What pieces parts do I need to use a VMSpc? It looks like all I need is a Windows computer, the proper cable to connect from the data port under the dash to the computer, and the proper software. Other places reference some other parts, to the tune of several hundred dollars. Are those actually display modules?
The VMSpc module is what interprets the data from your engine computer (assuming that your engine does have a computer) and displays it to your windows computer. So you need the cable to connect to the connector under the dash, the VMSpc module, and the usb cable to connect to your computer. The VMSpc module usually comes with the proper cable (you need to determine which connector your coach has) to connect and the usb cable. The software is free.
VMSpc | SilverLeaf Electronics, Inc. (http://www.silverleafelectronics.com/?q=node/6)
If you source through Roger Engdahl here on the forum, you will get all parts you currently do not have. If you get his computet, it will be set up to show your engine as soon as you turn it on, plug and play.
The hardware plugs into the OBD port under the dash, which I believe was introduced in 1997, or at least that was when they became mandated. If you don't have it on your '93, it may be a problem. Roger should be able to give you a better answer.
David, If you have a DDEC II there is a rectangular cable for that. You need that and a JIB (hardware that grabs data from the engine data bus and sends it to the VMSpc software). The software will run on any version of windows from XP on but not well on Windows 8. You may be better off with an VMSpc version prior to the 4.x versions with that data bus. You will most likely get nothing from the transmission, maybe gear.
For a 93 is it just not a sure thing. It might work, maybe some, maybe nothing.
Call Silverleaf and talk to Art. He will give you a best guess. I have the JIBs and DD cable but am not home until September and do not have that cable with me. I have the older versions of the software if you need it. I am not sure they are on the Silverleaf website any more. My price for the cable and JIB is just a bit less than it is from Silverleaf and I send along ready to use screen displays and links for remote support.
David, IF you can use it, buy from Roger. If not for all the other expertise he brings on set up, then for the continuing help when something needs set or resetting or how parts and accessories hook up.
Also really an advantage to get all the parts at one time and not have to run around, fit things together yourself..
This is based on experience and also hearing from others.
Buy it from Roger. His continued support and updates have been wonderful. He makes it so easy!
I didn't know about Roger when I purchased my VmsPC. Now I wish I had gotten it from Roger. No question, his tech support is great, (He has helped me on other electrical issues unrelated to VmsPC).
Silverleaf is a good company, Art is a good guy to talk to.
Roger wasn't selling at the time I bought my VMSpc, but he has helped me get mine working. The posts he does on the screen set ups are always of interest.
Thanks for the kind words folks. It has been an interesting venture selling VMSpc Kits. There is no one else putting together an integrated, ready to use kit according to Art at Silverleaf. They have suggested I sell to other brands but I am sticking to friends on the Forum and Foretravel coaches. Best of both worlds.
My apologies if this breaks any forum etiqutte. Hopefully someone will let me know. I am copying a post here from Roger that he addressed to me on a separate thread since there is more talk of VmsPC here. I'm getting deeper into how valuable this software is and wondering how many Forum members have made adjustments to the Silverleaf engine profiles that came with the software.
From Roger: Mike, all of the yellow and red indicators both high and low can be set in the parameter editor on VMSpc. These are independent of the engine you select and are representative of common values to start with. Everyone's engine, installation, cooling, loads, driving habits and location are different so it is just a starting point.
As starting points go, should I assume, or not, that the profile/parameters for my ISL400 which Silverleaf programmed are OEM approved limits for the engine and transmission we have? Example: I notice that Sven was powered down at 227 on intake manifold temp. Would that match the red limit on his particular engine profile as provided by Silverleaf?
Thanks!
Mike, here is what it looks like the default intake manifold temp warning indicators are set to. I have not changed these values.
Yellow is at 150 and red is at 250. I guess I would set them closer to 125 and 135 perhaps. I have never seen my intake manifold temp more thn 120 even when it was 116° crossing North Dakota a couple summers ago.
Set them to whatever you are comfortable with.
Silverleaf works with just about any engine from most manufacturers as long as it sends data along the diagnostic bus. There is no perfectly right answer just sort of a best fit for all wngines that you can easily adjust to fit your engine, installation, driving habits and location.
I have made several small adjustment on the Parameters and the parameter file that I send with my kits. Most of these were start battery voltage, oil temp and retarder temp. Most gauges have had changes to labels as well. (°F for example).