VMUX questions...

[FIREMECH1]

However, am I the only one who found that the screen had a lot of glare on it, making it hard to read even with the screen was in the brightest setting?

We haven't had an issue with any glare on the screen at all. But it could be due to where it is positioned, and at what angle the screen is. As well, where and how the driver sets his seat.

FM1

[chiefengineer11]

We haven't had an issue with any glare on the screen at all. But it could be due to where it is positioned, and at what angle the screen is. As well, where and how the driver sets his seat.

FM1

If you're having problems with glare on the screen, try going to one of the dimmer settings. The biggest complaint I have is that even the dimmest setting isn't dim enough at night. Of course, that's when I'm driving a truck over the road. When responding in the local, it's tolerable because we're usually going only a mile or two.

[FIREMECH1]

If you're having problems with glare on the screen, try going to one of the dimmer settings. The biggest complaint I have is that even the dimmest setting isn't dim enough at night. Of course, that's when I'm driving a truck over the road. When responding in the local, it's tolerable because we're usually going only a mile or two.

Sorry bud, but we don't have an issue with glare at all.

Hey Box, what glare are you referring to???

FM1

[BoxAlarm187]

CE11 -

I noticed the same thing at night, I wished that there was one more dimness setting, but I was able to tolerate it. Not that bad, I suppose.

FM1 -

The glare on the screen was noticed by both myself as the driver and the different guys I had riding in the officer's seat. No matter where the sun was in the sky, it tended to make the screen difficult to read. I DID find out that the "default" setting on this particular VMUX was one setting below the full brightness setting. When I turned it to full brightness, I found that the screen was able to overcome the sun glare a little better. However, there were still several times that I found myself having to reposition myself in the seat to use my body to block the sunlight in order to see the screen better.

[chiefengineer11]

CE11 -

I noticed the same thing at night, I wished that there was one more dimness setting, but I was able to tolerate it. Not that bad, I suppose.

FM1 -

The glare on the screen was noticed by both myself as the driver and the different guys I had riding in the officer's seat. No matter where the sun was in the sky, it tended to make the screen difficult to read. I DID find out that the "default" setting on this particular VMUX was one setting below the full brightness setting. When I turned it to full brightness, I found that the screen was able to overcome the sun glare a little better. However, there were still several times that I found myself having to reposition myself in the seat to use my body to block the sunlight in order to see the screen better.

Now that you mention it, I have had a couple of isolated instances where bright sun shining on the screen has made it difficult to read. But as I mentioned it an earlier post, between the station and the scene of a run, changing settings is quite rare. So I can deal with it.

[RFDACM02]

If I could do it again, I'd take the heater/AC control out of the V-Mux as well, virtually eliminating any need for the driver to utilize the screen from the time the maxi-brake is released until it's re-applied. At least short of alarm bells for the phantom open compartments, still the only real issue we've had with the Spartan/Toyne.

[happyvalleyff]

We had an issue when our new ambulance was first delivered in 2010, as this was our first time we bought the V-Mux sustem. Had the manufacturer come to our station and allow us to move the screen around till we found the best angle and location to put it in they then built a custom bracket for it. Since then no problems at all.

[mtngael]

If I could do it again, I'd take the heater/AC control out of the V-Mux as well, virtually eliminating any need for the driver to utilize the screen from the time the maxi-brake is released until it's re-applied. At least short of alarm bells for the phantom open compartments, still the only real issue we've had with the Spartan/Toyne.

Me too. Having to look down a screen and push little buttons to fix a suddenly fogging windshield whilst driving an 83,000 lb. tower at 3 a.m. once made me miss having just a simple little dial next to the steering wheel!

[RFDACM02]

Me too. Having to look down a screen and push little buttons to fix a suddenly fogging windshield whilst driving an 83,000 lb. tower at 3 a.m. once made me miss having just a simple little dial next to the steering wheel!

Whilst? You must be playing that fiddle a lot to have developed an internet visible accent!

[mtngael]

The imprint of growing up with a Shakespeare scholar for a father I'm afraid

[FIREMECH1]

If I could do it again, I'd take the heater/AC control out of the V-Mux as well, virtually eliminating any need for the driver to utilize the screen from the time the maxi-brake is released until it's re-applied.

Funny you should note that. Our last 5 rigs, and our new 3 rigs coming, we did exactly that. Omitted the A/C/heat controls from the Vista screen to manual selections. Alot of people had complaints/issues going through the screen to make any changes or adjustments. As well, no real control of the heat output.

FM1

[RFDACM02]

As well, no real control of the heat output.

FM1

That's a good point as well. The V-Mux heat control is basically a room temperature setting. In most cases other than summer months, the heater blasts full bore upon start up and response as it tries to bring the temp up, this is loud and contributes to the overall cab noise that can partially obscure critical radio traffic. Our previous experience with headsets was not good, so we're not utilizing them currently.

[npfd801]

I should know this, but is there a setting in the programming that allows for each setting to be retained after shut down and upon restart? The exhaust brakes stays how we had it on the previous run, but the screen brightness is always too dim for use during the day, which is a pain in the butt.

I would assume this is an easy enough parameter for the builder to change?

[chiefengineer11]

I should know this, but is there a setting in the programming that allows for each setting to be retained after shut down and upon restart? The exhaust brakes stays how we had it on the previous run, but the screen brightness is always too dim for use during the day, which is a pain in the butt.

I would assume this is an easy enough parameter for the builder to change?

Those things can be programmed in a bunch of different ways. On ours, the only things that default to where they were left are the jake brake and the HVAC. Headlights, emergency light, etc. all default to "Off." lBut I think any of it can be changed to whatever you want. Our screen defaults to the normal day setting. There's one setting brighter and two dimmer. The dimmest one is too bright at night. Get ahold of Randy Smalley, he's pretty good with them.

[npfd801]

Those things can be programmed in a bunch of different ways. On ours, the only things that default to where they were left are the jake brake and the HVAC. Headlights, emergency light, etc. all default to "Off." lBut I think any of it can be changed to whatever you want. Our screen defaults to the normal day setting. There's one setting brighter and two dimmer. The dimmest one is too bright at night. Get ahold of Randy Smalley, he's pretty good with them.

May go after the builder. They're here on a fairly regular basis to fix one thing or another anyway.

[pluhrs]

Please feel free to express any concerns to pluhrs@weldoninc.com. I came across your posts, because I searched for V-MUX. I am the director of V-MUX. The display screens all can be updated from the first monochrome displays we put out in 1998 (Vista I) to the latest LCD, Vista IV (which just went into production). We actually still have service parts for the Vista I, and we will for a few more years. after that you would have to upgrade a Vista I to a Vista IV.
Top misconceptions:
Touch screen is all we have now - this is just an option and not required.
The displays is too complicated - be sure to specify how you want you dash layed out, headlights on a seperate switch etc..

Weldon/Akron Brass have been around for a long time and we plan to be around long past all of our times, so don't worry, we will always support the product and do that right thing. You just have to ask for our help.

[npfd801]

Please feel free to express any concerns to pluhrs@weldoninc.com. I came across your posts, because I searched for V-MUX. I am the director of V-MUX. The display screens all can be updated from the first monochrome displays we put out in 1998 (Vista I) to the latest LCD, Vista IV (which just went into production). We actually still have service parts for the Vista I, and we will for a few more years. after that you would have to upgrade a Vista I to a Vista IV.
Top misconceptions:
Touch screen is all we have now - this is just an option and not required.
The displays is too complicated - be sure to specify how you want you dash layed out, headlights on a seperate switch etc..

Weldon/Akron Brass have been around for a long time and we plan to be around long past all of our times, so don't worry, we will always support the product and do that right thing. You just have to ask for our help.

Thanks for the input. I've had very few issues with the V-MUX itself, but instead I have issues with our last builder's complete lack of understanding of how it should have been set up. For example, the screen is programmed to display each compartment door, but they've wired or programmed the thing in such a way that if the L1 compartment is open, then all of the compartments on the left side show open. What's the point then, you know?

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

Unless you downgrade the system, the V-Mux you order today will have a touch screen. To address the parts availability concern: You'll have to endure those parts availability problems along with the rest of us.

Such is the cause of much stress in our lives. Phrases that cause high blood pressure and ulcers among fleet managers include:

• The part has been discontinued.
  
• The manufacturer is no longer in business.
  
• We no longer provide support for that product.

C6

You forgot..."thanks for your past business, have a nice day!"

[Chief1FF]

If I were you, I would check on your "clean" positive and negative posts/connections for problems. This isn't a V-Mux issue, rather a power or ground issue.

FM1

I have a really, REALLY hard time believing this. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't, and it is because of a Node issue (V-Mux)??? I don't think so!!!

The nice thing with the V-Mux systems are, EITHER IT WORKS, OR IT DOESN'T. I can hook up a laptop and find what my inputs are, and see what the outputs are. If a headlight isn't working, I can get into that node, and have the option of turning it on, and turning it off. If I turn on the headlights with the laptop, and one doesn't come on, then it is either the bulb or a break in the wiring AFTER the Node.

You see, there are icons on the laptop to show light bulbs, whether LED, halogen, or standard. If the right low beam headlight icon is " " (quoted) and highlighted, I know that it sees it as an output. I can then trigger it on. If it doesn't come one, then the problem is AFTER the Node. Simple as that, with the whole system of inputs and outputs.

FM1

I have run in to this problem before! It is a driver training issue. V-Mux require all there nodes to power up a one time with the same amount of voltage to each node. If you have a driver who jumps in the cab turns on the battery, then starts the truck with out waiting a couple of seconds you can have problems!

Chief1ff
Mark

[chiefengineer11]

I have run in to this problem before! It is a driver training issue. V-Mux require all there nodes to power up a one time with the same amount of voltage to each node. If you have a driver who jumps in the cab turns on the battery, then starts the truck with out waiting a couple of seconds you can have problems!

Chief1ff
Mark

Absolutely correct, Mark. With our Spartan we created an SOP which seems to work. Turn the main power switch on. Wait for the V-Mux screen to show its icons. Then turn the "ignition" switch on. Wait for all of the instument panel indicator lights (except the "Parking Brake On") to go out. Then start the engine.

That allows the nodes to be properly powered up and all of the startup diagnostics to complete running. The procedure, if followed, takes about 30 seconds. I've never had a case where the crew was on board hollering at me to get going before I was ready to start the engine.

I recently read in one of the trucking industry publications that truck manufacturers and truck fleets are instructing the drivers to follow similar procedures.