Diagnose This: Maintenance on the Move
Remote diagnostics removes human error
If electronic diagnostics are a good thing, remote diagnostics are even better. For more than a decade, savvy maintenance people have benefited from the wealth of diagnostic data available from a truck's J1708 connection, as well as data from computers built into the engine and other major components. That kind of information adds a degree of certainty to the fallible nature of human communications, at least according to maintenance software maker Charlie Arsenault.
"The driver knows the feel of his vehicle. A loose front end he can tell, right? But, how does he know that the unit is running too rich? He probably thinks of it as extra power on the hill," Arsenault said.
A number of Arsenault's fleet customers use electronic diagnostics to supply that kind of information and much more — data not easily obtained any other way.
"What RPMs has the vehicle averaged over the course of a trip? How many times did the driver step on the brake? Why am I having such high brake wear," Arsenault said.
It's the kind of information that enables intelligent management in detail and in depth.
These days, there are three basic ways to gather this digital information. All require hardware and software to access a truck's J1708 interface.
Truck by Truck
The first basic way is to extract the data in the yard, truck by truck. That requires physically moving from one unit to the next. It could mean removing and replacing memory media — memory cards, for example. Or it could mean plugging in a computer cable and downloading data from the truck onto, say, a handheld computer. In some cases, the connection can be wireless with no cable needed. That saves time, but it still requires man-hours walking the fleet. For a shop operating in crisis mode, it's a temptation to simply skip that job for the day.
The second way is to download the data automatically over a wireless LAN, or local area network. In this case, the onboard computer in a truck connects with a wireless network through a transceiver at the gate or fuel pump. The connection is automatic; relevant data flows directly into the home computer.
In both instances, good software creates meaningful reports that highlight essential information in a sea of data. But even then, someone has to examine the reports — something that can be put off easily during hectic periods.
The third way to gather data is through true remote diagnostics over a WAN, or Wide Area Network. That network can be Qualcomm, Nextel, AT&T Wireless, whatever system a fleet uses for mobile communications — virtually any satellite or ground-based mobile communications provider. As in the other two methods, the onboard computer stores vehicle data for later download. But remote systems can also provide diagnostic data on demand, so a truck's condition can be checked at any time, even far from base.
Exception Reporting
Some remote diagnostic systems take things one step further to what is called exception reporting. In this kind of system, the onboard computer scans live data looking for readings that exceed set parameters. These are called exceptions. When an exception is encountered, the system sends a message without waiting to be asked.
"One exception could be, 'Gee, the engine has no oil pressure,'" Arsenault explained.
No oil pressure indicates trouble for sure. But what if the driver isn't paying attention?
If the system alerts you (with anything from an audible noise to a discreet email), you can call or message the driver right away. Some systems even allow dispatch to shut down a truck's engine remotely — with a warning to the driver and an interval that allows him to pull over. That's pretty drastic, but clearly this kind of system can help avoid everything from an expensive tow to the destruction of an engine or transmission.
"Not that we want to do away with human (driver) communication. The point is, we want to do away with human failings, like failing to adequately describe a problem or failing to know there is a problem at all," said Arsenault.
According to Arsenault, remote diagnostics — particularly with real-time exception reporting — is the wave of the future.
Diagnostics Providers
To get started in vehicle diagnostics, remote or otherwise, the first place to check is with your truck's OEM. Every major truck maker offers diagnostic tools; so do engine manufacturers and most drive train makers.
At the moment, Volvo is the only OEM that offers remote diagnostics through its optional, built-in mobile communications system called Volvo Link. Along with basic messaging and GPS location, Volvo Link can report mileage, fuel economy, engine running and idle time. Volvo Link communicates over the Orbcomm low-earth-orbit satellite network.
Among third-party vendors of remote diagnostics, the most specialized is probably Nexiq Technologies, a division of Snap-On Tools. Nexiq sells a system called eTechnician, which consists of two onboard modules, one to extract data from the truck's onboard electronics, another to transfer that data to whatever mobile communications system — Qualcomm, etc. — that a fleet uses.
But before the data gets to you, it goes to Nexiq first. The company's software formats the data and presents it to the customer fleet on an Internet web page. At the customer's option, data can be shared with, say, OEMs, for warranty verification, among other uses. According to Nexiq, eTechnician can monitor and reconfigure onboard computer settings even while a truck is on the road.
Remote diagnostic systems are sometimes available as modules with mobile communications.
• Qualcomm offers the SensorTRACS performance monitoring system that provides RPM, speed and idle data. The information is delivered to dispatch at customer-defined intervals or on demand via Qualcomm's mobile communications systems.
• Aether Systems Inc. provides a product called ADV Monitor that records and communicates engine fault codes in real time. ADV Monitor, which works with Aether's Mobile-Max communications systems, also tracks state-line crossings and driver performance.
• PeopleNet Communications offers PerformX that runs with the company's Fleet Management System over PeopleNet's communications network. PerformX automatically emails regular reports on speed, distance, fuel efficiency and idle time. PerformX also provides exception-based alarms.
• WebTech Wireless transmits diagnostic information along with driver messaging over the AT&T Wireless network.
Diagnostic capability is sometimes available from companies originally known for onboard computers that now offer logistics software and mobile communications options as well. For example, a range of diagnostic capabilities are offered by Cadec, Tripmaster and Xata, among others.
You can also get information from suppliers of J1708-capable hardware, such as trip recorder manufacturer Centrodyne, or satellite modem maker QuakeGlobal.
