I fixing to purchase a VMSpc, looks like a great system. Question is is it reliable from the stand point of once it's set up on the lap top/note book, does it have to be continually updated, reloaded, restarted or tinkered with every time you try to use it? I don't have a lot patience with all of that.
I run mine on a Surface Pro 2 note book.
Unless the usb cable gets bumped it has been rock solid stable. I have changed the layout a few times, just moving things around. No problems for me yet and lots of data to look at.
Steve
I dedicated an Acer One Ten ($89 at Newegg) running windows 10. I have the serial version Jib
with a serial to USB adapter. No issues, no tinkering, works fine.
I bought a hp stream 11 from Microsoft for $179 and they upgraded it from 8.1 to ten. No bloatware from Microsoft.
I'm running VMSpc on an HP laptop running Windows 10. I have the laptop set up to run manual updates when I choose. I have no issues with the setup and I'm really thankful for the information VMSpc provides.
Bruce, VMSpc is very stable. Once you get it set up the way you want it you really don't have to do anything other than update fuel added to the tank minder or reset a trip odometer. Silverleaf has recently introduced the version 4. They are at 4.0.5 now. This newer series uses a different file structure and format for screens so if you move from the version 3 or earlier your screen displays need to be recreated from scratch. Thay have added new standard gauges as well. Not all of them work with my engine or yours but all of the important ones do. Once you install VMSpc it will quickly become what you look at for information about engine and transmission data.
Check out my VMSpc ready to install kit thread over in the Commercial Threads. VMSpc Kits (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=27650.0)
The kits include everything you need for a very nice looking instllation including a selection of display screens to choose from or to work off of to make your own. They make adding VMSpc simpler ith everything you need from one source in one box. And I provide support as well. Let me know if I can help.
Roger
I have VMSpec and like it very much, they have great support too. I use a Nextbook running Windows 10 as the keyboard is removable an works as a tablet. I mount it to the windshield.
I purchased a VM spec system from Roger. It is truly plug and play. Have had no issues with it. I no longer refer to the dash guages. Glad I purchased it from Roger.
Would VMSpec work with C8.3 in my '96 U-270? (I believe VMSpec only works with electronic 8.3)
Do you have OBD -1??
I have it on my '97 U295 w/ CAT engine....Best to check with Roger or factory.
I had Silverleaf fit the complete "glass dash" system to my 2001 U320 and have been very pleased.
I had a couple of occasions when I got an "engine" warning over the winter that was in fact a 'low voltage" warning and I could reset it without need to go to a shop.
Far superior than the old gauges that were slowly failing one by one. Also probably more information than I will ever need or need to know???
Speedbird 1.
The C8.3 engine is not included in the engine parameter files so maybe not. See if you can find your diagnostic port. It should be somewhere in the driver's foot well area. If it is a round one look to see how many pins there are, probably six. Let me know what you find.
I will check further and let you know.
Roger
I guess the OBD port would be located under the dashboard? I checked under my '96 U-270 dashboard and I see "Diagnostic Connector" port which I guess is a OBD, correct?
Great I guess I can use VMSpec :). I have Surface Pro 3 that I can use for VMSpec :). Need something to mount Surface Pro 3 somewhere on dashboard area (more likely flat area right of dashboard.).
Here is how mine is set-up
There are nice dash mount devices that will get your display at the edge of the dash. Easier to see and more secure. The VMSpc cables are round six or nine pin connectors. There is a rectangular one for DD.
from Sliverleaf...
As diagnostic ports vary greatly across the spread of coach-builds and years, the pinning and socket types vary significantly. When you call we will ask you what type of Diagnostic socket you have in your coach. This may require a close look to determine the physical nature of the socket, number of pins available and those used in that socket. Refer to the document,
http://www.silverleafelectronics.com/files/J1708-J1939%20Diagnostic%20Connectors_0.pdf
SilverLeaf Electronics J1708/J1587, J1939, RV-C Wiring Diagrams to identify what the Diagnostic sockets look like.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that may be the transmission diagnostic connection. I have the same plug. (Only 4 pins inside). I hope I'm wrong. I would love to get VMSpc also.
I believe the Cummins ISC 8.3- 350 hp electronic diesel engine came out in 1999.
Prior to that the Cummins C 8.3 - 300 & 325 hp mechanical engine, No engine computer.
Roger, will the VMSpec work with the Apple IPAD Mini? Do you have everything I need to connect to my IPAD?
Art at Silverleaf says engines designated C8.3E will work in a very limited way. The non-electronic version will not work at all.
Sorry.
The VMSpc software needs to run on a Windows PC. If you want to use your iPad mini as a display then you need a PC of some sort that can connect to the ipad using wifi. The wifi connection can be done as a Direct 1 to 1 wifi connection or you can use a small router. If you have a wifi hotspot (MiFi) device with your cell phone service then the router can use the MiFi device for internet access. Otherwise the network will work without internet access.
So the answer is Yes! You need the VMSpc hardware, the VMSpc software, an inexpensive PC and a router and a tablet mount.
See the PM I sent to you.
Just ordered VMSpec. SilverLeaf Rectangular 12 Pin ALDL (http://www.rvupgradestore.com/Rectangular-12-Pin-ALDL-p/vmspc12.htm)
My '96 270 have 12 pin ALDL connector.
Let me know how or more likely if it works. You may get some limited info.
Art from Silverleaf said...
... Best case, its an E , then, yes...barely and then with Very Limited data. May or may not have oil pressure. Unlikely to have any Trans, turbo info. Coolant temp, not level (of course.) Shaft speed but not load (so no torque or HP.)
He'd also have to know if that connector is for OBD-1 or II. Type-I is a non-starter. Worse case, nope...
Sometimes the only way to know is to try it out.
Oh well, it will be suck if I get very limited info.... Was hoping to get something like turbo boost info and other useful info...
Will find out in few days.
Please advise us of your outcome...still wishing to be proved wrong!
One more question...What is the earliest year the VMSpc works on an M-11?
Some time ago, there was some discussion about VMSpc and Windows 10. Has that issue been resolved?
Thanks,
Trent
I'm running just fine on a cheap Windows 10 tablet.
There was some driver issues and install issues with Windows 8. Windows 10 didn't recognise the VMSpc executable when you downloaded and thn unzipped the executable file somit just quarantined then whole download. I have done a lot of installs in Windows 10 PCs and it works without any issues now. You still have to install drivers but that is easy too.
Silverleaf pulled the current version from their web site. Art reports some odd issues. The next release is next Tuesday.
If you are installing VMspc and have a problem give me a call or send me an email. I will help even if you bought it somewhere else.
Mike, VMSPC will work on a '97. Don't know about a '96.
VMSpc works well on our 1995 U320 with Cummins M11. We're using it on a small HP laptop running Windows 10 without any issues.
Got package from Silverlead but only contained wiring harness (ALDL) and I emailed tech support and he said that I should get black box and USB cable. So I will call them today and have them ship black box and USB cable!
After reading my notes on silver leaf, it is not compatible with the Cummins C8.3 engine, it will work on MD 3060 transmission's.
That port that looks like OBD2 is probably your allison trans port,don't think we have a boost pressure sensor.
Installed VMSpc on my Surface Pro 3 and I have communication port issues as I don't see VMSpc Virtual Serial port when I click on scan for ports.
There should be a file with additional drivers and an install_drivers.exe file to install them. (Not exactly sure of the name of the file but something like that). Usually you have to install the drivers and the restart the pc.
Roger,
I just had a thought:
VMSpc requires the data cable, a black box, and a USB connector to a windows computer running VMSpc.
Could you split the USB cable and run to two 10" windows tablets, each running VMSpc, with whatever output you wanted displayed on each?
Hmm, hmmm, hmmmm, ...
Inquiring minds want to know.
Thanks,
Trent
I mounted my VMSpc on this from Amazon:
Amazon.com: Thought Out Stabile PRO Pivoting iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, Stand... (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005H1WYXI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
I am running mine on a HP Pavilion with Windows 8.1. Very stable. Just waiting for v4.0.5 to be declared permanent - it is called experimental now.
I don't know if you could split the cable and go to two instances of the software requesting data from the JIB. Probabaly not. But if you run VMSpc on a windows tablet you couls also use an iPad or any android tablet as as remote display and show what is on the tablet at the same time. I do this all the time. Depeding on your PC different resolutions of devices gets odd. Usually the remote display is lower res and drives what you see.
When I first installed my VMSpc it displayed my "total mileage" after my coach sitting for awhile it no longer is displayed, nor is any other odometer readings. Did I loose something or do I need to reset the parameters? ???
Gerry,
I complained to Art at SilverLeaf about a similar problem. After camping this past winter and not moving for a few weeks, some of the gauges would display weird data or none at all. Art suggested that I rescan for the communication link. I did and that fixed my problems. So now I do that prior to driving after having been parked for more than a couple of days. Good luck.
Royce, Thanks for your response but please explain "rescan for communication link".
Thanks,
Richard
Richard, look on the main menu under Advanced and Communications.
From the user manual version 3. Might be just a bit different with later version.
Be sure your plug is secure.