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VMSpc

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.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: VMSpc

Reply #1
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
"Rocket"  2001 3610 U320 IFS  #5907
Car crazy guy with too many toys to list here.

Re: VMSpc

Reply #2
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.
David & DC
97 U320 40' WTBI M11 450 #5153
01 Wrangler Sport
Near Palacios, TX

Re: VMSpc

Reply #3
I bought a hp stream 11 from Microsoft for $179 and they upgraded it from 8.1 to ten.  No bloatware from Microsoft.

"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: VMSpc

Reply #4
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.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: VMSpc

Reply #5
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

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
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: VMSpc

Reply #6
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.
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: VMSpc

Reply #7

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.
2000, U320 36' with Cummins 450, Toad - 2016 Ford CMax Energi
Previous MHs; 1970 Winnebago, 1973 FMC 2900R, much later a heavily modified 1975 FMC 2900R.

Re: VMSpc

Reply #8
Would VMSpec work with C8.3 in my '96 U-270? (I believe VMSpec only works with electronic 8.3)
1996 U-270
Build # 4951
Cummins 8.3

Re: VMSpc

Reply #9
Do you have OBD -1??

I have it on my '97 U295 w/ CAT engine....Best to check with Roger or factory.
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: VMSpc

Reply #10
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.
2001 U320 Build #5865
Daihatsu Rocky Toad
VW Touareg
'82 F100 Stepside
Beech' Debonair

Re: VMSpc

Reply #11
Would VMSpec work with C8.3 in my '96 U-270? (I believe VMSpec only works with electronic 8.3)
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
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: VMSpc

Reply #12
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?
1996 U-270
Build # 4951
Cummins 8.3

Re: VMSpc

Reply #13
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?


Looks just like mine
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: VMSpc

Reply #14
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.).
1996 U-270
Build # 4951
Cummins 8.3

Re: VMSpc

Reply #15
Here is how mine is set-up
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: VMSpc

Reply #16
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.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: VMSpc

Reply #17
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?
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.
Mike and Mari
'98  36 270 WTFE
Build #5272
Club #17504

Re: VMSpc

Reply #18
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.
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: VMSpc

Reply #19
Roger, will the VMSpec work with the Apple IPAD Mini?  Do you have everything I need to connect to my IPAD?
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: VMSpc

Reply #20
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.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: VMSpc

Reply #21
Roger, will the VMSpec work with the Apple IPAD Mini?  Do you have everything I need to connect to my IPAD?

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.


Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN


Re: VMSpc

Reply #23
Just ordered VMSpec.  SilverLeaf Rectangular 12 Pin ALDL

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. 
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: VMSpc

Reply #24
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. 
1996 U-270
Build # 4951
Cummins 8.3