Alternative to VMSPC

[Ray Davis]

First, thank you for the images. I will take a look, and see if my apps need updating. A little technical info. For the error codes, as per the SAE J1587 spec, I send a 00 message to the CAN bus, requesting data for PID 194.

PID 194 is the error codes. The units respond either with 194 messages, or 192 messages (which is an overlength, multi-message response).

In my experience so far, depending upon the DDEC, some respond with only engine error codes. Some respond with more. My bus, for example, responds with bus, brakes, instrument cluster and instrument cluster 2. If there are no errors, on my bus, these components report back with "no error" responses. I have never, unfortunately, seen in any of my error responses from testers an error from a transmission, either "no error" or any real error. I do get transmission messages, so I would hope that I would receive transmission based error codes.

Quote:issue with gear selection

I assume it is ECU level related. The newer buses I've worked with generally have this message. Older ones do not.

Quote:will it behave with navigation running

One of my beta testers did indicate that he runs navigation apps in the background. However, I've never tested this way. One thing I've done in the app, perhaps a little non-standard, is that when you close the app, to go to another app, it does actually quit. I did this for a couple of reasons. (1) If for some reason the app got "hung up", I wanted a quit to clear it out of memory, such that restarting would start clean. (2) The data streaming by when you're not watching is not highly useful, in that there is no historic saving of the data, so if you're not watching, you're not seeing it. So, if your co-pilot is going to be using a navigation app at the same time, and going back and forth, the app simple restarts and starts streaming again when re-started. It takes about 2 seconds to get started and running.

If you have an iPad or can borrow one, I would suggest testing first, even in your car. Put the RV Dash app in demo mode. That runs for about 3 minutes, but is identical in function to working with the CANpod. If you're able to flip back and forth, then I would feel pretty good. Only thing I would worry about beyond that is the fact that the CANpod woudl be adhoc to a wifi network, and your navigation would be via the cellular. I will talk to the beta tester I mentioned, and see what he does.

Quote:range from canpod

With the antenna supplied, the range varies. I can easily step outside, but generally not back to the back of the bus. However, if I put the CANpod near the window, then the range is extended. The CANpod itself has a removable/changeable antenna. If you have a need to work at the back of the bus, perhaps a mag-mounted remote antenna would be better in that scenario?

Quote:return if it can't hunt

Sure, I wouldn't want you to be stuck with a piece of equipment that doesn't work for you, and makes you unhappy. This is why I would certainly prefer to test on someones vehicle first, if possible. I would suggest that for first Wanderlodge tester, I will send you a unit, but not charge your credit card. You pay for shipping to your site (as would be normal). If it works, I charge your card. If it doesn't, you return it, and I'll eat the shipping back. That way, I don't eat the credit card charges, in case of a return.

I assume there's no chance you'll be in the Tacoma WA area in the next month?

Ray