Issue link: http://pfmmag.epubxp.com/i/113376
FOCUS Upftting I Nautech Upft Gateway Interface ARTICLE SUMMARY Upftting is becoming more technically sophisticated. It requires a continually higher level of integration with the OE vehicle systems. General Motors recognized this and partnered with Nautech Electronics to both simplify the process of upftting a vehicle and enhance the integration between the aftermarket equipment and the vehicle. Their upftting solution is a new product called an Upft Gateway Interface Module. MORE INFORMATION www.kerr-industries.com www.feet.gm.com www.nautech.com p The Nautech UGI decodes the GM data so it is available to upftters in a form that will allow them to more closely and safely integrate aftermarket equipment into the vehicle without risk of damage to the OE vehicle systems. GATEWAY INTERFACE P roper equipment and vehicle integration is one of the biggest challenges faced by upftters today. This is regardless of the emergency equipment they are installing, and regardless of the vehicle they are putting it into. Other challenges are upftting ergonomics and aftermarket equipment quality. End users expect the aftermarket equipment to work in concert with the vehicle. 34 Police Fleet Manager Jan-Feb 2013 When it doesn���t, upfitters and the dealer who sold the vehicle have the responsibility to sort out why not. For the upfitter, no matter who they are, private business or government facility, this is getting harder every day. It is not just about the upfit anymore. Carmakers have continually improved vehicle technology by adding an increasing number of electronic devices used to replace mechanical systems and provide additional An ideal upftting interface in a complicated automotive world BY KERR INDUSTRIES ENGINEERING STAFF convenience and safety features within their vehicles. Until the mid-1990s, enormous amounts of wire were used throughout the vehicle to connect the various electronic components. Tanks to the invention of the CAN Bus system by Robert Bosch GmBH, things have changed. Today, all vehicles use a derivative of this innovative technology.