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Old 08-10-2020, 11:11 AM   #1
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Post Looking for testers - 1998-2004 T444e & DT466

Well, here goes.

Over the last 12 months we've been developing a hardware/software package that will allow for the end user (via laptop) to reflash their own vehicles with an updated performance application. The application also allows for the user to change any necessary Optional Parameters (Tire Size, Axle Ratio, Speed Limit, etc.).

Currently, we have support for the 1998 to 2004 T444e and DT466 powered vehicles in the 3000 (3000, 3800, 3900) and 4000 series (4200, 4700, 4900). Obviously, this forum would mostly cater to the 3000 series, although there might be some converted 4000 series as well.

Here is a video we made from a visit with one of our beta testers, in case you're interested of what can be accomplished....



All of this to come to the point... We are looking for a few people who would like to be beta testers for our package. The details are as follows:

What we provide (at no cost to you):
  • The Orion USB to J1708 pass-through hardware.
  • The Orion Reflash software package.
  • The customized calibration for your application (including 7 predefined power levels)
  • Direct technical support, should you have any questions or concerns.

What we expect from you:
  • Most importantly - Regular and FREQUENT communications. If you're not going to commit to this, please don't waste our time.
  • Current vehicle modifications and setup (engine mods, drivetrain mods, installed trans, tire size)
  • Feedback on the hardware functionality.
  • Feedback on the software including functionality, intuitiveness, features, and other suggestions.
  • Drivability observations (Acceleration, cruise, smokiness, etc.)
  • Performance gains (above or below expectations)
  • Documented Fuel Economy gains (with load/weight, distance traveled, average speed, traffic conditions, etc.)
  • Any other information that you may feel would be relevant to improving the hardware or application interface.

Our goal is to provide the most comprehensive and flexible package to the Navistar communities, and that all initially comes from feedback from our testers. We also continue to address feedback from our downstream customers to make improvements and updates, but beta testers have the most impact on the finished product.

If any of this sounds interesting, if you have the time, and you are willing to commit to the obligations as described above, please PM me and we can discuss any further details.

Also, here's a few screenshots that we've shared...

(Main Screen)


(Parameters Screen)


(Test Bench with Orion Hardware)

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Old 08-10-2020, 11:19 AM   #2
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Very cool. I've had plenty of navistar stuff and sure would have liked to take you up on this offer if I had one.
If you ever do anything like this with CAT I'll definitely jump at the chance.
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Old 08-10-2020, 11:33 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
Very cool. I've had plenty of navistar stuff and sure would have liked to take you up on this offer if I had one.
If you ever do anything like this with CAT I'll definitely jump at the chance.
what he said!
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Old 08-10-2020, 11:43 AM   #4
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Join Date: Oct 2019
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Year: 1998
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Chassis: Vista 3600
Engine: T444E
Rated Cap: 24000 lbs
I am interested and would like to apply

I have a 1998 Thomas Vista with a T444E and I swapped out the AT-545 for an Alisson 2000 trans

so this would be helpful since I now have a "one off" build
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Old 08-10-2020, 11:47 AM   #5
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^ your transmission being upgraded from that 545 means it can handle more HP better.
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Old 08-10-2020, 12:01 PM   #6
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^ your transmission being upgraded from that 545 means it can handle more HP better.
Was a method to my madness lol

But I am interested in the software... You need more than just expert guru's for Beta's...

I am a duffer... I can give great feedback, from the laymen's perspective lol

But I do think my frankenstein bus is a good candidate since its so unusual
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Old 08-10-2020, 01:01 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RolesvilleMarina View Post
Was a method to my madness lol

But I am interested in the software... You need more than just expert guru's for Beta's...

I am a duffer... I can give great feedback, from the laymen's perspective lol

But I do think my frankenstein bus is a good candidate since its so unusual
Looking forward to this one. Should be a good test of what we can accomplish.
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Old 08-10-2020, 01:07 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Power Hungry View Post
Looking forward to this one. Should be a good test of what we can accomplish.

HA!

I just got your message... I guess if you are interested start with this. I bought the "wrong bus" in oct of 2019 on a whim.

at which point I guess I just kinda lost my mind.... and decided to forcefully make it the "right bus"

https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f37/t...ons-29535.html


bus however has a clean bill of health now from IH, and I am indeed interested in learning the laptop thing if I can

If I fail, I am glad to return your gear
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Old 08-10-2020, 01:17 PM   #9
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Does the programming also include improved shift points or any sort of transmission tuning? I would imagine the AT545 equipped buses wouldn't care for it.

On a side note I am a huge fan of your products, I used your tuners on the 7.3 Powerstroke i had and it makes a world of difference. Very excited to see this product in the skoolie sector.
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Old 08-10-2020, 03:08 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WIbluebird View Post
Does the programming also include improved shift points or any sort of transmission tuning? I would imagine the AT545 equipped buses wouldn't care for it.

On a side note I am a huge fan of your products, I used your tuners on the 7.3 Powerstroke i had and it makes a world of difference. Very excited to see this product in the skoolie sector.
Currently there are no adjustments to the shifting as we're only doing the ECM portion of the system. There is the option in the Parameters to select between Comfort and Performance shifting which feeds into the Allison controller, but has more effect on line/shift pressure that it does on shift points.

At some point here soon, we're going to start cracking into the Allison controllers and adjusting shift points, shift pressures, and unlocking 5th/6th gear where applicable. This would be a huge benefit to skoolies looking to get the transmission doing what it needs to be doing. This will be some months out... maybe towards the end of the year... but is definitely on the radar.

I appreciate the vote of confidence on our Ford products. We've put a lot of time and effort into them and glad to hear that they are still well received.

Take care.
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Old 08-10-2020, 03:24 PM   #11
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t444e/AT545: Not unreasonable commitments, and this is something that I'd probably benefit from. I might be moving quite frequently soon enough as well, and being a software developer I know how to do QA/feedback/testing.


I was actually thinking of reaching out about your offerings before this went up. I just hesitate at the offer because I would want to deliver on what you're asking, and since I need the rig to be ready for interstate travel, I'd want to know what the risks are.


Best of luck either way, sounds like a cool product and I may end up being a customer one way or another.
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Old 08-10-2020, 07:58 PM   #12
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I'm interested. I have a 2003 IC with a DT466E. Also a programmer by trade. I might not be driving the bus to be worthwhile as a beta tester, though - just a few 5-10 mile trips a week, lately.
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Old 08-10-2020, 10:19 PM   #13
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I see that you said 98 t444e I have a 97. Any chance it would work?
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Old 08-10-2020, 10:27 PM   #14
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I am definitely interested as I am looking for a reason to replace my 545.
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Old 08-11-2020, 12:41 AM   #15
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I am very interested, since I plan to make a few programming changes to my bus, such as regearing the rear axle (and need to reprogram the speedometer), changing tire size (from 10R22.5 to 11R22.5), idle timeout and cruise control, speed governor (if set, would be disabled) and giving it more HP. My trans is a Spicer 5 speed, which would be a good test subject for the manual transmission sector. I'm also interested in fuel economy testing as I would like to try for at least 10 MPG on the highway/mixed highway & commuting driving.
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Old 08-11-2020, 08:07 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Studedude View Post
I see that you said 98 t444e I have a 97. Any chance it would work?
We already have a product that works on the 1997 "3-Box" setup. There are some '97s that have the "1-Box" CEC module. If you have the computer bolted to the right side of the engine, it's a 1-box. If you have an IDM bolted to the cowl above the turbo, it's a 3-box.

Let me know which you have.
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Old 08-11-2020, 08:15 AM   #17
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We already have a product that works on the 1997 "3-Box" setup.

Well now! This is interesting. I didn't realize there were any chip options for the 3-box.


Next question is: can I purchase your products through the website? Can't seem to find much information.
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Old 08-11-2020, 08:25 AM   #18
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Thank you for the responses. It is very much appreciated. Very good to see a variety of vehicles in the responses.

For those who are interested, please e-mail me your contact information and vehicle specs including:

Year
Model
Engine
VIN (Optional)
Factory HP Rating (from sticker, if available)
Current HP Rating (if known)
Current Engine Family Rating (EFRC, if known)
Manual or Automatic
Vehicle Curb Weight (if known)
Any current modifications to engine/drivetrain

Please send to -> bill (at) phptune (dot) com <-

We are compiling a list of candidates and would like to cover as many bases as possible, so this information will help to avoid duplicity.

Once we have the software finish up (over the next week or two), we'll be contacting all eligible candidates to discuss the package, the software, and get everything shipped out.

We are really looking for to working with all of you. It has been a personal goal of mine for the last 15 years to create this package, and to see it finally becoming a reality has been really exciting!



Take care.
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Old 08-11-2020, 08:28 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jazty View Post
Well now! This is interesting. I didn't realize there were any chip options for the 3-box.


Next question is: can I purchase your products through the website? Can't seem to find much information.
So, we don't sell directly from the website as we don't generally handle retail sales. Most of are sales are through our dealers, but the Navistar stuff is a little different. It's one of the few things we handle directly.

Just give us a shout when you have a moment and we can get you taken care of.
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Old 08-11-2020, 08:36 AM   #20
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im in I sent you email yesterday and day before on this after we talked in PM..
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