Ernesto (ERT)

and would say I'm very pleased. As for UI, especially for Audi's, I would say Valentine One has set the standard, with the look, and the remote display integration. It looks like it belongs within the dash/cockpit- a good model to follow.

The positive-
1- I'll vouch for the accuracy, even though the manual says 1 +/- psi, the reading have always been exactly to what my 2 tire pressure gauges read.
2- The data parameters, psi, temp and delta. Just the right amount of info
3- The price. It's fair. I've read on the allroad forums what Audi charges for OEM tire pressure monitors for folks who want to upgrade/change the factory wheels. That is too high of a price.
4- False reading are rare and easily fixed- "master reset" i.e. unplug it.
5- rattle free. A huge plus in my book.


So the negatives-
1- the size of the display
2- no auto-location detection. When I rotate my tires (every 5k or so) I have to spend a fair amount of time inflating/deflating the tires and resetting them so the proper tire location shows up on the display.
3- the battery is suppose to last "50k miles". In essence I'm 12k miles before they go out. For the price of the system I would expect close to 100k. I drive about 30k miles per year, so the sensors only last about 16 months.
4- The hard neck mount for the cigarette lighter has a tendency to 'come down' over time, causing me to constantly readjust it. I have it mounted off the front ashtray, and with a 6 speed manual I bump into it a lot.

Those are things I can think of right now. I didn't have the level of opposition that Stoney had with the install, but I got charged an extra $10 per wheel to install, not much you can do about that, but rather an FYI.

I'm a gadget geek, so if I can help you guys improve/beta future versions of the products feel free to contact me. Also if you have specific questions, feel free to shoot me an email.

Thanks again to you and your company for making such a great product, and for taking the time to post and ask us- the end users and your customers.

Cheers-
Ernesto

Richard Solomon

If you have something that plays on Audi's 3-wire or CAN system, someone here would make it work aftermarket - perhaps even me

I thought you mentioned above that your system is NOT the Audi OEM one. If true, you probably don't have an Audi-integrated box anyway Given that, I personally would like to hear that you're working with TripComp/AP or FIS/TwinData on opening your display protocol to their Audi cluster integration devices.

Kian-S8

Ernesto,
First take a look at wells ant tires forum. I answered lot of questions. I am very pleased that you are happy with the current system. It is the most accurate one on the market. The one that you have is an older design which designed to cover all of the customers in the aftermarket. Audi interior is very high tech and our display does not look very good! However the new designs will change the story.
Here are some hints for your problems:
1- Display Size: You should have the remote display. If you open it, it has a really thick back cover that does not do anything just covering the connector. If you have a good installation area which the back is covered (As I found on my 97 A6). Remove the back cover, put the screw back and apply some glue around to secure the board into the housing. If you are brave enough change the LEDs for the buttons to red to match the dashboard lights (as I did on mine). However is not a big deal to have green lights. This way you will reduce the thickness of the housing to %30 of the original.
2- There is no auto location on the aftermarket version. We have it on the OEM products but it means more accessories on your car. Difficult for an aftermarket TPMS. If you rotate your tires just follow the instructions in the display manual regarding the tire rotation. It is much easier than what you are doing now!
3- Do not worry about the batteries they will last about 6 years easy! (150Km)
4- Forget about the cigarette lighter. I confused about the configuration that you have. Tell me about your system. I will tell you what to do.
5- It is not a big job to install it. It should not cost 10$! Just needs attention during tire installation.

Thanks for the feedback. I will watch for your configuration update.
Kian

Kian-S8

Stoney,
We are using the most advanced system in our design. I have no idea about your job, but stress analysis and reliability in our job is everything. Do you ever used MSC/NASTRAN? It is the most advanced Stress Analysis software is the world (used by all of the car manufacturers). Take a look at the following link:
http://www.mscsoftware.com/press/press.cfm?pid=611&Div_ID=1

I wish you got the point

Kian-S8

Should not be difficult to integrate it to any on board computer as we have RS232 interface as axtra option. The sales for the integrated system is not high enough for your marketing team. But on the OEM versions system is integrated with the car electronics and instrument panel.

Kian-S8

Teddy,
I did a quick look at A6 in our Audi dealer which is not that far, during my lunch. Its center is smaller than 97 model and fully utilized. Install the receiver somewhere behind the dash nad put the display beside the hand brake (emergency brake) There is a good spot on 2003 model that they had. You should have it on the 2001 model too. You do not need to look at the dsplay when you drive. If there is a problem the buzzer will sound too. We have this configuration on the Morgan Cars (OEM Installation)

Stoney

All the precision in design does not help the practical aspects of installation and use that occur in the field. Example: If a watch is designed to 300 ft depth of water resistance, in practice it only gets about 100 ft because of dynamic loads. Does not matter if you use NASTRAN, or ATILA, or ALGOR. (PS: I'm a vibration and acoustics specialist in mechanical product development.)

Regarding tire pressure sensors, one cannot model well how they will be strained during installation, and how that might result in immediate or subsequent failures. You have to listen to the installers and end users. Same for finding out how the installers charge for adding them.

The feedback I gave was from an installer that had many experiences. Same with Ernesto's feedback. In both cases, you argued it away.

* Ernesto paid $10 each to install, but you say it shouldn't cost anything.

* Ernesto has a track record of battery use much below what was promised, but you tell him how much mileage and time it <i>should </i>get, which is even higher than promised.

* I told you that my installer had bad experiences and refuses to install them and why (and Scott concurs), but you dismiss it, telling me that you have really cool FEA software.

You must be new to dealing with customers, yes?

If you are in charge of developing or designing this product, I'm sorry but I'll have to pass. You seem a little on the clueless side. And if I want feedback to reach your company, it doesn't sound like you will pass it on, so why should we bother writing to you?

I think this has become a product support and sales effort on your part, and as such may get deleted because you are not a paying advertiser. You have to add value to the users here to have the right to be here; if you just use it to promote and to substitute for your own tech support forum (you don't have one, do you?), then this will probably get deleted.

Kian-S8

There is no perfest design design and we are looking for problems to fix them.
Batteries will last 6 years (150Km) and Ernesto has not any problems so far with the system life.

There are always problems with the new system as it was with airbags (the mechanics used to open the SW without disconnecting the battery). Now they get used to it. TMPS will be mandatory too, so they will use to it.

Besides I am not looking to serve you as customer service. You can call to our office for it. I am looking for your feedback. So if you are not happy with our system get a brand new allraod or A8 with integrated TMPS. Or an Aston Martin Vanquish with our system installed, then ask your friend to change the tires for you.

Stoney

<i> There is no perfest design design and we are looking for problems to fix them. </i>

I'm not sure you have formulated a complete thought, there.

<i> Batteries will last 6 years (150Km) and Ernesto has not any problems so far with the system life. </i>

Ah, I see what you mean. I mis-read Ernesto.

<i> There are always problems with the new system as it was with airbags (the mechanics used to open the SW without disconnecting the battery). Now they get used to it. TMPS will be mandatory too, so they will use to it. </i>

In my work, I met regularly with users to get feedback and to improve usability and reliability. You seem to be arguing that users "get used to it" and that some sort of regulation will make you a monopoly. Not going to happen. You, the manufacturer, have to compete and improve ongoingly.

<i> Besides I am not looking to serve you as customer service. You can call to our office for it. I am looking for your feedback. </i>

You're asking for it, but then reacting as if you don't want it.

<i> So if you are not happy with our system get a brand new allraod or A8 with integrated TMPS. Or an Aston Martin Vanquish with our system installed, then ask your friend to change the tires for you.</i>

You're losing me here.

If installers refuse to install them due to difficulty in doing so, that is <i>your</i> problem. If they pass on the cost of installing them and decline warranty repairs on tires damaged by them, then that is <i>your </i>problem. Because it increases the cost of ownership and creates a barrier to adoption. These are the reasons I don't have the system.

Me, I inspect my tires at every fillup by eye, and check pressure monthly. I'm fine without your system. As soon as you make it worth our time to buy, install, and use the system, it will sell like hotcakes.

But if you refuse feedback, but instead wait for government mandates to boost your sales, then I want nothing to do with you. I'll go buy stock in a competitor that is more aggressive in product development.

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