DEC+ is a tool you can use to get fast, repeatable, and systematized insight into the condition of a diesel engine- using just a mobile phone. The tool uses a 6-second audio recording to estimate engine operating state- including positive identification of normal operating states. When a mechanical issue (valvetrain or short block) is identified, DEC+ estimates the degree of energy involved in that issue on a scale of 0 (normal) to 10 (imminent failure).

It's designed to work with a wide range of mobile smart telephones. It will run on any device that has a Web browser, including Windows and Mac desktop computers.

When we first developed this, we were pleasantly surprised at how inherently good computers are at this job. Ever listen to a diesel engine, and wonder "is that a valve tick, or rather just some weird way I'm perceiving the normal noise?!" You're not alone, and the limits of human hearing and perception often limit how well even the best technician can interpret engine state by ear alone. Computers, however, have a much wider range of frequencies they can take into account simultaneously.

DEC+ doesn't replace formal diagnostic methods like compression, leakdown, and cylinder balance tests; but it does save time and add consistency to parts of the fleet management process that occur before that- such as, for example, rough evaluation of engine condition at auctions, inspecting returned rental equipment, or triaging engines that are difficult to get at- like van-mounted cargo refrigerators when there's ice covering the cab roof.

Is your revenue model centered on hourly shop charges? This product is not for you.

Do you benefit from a fast, predictable process to estimate diesel engines' condition? This could work.