REED CITY, MI—Smart Power has introduced an exciting and powerful control system for its generators using an SAE J1939 approved format that integrates with a vehicle's multiplexing system.

John Woltman, president of Smart Power Systems, says the company's generators "will uniquely provide trucks J1939-compatible communication plus advanced diagnostic capabilities."

J1939 covers the design and use of devices that transmit electronic signals and control information among a vehicle's components. When used as an application layer, J1939 provides important communications between the engine control, transmission control, vehicle body control, and other applicable subcontrol systems.

The patented Smart Power J1939 system gives the operator the advantage of monitoring and controlling the generator from any multiplex display.

The Smart Power Systems SAE J1939 integrated form provides remote diagnostics and control, both centralized or dispersed, Woltman says, allows for the lowest possible downtime through its advanced diagnostics, and improves generator systems downtime protection.

The system provides real-time vital operating parameters and diagnostics such as voltage, temperature, current, true system pressure, calculated load in kilowatts, and power factor, among others, Woltman adds. 

According to Dr. Demetris Agrotis, vice president, engineering, the important advantages of using the patented Smart Power J1939 system include the ability to control and monitor the generator system from any multiplex display, being able to customize the display for the information needed (based on the user's requirements), and the operator’s power to view warnings and alarms in plain language from all multiplex displays and then take immediate action.

"Our systems retain their previous total electronic control functionality," Agrotis points out, "with features such as cold start protection, overheat protection, soft start, service reminders, self diagnostics, fine-tuned frequency control, and more. By integrating with the vehicle's central multiplexing system, it is easier to operate, and by having the generator tied into the central display, you will never miss a generator message, warning or alert."

Other main elements of the improved system, besides the electronic control functions, are ease of operation, plain English messages and diagnostics, and the Command and Control Center, Agrotis says. 

During normal operation, the multiplexing screen shows basic vital information such as voltage, amperage draw, temperature, and hours on fluid filter in customizable, easy-to-read form. Optional menus are available, and turning the generator on and off is a single-button operation.

The Smart Power system also provides important information, dealing with issues such as fan faults, sensor faults, highest operating values reached (voltage, temperature, current), hours at excessive values, number of shutdown overrides performed, and the like.

The widely known Command and Control Center remains as a Smart Power standard system component for use in addition to, or in the absence of, a multiplexing system display. Its completely sealed design and solid state touch buttons allow it to be installed externally on the pump panel or next to a breaker box.

For more information, visit www.smartpower.com.

Better Tools, LLC  has announced that their recently launched Tool-Hose-Bag is now available.

"We designed this bag to work with our line of hydrant wrenches and other tools to make firefighters more efficient at the hydrant,” said Dan Will, firefighter and COO of Better Tools, LLC.

The EZ Spanner™ Tool-Hose-Bag is made to complement the EZ Spanner™ catalog of tools, and will also work for most of the common hydrant tools that have traditionally been used in the field. The bag attaches directly to the supply hose with three VELCRO straps, and will even expand with your hose when it’s loaded. The leading-edge bag is lightweight, yet constructed of a extremely durable, rip stop waterproof material, specially designed for the job at hand. This tool bag keeps your tools secure with a two-sided VELCRO closure, yet opens easily with one pull of the opening strap. When not in use, your tools remain completely secure and covered from the elements.

Many fire companies nationwide store their hydrant tools in a pocket or compartment on the rig, and at times, firefighters may forget the tools in their haste to get to the hydrant. Now, The EZ Spanner™ Tool-Hose-Bag completely eliminates this step; the tools will not be left behind because the bag is strapped right on to the supply line. It allows firefighters to work smarter, save time, and be more efficient. The EZ Spanner™ was created by a firefighter/engineer and is part of Better Tools, LLC’s commitment to deliver the highest quality, most effective firefighting tools available. EZ Spanner™ is available by contacting Better Tools, Inc. at (818) 856-1522 or through their distributor network that can be found on their website at www.ezspanner.com.

Founded in 2015, Better Tools, LLC offers the only multifunction, ratcheting fire hydrant and fittings wrench available. The company plans to bring to market additional tools to assist fire departments and other municipal agencies in doing their jobs easier and better, while, most importantly, reducing injuries.

Better Tools, LLC has announced the expansion of their unique line of firefighting tools.

“We identified efficiency and safety needs from speaking with many firefighters and fire departments nationwide regarding deficiencies related to different tools for different situations. We are now able to offer fire hydrant wrenches that fit any department’s budget,” said Dennis Garrison, Firefighter and CEO of Better Tools, LLC

All of the new fire hydrant wrenches developed by the company include three custom designed hooks that grab onto fittings in a far superior manner than current tools, reducing the problem of the tool slipping off the fitting and causing injuries.

Also, added to the popular EZ Spanner™ line of tools is a breaker bar to add leverage to open tough hydrants and a non-ratcheting wrench for budget conscious departments. The affectionately named “Billy Goat” wrench has two ratcheting sockets without an extendable handle to keep the cost down. The new the EZ Spanner™ Tool-Hose-Bag is made to complement the EZ Spanner™ line of tools, and will also be compatible with most of the common hydrant tools in the field. The bag attaches directly to the supply hose with three VELCRO straps, and will even expand with your hose when it is loaded. Additionally, it holds a variety of selected hydrant tools.

The EZ Spanner™ was created by a firefighter/engineer and is part of Better Tools, LLC’s commitment to deliver the highest quality, most effective firefighting tools available. EZ Spanner™ is available by contacting Better Tools, Inc. at (818) 856-1522, or through their distributor network that can be found on their website at www.ezspanner.com.

Founded in 2015, Better Tools, LLC offers the only multifunction, ratcheting fire hydrant and fittings wrench. The company plans to bring to market additional tools to assist fire departments and other municipal agencies in doing their jobs easier, better, and reducing injuries.

Charlotte, MI—Spartan Emergency Response, a business unit of Spartan Motors, Inc. is delivered the first of its S-180 pumpers to Reese (MI) Fire Rescue. The S-180 line of fire trucks represents an industry first, offering custom-built apparatus manufactured in half the time.

Spartan’s S-180 trucks represent a new era of access and availability for fire departments struggling with aging fleets that can compromise the safety of first responder staff and negatively impact their ability to serve their community. The new truck line is appropriately named for the 180 days spanning order date to delivery—a drastic reduction when compared to a typical custom pumper truck build that can take 10-14 months to complete.

“When fire departments are faced with emergency or unplanned fire apparatus purchases, their ability to respond is at risk. Spartan’s S-180 truck line began as a challenge to ourselves to reduce the order to delivery time and still deliver a top-quality custom apparatus to fire departments that simply can’t wait for a traditional 10-14 month build. Arming our dealers with the ability to quickly deliver custom vehicles into the hands of departments in need is a win for our dealers, our customer departments, and most importantly, it’s a win for the communities they serve,” says Daryl Adams, president and CEO, Spartan Motors, Inc.

The first S-180 truck was unveiled in April at FDIC International 2016. It can be purchased by selecting a base model and choosing from a wide variety of customized options, which are tailored to meet each fire rescue department’s needs and budget. 

“Fire rescue organizations are paramount to maintaining the safety of our communities; meeting the needs of these organizations is Spartan’s number one priority,” says John Slawson, president, Spartan Emergency Response. “We are taking our dedication to the next level with the S-180 line of complete apparatus, delivering a top-quality vehicle that dramatically reduces the time it takes departments to receive their custom-built fire truck without compromising the strength, safety, storage and comfort for which our highly-specialized products are known.” 

The S-180 is built on a Spartan Metro Star MFD chassis with a 10” raised roof. It also includes Spartan’s Advanced Protection System® (APS), including an all-encompassing restraint system engineered specifically for the firefighter. 

“By offering these tailored options, the S-180 line allows Spartan to build precise emergency solutions for our customers in a way that fits their budget and best serves their unique communities,” says Mike Virnig, director of sales, Spartan Emergency Response. 

Like so many departments across the nation, Reese Fire Rescue’s aging fleet required extra downtime for service and maintenance. When considering replacements, Spartan’s S-180 quickly