Article from Car Audio Retailer Magazine - December 2006
Sempal Automotive are pleased to introduce their new range of CAN Bus interfaces, the new ICB1 system has been designed to be used with after market audio, mobile media, cruise control and navigation systems. It has outputs including reverse gear, sidelights, handbrake, clutch, vehicle speed, RPM and ignition, allowing the product to be installed easily in the vehicle, working from the vehicle CAN Bus system.
The ICB2 has been designed for use with aftermarket satellite and alarm systems, with output signals including the drivers door, passenger doors, boot and bonnet. This allows for the new security system to be installed using the original vehicle sensors. It will also detect signals from remote control for door locking, unlocking, and status. The ICB1 and ICB2 interfaces have been designed to be as easy as possible to program into a vehicle. Each interface comes with a mini USB cable. This allows for the unit to be connected to a PC or laptop, and programming can be done via this.
The interfaces can be set-up by any of 3 methods, firstly by connecting to a PC or laptop and choosing the vehicle from the list, secondly, automatically once the interface has been installed on the vehicle via a simple procedure that allows the device to recognise the individual CAN of the vehicle, or thirdly by manually entering a pre set code number which is given in the installation guide.
The other advantage of the PC/laptop communication is the opportunity to update the devices. At present, the vehicle list stored in each unit has 60+ vehicles on it. This will grow to over 100 by the end of the year. But unlike other products, that need to be returned for updating, or simply become obsolete, the dealer can download the new database onto the device himself. Furthermore, as soon as an update is released, Sempal will update all existing stock at their warehouse. In this way, the devices do not become obsolete therefore allowing quantity pricing without fear of an over stocking problem. Every vehicle on the list has been into the SPAL workshops and the information is up to date and extremely accurate. Technical data, the programming software and the updates are available as a download from the SPAL web site, the update process takes approximately 2 minutes to do.
More and more vehicles are coming equipped with CAN Bus interfaces, including vans and motor homes. As companies begin to replace their fleet stock, it is the perfect opportunity to approach local companies and let them know how you can install tracking and security systems with ease. Sempal have already been approached by a number of high profile companies looking to use the SPAL CAN interfaces, giving them a high industry reputation. As CAN Bus interfaces are installation accessories, they have made sure the units can be programmed and installed with the minimum of fuss. As technology rapidly increases, computers are becoming an essential part of our business lives. It is worth investing in even a cheap laptop, as it opens up a much easier path forward.
Sempal also offer a range of other products including satellite navigation, tracking systems, parking distance sensors, “drive by wire” cruise control, and leisure vehicle alarms. The SPAL CAN interface ensures all these products can be fitted to any new vehicle on the database, both existing and future.
Words by Phil Curry, Car Audio Retailer.