New Cummins QuickCheck II for Dodge Ram Market

    COLUMBUS, Ind.--July 30, 2001--Cummins Inc. today unveiled the new QuickCheck II system for Palm(TM) or HandEra(TM) handheld devices designed specifically to support the Cummins 24-Valve Turbo Diesel Engine on the Dodge Ram.
    Cummins first introduced the original QuickCheck in March 2000 for the off-road equipment and commercial truck markets. The system was designed to read and capture SAE J1587 engine data quickly and conveniently using a datalink adapter that is plugged into the appropriate equipment harness. Engine data can then be displayed on a Palm handheld device in real time and also allows for it to be downloaded for use later on a personal computer.
    Unlike its predecessor, QuickCheck II serves the diagnostic needs of owners of Dodge Rams powered by Cummins electronic diesel engines. It also has an updated interface that is more user friendly.
    "The initial QuickCheck has been extremely successful in the field," said Mike Champlin, director of aftermarket e-business at Cummins. "Since its introduction one year ago, we have received requests from Dodge Ram owners wanting to know when we will have a QuickCheck for them. This new product addresses this demand from the over 360,000 Dodge Ram 24-Valve Turbo Diesel owners, providing them with a useful, affordable personal engine diagnostic tool."
    Using the parameter screen on the Palm handheld device, a range of engine functions can be checked in real time, including data from sensors and switches to engine diagnostic information, including engine load and speed, coolant and intake manifold temperatures, output torque and fuel rate.
    "Priced under $300, Cummins QuickCheck II is affordable," said Gary Johnson, product manager at Cummins. "It fits comfortably in a pocket or a palm and it's instant-on, so QuickCheck II is more practical than a laptop computer. And because of its small size, Cummins QuickCheck II is perfect for use with Dodge Rams at construction sites, in underground mines or even in your driveway."
    The QuickCheck II kit includes a custom datalink adapter, all necessary interface cables and connectors, and the diagnostic software application. The adapter easily snaps onto the Palm handheld device and can then communicate through the equipment's datalink connector. The device can be connected directly under the hood of a Dodge Ram or in the cab by running a cable through the firewall hole for the emergency brake.
    "Cummins QuickCheck II software installs just like any other program for your Palm handheld device," said Johnson. "Load it, and it's ready to go instantly."
    A separate software and cable package for QuickCheck II will be available later this year for use on commercial trucks, tractors, RVs and other applications.