JDR100 Engine Data Reader: Small Size, Endless Abilities
Product of the Month
The JDR100 engine data reader provides a low-cost way to monitor engine parameters and codes. This tool is small in size, but endless in its abilities. Designed to support J1939 SAE data, the unit is not specific to one engine; it supports any engine system using J1939 codes. The simple display allows you view up to 10 different J1939 messages in real-time and view stored messages.
A simple PC application allows you to select any of the J1939 SAE codes sent to the ECU and add them to the viewing area. The settings can then be shared with multiple JDR units and installed anywhere the CAN Bus is available. Easy to see, easy to use, providing a quick view of data.
The JDR100-TSC1 model offers speed changes at the tap of the JDRs TSC1 button. The JDR100 series offers:
- SAE J1939 text translation
- Instant access to engine codes
- Wide temperature range (-40 °F to +185 °F [-40 °C to +85 °C])
- Built-in CAN bus termination resistor
- IP67 sealed case, non-fogging display
- Ability to fit in a 2” (51 mm) round standard panel opening
- Configurable messaging using a simple application
The TSC1 model also offers 3 speed controls and speed ramping.
Fun in the Field: Saving a California Yacht
Application of the Month
Our application engineers support customers daily with answers to all sorts of questions, from simple wiring issues to life-threatening ones on the sea.
While this month’s story took place in a safe mooring in California, it was no less challenging. A 105’ yacht, originally destined to be the retirement escape for a couple, seemed on its way to becoming a money pit. With many projects complete, the engine was still not running.
The yacht has two Scania DI12 engines; one was healthy, but the other had gone into overspeed some years back and was heavily damaged. Mechanics were able to fix the physical damage, but they were unsuccessful in getting the engine running properly.
The original damage, caused by high current emanating from a starter, also burned out the governor, a Scania 1432252. The owner noticed the unit was labelled “Made exclusively for Scania by Governors America Corp.” and reached out.
We sent a new unit (GAC DSC1004), but after three weeks, many different mechanics helping and many long-distance conversations, our chief engineer, Arni, knew he needed to hear that engine.
Immediate Results
“It wasn’t in half an hour, it wasn’t in 15 minutes, it was like one minute and he got the engine purring like a kitten,” said the boat owner about Arni’s visit. “I want to thank everyone that works at Governors America Corp for helping me solve the problem on my yacht; I really appreciate your help.”
Arni was happy to provide the solution. “The owner was such a great guy, and it was just a minor thing; I could hear it right away. The hardest part was getting to the yacht due to rerouted flights and lost luggage,” he laughed.
Ever the marine engineer, Arni took the opportunity to assess the overall ship with the owner, tweaking things that did not work properly, such as thrusters and loose fuel pump wiring to a small Cummins generator. He also helped the new owner create a to-do list of tasks that had been put off too long by the previous owner.
FAQs: Your Questions, Answered!
This Month’s Most Requested Application Solution
Steve spent this month answering a lot of questions around basic troubleshooting, and said paying attention to the details mattered. The most common solution was related to mag pickups, which play a simple but vital role in speed control, providing data to the speed controller on the actual engine speed.
His first call came in from a carnival location in Illinois. The Volvo backup generator would not start. The GAC ADC225 mounted on the side of the generator led them to call GAC. With no start, the question is always, “Did it ever work?”. In this case it did at the previous location, but not now.
Starting with the basics, Steve asked them to check a number of wiring points. When they got to the mag pickup, it was not plugged in.
“Sometimes it’s that simple, just remembering to check your connections,” Steve said.
Similar calls came in with engines that were over-speeding and undershooting. In each case the mag pickup (rarely a GAC mag pickup) had been damaged or was incorrectly connected and needed attention.
GAC offers a simple mag pickup guide and more installation information here.
Where Can I Find Your Installation Guides?
Product Bulletins are available for download on our website. Go to the page for the product you purchased to find PDF versions of the Product Bulletin, Sales Sheet, Users Guide and SmartView software and/or the Interface Tool used with a given governor controller.
Do You Offer Training?
We offer sales and application training tailored to your needs. GAC applications engineers will walk you through the latest applications solutions or offer refreshers on tried-and-true offerings that outlast the engine application. Choose from a selection of information or ask for what you need. We are here to help!
Happenings at GAC
Celebrating Our Independence
We took a couple of days off to celebrate Independence Day with our families, but before that we celebrated with our GAC family.
As you can see, we take our grilling very seriously! We enjoyed the downtime when we could get it, as we have lots of product building on deck to keep us busy through the summer.