Hardware
Hardware
What is Remote Vehicle Diagnostics (RVD)?
In its simplest definition it is "a Black Box that measures a quantity and signals the results to a distant point" specifically data from the EOBD and CANBus and engine ECUs. External data such as GPS or camera imagery can also be collated and transmitted.
What is an STD Code?
An 'STD Code' is telephone exchange code allocated to all towns and regions in the UK, eg. Verwood has a code of (01202) and Bristol has a code of (0117). This is not as accurate as GPS but a useful tool to indicate the start and end of journey location and when out of GPS coverage. Non UK networks offer varying service levels.
What is Airmax Remote's direct to dash [D2D] technology?
This application allows the in-vehicle RTU to see beyond simple EOBD data and listens to data at a generic level held within all the Engine Control Units [ECU's]. Data from the EOBD is often confined to emission data so this enhanced application is rich in data normally only seen by specialist equipment at your repair garage. An important data feed on D2D is fuel tank readings. Not all vehicles are compatible but most Fords, GMs and VAGs are. New models are being added all the time.
Can any vehicle benefit from Airmax Remote?
Yes, as long as they are a supported model. A list is available on request or downloadable from our support section of the web site
What if the vehicle model is not supported?
In general all models post 2001 are but certain hybrids may not be or they may behave differently when in eclectic mode. As a rule all petrol cars post 2001 should be compliant and diesel post 2003. You cannot always rely on the vehicle’s registration date either as manufacturers can influence the date of registration. Access by engineers to a non-supported vehicle will determine if it is EOBD compatible. Airmax does not support the D2D product on all makes. Ford, VAG and GM are currently offered. Other makes to follow. This iteration offers data from ECU’s and allows more reporting including fuel.
Does the system work on cars, vans and trucks?
Currently cars, car derived vans and most vans. The system does not support trucks unless it supports CANBus protocols. However some vans and vehicles up to 7.5 ton may not be compliant until 2006.
Will the RTU interfere with any of the vehicle's controls?
No, the RTU has been designed to "plug and play" and listens only and has the advantage of not being an interference with the vehicles' systems. There is no wire cutting.
Who installs the equipment in the vehicle?
We have our own team of employed installation engineers and a network of 400 UK dealers as well as contracted mobile engineers.
Is the Airmax Unit hard wired in the vehicle – can drivers find and remove them?
No the system plugs into the EOBD and covertly fitted. Yes as with all system it an be found and removed. However we can use tamperproof labels.
When and where can you install?
Usually at dealers or by arrangement at you convenience.
How long does it take to install a Airmax Remote Unit?
An average vehicle installation takes approximately 15 minutes.
What happens if my Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) comes on after the RTU is fitted?
Occasionally a vehicle manufacturer will change one of the ECU’s in a vehicle. If this is done without awareness then the MIL might come on. In these circumstances an engineer will need to visit the vehicle to evaluate. The recommendation may be to accommodate the new change with new code or to remove the ECU from the look up table within the RTU.
My rev counter stopped working after installing the RTU. Can I still drive it safely, or are other functions or sensors compromised by your hardware as well, endangering the car’s safety?
The RTU is connected to the diagnostic port of your car, which the vehicle manufacturer provides to give safe external access to vehicle data and services. The cause of your rev counter malfunction would need to be investigated, but as the RTU only makes use of data provided for external equipment by the vehicle manufacturer, it should not compromise the operation of any vehicle systems or endanger the car’s safety.
If I plug another device into the EOBD port will the RTU still work?
If any device is plugged into the EOBD port which draws current the RTU will be automatically disconnected from the vehicle bus. This feature is in place to detect and not obstruct diagnostic equipment plugged into this port.
If you remove the device the RTU should work ok.
Does the system power down on ignition off?
Generally yes but many customers prefer to leave the system powered up within work hours. The system auto powers up when ignition powers up. If you require non standard settings please contact Airmax Remote’s support desk
Does the system identify the vehicles VIN number?
Yes generally where manufacturers permit
Does the system have battery backup?
No it gets it power from the EOBD
What network shall I use?
Not all networks offer the same services or features. Not all offer cell broadcast data enabling free location services. Others do not support telematics actively or enthusiastically. You can use pre or post pay and subscribed to a data only tariff. There are new one tariff options for roaming available now
What is GPS?
GPS (Global Positioning System) is a constellation of 27 earth orbiting satellites developed by the US military, initially as a military navigation system that has since opened up to everybody else to use. A GPS receiver locates these satellites and uses the information to deduce its own location.
What is GPRS?
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is the worlds wireless data service available with almost every GSM mobile network. It enables us to access the internet, our email, video streaming and multimedia messages from our mobile phones. Airmax uses this technology to communicate location data back to our application servers.
What is CANbus?
The Controller Area Network (CAN) is the communications network which exists in all European vehicles manufactured since 1999. Two standards exist from the Society of Automotive Engineers, J1979 for cars/vans and J1939 for trucks/buses which allow us to access key information from the engine management systems.
Can I upgrade to GPS once fitted?
No it will require a new RTU.
Is the equipment mine?
It depends on your agreement but in the main the answer is no even though you may pay in advance or with a deposit
Can I transfer the Airmax Remote RTU from one vehicle to another?
Generally yes but depending on the vehicle models. Airmax Remote will usually upgrade the RTU which will incur a small fee.
Does the system invalidate the vehicle manufacturers’ guarantee?
Not to our knowledge and most manufacturers are aware of the system. The data is taken from the EOBD port designed for data access. There is no wire cutting involved. Some manufacturers are currently assessing the system to give the product their own part number.
I have a different question?
Use the Contact Us page on the website to send us your query.