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- HD Breakout Box

PLC TestCon Datasheet

Applications

OEM Compatibility

Accessories

Related Product(s)

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 PLC TestCon

PLC TestCon - PLC4TRUCKS Trailer ABS Tester and J1708 Converter

Part Number: DG-DPA-PLC-TESTCON

The PLC TestCon quickly tests both the Trailer ABS and the Trailer ABS Fault Lamp in the tractor without the need for PC-based diagnostic applications.

It also serves as a PLC4TRUCKS to J1708 converter so that J1708 protocol adapters (such as the Dearborn Group DPA) can communicate with PLC-based Trailer ABS diagnostic applications such as those from Meritor-WABCO, Bendix, Haldex, and Wabash National.

With the addition of the PLC TestCon, the Dearborn Protocol Adapter family continues the tradition of supporting more protocols, vehicles, and now "trailers", than any other commercially available RP1210 compliant adapter.


PLC TestCon Trailer ABS Diagnostic Software Compatibility

The PLC TestCon has been tested in conjunction with a DPA 4 Plus, and supports the following Trailer ABS diagnostic applications:

  • Bendix
  • Haldex
  • Meritor-WABCO
  • Wabash National
If you have a question about an RP1210A-compliant application that is not listed, do not hesitate to contact our technical support department , as we have probably tested with that application as well.

Quick Trailer ABS Fault Check (Go/No Go) Without a PC

In the default mode of operation called "Tractor Mode", the PLC TestCon simulates a tractor and listens to the PLC data bus. If a Trailer ABS fault exists that might keep that trailer from being considered road-worthy, the "Trailer ABS Fault" LED will illuminate.

Also, in this mode, it "gateways" messages from the PLC to the J1708 data bus and vice versa so that RP1210-compliant J1708 protocol adapters can be used to run PLC-based Trailer ABS diagnostic applications.This means there is not a need to purchase a full-priced PLC/J1708 Adapter. In fact, the PLC TestCon comes with a DB15 male "pigtail" that connects directly to the DB15 female connector of the most popular brands of protocol adapters on the market.


Quick Tractor "In-Cab Trailer ABS Fault Lamp" Check Without a PC

When the "Mode Switch" on the front of the PLC TestCon is pressed, it enters what is called "Trailer Mode". In this mode, it sends Trailer ABS fault messages on the PLC databus to the tractor, thereby testing the tractor's ability to light the "Trailer ABS Fault Lamp" that was mandated by NHTSA. The light should toggle off/on at roughly 5 second intervals.

This mode makes it an excellent choice for tractor, trailer, and trailer ABS OEMs to use in their end-of-line testing without having to use a more expensive PLC solution, custom wiring, and a PC.


Trailer ABS PC Diagnostics Adapter

Serial ports are rapidly going away and are leaving many people with serial-based PLC/J1708 adapters with no way of using them on USB-only computers. The PLC TestCon is a low-cost way of solving this problem without having to purchase a new and expensive "do-it-all" (J1708/CAN/J1939/PLC4TRUCKS) adapter just to support PLC4TRUCKS.

Since most fleet service bays have several USB-based RP1210-compliant adapters that support the J1708 protocol lying around the shop, you simply plug in the PLC TestCon to that adapter and connect your vehicle cabling into the PLC TestCon. You then select the "J1708" protocol in your Trailer ABS diagnostics application and you are ready to run diagnostics. Another bonus is that both J1708 and CAN/J1939 data buses are passed through the PLC TestCon, meaning there is no need to ever unplug it from your protocol adapter.


Available Accessories and Options

Part Number Product Name
DG-DPA-PLC-BAT-CABLE This Stand Alone mode cable provides power to the PLC TestCon. It is six (6) feet in length and connects to Vehicle power by either Aligator clips or Banana connectors. Image
DG-J1939-04-CABLE This special cable lets you directly connect your DPA (fitted with a "/T" endplate) to Deutsch 6- and 9-pin truck diagnostic connectors.
DG-HD-BOX The Heavy Duty (HD) Breakout box.


Related Products

Part Number Product Name
DG-DPA4PLUS Dearborn Protocol Adapter (DPA) 4 Plus ; The DPA 4 Plus is the fastest, most rugged, most reliable, and the most versatile RP1210A Vehicle Datalink Adapter (VDA) on the market.


U.S. Patents that apply to our DPA Product line:

6,772,248 - Protocol adapter for in-vehicle networks (8-3-04)
7,152,133 - Expanded functionality protocol adapter for in-vehicle networks (12-19-06)
7,337,245 - Protocol Adapter for Passing Diagnostic Messages between Vehicle Networks and a Host Computer (2-26-08)