Nexiq, Manchester, N.H., introduces eTechnician, a wireless maintenance, diagnostic and vehicle connectivity system that incorporates Web technology, wireless data communications and maintenance/logistics systems. The company, formerly MPSI (Microprocessor Systems Inc.), makes the popular Pro-Link engine diagnostic tool.
eTechnician is based on an application-service-provider (ASP) infrastructure. It can support a variety of different users and is capable of hosting and linking to third party applications. It’s also scalable, says Nexiq, so users can begin using base level services and then add features and functions as demand and payback are realized.
As a wireless-based communications system, eTechnician allows communications between the vehicle and a variety of end users via the Internet, regardless of vehicle location. A wireless communications framework (WCF) underlies eTechnician communication between the ASP facility and the vehicle. The WCF allows the use of different networks, as well as the ability to use satellite and terrestrial systems simultaneously, with automatic least-cost routing.
eTechnician, says the company, ties together OEMs, fleet and service operations and vehicles.
It delivers diagnostics and command/control applications, such as: remote diagnostics and parameter setting; vehicle location; alert notifications; vehicle configuration identification; vehicle mileage capture; use & wear data on vehicle components; enhanced data storage; fuel economy information; and route management through mobile dispatch.
eTechnician is designed to support a wide variety of on-vehicle communication systems, such as J1708, ISO-914/CAN, J1939, Discrete I/O, OBD-II/CAN and proprietary.
In other news at Nexiq, the company says its new Mack V-MAC III (Vehicle Management and Control system), Step 8 application card allows technicians to quickly diagnose and reprogram specific Mack engine parameters.
New features and capabilities of the card include: electronic unit pump calibration; fault reporting; predictive oil change notification; and Allison MT 130 transmission fault reporting.
Technicians also can monitor electronic-control-unit parameters and clear fault codes. For more information, visit www.nexiq.com.
