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Lug_Nut · 07-15-2014, 08:53 AM

Here's an article I wrote some time ago on exactly that topic. An Innovative Idea For RV Transmission Control
Peter

TomAndPeg · 07-15-2014, 09:31 AM

Your article expresses my exact ergonomic sentiments.

DMTTRANSPORT · 07-15-2014, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anotherone

This allows the probability of sitting on the side of the road in the mountains waiting for the eng to cool down because it wasnt down shifted. How about toasting the brakes going down hill by not downshifting soon enough. There are several tutorials on this forum about proper shifting techniques ; I recommend you use the search feature.

Never had that problem, Mine does everything by it self in conjunction with the Engine Break

Skip426 · 07-15-2014, 11:25 AM

Probably a lot to do with power to weight ratio.
From the Allison users manual.

TomAndPeg · 07-15-2014, 07:40 PM

Having given up on hacking the keypad, I've decided to evaluate the feasibility of relocating the shifter to the driver's side horizontal console below the window. (That's one of the locations I considered prime for placing an easily reached, hacked-in rocker switch for up/down shifting.) To work, the shift panel would have to be positioned face up directly below my left hand when I lower it to the console.

I'll take some pix of my Plan B idea and post those by the weekend.

Skip426 · 07-15-2014, 08:32 PM

I know there's enough wiring to get it there , but I've got the drivers door option , so it wouldn't work ; in my case .
Then there's my co-ordination in the left hand .

I have enough trouble with turn signals wipers and exhaust brake on that side.

, see , even have to smack myself in the head with my right hand.

terry735001 · 07-15-2014, 09:28 PM

yes you can do this ... there is a after market unit out there for HD stuff but pricy

think i seen 2000$ for the system and its not made by allison but is made to be installed in one

its its own pad and servo and its DOT friendly

the allison key pad is a plug and play unit .. if your year RV every had a unit like this installed for the chassis for that year then you can swop out to the 3 plug TCM and install the pad ... thats for the 3ed gen TCMs

but i think your RV may be to old for 3ed gen units .. i am not sure
i looked in to it on my RV and have the dys some where for it

it was some thing like this
http://www.emc-digi.com/explore.cfm/smartshift/

BFlinn181 · 07-15-2014, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMTTRANSPORT

Never had that problem, Mine does everything by it self in conjunction with the Engine Break

What's an Engine Break? You have something that automatically breaks the engine? I've heard of an engine brake, that helps slow you down. An engine break? I guess it creates business for the repair shop?

DMTTRANSPORT · 07-20-2014, 06:44 AM

[QUOTE=BFlinn181;2139831]What's an Engine Break? You have something that automatically breaks the engine? I've heard of an engine brake, that helps slow you down. An engine break? I guess it creates business for the repair shop?

[/QUOTE

Oops, Brake, the nerve running from what's left of my brain doesn't always make the finger hit the right key at the right time, that's the only excuse I have...

TomAndPeg · 07-20-2014, 07:10 AM

It turns out that relocating the shifter to the driver's side horizontal console below the window is not feasible; the molded surface is not flat. I cannot imagine an adaptation that wouldn't look like crap. And I haven't even thought about what I would do with the hole that remains in the stock location.

Oh well.

Conclusion: I can't hack the Allison keypad, don't want to spend thousands on another solution (if one exists), and can't relocate the keypad in an aesthetically pleasing installation.

Apparently my dream of ergonomic downshifting has gone up in smoke.

Give me a break (or is it brake?).

Skip426 · 07-20-2014, 10:11 AM

There, their , they're, don't get the proper English thing started.
Break is right or is it wright?

Sorry things didn't work out.

Annierufus · 07-20-2014, 10:16 AM

I for one , salute your sense of adventure, and willingness to try and do something different, just think of where we would all be without people like you. And, I am just guessing, but I bet you are not REALLY done with the subject, I imagine it still holds a small place in your mind that you might return to at a later date.

Joe 1998 Itasca Sunflyer Ford 460

VanDiemen23 · 07-20-2014, 05:09 PM

So do the keypad switched interface with the controller board via a connector? If so, that's the place to hack in. Buy a mating pair and wire the paddles in parallel with the existing up/down switches. If the switches are soldered directly to the controller board then you have to make connections with wires to the backside of the controller board below the switches. Should still work.

Conformal coat is usually a cheap lacquer and should come off with acetone or lacquer thinner and can be re-coated with anything clear out of a spray can. I've never seen anyone but the military or some other oddball high-moisture environment parts use urethane.

terry735001 · 07-20-2014, 07:58 PM

for the left over hole

you can go on line and download many free 3D Pinter programs .. make your own file/ part of any shape or type

and make any thing to go back in the hold like a beep box for placing things in like your cell phone or AC vent hold for dash air .. 12v dc power plug any thing you want