Community Forums

Topman · 10-22-2013, 12:36 PM

As pointed out by Steve O. it would be a benefit to have a more accurate monitoring system for the engine etc. I like the idea...

I guess my questions would be:

How much would a system cost?

Is it a DIY project?

Do you need a monitor screen or laptop or notebook?

Can it be set up to monitor air pressure?

(my air pressure gauge is set low on my dash and is not easy to read)
Perhaps this has been discussed before but I probably missed it.
Iver.

JohnFreyja · 10-22-2013, 12:42 PM

SilverLeaf VMSpc is a system that plugs into the reader under the dash to a PC.
SilverLeaf Electronics, Inc. | Knowledge is Horsepower

I have the Total Coach System but I don't think it gives air pressures. I did incorporate my Pressure Pro system to read out at the dash VMS240.

Dupdyke · 10-22-2013, 03:04 PM

Ok I have had vmspc for about 10 years and would not run a coach without it

My old Tire sentry system tpms went bad and I have to buy a new one. Does anyone know of a tpms that will work with the vmspc software..

JohnFreyja · 10-22-2013, 04:28 PM

Check with SilverLeaf but I think the PressurePro System is the only one at this time that will intigrate with VMS system. It requires a Receiver from SilverLeaf.

nodine · 10-23-2013, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topman

As pointed out by Steve O. it would be a benefit to have a more accurate monitoring system for the engine etc. I like the idea...

I guess my questions would be:

How much would a system cost?

Is it a DIY project?

Do you need a monitor screen or laptop or notebook?

Can it be set up to monitor air pressure?

(my air pressure gauge is set low on my dash and is not easy to read)
Perhaps this has been discussed before but I probably missed it.
Iver.

There are many threads here on the VMSpc and how folks implemented their system. Do a search and you will find a lot of reading. We use a Windows based tablet on the dash to monitor the VMSpc. Others have used various Windows based computers. To the best of my knowledge it must be a Windows based operating system unless SilverLeaf has come out with a driver for the Mac or IPAD. The actual electronics interface that monitors the engine is a small box that connects to the Vehicle CAN Bus interface. The output of that box is connected to a computer by RS232 or USB. The driver interface and application software from SilverLeaf loads onto the laptop and displays the information on the screen for you to read. You can arrange that display to suit your taste. RS232 is rapidly fading from use and it is next to impossible to find a modern laptop or tablet with an RS232 interface. Some version USB seems to be the norm. It is possible to purchase an adapter that converts RS232 to USB.

Bob

super_rep · 10-23-2013, 06:16 AM

I've been running it since it was first introduced in 1996. it is always started whenever the coach moves.

wigginsjsr · 10-23-2013, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by super_rep

I've been running it since it was first introduced in 1996. it is always started whenever the coach moves.

I went with Scanguage D. Much easier one-time connection. Self contained. Provides more vital info than I could ever use. Also costs a lot less.

Dr4Film · 10-23-2013, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topman

As pointed out by Steve O. it would be a benefit to have a more accurate monitoring system for the engine etc. I like the idea...

I guess my questions would be:

How much would a system cost?

That depends on whether you choose one of their integrated systems and monitor or the VMSpc system.

The VMSpc Software is a free download. The conversion box and cables are about $300 some dollars. The best price that I have found is from RVUpgrades.com

Is it a DIY project?

Pretty simple device to hook up.

Do you need a monitor screen or laptop or notebook?

With the VMSpc you would need a windows based PC. I use a 10 inch Dell notebook that is dedicated to the VMSpc.

Can it be set up to monitor air pressure?

If you use one of the SilverLeaf Integrated products, there is an adapter that will read the Pressure Pro Sensors. If using the VMSpc there is no interface for any TPMS.

(my air pressure gauge is set low on my dash and is not easy to read)
Perhaps this has been discussed before but I probably missed it.
Iver.

Photos of my installation attached.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

norwestie · 10-23-2013, 09:51 AM

Silverleaf will have a Bluetooth device by year's end. With that, one can monitor on an iPad or Android tablet making setup and installation much easier.

walt2137 · 10-23-2013, 10:31 AM

The best price I have seen on the VMSpc is at RV Up Grades and the new VMSpc is a USB connection to the computer, I have the old style serial to USB, sure glad to here that Martin is working on the Bluetooth version. I have used the system since 2001 and would not want to run without it. You can also set the alarms to warn you at the pressures or temperatures of your choice, I have my alarms set a little earlier than the Cummins settings to give me a early warning. I run the same set up as Richard on the 10 inch lap top and Ram mount by the shift pad.

ShapeShifter · 10-23-2013, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topman

Can it be set up to monitor air pressure?

(my air pressure gauge is set low on my dash and is not easy to read)

You've gotten lots of good answers on this thread, including how it may be possible to integrate a tire pressure monitor system to it. But by saying your air pressure gauge is low on your dash, I suspect you're talking about the on-board air system (air bags, brakes, etc) and not tire pressures.

With the possible exception of certain tire pressure monitors, the VMSpc system is only able to display information that is sent across the data bus by the engine computer. I don't believe that system air pressure is available, and I can't see why the engine computer would care about that. (While the chassis and driver most certainly cares about air pressure, it has nothing to do with the operation of the engine.)

walt2137 · 10-23-2013, 02:58 PM

The chassis air pressure is not displayed, sorry I forgot to answer.

Topman · 10-24-2013, 02:22 AM

Thanks again for all the responses. Especially the pictures. Great ideas!
Now I see this is a very doable project.
Yes, I was talking about chassis air. I can't believe Monaco would put an important gauge like that in a position where you would have to duck under the steering wheel to see it.
Anyway, I think now I will have to go internet shopping.
Thanks again, Iver.

Dutch Star Don · 10-24-2013, 09:36 PM

I did a write up on how I installed mine. In the write up I used a piece of Oak for the table which I later changed to a plastic cutting board painted black.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/vmsp...ect-71163.html