Issue link: http://pfmmag.epubxp.com/i/113376
A CAN Bus (Controller Area Network) is a universally accepted protocol or code that is used by all OE vehicle manufacturers to allow them to run all vehicle systems using a series of electronic modules or electronic control units (ECU) connected together with minimal wiring. Tis saves cost and weight in the vehicle. It also allows greater fexibility and more sophisticated control of the systems used in the operation of the vehicle. Te ECUs control everything from air bags and HVAC controls to streaming your favorite song from your smart phone to the entertainment system. Each OE manufacturer uses the CAN Bus data in ways unique to them to provide the best solution for their particular vehicle���s operation and functionality. In GM���s case, they call the system installed in their law enforcement vehicles the GM LAN (local area network). For an upftter adding emergency warning equipment to a vehicle, this is an oftenmisunderstood technology and that can create plenty of headaches. For most upftters, access to the knowledge or training needed to sort it all out is not easily found. Installing anything more than a lightbar and siren can quickly become an expensive mistake if done incorrectly. p The Nautech UGI module plugs into a designated circuit in the trunk of the Caprice. It provides access to previously unobtainable or diffcult-to-fnd vehicle data for use in aftermarket systems. On-board emergency, communications and evidence-gathering equipment continues to grow in number and sophistication. Tis requires a continually higher level of integration with the OE vehicle systems to work properly and safely. General Motors has recognized this. In an efort to meet the demands of the market, GM has partnered with Nautech Electronics to both simplify the process of upftting a vehicle and enhance the integration between the aftermarket equipment and the vehicle. Teir joint development is a soon-to-be-released new product called an Upft Gateway Interface Module, UGI. Te UGI is an interface between the GM CAN system used in the vehicle and the aftermarket equipment to be installed by an upftter. Te efect of the UGI is to decode 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. Te UGI module plugs into a designated circuit in the trunk of the Caprice. It pro- t The ability to connect the car directly to the police department���s computer network allows feet managers to create reports on the status of their feets that have previously been impossible to capture accurately. www.pfmmag.com 35