"Right to Repair" (John Deere)

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/farmers-using-hacked-firmware-to-bypass-john-deeres-software-stranglehold/?ref=yfp

If link works, good article on farmers hiring outside tech companies to crack codes JD uses to prevent any but authorized JD dealers to troubleshoot JD Ag electronics, for JD service rates.

 https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/farmers-using-hacked-firmware-to-bypass-john-deeres-software-stranglehold/?ref=yfp

Here is the original article:

https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/why-american-farmers-are-hacking-their-tractors-with-ukrainian-firmware

There's a lot of discussion right now over on some techie sites about this. Really, it just comes down to Deere isn't providing the level of service, access or "repairability" most customers want. So a black market for the service is created. If Mother Deere would look back at past technology happenings, they might realize the black market they are creating. Think about music CDs. $15 or $20 for a CD of 12 songs and you only wanted to hear one or two of them? Welcome to piracy. Now you can buy one or two that you want for $.99 each and now piracy is not a major national issue as it was in 2000. But that's just a short-sighted summarization.

If Deere would provide more of what the people want, then more people would obtain what they need legally. Piracy will always happen, but if you just resist what the customer wants, you're creating a new market for someone to provide what you won't.

I've always felt 'piracy' was a joke. Think about this... when the Beta video RECORDERS came out, it was understood you WOULD use them to record your shows..same as reel to reel decks having a RED RECORD button..doh ! It 'they' didn't want you to record, there wouldn't be the RED button. fast forward(yeah, pun intended) to PCs. Same thing,just easier,faster and now WORLD WIDE WEB !
As for JD...the guv shot down there 'we own it' lawsuit....now kudos for anyone who can decode the 'computer'. That info SHOULD be published.....the 'error codes', not the computer program.That way, 'Farmer John' can see that it's a tiny piece of corn husk blocking some hidden sensor and clear it, instead of calling for $$$ support late  sat night ! Odds are real good the $$ tech wouldn't know anyway...'it'l have to come into the shop'.....

Jay

Joe(TX) wrote: The real solution would be to not buy John Deere anything.

For the most part on the newer ones the code is displayed on the screen with a msg of ;;;;speed sensor. so when cornstalk is on that sensor. But most of the problem is as soon as it monitor beeps. Cutomer is on the phone calling and not getting out to look themself. Now on the older ones with computer. Most of the codes are in the operators manual. Ive been in some of those situations. Not saying the big company is right. They should make it easier for customers to fix there own things if they want. Sry for long rant.

lots of rants here,,,,,i have a question tho,,,How many auto companies make it easy for you to work on cars and trucks??????

jaybmiller wrote: As for JD...the guv shot down there 'we own it' lawsuit.... Jay

I put a URL on here leading toward the story of the Judge's findings on this.  They shot it down and were forcing JD (and other mfgrs) to let farmers fix their own equipment.  Don't remember where it was, but I'm sure JD will appeal to a higher court.  Money talks.......

bryan/silex wrote: lots of rants here,,,,,i have a question tho,,,How many auto companies make it easy for you to work on cars and trucks??????

Used to be able to fix ANY car or truck with a minimum of tools and a Chilton's Manual.  Not any more.  Heck, I can't even change the oil filter on the wife's car.  Took me a year to find the battery in the dang thing!!  Now WHO in their right mind ( I know, they're college dumbed down) would put a battery that oozes fumes and gasses, who would put it UNDER THE BACK SEAT!!

DanWi wrote: Messing with horsepower and voiding warranty, years ago you would turn the screw on the pump just a little, now you need a computer geek with a laptop top to bump it up for you.

ever since I can remember....that's back to the 50's, many owners of both vehicles and equipment were able to work on their own. the dealers still had the city bot following and kept busy with them, they made their money, they were always busy. and now days they are still busy and still making plenty of money! now take most people nowadays that have one vehicle to go to work in. and it breaks, and can't be driven. you call the dealer and can't get in for anywhere from 1 day to 1 week or more. what are you sposed to do, how do you get to work? same with equipment dealers. I needed my combine worked on, and couldn't do it myself. I called the dealer a month ahead of harvest to come fix it. they never did come, they were to busy in the shop with repairs and reprogramming of combine computers to come fix my combine. this was a dealer 11 miles from me. I finally called a dealer 200 miles from me and they came right away and had my combine fixed in about 2 hours time plus mileage (that about kilt me on) but then I was able to harvest my crops. when the weather is good, the farmer needs to go! not wait for when it's convienient for a dealer to do any repairs. but they don't care. and the desk jocky's at the manufacturers don't have a clue on how to even run a machine they sell, just gimme money! there are lots of variations on this just so anyone doesn't understand just one thing!   

re: Now WHO in their right mind ( I know, they're college dumbed down) would put a battery that oozes fumes and gasses, who would put it UNDER THE BACK SEAT!!
 sounds like a Prius ???? 

even better, how about a trunk that ONLY unlocks from the inside and the battery is dead....
 
re: sensors/computers the BIG beef I have agin them is that a 'trouble code' could signal 3,4, 12 different things ! The 'smart' computer should say #5 plug don't work NOT a general 'misfire' code.

begs the question...if you have a 24 row planter and #17 ain't working, does the computer say that #17 ain't spinning ?

jay