2012年8月28日星期二

The best way to Diagnose Auto A/C Expansion Valve Probe

Attach the gauges towards the A/C program by locating the low-pressure and high-pressure service ports. The low-pressure port could be discovered on the low side line in between the accumulator (at times on the accumulator) and the compressor. The accumulator is the cylindrical aspect attached towards the program near the passenger side from the firewall.
    The high-pressure port is positioned on the high side line amongst the condenser and evaporator. The condenser would be the radiator-like aspect situated within the front on the car, plus the evaporator is situated beneath the dash.
    Be sure the valves are closed on the gauge assembly, and attach the quick-disconnect hoses for the service ports.

Start the engine and set the A/C controls to max A/C, medium blower speed and recirculating air. Permit the method to run for 5 minutes for pressures to stabilize.

Normal gauge readings will be in between 30 and 45 psi on the low side, and 200 to 350 psi on the high side. The expansion valve can fail in one of two ways. When stuck open, it allows two much refrigerant flow, and a drop in high side pressure . A gauge reading of less than 200 psi on the high side will be seen when this happens. When stuck closed, a higher than normal high side reading will be seen. Typically, this will be over 400 psi and climb until the high-pressure switch shuts down the program. Very low or very high readings on the high-side gauge indicate a faulty expansion valve.

Tips on how to Diagnose a Subaru

Open the driver's side door and sit in the driver's seat. Uncover the scanner junction panel underneath the steering wheel. Open the panel and connect the OBDII scanner tool to the junction.

Insert the Subaru car keys in to the ignition switch. Turn it to the "On" position but do not start off the engine . Let the OBDII scanner communicate with the car's onboard computer system and read codes stored within the memory. Appear in the scanner because it displays the codes picked up. Write down the code numbers on a notepad using a pen, even if the scanner tells you what the code stands for -- you will need it later to describe to a mechanic.

Turn the auto ignition back towards the "Off" position and remove the car or truck keys from the Subaru. Connect for the Internet using a computer system and look up the codes you wrote down if your scanner doesn't describe them in detail. Write down the descriptions on your notepad.

Reconnect the scanner towards the Subaru and turn the car or truck for the "On" position again. Direct the scanner to wipe the existing codes inside the vehicle . Turn the auto "Off" and remove the scanner. Turn on the car or truck and its engine and drive it around to try and get the auto to turn on its check engine light again. Repeat the code reading process on the Subaru to confirm the same codes are being signaled by the engine sensors and the first time was not a blip. Take the car or truck to a mechanic with your confirmed information and direct the shop to make the necessary repairs.

2012年8月27日星期一

The way to Pick an OBD Scan Tool

To buy this gear, you might want to ascertain the year, make and model of your caricy or the registration documents.

Decide just how much you need to pay for this . The typical value for the OBD scanner tool as of 2010 ranges from $50 to $200. Pricing is based upon the number of functions this tool can supply for you. The more capabilities it has, the additional pricey it'll be.

Determine what capabilities of this tool will work for you. Do you just would like to read the codes? Do you'd like the ability to erase the codes when the reading is completed so it is going to turn off the light on your dash? Are you interested in a bilingual option for viewing diagnostic codes? Would you need an enhancement to hook this tool to a USB port on a computer or PDA device? Would you wish the ability to upload this tool to a computer to print diagnoses and update software?

Answering these questions will help you to make a decision which is the right tool for your tasks and personal car.

Tips on how to Verify the Trouble Codes on a Ford Contour

Locate the DLC on the Ford Contour. The location may differ slightly according to the year, but most usually it is going to be beneath the driver's side dashboard close to the steering wheel . It truly is trapezoid shaped and you can refer towards the plug on the finish of the code reader since which has to plug into it.

Plug the code reader into the DLC and turn the ignition crucial to the "key-on/engine-off" position. This can be two clicks clockwise to ensure that all powered solutions are operable without the engine running.

Follow the onscreen menu on the code reader. The battery with the Contour will power up the code reader once plugged in. You won't have to turn on a power button. There could be a few possibilities on the onscreen menu determined by what kind you're using, but most will have an "enter" button and an up and down scrolling button(s).

Scroll the down arrow until the cursor on the screen of the code reader displays "read codes." Press enter. After the command is sent, (it may take a few seconds) it may possibly display the code(s) or tell you how many were found or pending. Follow the onscreen instructions of the code reader and select the enter button to read all the difficulty codes including pending codes.

Write the codes down on a piece of paper and refer to the chart to diagnose the problem. Not all difficulty codes read by the code reader or even a very expensive computerized will reveal the problem with the vehicle. There may possibly be circumstances where investigating the difficulty code may be necessary, or certain repairs might be needed in order to proceed.

2012年8月24日星期五

Hand Tools For Automotive Electrical Wiring

Digital Voltmeter
A excellent good quality digital voltmeter or DVM is vital for measuring voltage, present and Pulse Width Modulated signals . These simple signal types are prevalent sensor outputs, along with a DVM really should be capable of measuring these signals. A superb meter will also have the capacity to check diodes utilised in solenoid and relay flyback protection.

Wire Cutters
A sharp pair of wire cutters tends to make it much easier to cut wires and wire braid in an engine harness. You will discover two varieties of wire in an automobile, the smaller sized wires inside the engine harness plus the bigger cables used to route the battery for the starter and alternator. Every variety demands a different cutter. The automotive technician ought to pick out a smaller set to reduce the wires in an engine harness and also a heavy-duty set to cut substantial gauge battery cables.

Wire Strippers
Choose a superb set of wire strippers to add into your tool assortment. The wire strippers ought to possess the capacity to strip wires from 12-gauge wire to 22-gauge wire. Look for a set that will cut and remove the insulation all in one motion.

Specialty Tools
The automotive technician will acquire special tools over time. These "specialty" tools will make working on connectors and terminals simpler. Each connector manufacturer has developed its own style of pin, socket and connector. This needs a technician to acquire a range of specifically designed for one particular brand or style of connector. The collection terminal crimping tools and wire removal tools will grow as the technician encounters diverse brands of connector manufacturers.

2012年8月20日星期一

BMW 325I Fault Code 128 Meaning



Your BMW indicates a code 128 from the engine manage module when the vehicle has failed to reach operating temperature within a set time from start up. This could imply the engine is too hot or also cold soon after a factory-set time frame.

Potential ProblemsYour BMW may not have enough coolant in the engine in the event the car becomes too hot following commence up. The car might also have a faulty thermostat or malfunctioning radiator fan.

TroubleshootingYou must examine the coolant levels as the 1st method of troubleshooting the fault code 128. Replace the thermostat in the event the coolant levels are appropriate. Look at the fan solenoid because the last part of your maintenance. You can reset the code 128 applying a diagnostic laptop. /a>

Automotive Troubleshooting for the Verify Engine Light

1.     Find the vehicle's OBD-II port. This port is on the driver's side, below the dash . Ordinarily, the port is identified beneath the plastic dash console to the left of the steering wheel. The OBD II port matches the shape with the OBD II reader's 16-pin cable connection.

2.     Connect the OBD-II reader, or scan tool, to the OBD-II port. Turn the vehicle's ignition important towards the "Start" position, but do not turn the vehicle on. Access the OBD-II reader's menu to retrieve the diagnostic information. Before retrieving information, many code readers require specifying in the menu the automotive brand connected to the scanner. Specific instructions vary according to device brand and model.

3.     Allow the diagnostic reader to retrieve the diagnostic information from the vehicle's on-board computer. This may take several minutes. Codes display on the device when the process is complete.

4.     Interpret the code. Some readers display what each code means, while others only display a diagnostic code. Retrieve code interpretation with the OBD-II reader's user's manual or through the OBD-II website.

5.     Repair the problem the code indicates . Clear the code on the device. You may also clear the verify engine light by removing the battery cable and pressing the brake and horn to remove all residual stored electricity in the on-board computer. Using this method to clear the check engine light, however, will require the car's computer to relearn operating habits. If the problem causing the trigger is not cleared, the check engine light will return.

2012年8月18日星期六

Automotive Diagnosis Tools


Spark Tester
A spark plug tester is created to go in in between the spark supply and the spark plug and verify the spark as it travels through the program. These tools used to become a easy piece of metal with a gap so you could see the spark traveling. They've recently gotten for the point exactly where the the tester will check spark intervals, temperature and heat.

Fuel Pressure Tester
The fuel pressure tester is created to test the pressure within the fuel lines as the fuel reaches the engine. It really is connected towards the Schroeder valve in the finish of the fuel rail when the engine ignition is turned on. The technician will check the gauge to view what the pressure is within the lines and compare that to the manufacturer specifications.

Scan Tool
The scan tool pulls the diagnostic codes stored in the computer that cause check engine lights and other lights on the dashboard. The scan tool is a must-have in every shop these days. They come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges--from small, hand-held devices that simply give you a series of codes to a large computer that controls all from the electrical components inside the vehicle. They all work off of the same basic OBD II--on-board diagnostic system--technology. OBD II became required in all vehicles in 1996.

Battery Starting and Charging Tester
This tool is another staple in all modern shops. It tests to find out why a battery keeps dying or why a vehicle will not crank over. It works by reading the voltage and cold cranking amps (CCA) inside the battery to determine if it truly is suitable to start the vehicle. It then reads the milliseconds it takes the starter to start the vehicle. Its last test is to check the charging power of your alternator with and without loads on the vehicle. This tool eliminates a lot of guesswork in battery problems.

Cooling Technique Pressure Tester
The cooling method of a car develops pressure as the water heats up. Sometimes a cooling technique only leaks when the technique is hot and under pressure. Because on the heat, it would take hours to properly diagnose the vehicle because you have to wait for it to cool off before you can remove parts to verify the leak. The invention of the pressure tester helped shorten that time . This method screw on for the radiator, where the cap goes, and a pump is used to achieve the 16 pounds per square inch (PSI) that the system is rated for. The technician can then look inspect the system without fear of getting burned.

Autologic Scan Tools


Land Rover
This Autologic Land Rover tool is specifically for the Land Rover brand, and it truly is primarily for automotive repair shops and vehicle dealers. This tool is compatible with Land Rover  from 1989 to 2010 as of 2010, and it is compatible with this vehicle's air suspension system. This tool options a Auto Configuration File (CCF) function, which lets you alter the settings from the cruise handle, and it comes with Flash programming.

Volvo
The Autologic Volvo tool is compatible with Volvo autos from 1996 to 2010 as of 2010, and it enables you to alter the language of the automobile method. Available languages consist of German, English, Polish and Dutch, and also the tool features a massive screen, which assists you read fault code and program data. The Autologic Volvo tool also enables you to reset your Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) along with the Engine Manage Unit (ECM), which handle how much fuel and ignition timing your internal combustion engine needs. This plan will also show you the diagnostic difficulty codes (DTCs) linked with your vehicle's problems.

Jaguar
This diagnostic tool attributes a touch screen, which means that you can interact with the tool's interface using a stylus or your finger, and this tool also functions Flash programming. You can use this tool to restore your automobile back to the factory settings, including the configuration settings, and you can customize the CCF data. Another feature of this tool is that it enables you to configure your air suspension to fix any difficulties connected with this program. This tool is compatible with Jaguar automobiles from 1995 to 2010 as of 2010.

Mercedes-Benz
The Autologic Mercedes-Benz tool also comes with a touch screen and a menu feature to help you navigate to the correct diagnostic feature, and it comes with a Software Calibration Number (SCN) Coding feature, which enables you to manipulate even extremely new control modules. Other functions of this tool consist of that you can use this  to unlock your air bags and code new keys for your car. This tool is compatible with Mercedes-Benz automobiles from 1995 to 2010 as of 2010.

Auto Radiator Pressure Verify Tools


Kits
Tool kits incorporate a pressure pump, hose and push-button thumb-controlled pressure relief valve, in addition to adapters for most domestic and foreign-made automobiles, a universal adapter, an adapter wrench, a relief valve along with a custom molded case in plastic or aluminum. Kits will also come with a user's manual. Additional adapters may be purchased separately if required.

Universal Tester
A fantastic pressure tester makes checking quick with incredibly tiny loss of coolant and no hand-pumping expected. Temperature dial gauges (a lot of are color-coded) test pressure ranges from zero to 35 pounds.

Loss of Coolant
Internal or external coolant loss, pouring white smoke, expansion tank water with brownish color, loss of oil, oil changing color and rising engine temperatures are all symptoms of head gasket or coolant system failure. A leak-down test and/or a coolant pressure test will determine this.

How to Pressure Test
A pressure release bar, turned clockwise, releases pressure build-up before removing the head from the neck of the radiator. Test the cooling system when the engine is cold with no pressure registering on the gauge. Remove the radiator cap and install the pressure tester gauge. Pump it to 10 pounds, then look for leaks in the heads, hoses, pump and rear heater core if there is any loss of pressure. Never remove the radiator cap from an engine that has been running, even if only for a short time. If there is a "sweet smell" when turning on the heater fans, coolant may be leaking at one of the heater cores, or the O-ring on the rear heater valve may be leaking. Keep in mind that leaks may occur in more than one place, so keep testing until the gauge is showing that the pressure is holding.

Hydraulic Lock
If pressure builds quickly to around 15 pounds during testing (it should hold steady at about seven [-7-] pounds), pressure is coming out through the inner head gasket. If the cylinder fills with coolant and will not turn over, this is known as hydraulic lock. Pull the spark plugs out and try to turn the engine again. This allows water to escape from the plug holes. More information click /a>.

Auto Diagnostic Tools


Inspection Cameras
Inspection cameras are hand-held video cameras that allow the user to determine inside hard-to-reach areas of a . The inspection camera is smaller and situated on the finish of a snake-like structure, allowing the camera to twist and wind its way about and via tight spaces, which includes hoses. The camera also enhances auto diagnostic security because it prevents the mechanic from possessing to reach into potentially harmful regions.

Current Limiter
Auto mechanics generally rely on hand-held present limiters to gauge no matter if a specific electrical circuit within an auto is sapping an excessive amount of energy provide from the vehicle's battery. The system, which resembles a complicated remote control, hooks straight into the auto's electric circuits, like fuse boxes, alternator leads and fan motors. By connecting the device, the mechanic can locate any anomalies inside the car's electrical method.

Code Readers
One of the most commonly relied on diagnostic tools is the code reader. This is a hand-held digital device that plugs directly into your auto and receives a special, standardized code called OBD-II that your vehicle outputs. This code will alert you to any problems with critical systems in the auto, such as engine and emissions problems. By reading the code on an OBD-II code reader, you can determine the source of your vehicle's problems.

Test and Bleed Kits
Car breaks operate using a method of hydraulics. This means that breaks operate using pressurized liquid, which if there is a leak, means that the breaks could malfunction. That is why it is important to use a test and bleed kit to determine no matter whether there is anything wrong with a vehicle's break program. The kit allows mechanics to test the break pressure. If there is an abnormally low amount of pressure, this signals something wrong with the hydraulic break system, and further inspection must be done.

Infrared Temperature Gun
The internal workings of an automobile can generate a lot of heat. However, if the engine generates too much heat, the auto may stall, or worse, present a fire hazard . That is why it is important to test the temperature of car's parts while the auto is running. To do this, mechanics use an infrared temperature gun. By pointing the gun at the interior of the vehicle, the mechanic can safely get a read of the temperature to ensure that it is not above the common threshold.

2012年8月13日星期一

Signs of Transmission Going Bad

Every single automobile, in its life-time, might have experienced a number of or even the some other tranny troubles. If the vehicle can be bound to major tranny problems, the best option would be to change it, yet that would run you a blast. Even so, prior to indication problem can attain to a point of no return, the idea constantly shows a few or perhaps the other signs of transmission difficulty. If you realize these types of indications of transmitting heading undesirable as well as the things they represent, you do have a potential for dealing with the actual transmission difficulty before it's too late.

Indications of Transmission Failure

Managing automobile or transmission troubles oneself might appear to be a hopeless job, in case you see that the vehicle can be supplying you with troubles even though moving things you should understand that a thing can be completely wrong, as well as the issue ought to set immediately. Folks often use their particular vehicles for the smallest distances that additional plays a part in the wear and tear and also dissect from the transmitting system. Indication restore charge may certainly acquire costly also to be certain that you're failing to get overcharged, it's a good idea to know what can go completely wrong using your vehicle's tranny.

Motor Mild
An average powerplant mild examine can serve as an excellent sign if some thing was to get it wrong with the transmitting. The particular check out motor light could flash for a number of causes which might or perhaps will not be associated with indication issues, nonetheless it would be very good if you don't neglect the idea. Fresh created vehicles possess inbuilt devices that notify the particular car's system and also the car owner if anything is definitely completely wrong. In case your automobile is actually suffering from transmission problems these kind of receptors can make way up shake plus warn an individual. You may also make use of a analytical application for a greater examine that may be plugged beneath the directors seat of the a key component solar panel. The device will demonstrate a program code that can high light the area in the vehicle causing the problem. Whether it shows the indication, then it's time and energy to correct a meeting together with your industrial engineer.

Incorrect Response
Your indication device of a automobile is actually specifically designed in order to move completely to another gear each time you modify that, so when this doesn't happen, it's really a certain symbol of transmitting difficulties. Sometimes kit modifications rather comfortably, nevertheless the vehicle nevertheless does not get the actual momentum the designed to acquire. This may happen as a result of over-used clutch i465 black or perhaps a much bigger transmitting problem. Poor result transmitting complaints are quite normal within autos together with automated tranny. An automatic vehicle indication is going inside the "Park" or "Drive" quickly touch if this type of doesn't happen, there may be an issue which has to be categorized shortly.

Liquid Leaking
If you are experiencing transmission liquid leakages inside your automobiles, you will find high possibilities that your automobile can be experiencing transmission issues. Computerized tranny smooth is one area which can be quite necessary for the smooth working of your respective vehicle, which in turn in case identified leaky can easily become a very serious matter. To ascertain if everything is typical with the tranny water, you will need to examine their point out, color and odor. Throughout standard conditions your liquid needs to be red colored and should use a special aroma. Should your transmitting is facing a difficulty, then this color could be african american and you will probably get a using up smell. Examining transmitting essential fluids regarding vehicles with stick shift is not that basic because they should be checked out right on the indication situation. Nevertheless, in the event you even now sense one thing is actually completely wrong it's a good idea to be checked out with the mechanic.

Bashing as well as Trembling
The consequence involving bashing and banging completely depends if you have any manual or perhaps automatic tranny. In the vehicle using stick shift, the car will make a harsh noises when you transfer the. When you've fully involved the clutch i465 black, you shift the tools then notice the mincing noise, you could have a great over employed clutch i465 black that needs a good important substitution. Within programmed microbe infections while you change the automobile gear, you can find large odds that the auto will get a jerk or indication device may wring a little as soon as you change the products.

2012年8月10日星期五

Officer in unmarked car crashes into Brown Line train — survives

Police say the officer was following her partner in pursuit of a suspect just before 4 p.m. when she drove around the closed gate, believing the tracks were clear. But she was wrong. An inbound train had cleared, but an outbound train was close behind.

The velocity of the impact left the police car totaled, partially wrapped between two train cars with a portion of it leaning on the Kedzie station house. Onlookers stared at what was left of the squad for hours as crews worked to dislodge it from the train.

But despite the wreckage, the officer was able to free herself from the vehicle. Paramedics took her to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center where she was being treated for non life-threatening injuries. The CTA train operator was also hospitalized. The veteran employee was shaken and complained of chest pains. By late Friday, his condition had improved.

None of the 30 to 40 passengers aboard the train was injured, and riders were able to get on bus shuttles to get to other stations. The CTA shut off power in both directions between the Kimball and Westerns station during the long cleanup effort. Normal service was resumed about 7:45 p.m., the CTA said.

Nearby residents said they’ve seen similar accidents before. Mike Lazar, owner of the Caldian Hair Salon across from the site said he’s seen at least a dozen crashes from drivers trying to go through the gate.

Before gates and flashing lights were added to the Kedzie station during a 2006 renovation, stop signs warned train operators to stop just before approaching the station. But the CTA removed those signs with the addition of the gates.

“We may want to relook at that stop light in light of all the accidents and maybe consider putting that stop sign back in and letting the trains come to a stop,” said Robert Kelly, chief of the CTA rail workers union. “I can’t second guess but I think it could have possibly made a difference because if a train came to a complete stop then there would be a better than average chance it would only be going 5 or 6 mph if it had been able to stop.”

Medwell Capital Corp : SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN MEDWELL CAPITAL AND SPECTRAL DIAGNOSTICS IS AMENDED

 The services provided by Medwell under the amended agreement will no longer include clinical and regulatory consulting. This will reduce Medwell's costs to service this portion of the existing contract . The scope of services under the amended agreement will consist of corporate services, including strategic planning and public relations (including investor relations), in each case as required by Spectral to support it in its clinical and commercial operations, and is set at $400,000 per year plus expenses.

"We look forward to continuing with our commitment to Spectral through this agreement and to work together to maximize the commercial value of the Spectral opportunity," said Kevin Giese, President and CEO of Medwell Capital.

About Spectral Diagnostics
Spectral is a Phase III company seeking U.S. FDA approval for its lead theranostics product for the treatment of severe sepsis with septic shock. Toraymyxin is a therapeutic hemoperfusion device that removes endotoxin, which can cause sepsis, from the bloodstream. Directed by the Company's Endotoxin Activity Assay (EAA™), the only FDA cleared diagnostic for the risk of developing sepsis. Spectral's EUPHRATES trial is the world's second theranostics trial in the area of sepsis.

Toraymyxin has been approved for therapeutic use in Japan and Europe, and has been used safely and effectively in more than 100,000 patients to date. In March 2009, Spectral obtained the exclusive development and commercial rights in the U.S. for Toraymyxin, and in November 2010, signed an exclusive distribution agreement for this product in Canada. More than 250,000 patients are diagnosed with severe sepsis and septic shock in North America each year , representing a greater than $1 billion market opportunity for Spectral. Spectral is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol SDI, and on the OTQ QX under the symbol DIAGF.

Swede in Cuba Car Crash Worried About Driver

 A Swedish politician who survived a car crash in Cuba says he is deeply worried about the fate of a Spanish colleague who was driving the vehicle and has been charged with manslaughter.

The crash on July 22 killed two other passengers in the car: Cuban dissident Oswaldo Paya and another opponent of Cuba's government.

Swedish politician Aron Modig said in an interview published Friday that he doesn't remember what led to the crash and recalls only fragments of how the car suddenly swerved off the road and how he regained consciousness in an ambulance. He said he fears for Angel Carromero, who was driving the rental car when it crashed could face up to 10 years in a Cuban jail.

"Nobody knows what's happening to him there," he said.

In videotaped testimony, Carromero said he lost control of the car when it suddenly entered an unpaved road under construction and he slammed on the brakes, causing it to skid and hit a tree.

A Cuban investigation found that Carromero was speeding and failed to heed traffic signs warning of construction.

Paya, 60, was for many years one of Cuba's most powerful voices of dissent against the communist government of Fidel and Raul Castro, though his influence has waned in recent years as younger activists gained prominence. He died along with another dissident, Harold Cepero Escalante. Both were riding in the back seat of the car and were not wearing seatbelts.

Prior to leaving for Cuba, Carromero had been fined for speeding and Spanish authorities had been working since May to revoke his driver's license. It was finally revoked on Thursday, Madrid regional authorities said in a statement.

Paya's family has said it has doubts about the official explanation by Cuban authorities.

Kalle Back, a spokesman for Modig's political group in Sweden, told The Associated Press that shortly after the crash police in Bayamo questioned Modig about the accident, but that he was then flown to the Cuban capital to be asked about his political activities.

Modig, the 27-year-old head of the youth party of Sweden's conservative Christian Democrats, returned home July 31 after what he said were five days of high-pressure questioning in a windowless room in Havana by Cuban police.

"The questions are always the same: 'Why are you here? Who sent you?' They switched between asking questions and scolding: 'Don't come to our country and interfere'," Modig told the daily Dagens Nyheter in the interview. "In a dictatorship that's no good. Of course I got worried."

No questions were posed about the accident during that time, he said.

Cuban media have reported that Carromero and Modig entered the country July 19 on tourist visas and brought €4,000 ($4,900) for Paya's organization to help organize dissident youth wings. Paya's family denies that he received any money from the Europeans. The government considers the small opposition to be subversive and objects to foreign-based efforts to support them.

"I went there with good intentions to contribute to a freer Cuba, but was jailed and questioned. Cubans are treated like that every day," he said.

The car crash happened while the four were on their way to Santiago de Cuba, the island's second largest city. Soon after the accident, speculation spread that a second vehicle was pursuing the rented car and might even have run it off the road.

Carromero, an activist with a conservative Spanish party, and Modig have both said no other car was involved, but Paya's family has asked for an independent investigation.

Modig's party had initially scheduled a news conference upon his return to Sweden two weeks ago, but canceled it at the last minute, citing the ongoing legal case in Cuba. The interview in Dagens Nyheter is the first he has given since his return; he was not immediately available for more comment.

Virtual Tech App Improves Reefer Unit Uptime, Carrier Says

Virtual Tech, a comprehensive diagnostic application that continually monitors trailer refrigeration unit operation to help avert potential system problems, is now part of Carrier Transicold's APX control system, the company announced.

The new application continuously monitors the operation of all unit components - refrigeration, mechanical and electrical - as well as the APX control system itself.

"The Virtual Tech application is like having a ride-along service technician watching the unit's performance," said Mark Fragnito, Carrier Transicold's product manager, electronics . "It helps take the guesswork out of refrigeration unit service, making troubleshooting easier and faster, and improving equipment uptime in the process.

"It's a tool that will be well received by fleet managers, owner-operators and especially service technicians, who won't need extra troubleshooting hardware, testing kits and complex troubleshooting trees to diagnose problems, because it's all automatic."

Innovative technology used by the APX control system makes Virtual Tech's diagnostic capabilities possible, Fragnito said. Unlike earlier controls, APX uses no mechanical relays. This means the Virtual Tech application can monitor more system operations, with the ability to identify more than 250 different alarm conditions, he said.

If the Virtual Tech application senses a problem, it activates the refrigeration unit's amber external warning light to alert the driver, and the alarm LED flashes on the control system display module. When the alarm button is pushed, a text message describing the problem appears on the APX display module. If a specific control module needs repair or replacement, that module's red fault light glows for easy identification.

For units equipped with telematics capability, Virtual Techis capable of relaying system status and faults to a centralized dispatcher by way of Carrier's DataTrak option.

When APX is operating in technician mode, Virtual Tech provides analytic and diagnostic information on the display module's dashboard. The APX control system dashboard generates more information in fewer keystrokes than existing control systems and can simultaneously show data from up to five sensors, providing a large overview of system performance.

Virtual Tech also records operational data so that detailed performance reports can be downloaded for review on a computer with Carrier Transicold's new TRU-Tech and TRU-View PC programs. The APX control system is standard with Carrier's new 2500 APX and 2100 APX models in the X2 series of trailer refrigeration units.

Tool Academy with Marissa Hiroko - Tech

It’s easy to let your garage turn into a chaotic mess, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here, Marissa shows us a few free and/or low-cost ideas to help control your space, so that you can put the attention where it needs to be: on your car.

Organization starts with keeping your tools and supplies from cluttering your garage floor or workplace. Here you'll see some of our power tools, extension cords and other miscellaneous equipment secured to the wall via hooks.

  • Don’t just throw your bolts, nuts and any other miscellaneous hardware into a bucket—you’l

  • We also recommend using plastic storage bins to further organize, much like the bins we used for smaller hardware.

    We also recommend using plastic storage bins to further organize, much like the bins we us

  • If you’re tight on space, storage racks are an inexpensive way to keep your spare parts an

Your tool cart should start as clear of clutter as possible from the beginning of that day’s project. Use a magnetized strip on the side to hang various hand tools, like screwdrivers, wrenches and the like, so that you can free the top for sockets and air guns.
Tool Academy With Marissa Hiroko Tool Cart

Toyota Building Engine Plant in Brazil

Akio Toyoda announced on Thursday that his company plans to invest $495 million to build an engine plant in Brazil.

Toyoda was in the country attending the inauguration of Toyota's (IW 1000/5) third factory in Brazil.

The engine factory, to be located in Porto Feliz -- 20 miles from Sorocaba -- will be ready in 2015, employ 600 people and churn out engines for Etios and Corolla cars.

It will eventually enable Toyota to produce the two models with 85% local content and thus avoid being subject to the 30% import tax.

Last April, Brazilian authorities introduced a new directive known as Inovar Auto aimed at spurring innovation by forcing automakers to invest in vehicle and component research and product development.

The move triggered a flood of inward investment in the domestic auto market by companies hoping to avoid the import tax.

Toyota plans to introduce Etios compact cars, currently produced for the Indian and South African markets, in Brazil in September, with engines imported from Japan.

"We can say that the Etios will be a car made by Brazilians for Brazilians," Toyoda said.

The Japanese automaker said the new investments are aimed at boosting local production "now that the Brazilian auto market is showing signs of consistent growth."

Sales in Brazil -- the world's fourth largest auto market after the United States, China and Japan -- fell 1.2% in the first half of 2012, compared with the same period last year, according to the National Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.

But government stimulus measures fueled signs of a rebound in June, when sales rose 22.9% to 353,200 units, from 287,500 in May, according to the auto trade organization.

2012年8月9日星期四

Tips to used-car drivers who will ride it till the wheels fall off

My grandmother Big Mama would never have approved of my philosophy about car buying.

Although I’ve bought several new cars, I’m also a huge advocate of buying used. Big Mama was not.

“You are just buying somebody’s heartache,” she would say.

Yes, there are plenty of lemons out there. But increasingly, people don’t have to argue about new vs. used. They are keeping their cars for many years. My husband and I had a 1996 Toyota Camry that we bought used and have since passed on to a niece. Today the car, which she still drives, has more than 200,000 miles.

So, being the penny pincher that I am, I was pleased to see a survey showing that the primary vehicle of 60 percent of respondents had more than 100,000 miles. Two in three survey participants said they planned on driving their cars for more than 150,000 miles or “until it dies.”

The survey also found that, overwhelmingly, people believe 10 or more years is a fitting life span for owning a vehicle. And most say that even if the economy were better, it would not change their propensity to keep their vehicle longer.

“Our data has been showing this trend for the past three years, but what is most compelling is that longer ownership has become an embedded habit for car owners, regardless of what the economy does,” said Brian Hafer, vice president of marketing for AutoMD.com. “This significant lengthening of the ownership cycle looks like it is here to stay.”

When asked how this new, longer vehicle life cycle would affect the choice of their next car, 52 percent said they would look at practicality rather than style because they wanted the vehicle to last. Helping the trend are better-made vehicles and online help for owners with repair issues.

It’s a good thing people are holding onto their cars, because they won’t get a big price break on late-model used vehicles. The price gap between new and used vehicles in many segments has narrowed significantly, said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for Kelley Blue Book. In recent commentary on KBB’s Web site, Gutierrez said new vehicles on average are selling for only 11.5 percent more than a comparable one-year-old used car. Used subcompact and compact cars offer consumers an average savings of only between 5 and 7 percent.

“While traditionally shoppers would save thousands of dollars by purchasing a slightly used vehicle rather than new, this is no longer the case, as used-car values remain near their all-time peak,” Gutierrez wrote.

Here’s the thing. If you’d like to hang onto your car for a decade or more, you’ve got to take care of it. That means building into your budget a monthly allowance for car maintenance. Notice I didn’t say repairs. I mean put money away to get regular checkups so that a mechanic can identify issues early before you’re on the side of the road with a steaming engine.

Set aside the money in a “life happens” fund (an account separate from your emergency fund in which money is regularly deposited and withdrawn to cover various expenses) so that when the manufacturer’s recommended checkups come around, you’ll have the cash to pay for them.

Don’t ignore the “check engine light.” Here’s something I learned from AutoMD.com: Ignoring that light could affect your mileage. Given the rising price of gas, that should get your attention. Your miles per gallon measure could be reduced by as much as 30 percent.

One of the most expensive repair mistakes is neglecting preventive maintenance and minor repairs, AutoMD.com says. That rattle you hear is telling you something. When was the last time you changed your engine oil and filter? Squeaky brakes? Get them looked at before you hear a metal-on-metal sound.

Yes, I know. You ignore problems or maintenance because you’re too busy or too broke. One-quarter of drivers admitted to neglecting repairs and maintenance on their vehicles mostly because of their economic situation, according to a survey by AAA. Twenty percent of survey participants said they would have to use a credit card to pay for car repairs.

Preventive maintenance isn’t optional, especially if you rely on your car to get to work. Do what you can to save up and regularly service your vehicle so you can avoid or at least minimize major repair bills that will make you cry or, worse, make you believe it’s cheaper to just give up and buy a new or used car that you can’t afford.

Student performance improves when teachers given incentives upfront

The study showed that students gained as much as a 10 percentile increase in their scores compared to students with similar backgrounds — if their teacher received a bonus at the beginning of the year, with conditions attached. There was no gain for students when teachers were offered the bonus at the end of the school year, the research found. "

This is the first experimental study to demonstrate that teacher merit pay can have a significant impact on student performance in the U.S.," said UChicago economist John List, an author of the study.

The study, "Enhancing the Efficacy of Teacher Incentives through Loss Aversion: A Field Experiment," published by the National Bureau of Economics Research, reflects the findings of other studies in psychology and behavioral economics. "

The results of our experiment are consistent with over 30 years of psychological and economic research on the power of loss aversion to motivate behavior: Students whose teachers in the 'loss' treatment of the experiment showed large and significant gains in their math test scores," said List, the Homer J. Livingston Professor in Economics at UChicago.

"In line with previous studies in the United States, we did not find an impact of teacher incentives that are framed as gains (the reward coming at the end of the year)," he added.

The other authors of the study were Roland Fryer Jr., the Robert M. Beren Professor of Economics at Harvard University; Steven Levitt, the Homer J. Livingston Professor in Economics at the University of Chicago; and Sally Sadoff, assistant professor at the Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego.

The study comes amid a growing wave of interest of finding ways to provide teacher incentives to increase student performance. Those incentives are frequently tied to student performance on high-stakes standardized tests. None of the programs have been shown to work, however, the scholars said.

The new study depends on a formula developed by Derek Neal, professor of economics at UChicago, and Gadi Barlevy, an economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. They devised the "pay for percentile" method of measuring teacher performance by comparing individual students with similar backgrounds and achievement to see what impact a teacher had on their learning.

The scholars used the formula in an experiment in Chicago Heights, Ill., a community 30 miles south of Chicago. The community has nine kindergarten to eighth-grade schools with a total enrollment of 3,200 students. Its achievement rates are below state average, and 98 percent of the students are eligible for free or reduced lunches.

At the beginning of the school year, the teachers were introduced to the experiment and offered an opportunity to participate. A total of 150 of the 160 teachers agreed to join in the study, which was supported by the local teachers union.

The teachers were randomly assigned to a control group as well as a group given a bonus at the beginning of the year, a group that could receive the bonus at the end of the year, and a group made up of teachers who worked in teams. Money for the bonuses was provided from private sources.

One group of teachers in the study was given a $4,000 bonus at the beginning of the year and told it would be reduced by an amount reflecting their students' performance — the more the students' standardized scores increased, the more of the bonus their teacher could keep. Another group of teachers was told they would receive a $4,000 bonus if their students improved during the year.

The incentives were based on rewarding teachers with $80 for each percentile of increase in their students' mathematics performance over the district average. They could, depending on exceptional student performance, receive up to $8,000 under the plan — the equivalent of 16 percent of the average teacher salary in the district.

The students were tested with the ThinkLink Predictive Assessment, a standardized, non-high-stakes diagnostic tool that is aligned with state achievement tests . Thomas Amadio, superintendent of Chicago Heights Elementary School District 170, where the experiment was conducted, said the study shows the value of merit pay as an encouragement for better teacher performance.

"Teachers do have challenges, and classes can vary from year to year in how well they perform. Testing students individually to see their growth is a valuable measure, however," he said. Teachers responsible for that growth should be rewarded, he said.

2012年8月6日星期一

Welch Allyn Devices Become First Vital Signs Monitors Authorized for Wireless Deployment Within U.S. Federal Government Healthcare Agencies

Welch Allyn, a leading global provider of medical diagnostic solutions, announced today that it has received FIPS 140-2 Level 1 validation for the integrated radio in its Connex(R) Vital Signs Monitor (Connex VSM) 6500 Series and Connex(R) Integrated Wall System (Connex IWS) 8500 Series, making the Welch Allyn devices the first vital signs monitors authorized for wireless deployment within U.S. federal government healthcare agencies. No other radios used in vital signs monitors have earned Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) validation from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which is required for wireless deployment within U.S. Federal Government agencies under the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA).

"We are pleased to announce that the Welch Allyn Connex VSM and Connex IWS devices are the first vital signs monitors authorized for wireless deployment under FIPS for use within U.S. federal government healthcare agencies," said Will Fox, Director, U.S. & Canada Marketing at Welch Allyn. "The validation of our proprietary radio demonstrates our continued commitment to meeting the needs of security-conscious healthcare organizations and enables the U.S. federal government to buy with confidence knowing these Welch Allyn devices meet their computing policy requirements for protecting sensitive patient information."

The integrated Welch Allyn radio in the devices was designed specifically for the medical market, and it operates on hospitals' existing wireless systems using 802.11 a/b/g technology. Using this radio, the device safely and securely transmits vital signs data to an electronic medical record (EMR) through the company's Connex(R) Vitals Management software--eliminating the need for clinicians to manually input data. Connex VSM and Connex IWS devices being shipped today can be upgraded in the field to FIPS validated status when version 3.0 of the radio software becomes available later this year.

Welch Allyn Devices Become First Vital Signs Monitors Authorized for Wireless Deployment Within U.S. Federal Government Healthcare Agencies

"Our integrated radio uniquely meets the demands of clinical staff on the frontlines since it was designed specifically for low-acuity areas, like med/surg floors," added Fox. "The wireless coverage in these areas may be less robust than traditional monitoring locales, like telemetry units, and this radio is optimized to work seamlessly in these areas to improve clinician workflow and reduce errors. It also provides the highest level of authentication and encryption available for commercial 802.11 networks and FIPS validation adds additional peace of mind that the data will not be breached or compromised."

Report On Global Automotive Semiconductor Market

Though uncertainties in the short term market exist, the trend for safety, environment, and affordability pose a significant opportunity for the global automotive semiconductor market . The report predicts a demand growth of 11.5% for 2012, which is based on modest predictions.

This year a decline in vehicle production growth is being observed in Europe, while growth has been predicted in North America, Thailand, Japan, Brazil, Russia, India and China regions which will lead to revenues of $26.4 billion. The increase in adoption of electronically controlled features in emerging as well as mature markets, are driving the outlook for long-term growth of automotive semiconductor products.

The recovery in the market after the drastic affect of the natural disasters in Thailand and China along with the developments in the Chinese and North American markets is driving the growth of the automotive semiconductor revenue in 2012. Electronics innovations to provide driver information, advanced safety, pure and hybrid electric vehicles are also driving the growth.

The present Eurozone sovereign debt crisis will be a major factor in affecting the short term outlook on the global automotive semiconductor market.

The report is titled “Automotive Semiconductor Demand Forecast 2010 – 2019.”
Strategy Analytics offers advisory services as well as consulting and actionable market intelligence for wireless , mobile and digital consumer and automotive electronics firms. The company has offices in Asia, North America and Europe.

PhRMA Trade Association Selects Medidata Solutions' Extensive Real-world Cost Databases for Clinical Trial Analysis

The major trade group for the global pharmaceutical industry, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and economic consulting firm Analysis Group, Inc. (AG) have selected benchmark industry tools from Medidata Solutions MDSO -0.19% as the key input for research into the costs of post-approval clinical trials. 

Clinical trials are one of the costliest areas in bringing safe and effective new treatments to patients. After a medicine has been approved for initial use, pharmaceutical companies often invest further in determining its effectiveness and safety for new populations, such as pediatric patients. PhRMA and AG are analyzing the costs associated with these post-approval trials, identifying cost drivers and variations. 

The research will rely on the world's largest databases of negotiated clinical costs from Medidata Grants Manager(R) and Medidata CRO Contractor(R), which have the PICAS(R) and CROCAS(R) databases containing hundreds of thousands of data points from actual executed protocols, investigator grants and other contracts from pharmaceutical and other research sponsors. 

-- "Research on a new medicine often continues long after marketing approval, generating crucial information on a medicine's safety in a broader population and potential efficacy for new indications. Efficiently and effectively conducting these clinical trials is key to industry's ability to provide new and improved treatment options to patients," said Lori Reilly, vice president of policy and research, PhRMA. "Medidata's benchmark cost database solutions are ideal for helping us understand factors affecting post-approval research." 

Working with AG, a widely-recognized group of health economics experts, PhRMA will deliver the key data points that will form the foundation of this research.
-- "We will be examining how cost factors vary across indications and uses, allowing us to build on past research," said Genia Long, managing principal, Analysis Group. "Medidata's detailed clinical trial data allows for thorough investigation of drivers of clinical trial costs." 

Medidata Grants Manager and Medidata CRO Contractor are widely used by pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies and contract research organizations to conduct fair and efficient trial planning, budget development and grant negotiation. Considered the industry standard for measuring trial cost trends, these globally accessible analytic tools have also been used for research by the National Bureau of Economic Research and other research organizations. 

-- "Our data-based trial planning solutions are widely used by drug companies to rein in trial costs through efficient planning, negotiation and management," said Glen de Vries, president, Medidata Solutions. "We are very pleased that these tools are also underpinning some of the most important research in pharmaceutical economics, helping develop new industry strategies to streamline the research process."

Broadcom Announces Full-Band Capture Remote Diagnostic Tools for Cable Operators

Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced a full suite of remote monitoring and diagnostic capabilities based on its Full-Band Capture digital tuning technology. By capturing the entire 1GHz cable spectrum, Broadcom's remote diagnostics provide access to real-time data and visibility into a user's home coax network for quick problem diagnosis and better overall customer service.  

Broadcom's Full-Band Capture Remote Diagnostics technology can be implemented on the company's entire cable set-top box, gateway and modem platforms using Full-Band Capture digital tuning technology chipsets.  Tailored to individual operator needs, operators can gather troubleshooting information without impacting customer video or data service.  New remote diagnostics features include:

Advanced diagnostic capabilities including demodulator statistics and RF spectrum analyzer functions.
Active non-intrusive monitoring to provide continual checks without impacting user viewing or broadband experience.
Integration with the TR-69 protocol, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) or other web server-based protocols to provide both remote and home access to real-time RF diagnostics data.

Availability
Broadcom's Full-Band Capture Diagnostics platforms are available today and supported on all cable set-top box, modem and gateway platforms with Full-Band Capture digital tuning technology.

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Quote
Dan Marotta, Broadcom's Executive Vice President and General Manager, Broadband Communications Group:
"Broadcom's breakthrough Full-Band Capture digital tuning technology not only gives operators the flexibility to deliver more channels and services at a lower cost, but it also enables the ability to deliver remote diagnostic services.  This service is not only delivering a vastly improved customer service experience, but also facilitates huge cost savings for operators."