Q
- How complicated is the installation of the GearMaster?
A
- A normal installation, including mounting and calibration, can
be accomplished in approximately 15 minutes. The GearMaster plugs
directly into the truck's ECM data port making the installation
extremely easy. For more detailed information, click on the
"Installation" button at the top of the page.
Q
- How about older trucks?
A
- Even
older trucks without an ECM interface can have the GearMaster installed.
In this case the GearMaster gets its signals from the Tachometer and Speedometer
"senders" which are electromagnetic coils located at the
engine flywheel and the output shaft of the transmission. An
optional interface kit is available for most older trucks. The GearMaster requires a 12 VDC
power source which can be hard wired or taken from the cigarette lighter
receptacle. Call our toll free hot line (1-866-432-7728) for
further information.
Q
- What about calibrating the GearMaster?
A
- Once the GearMaster is mounted and connected to the truck, calibration is an extremely simple
process that takes no more than five minutes. It does not
require any data or calculations relating to the transmission, drive
train, tires etc. Once calibrated, the GearMaster retains the data for
that vehicle even when the power is disconnected. Recalibration,
therefore, is not necessary unless the unit is moved to a truck with a
different configuration of engine, drive train, tires, etc. For
additional description of the calibration process, click on the
"Installation" button at the top of this page.
Q
- How many gears can the GearMaster handle?
A
- Current versions of the GearMaster can handle any number of gears up
to 20. All standard shift patterns - including 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, and
18 speed transmissions - are easily accommodated. Additional gears can be programmed if required.
Q
- Can I use the GearMaster to drive without a clutch?
A
- Yes and the effect is dramatic. Even though the GearMaster was
not originally designed to eliminate the use of the clutch, an average
driver will often find it possible to run through the entire range of
gears (even skipping gears if desired) with no grinding or jerks and
only having to use the clutch when coming to a complete stop.
Whether using the clutch or not, the GearMaster will enable the driver
to synchronize the engine to the desired gear and minimize wear and tear
on both clutch and transmission.
Q-
I'm an experienced driver and am skilled at finding my gears. What
can the GearMaster do for me?
A
- The operating range line can be very easily calibrated to your
"sweet spot," thus showing you very accurately when an
adjacent gear would be more efficient. As your speed increases or
decreases, you will be able to see the next gear approaching the
"sweet spot" so that you can time your shift to the split
second. Experienced drivers have told us that this feature is VERY
helpful in hilly or mountainous terrain.
In
addition, most experienced drivers rely on their sense of sound as they
develop their shifting technique - they can hear what the engine is
doing. In some ways this was easier in older trucks which had
noisier engines and less insulation than more modern trucks. Here
again, experienced drivers have told us that they appreciate the
GearMaster because they don't have to strain to hear their engine sound
over a loud radio or other ambient noise. It just makes driving
more comfortable.
Q
- Where did the idea for the GearMaster come from?
A
- The principle behind the GearMaster was conceived by R.J. Young, a driver and trainer with
decades of over-the-road experience in heavy trucks. It was Mr.
Young's experience of watching new drivers struggle to master the skill
of shifting which led to the "there must be a better way" idea
of the GearMaster. The design and development of the instrument
resulted from a collaboration between Mr. Young and Kent H. Price, whose
background is in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, electronics, and
technical programming.
Q
- Is the GearMaster patented?
A
- Yes. U.S. Patent #5,941,922 was issued in August of 1999 for the
instrument and for the unique manner in which the gear shifting
information is portrayed and displayed.
Q
- Who makes the GearMaster?
A
- The GearMaster is made by GearMaster International, a division of
Johnson Manufacturing company located near Salt Lake City, Utah. Johnson
was incorporated in Michigan in 1949 and, prior to the introduction of
the GearMaster, was a manufacturer of small high-precision parts
primarily for aerospace instruments and jet engines.
GearMaster
can significantly reduce driver turnover
One of the primary reasons many drivers drop out of training or leave
the industry each year is their inability to master the art of shifting
gears and to feel comfortable with operating manual transmissions.
The GearMaster has been shown to be a great aid in reducing this
frustration and helping drivers enjoy the feeling of confidence in
themselves and their equipment.
GearMaster
can eliminate transmission intimidation for your new drivers
Most new drivers (and many who are not so new) feel intimidated by the
transmission. Trainers have told us that they can see the level of
tension and anxiety rise as a driver approaches a turn or a changing
traffic condition and is not sure how to best accomplish the shift.
With the GearMaster, there is never a doubt about what gear to select and
how to synchronize the shift. This allows the driver to concentrate
on other, much more important aspects of driving.
GearMaster
can dramatically reduce the cost of training new drivers
A large percentage of the time required to train new drivers is
dedicated to developing the skill of shifting. The GearMaster is a
wonderful training tool to help the new driver visualize and intuitively
understand the mechanics of the transmission. Many trainers have
told us that the GearMaster can reduce the average initial training
program by several days. That translates into significant savings
for the school or the fleet.
GearMaster
can improve your fuel economy
Because of the large variety of ever changing driving conditions, it
is difficult to gather hard statistical evidence to determine the effect
of any new practice or technology on fuel efficiency. Nevertheless,
studies have shown that a driver who consistently operates his vehicle
according to manufacturer's recommendations can achieve a 2 to 3 percent
increase in efficiency over one who does not. By setting the
operating range indicator on the GearMaster to the engine's most efficient
range, a driver can tell immediately and precisely when an adjacent gear
would give better results. The driver is much more likely to
optimize his driving than one without a GearMaster.
GearMaster
eliminates the need and the cost of adding AutoShift to your trucks
Because of chronic driver shortages, many fleets are specifying auto
shifting mechanisms on their trucks in the hope that drivers will learn
faster and be more comfortable with the shifting process. The
GearMaster can be a viable alternative to reaching the same goals.
One
economic problem with the auto shift option is that, when the time comes
to dispose of the truck, the after-market does not value the feature
enough to adequately offset the initial cost. The GearMaster, on the
other hand, can be easily removed and reinstalled on any other truck.
GearMaster
can reduce wear & tear on transmissions, clutches and engines
Any driver trained on the GearMaster will develop a much more
sensitive feel for synchronizing engine and vehicle speeds. Grinding
of gears and excessive clutching will be reduced and shock loads to the
drive train will be minimized. Continued use of the GearMaster
beyond the training phase will help maintain the "kinder and
gentler" treatment of this valuable equipment.
GearMaster
can help drivers stay in the optimal engine operating range
The operating range line can be very easily calibrated to the
manufacturer's recommended "peak torque" range, thus showing the
driver very accurately when an adjacent gear would be more efficient.
As vehicle speed increases or decreases, the driver will be able to see
the next gear approaching this range and will be able to time the shift to
the split second. Experienced drivers have told us that this feature
is VERY helpful in hilly or mountainous terrain.
GearMaster
can improve safety and reduce accidents
There are several situations where the use of the GearMaster can
significantly improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents. These
include the following:
-
When a driver loses his gear in traffic, his attention is immediately
diverted from his driving environment and situational awareness to the
urgency of getting back in gear. Many drivers panic and sense
that they do not have compete control of their vehicle. They may
be looking out the window, but their mind and attention are focused on
getting back in gear. If a GearMaster is available, a
split-second glance at the instrument will enable the driver to KNOW
what gear to select and how to engage it. The effectiveness of
the GearMaster in getting the driver's attention back to the road has
been demonstrated over and over.
-
While we have emphasized the GearMaster's ability to indicate to a
driver which gears are available, sometimes it is important for a
driver to focus on which gears are NOT available. Take, for
example, the situation of a driver gaining speed on a downgrade and
wanting to shift to a lower gear. If that gear is out of the
operating range or off the display altogether, the driver will
immediately know that he should not attempt the downshift at that
speed. He should apply aggressive braking and make the downshift
as each successive gear comes into range. The GearMaster will
tell him precisely the earliest point at which each shift can be
safely accomplished. This will save brakes, maximize the
effect of engine braking and could prevent a runaway truck situation.
-
Another condition where it is important to know which gears are not
available is when upshifting under load on an upgrade. In many
cases, the vehicle speed bleeds off too rapidly for an upshift to be
accomplished. The GearMaster will indicate whether, and
precisely when, an upshift can be made. It will also indicate if
a downshift would be a better option. This will help prevent the
all-too-frequent and dangerous situation where the driver has to bring
his vehicle to a complete stop in order to resume the climb.
GearMaster facilitates and promotes "progressive shifting"
technique
Progressive shifting has been shown to improve fuel efficiency and reduce
wear and tear on the engine and drive train when compared to the old
"wind it up" technique. The GearMaster is much more
effective than the traditional tachometer in showing when each shift
should be made.
GearMaster
keeps your trucks on the cutting edge of technology
Industry
studies indicate that many drivers base their decision of where to work on
their perception of which employer or fleet has the better technology.
A fleet which provides GearMasters on its trucks demonstrates that it is
committed to using the latest technology and is doing everything it can to
make its drivers' jobs easier and better.