Question on Vehicle Data Recorder integration

[txgp17]

OK guys,
I'm aware that the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of diesel engines typically have a very advanced Electronic Control Unit. (ECU)

Here's the question: Is the OEM computer system of the engine control capable of relaying most of this information to the laptop computer (MCT/MDT) for storage?

This would require a seperate software program and another wire connection with the Fire Apparatus. This would likely be a question for the engine guru's amoung the board. Thanx in advance.

The items required to be recorded are:
Vehicle speed - MPH
Acceleration (from speedometer) - MPH/Sec.
Deceleration (from speedometer) - MPH/Sec.
Engine speed - RPM
Engine throttle position - % of full throttle
ABS Event - On/Off
Seat occupied status - Occupied Yes/No by position
Seat belt status - Buckled Yes/No by position
Master Optical Warning Device Switch - On/Off
Time - 24 hour time
Date - Year/Month/Day

[firepiper1]

The answer I was given to that question last month was "we dont know yet," especially when it comes to commercial chassis. Some of the required information will be collected by the engine's system, but not all of it, i.e. seat belt usage. So, will the apparatus manufacturers come up with their own system, or use a combination of their own and the engine manufacturers? (basically Cummins starting in 2010) I think that each apparatus manufacturer will come up with their own ideas on how to handle it. Which could turn into a nightmare for departments that run mix of brands.

[FIREMECH1]

Well now, do you really want to **** off your mechanics, or keep them happy? We have the tools and technology. And this with me fixing or finding out what happened, and when and how.

You have a pretty black box that records everthing that the engine does (OEM), on a run. Speed (either up or down, and how fast or slow). How hard you brake and/or turn, through each is recorded. There is also an interface, that includes whether one or all seated (through seat sensors, and belts closed), who is and is not buckled in.

Unless your fire dept. is allowed access to this information through a laptop, is different, than your mechanics accessibility.

For me, I have full access of what you did, and did not do, as well as all other perimeters, of that rig. For you to do that, will cost you a pretty penny. And to note, you cannot delete, or change any of the recordings.

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

Does the "black box" plug into the same port as the OBD II to download trouble codes, and does it reset after every run?

[txgp17]

For me, I have full access of what you did, and did not do, as well as all other perimeters, of that rig. For you to do that, will cost you a pretty penny. And to note, you cannot delete, or change any of the recordings.

Details man, details! I need to know so I can "brief" the apparatus spec committe when we next meet.

[tomwnh]

Details man, details! I need to know so I can "brief" the apparatus spec committe when we next meet.

The NFPA 1901 standards that are going to take effect Jan 1 2009 will spell out what you need to know for specs on anything that is purchased on or after that date. It's all in there. Class 1 has a data recorder that will do the powertrain, ABS and seatbelt events already. I think FRC does also. The powertrain info has been available for years from the engine and trans makers. All this info has to be able to be downloaded to a laptop or PDA. Any changes you will need software from the manufacturers. To get that you will need to attend a class of some sorts and PAY for the chip or software. Below are the highlights from the new stadards on this issue.

All apparatus shall be equipped with vehicle data recorders that will capture data once per second in a 48 hour loop.
a. Acceleration/deceleration
b. Engine speed
c. Throttle position
d. ABS events
e. Seat occupied and belt status
f. Master warning switch on/off
g. Minute by minute summary must be stored for 100 engine hours
h. Must be downloadable to a PC or other device for review

If you are doing specs for a piece of apparatus you will be buying prior to Jan 1 2009 you do not need to worry about this. After that date the manufacturer knows what is needed and you will get this no matter what. Most commercial chassis will not be a problem, some of them already have the abilty to do this. If you are buying after Jan 1 2009 there are some other new items and changes to the stadard that are going to cause more heartburn than this.

[FireITguy]

Yes, you can send this data to a MDC or even a server. Do you use a cellular modem or a radio channel to link your MDCs.

We use http://www.inmotiontechnology.com/pr.../products.html . We were there beta site for this and it works like a champ. It should be on the market in a few months. Currently we have the data going to a server and then it sends out alerts on engine codes or driving habits. Our mdc vendor is in the process on intergrating this to their software.

This is a mobile router and gps device for vehicles. It is a little pricey but has all the options.

[HSFDChief600]

On my big rig at work we have something that does some of this stuff via Sat connection. It covers speed,braking,engine diag, etc and it can also record data in case of an accident. It is an aftermarket set-up that hooks up to our CAT engines. Hell it even sends in engine codes should I get one while driving....