The new APX control system from Carrier Transicold improves transport refrigeration unit (TRU) operation with distributed electronics for better reliability; a bigger, brighter display with simplified user interface; greater memory, and an expanded range of applications for unit customization.
With its entirely new modular hardware configuration, the APX (pronounced “a-pex”) control system uses distributed electronics. A new display module with an illuminated information dashboard is easy to read at a distance, offers push-button simplicity and, with fewer keystrokes, displays five times the information. The display module sports a USB dock to facilitate data downloads and software uploads.
The APX control system introduces the newest app, Virtual Tech diagnostic software that runs continuously in the background, monitoring the TRU to help avert system problems.
APX takes what was formerly housed in a single large metal control box and more efficiently splits it into compact, sealed subcomponents, including the display module, main microprocessor module, and a power-control module.
All modules use CAN-bus communications protocols, an industry standard also used on Class 8 tractors.
Human interface is improved with the APX display module’s vivid graphical dashboard. The backlit LCD display has a 14% higher area and larger numerals. It continuously shows operating status via the multi-language “message center” with more than 300 driver prompts in the user’s choice of English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese.
Large raised silicone backlit buttons can easily be pushed with a gloved hand, and menu-driven simplicity helps minimize operator error. Like an ATM (automated teller machine), the APX display module has dedicated menu buttons linked to prompts in the dashboard.
Exclusive to the APX display module is the ability to display data recorder trip graphs—an at-a-glance visual indicator of conditions within the trailer throughout a delivery run. The built-in data recorder has four times the memory capacity of Carrier’s Advance controller, the forerunner to APX.
The USB port provides convenient downloads of trip data reports onto a jump drive with flash memory storage. Programming uploads are just as easily achieved using the APX flash drive and Carrier Transicold’s new TRU-Tech PC software for performing reefer set-up, upgrades, diagnostics, and system overrides.
The APX control module offers three user modes. The new Driver Mode lets fleet managers customize the control to regulate the amount of driver access to control functions. The unit also offers an Advanced Mode for more experienced operators and a Technician Mode for service technicians.
For more information, visit www.trucktrailer.carrier.com.
