Great new diagnostic products including two TPMS solutions, the innovative AXONE S multi-utility tool, NAVIGATOR TXBs and TEXA’s unique augmented reality glasses, plus the revolutionary TMD Mk3 and the practical CARe for the telemobility sector. The RCM electromagnetic rev counter for bike testing will be on display too.

TMD MK3 and TEXA’s augmented reality glasses receive the prestigious 2014 Innovation Awards.

The TEXA stand, no. 96 in Hall 8 of Automechanika 2014 in Frankfurt will consist of two floors housing 500 square metres of display area under a huge robot transformer over 4 metres high. This impressive structure will be presenting a large number of new products, not only for TEXA’s core business, vehicle diagnostics, but for the constantly expanding telemobility sector, which focuses on Internet connectivity for vehicles. The highly innovative RCM motorcycle rev counter that measures engine speed by means of electromagnetic waves will be on show also.

Two TEXA solutions, TMD MK3 Pnp and the Epson BT-200 by TEXA augmented reality glasses, have won the prestigious Innovation Award in the “Electronics & Systems” and “Repair & Diagnostics” categories respectively. Since they were introduced in 1996, the Innovation Awards have been presented by a jury of highly qualified experts (from industry, industry associations, the press and education) to the most advanced products. The awards will be presented on the 16th September, during the Automechanika opening ceremony.

In particular, TEXA will be presenting the following new products in Frankfurt:

1. SOLUTIONS FOR TPMS DIAGNOSTICS

Starting from November 1st 2014, in Europe all vehicles for passenger transport must be equipped as standard with a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).

With a few rare exceptions, tyre pressure is monitored by sensors fitted to the tyre inflation valves. Each sensor can measure pressure, temperature and movement. The sensors are powered by a small lithium battery and dialogue with the control unit over a radio link.

TEXA has developed three diagnostic solutions for TPMS: TPS, AXONE S with the TPS utility and TPS KEY. These solutions are able to diagnose malfunctions in the pressure monitoring system and dashboard warning light system and can also handle all the tyre-related jobs that fitters and service centres have to deal with on a daily basis, like tyre changes and wheel rotations.

TPS (Tyre Pressure Service) is TEXA’s basic tool for tyre-related operations. It boasts an exceptional coverage of makes and models as well as TEXA’s traditionally robust design and build quality. Its functioning is extremely simple: all you have to do is select the vehicle and TPS dialogues automatically with the valve sensors.

Moving the tool closer to the sensors allows you to activate them and check their efficiency even if they are in stand-by mode. The tool’s own display reads out pressure, temperature and battery charge level (where available), as well as identification codes and all the other diagnostic information provided by the vehicle manufacturer. If the original valve is replaced by a universal model, TPS can even program the new valve to assign it the same identification code as the old one and link it to the receiver or vehicle control unit.

AXONE S TPS

AXONE S with the TPS utility is the solution that lets you dialogue with a vehicle’s TPMS system and connect to its OBD socket to reprogram the tyre pressure control unit if necessary. In many vehicles, especially the latest models, the TPMS control unit has to be reprogrammed every time a tyre is changed, wheels are rotated, summer/winter tread types are switched or faulty sensors are replaced.

AXONE S TPS is the best solution currently available and allows tyre fitters to perform all tyre-related operations and dialogue with the TPMS systems of all vehicle manufacturers. Simplicity is guaranteed by the Android operating system, which follows you step by step, and permits instant navigation through all menus.

Among the many advantages of this great tool are its robust design and solid build and a superb 5 inch capacitive colour touch screen that clearly displays all available functions and data.

Thanks to its multiutility design concept, you can extend the functionality of AXONE S by installing the FAST-FIT and DIAGNOSIS utilities in addition to TPS. And other utilities are in the pipeline too!

TPS KEY

TPS Key is an extraordinarily technological tool that, using its USB port, can extend the functions of TEXA AXONE 4 and AXONE 4 Mini diagnostics tools, turning these into effective tyre pressure monitoring devices for complete, safe and simple TPMS operations.

TPS Key is easy to install, using the USB port provided, while the TPMS Repair APP guides technicians through all the procedures, meaning TPMS operations have never been this simple.

2. AXONE S, THE FIRST EVER MULTI-UTILITY DIAGNOSTIC TOOL

AXONE S is designed to satisfy the latest maintenance needs that have emerged as a result of constant technical evolution and the spread of electronics to all vehicle components. Today, not just mechanics but tyre fitters, suspension tuners, fast-fit centres and even service station operators have to be able to interface with and diagnose electronic systems.

Until today, no diagnostic tool really fulfilled the needs of vehicle specialists of this kind. If they wanted one, they had to buy a costly and sophisticated model intended for the all-round mechanic, though they would never use most of the functions it provided.

Now, TEXA has filled this gap in the market with AXONE S, the first true multi-utility diagnostic tool. Thanks to TEXA’s clever multi-utility concept, specialists of all kinds can finally find an economical tool they can adapt to their own needs.

There are currently three utilities available for AXONE S: DIAGNOSIS, FAST-FIT and TPS. Others will be introduced in future.

The DIAGNOSIS utility satisfies the demand for a diagnostic system that is simple to use but still incorporates all the basic functions of IDC4 software (TGS3s, Scan VIN, “SOLVED PROBLEMS”, EOBD Scan Tool, etc.). This configuration is also ideal for garages that need a second diagnostic tool to complement their main tool. It comes complete with IDC4a DIAGNOSIS software.

The FAST-FIT utility permits users to perform essential repair and maintenance tasks on the braking, air conditioning, starting, steering, instrumentation and lighting systems and even adjust certain engine parameters. This configuration also performs extremely useful service resets. It comes complete with IDC4a FAST-FIT software.

The TPS utility is ideal for tyre fitters who need a tool capable of performing operations connected with the TPMS system, including the reprogramming of control units. (TPMS becomes obligatory from November 2014.) This configuration comes complete with TPS KEY and IDC4a TPS software.

AXONE S runs TEXA’s IDC4a software under the extremely fast and intuitive Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 operating system and features a robust Cortex A8 processor and a 5 inch capacitive touchscreen with superb sensitivity and luminosity.

3. NAVIGATOR TXBs, THE NEW BIKE AND MARINE INTERFACE

NAVIGATOR TXBs is the latest generation diagnostic interface developed by TEXA for use in the bike and marine environments. This advanced tool is the natural successor to the NAVIGATOR TXM and NAVIGATOR TXB and allows mechanics to handle a large number of jobs on motorcycles, scooters, quads, jetskis, outboard and inboard engines with the utmost professionalism. These tasks include reading and cancelling errors, displaying engineering parameters and ECU states, activating devices, changing settings and configurations, resetting warning lights, configuring ECUs, adjusting carburation and injection timing, and even programming keys.

NAVIGATOR TXBs plugs into the diagnostic socket and dialogues with your workshop’s Windows PC over a Bluetooth wireless link. Older computers without Bluetooth connectivity can still dialogue with NAVIGATOR TXBs via its USB port. NAVIGATOR TXBs also communicates with the AXONE 4 and AXONE 4 Mini diagnostic tools.

An integrated 16 pin CPC connector permits use of all BIKE and MARINE diagnostic cables, including those of older solutions, while advanced hardware characteristics ensure compatibility with all the protocols currently in use in both environments.

4. [TELEMOBILITY] TEXA TMD MK3: THE LATEST IN REMOTE MONITORING

TEXA’s telemobility solution differs from those of the competition because it benefits from the vast know-how of a company with over twenty years of experience in multi-brand vehicle diagnostics. TEXA is a global market leader in the supply of diagnostic products for independent garages and vehicle manufacturers too.

In 2005 TEXA launched the TMD (TEXA Mobile Diagnostics) project to permit diagnostic work normally carried out in a workshop to be performed remotely. TEXA’s TMD device has improved drastically since then, and now it incorporates the latest technologies, is miniaturised and at minimum cost.

Previous versions of TMD have proved to be immensely popular with large public and private companies and have been fitted to tens of thousands of vehicles in car, van and truck fleets. Encouraged by this success, TEXA is now introducing the third generation of TMD, characterised by truly impressive technology.

TMD devices gather and process the information needed to:

TMD is a modular system that can consist of a stand-alone Edr black box or an Edr black box combined with a Diag remote diagnostic module or an “all in one” plug-and-play MK3 Pnp version.

TMD MK3 Edr is TEXA’s black box. This superior solution is equipped with a GPS/GNSS system that tracks the exact position of the vehicle and can tune into the European, Russian and Chinese satellite systems as well as the standard American system. TMD MK3 EDR also incorporates two accelerometers, one with a sensitivity of 16 G and the other with a sensitivity of 400 G. The system can therefore detect minor impacts with great accuracy as well as more serious collisions. A special altimeter is also included so that the vehicle’s altitude can also be ascertained. There is even a sophisticated gyroscope with an accuracy of one centimetre to implement vehicle positioning data with angle of roll along the route. TMD MK3 Edr is equipped with a Cortex A8 main processor and also incorporates a second, low consumption processor that remains active to record unusual events when the engine is switched off.

TMD MK3 Edr supports all types of mobile connection, including 2G, 3G, and 4G, and thanks to an advanced anti-jamming system, it resists any attempts to block communications with the operations centre. The Bluetooth module supports 4.0 low energy protocol, and can dialogue with all the latest mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and smartglasses.

TMD MK3 Edr can be used to implement car sharing, car pooling, E-call, B-call, and I-call functions. And it can integrate vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to infrastructure communication protocols.

TMD MK3 Diag

This miniaturised module plugs into the OBD socket and exponentially expands the potential of the TMD MK3 EDR black box by adding diagnostic data from the vehicle’s electronic control units. For example, if an emergency warning light comes on in a vehicle, the Diag module allows an operations centre to run a complete system check, identify the fault and send out assistance with all the necessary spare parts. By supplying continuously updated vehicle status data, the Diag module enables operators to plan ordinary and extraordinary maintenance activities well in advance. On top of this, the Diag module also makes it possible to receive real time data on fuel consumption, as measured directly at the float in the vehicle’s fuel tank.

TEXA’s TMD solutions are backed up by 24 hour, 365 day support from an operations centre that provides complete assistance in the event of theft, breakdown, accident or SOS call if the driver or one of the passengers suddenly feels unwell.

TMD MK3 Pnp (winner of the prestigious Automechanika Innovation Award 2014)

TMD MK3 incorporates the EDR black box and Diag module diagnostic functions all in just one unit, and also offers plug-and-play functionality for a fully automatic installation and calibration. Only TEXA has succeeded in integrating so much technology into just one a single compact device that plugs into the vehicle’s OBD socket. TMD MK3 contains a multi-brand diagnostic module, a 2G, 3G, 4G, and LTE mobile communications module; a Bluetooth 4.0 Classic and LE module, a GNSS module, two triaxial accelerometers, a gyroscope, an altimeter, and two microprocessors.

To achieve this result, TEXA has used maximum miniaturisation (BGA Pitch 0.4 mm) and also adopted a special, innovative mounting technology (for which TEXA has registered a global patent) that gives more robust mounting and a larger useful surface area for components.

The compactness and simple installation and removal of this top of the range TMD product are sure to attract the attention of various categories of user.

5. AUGMENTED REALITY BY TEXA (winner of the prestigious Automechanika Innovation Award 2014)

TEXA offers the first Head Mounted Display (glasses that allow you to use the resources of augmented reality) starting from Epson BT-200 and in direct collaboration with Epson Italy dedicated to mechanical workshops. A problem that repairers must often solve is the need to work constantly alternating looking at their hands and at the diagnostic tool, a particularly annoying situation when working in small places, such as the engine or the luggage compartments or the underbody.

TEXA has developed an application for the new Epson BT-200 glasses, the only binocular viewer with transparent lenses that is available on today’s market at a convenient price.

The use of BT-200 glasses allows repairers to look at the component they are working on in a new way. Testing a sensor or connecting and measuring with a tool by TEXA will be easy and comfortable as never before. The repairer will be able to adjust a sensor directly where it is positioned and simultaneously look at the projection of the information supplied by TEXA’s IDC4 software on glasses.

With the introduction of new electric motorization and technologies, the use of these glasses and the safety information that can be acquired thanks to the augmented reality, reduce the risk of dangerous operations as each critical point is highlighted by signals that appear through the glasses themselves and overlap, for example, dangerous components that are under power.

6. [TELEMOBILITY] TEXA CARe: THE MAINTENANCE REVOLUTION

Thanks to the Internet, this last decade has seen radical change in inter-personal relationships, money management and payment methods, travel planning, work, shopping and even entertainment. Until now, however, the Internet revolution has never really affected the world of vehicle maintenance and repair: garages are still working in the same way as they have for decades. Now, though, TEXA has introduced a revolutionary solution capable of turning vehicle maintenance and repair into a truly modern service: that solution is TEXA CARe. TEXA CARe allows garages to improve customer fidelity by offering a modern and efficient service, no longer based in a single physical place, the garage workshop, but in a virtual and far more efficient environment, the Internet. CARe is a hyper-miniaturised device (width 22 mm, length 47 mm, height 24 mm) that mechanics can plug into the OBD socket on all types of vehicle.

Despite its small dimensions, CARe possesses all the diagnostic capabilities that TEXA has developed in over twenty years of work as global leader in vehicle diagnostics.

CARe interfaces with the customer’s own smartphone using a highly intuitive application, and uses the smartphone’s Internet connection to transmit in real time all the vehicle data it detects directly to the mechanic’s computer, flagging up faults and constantly monitoring service requirements. By having the vehicle’s parameters constantly under control, garages can maintain a complete picture of servicing needs and, for example, call the customer to fix an appointment in advance when a service or oil change is due. The device also allows mechanics to read whatever errors are logged in the vehicle’s fuel injection control unit and monitor the state of dashboard warning lights. Mechanics can therefore notify the customer of any faults that could compromise the efficiency of the vehicle or, to give another example, warn them that their battery is in poor condition. CARe can be interesting for the customer too, as it presents directly on his smartphone, in an easy to understand manner, a great deal of information on the maintenance of his vehicle, and also forms the basis for future applications from TEXA and other authorised developers.

7. THE RCM ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE REV COUNTER

As was already the case with other types of motor vehicle, the latest procedures for measuring exhaust gas emissions from motorcycles require engine speed to be measured accurately. Unfortunately, the measurement systems commonly used on cars are generally unsuitable for motorcycles, which do not have an OBD socket and may not even have an alternator.

TEXA has developed RCM precisely to cater for engine speed measurements on motorcycles. The RCM rev counter is specially designed for motorcycle test applications and is the only tool of its kind capable of fully contact-free engine speed measurement, using only the electromagnetic waves generated by the arc across the spark plugs.

This signal is measured by a special spiral antenna and processed by an algorithm that calculates exact engine speed. All the tester needs to do is select the type of engine and place the RCM rev counter about 15 cm from the motorcycle, without having to remove any fairing parts.

Compared to other methods of engine speed measurement, like vibration based methods, contact-free measurement requires a technologically advanced tool but delivers far more effective and rapid results.

RCM is perfectly compatible with the latest motorcycle models that use integrated ignition coils, and comes complete with display, selection keypad and battery.

RCM incorporates a Bluetooth antenna and a serial port for the transmission of engine speed data to the PC running the emission test. RCM also has a USB port for connection to the battery charger.

RCM’s stylish design is another of its key features. RCM integrates both tool and base in a refined, modern casing, and has been put forward for inclusion in the ADI Design Index, the ultimate expression of Italian industrial design.

RCM is 100% made in Italy and conforms to ISO TS 16949, the rigorous standard required of original equipment suppliers to the automotive industry.