For Immediate Release

 

 

Innovative twin diesel digital gauge instrument panel features hi/low alarms, user programmable color touch screen and integrated switch module.

 

Brookings, Oregon — November 12, 2008

 

Just in time for off-season maintenance projects, Chetco Digital Instruments has added a new VGA color LCD panel to its line of digital gauges.

 

vGaugeG24N™ is an 8.4” sunlight viewable color touch screen display that offers a wide selection of user configurable gauges and switches. Incorporating vivid color graphics, the vGaugeG24N allows users to create 16 critical engine instrumentation functions including fluid levels, EGT, Boost pressures, oil temperature and pressures, voltages, current, tachometers, and more - warning of harmful operating conditions before engine damage occurs. When combined with an optional Wi-Fi or Ethernet module, all gauges and switches can be viewed and operated on any computer or Smartphone via an internet connection. Live engine data can be logged by way of a USB memory module for easy viewing at a later date.  The vGaugeG24N multiple data ports can switch between dual vGauge-Remote sensor units to further increase instrumentation to over 32 functions on a single display.

 

The large 8.4” color VGA touch panel has room to show all instrumentation required for dual engines on one screen. Up to 16 user defined gauge arrangements and 12 on-off switches can be accessed using touch sensitive commands. Additional gauges and switches can be added through digital expansion ports. All sensor inputs have Hi-Low alarm settings with manual override feature.

 

With concerns for high fuel prices, smart engine monitoring systems are becoming more popular to increase performance and lower operating costs. Retro-fitting older diesel engines by replacing inoperative mechanical gauges with digital display panels are now possible.

Migrating to digital instrumentation on older diesel systems can improve reliability by eliminating mechanical senders. Some mechanical oil pressure gauges for example, still perform measurements by piping oil and hydraulic fluid long distances from the engines to the helm station where breaks and leaks in the line are common. Single mode digital gauges have an electrical sender at the engine to eliminate the fluid run but still need a bundle of wires to the helm. The vGaugeG24N instrument panel improves on this by installing a 16 function remote sensor interface at the engine which converts all the engine data into a single network CAT5 cable that can then be run to multiple display panels up to 300 feet away.

 

According to Joe Burke CTO for the company, “The large color screen not only allows for dual engine instrumentation commonly found in larger vessels, the touch features make a perfect platform for remote switching as well”. By adding a separate 12 function sealed relay module to the remote sensor unit, user defined switches can be monitored and activated using color touch screen buttons. “The VGA display panel allows customers to create a truly virtual dashboard with gauges and switches”, Burke added. He continued “one client uses the gauge/switch combination to monitor and control several bilge compartments on a 120’ cargo ship”.

 

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The vGaugeG24N includes an SD Flash memory card slot to allow for field upgrade of unit graphics and firmware. A limitless number of display themes and gauge graphic styles can be downloaded from the internet and copying to the SD memory card.

 

vGaugeG24N is available in a rugged weather-resist aluminum case that can be flush mounted for use in marine environments. For automotive/RV users, the 8.4” color display can be used to replace an entire dashboard while still providing all stock instrumentation and switching functions.

 

The vGaugeG24N is bundled with the company’s vDash software program which allows users to customize the unit by picking from a selection of graphic display options and arranging one of several pages quickly accessed via the touch panel interface. Using the software tool on a Windows XP or Vista platform attached via USB interface, users can compose summary instrumentation screens with additional more detailed formats as desired. The program provides for sensor calibration thereby allowing the system to fit into virtually any application.

 

Pricing starts at $1895 for the vGaugeG24N™ and remote sensor interface unit. Other configurations and network options are also available.

 

For more information on vGaugeG24N™ and other Chetco Digital Instruments products, and where to buy, see our web site at www.chetcodigital.com or email sales@chetcodigital.com or call 541 661 2051

 

Contact

Joe Burke

Phone: 541/661-2051

E-Mail: joe@chetcodigital.com

Web: http://www.chetcodigital.com/press

Box 5359 Brookings, OR 97415

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Large color digital instrument panel allows customized gauges for multiple engines in one location. Sunlight readable touch operated LCD unit provides Graphic display of instrumentation for diesel and gasoline engines along with remote controlled switching up to 15 amps. Networking options enable access over internet and wireless devices.