Under there somewhere is changing the time/date and a tick-box for BST.

The dash clock and the PCM clock are both changed via this method.

That is something I did not know. I just changed the clock on the dashboard and that seemed to work. Thank you.

fireblade · Apr 11, 2008

The "stopwatch" is next to useless! It is a hassle to use on the track and the analogue divisions are the same as a real clock so are tiny and impossible to read at a glance. It could be better laid out like a real stopwatch where the first quadrant takes up 3 minutes when the hand reaches the figure 3. The digital readout iis reasonably clear but only counts seconds. Unfortunately it came with the Chronosport. It also ruins the clean lines of the dash.

On mine the clocks can be changed on the PCM or the dashboard and they are not independent.

Alex L · Apr 11, 2008

ORIGINAL: fireblade

The "stopwatch" is next to useless! It is a hassle to use on the track and the analogue divisions are the same as a real clock so are tiny and impossible to read at a glance. It could be better laid out like a real stopwatch where the first quadrant takes up 3 minutes when the hand reaches the figure 3. The digital readout iis reasonably clear but only counts seconds. Unfortunately it came with the Chronosport. It also ruins the clean lines of the dash.

On mine the clocks can be changed on the PCM or the dashboard and they are not independent.

I have been told by Porsche that their feedback from customers on the clock is excellent. They say it provides a really good talking point when a passenger enters the car for the first time.

Porsche couldn't believe I (and others) didn't like it!!

yan · Apr 13, 2008

Alex - imagining that you heard this from a Sales dept.? Sounds like sound justification for having it...
Do Porsche actually collate customer feedback anyway - I'm not aware of any systematic process and my experience at the OPC leaves me with the impression of indifference to feedback.

I'm sure that some people must like it but I can not imagine why they have not allowed this part to be de-specified by those that don't (maybe on the FL?), i.e. can't see the technical issue if the software is adequately designed. Pre-order I did ask the Exclusive Dept. in Stuttgart who provide "any" customisation but then stated that my request "was not possible" - any digging further was met with "that is not possible" rather than sound reasoning as to why not.

fireblade · Apr 14, 2008

ORIGINAL: Alex L

ORIGINAL: fireblade

The "stopwatch" is next to useless! It is a hassle to use on the track and the analogue divisions are the same as a real clock so are tiny and impossible to read at a glance. It could be better laid out like a real stopwatch where the first quadrant takes up 3 minutes when the hand reaches the figure 3. The digital readout iis reasonably clear but only counts seconds. Unfortunately it came with the Chronosport. It also ruins the clean lines of the dash.

On mine the clocks can be changed on the PCM or the dashboard and they are not independent.

Click to expand...

I have been told by Porsche that their feedback from customers on the clock is excellent. They say it provides a really good talking point when a passenger enters the car for the first time.

Porsche couldn't believe I (and others) didn't like it!!

Each to his own! People do notice it , they can hardly help it as it is a carbuncle that unfortunately is not fit for purpose! My BMW M series friend called it meaningless tizz!

These "people" are probably in the showroom and have not tried to use it.

A simple matter to change the tiny inner dial to make it read 12 minutes per rotation would make all the difference but designers often don't use their products.

Does anyone out there use the stopwatch and like it?

chris.bailey · Apr 14, 2008

The only time I have used it was to measure the length of time I was stationary in a hold up on the M1 [>:] Like the time taken to implement Bluetooth, Porsches are quirky but I guess that is a part of what makes them so lovable.

dereksharpuk · Apr 14, 2008

ORIGINAL: fireblade

I
Each to his own! People do notice it , they can hardly help it as it is a carbuncle that unfortunately is not fit for purpose! My BMW M series friend called it meaningless tizz!

Quite agree. If only it was a real analogue clock and not a useless stopwatch.

fireblade · Apr 14, 2008

ORIGINAL: chris.bailey

The only time I have used it was to measure the length of time I was stationary in a hold up on the M1 [>:] Like the time taken to implement Bluetooth, Porsches are quirky but I guess that is a part of what makes them so lovable.

I think that you have proved my point! The stopwatch is virtually unreadable unless stationary!

A little less quirky would suit me, this is a typical case of form over function which is unusual for Porsche where it is usually the other way around. Porsche could take some lessons from aircraft manufacturers on instrumentation particularly because most of their cars go faster than many light aircraft where such a useless display would not get certified.

fireblade · Apr 14, 2008

ORIGINAL: dereksharpuk

ORIGINAL: fireblade

I
Each to his own! People do notice it , they can hardly help it as it is a carbuncle that unfortunately is not fit for purpose! My BMW M series friend called it meaningless tizz!

Click to expand...

Quite agree. If only it was a real analogue clock and not a useless stopwatch.