With the growth of hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) sales, workshop customers need to accurately and safely take high voltage (HV) electrical measurements associated with the technology – Hella Gutmann supplies the equipment, and Neil Hilton offers the insight:
Following the recent introduction of the mega macs X and macsRemote diagnostic devices, Hella Gutmann has again addressed the future with the addition of another ‘must-have’ tool for workshops.
HV vehicles are here to stay, so the safe and accurate measurement of their electrical voltage is a necessity for workshops that intend to stay in the game, because they don’t want to be turning away business to the vehicle manufacturers’ (VMs) franchised dealers or other more future oriented competitors; therefore, they need a tool to allow them to undertake repairs and diagnosis on these vehicles.
Introducing…
The Hella Gutmann MT-HV module, was specifically created for work on electric and hybrid vehicles and utilises permanently integrated HV measurement technology; however, it also incorporates a slot where the more familiar MT-56 and MT-77 low voltage (LV) modules can be inserted, which transforms the MT-HV into a wireless measurement module for both LV and HV measurements – it’s the perfect tool to offer your workshop customers.
Specially designed for HV measurements, the cables of the MT-HV, have a thick cross-section that makes them easy to hold while wearing protective gloves, also encompass safety features, such as the contact switch that must be held when taking the measurement. In addition, if necessary, the measuring tips can also be easily replaced and even be used with VM specific, HV adapters.
As an internal battery provides its power supply, apart from the measuring cables, there is no lead or connection that could be a distraction or safety risk when work is being carried out on HV components. The MT-HV operates wirelessly, with its control unit communicating with a Hella Gutmann mega macs X, for example, via Bluetooth.
Just as we have done with the mega macs X, we have also changed the way the software licences for the device can be set and changed to suit the immediate requirements of the workshop.
For instance, provided that the right accessories are used, such as the appropriate measuring tips and terminals, as well as the correct ampere clamps to match the current, the MT-HV with a LV module inserted, can be used with a basic X3/X4 software licence. This allows the measurement technology to function as a two-channel, digital multimeter and ultrafast oscilloscope, exclusively for LV measurements. In addition, in conjunction with a MT-77, it can be connected to LPD kit sensors and is able to perform pressure measurements.
The mega macs X
The mega macs X provides flexibility with an array of options when it comes to both hardware and software configurations. It allows individual workshops to choose whether they wish to combine their existing desktop browsers or tablets with the mega macs X or move to a totally mega macs driven platform. This variability means that, should the workshop’s requirements change, then it is able to alter the mega macs X setup to match.
The mega macs X is not only flexible in terms of hardware, thanks to the different software modules that are available, workshops also have a choice when it comes to the scope of the services that can be accessed. This ensures that the workshop is always able to gear the service level it requires to the needs of its customers and, if necessary, the software module altered to do so.
The mega macs X is also very different in appearance, as it has neither a display nor a keypad. At first glance, the wired OBD plug with integrated LED lighting looks like a modern, neatly designed Bluetooth VCI, which incidentally it is, but this future-orientated and flexible solution is also the most advanced diagnostic tool Hella Gutmann has developed.
Another major selling point is that it incorporates the processor, diagnostic software and integrated diagnostic protocols, which includes among others, the CAN FD and DoIP for recent vehicle models, such as Škoda Octavia, Volvo XC 90 and Golf 8 of Volkswagen, and communicates on wirelessly.
The mega macs X approach also allows workshops to control their overheads, as beyond the one-off costs to purchase the mega macs X hardware and relevant SDI X software, the only ongoing costs are for the associated annual licence, which includes any updates and system improvements.
As with the other mega macs devices in the Hella Gutmann line-up, the mega macs X is equipped with ADAS calibration software, which is now a ‘must-have’ feature. In addition, however, it also comes with a Cyber Security Management (CSM) function.
This means that instead of having to register individually with each VM portal to obtain diagnostic releases for their customers’ vehicles, a one-time authentication, activated by proof of identification by passport or identity card, is all that’s needed for a mega macs user to have a clear path to work on all vehicles with a security lock, at the usual diagnostic depth.
The macsRemote
The macsRemote provides diagnostic access to newer vehicles and allows independents to legitimately access VMs’ own tools, to diagnose diagnostic faults and activate solutions, from the moment it leaves the showroom.
